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Dec 25, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Tis the season for electioneering
With two and a half weeks left before voters go to the polls on January 11, it is the season for increased electioneering.
In the remaining two weekends both of the big parties plan to hold major rallies in Taichung.
First up will be the KMT rally headlining their presidential candidate Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu.
It will be held this Saturday in an 8 hectare space bounded by ShiZheng and LiMing Roads.
The Han campaign has been saying their target is to attract half a million people for that event.
Incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen and the DPP will be holding their final Taichung rally the following weekend on January 4. (links below)
Poll suggests KMT may pick up 1 seat
A poll released by ETtoday news shows legislative incumbents ahead in seven of eight Taichung districts, but with the KMT edging ahead in the Taichung 3, which would give the party a gain of one seat if they can hold on to their narrow lead.
However, in only three seats is the incumbent’s lead far ahead of the remaining undecided voters--so there could well be some upsets and surprises.
In the Taichung 1 district, DPP incumbent Tsai Chi-chang (蔡其昌) holds a commanding 24.4% lead, while just down the coast in the Taichung 2 KMT incumbent Yen Kuan-heng (顏寬恒) holds an 11.5% lead, though 16.8% remain undecided.
In the Taichung 4, DPP incumbent Chang Liao Wan Chien (張廖萬堅) has only a 6.3% lead with 17% undecided, while KMT incumbent Shen Chih-hui (沈智慧) holds an 8.5% lead in the Taichung 5, with 18.9% undecided.
Huang Kuo-shu (黃國書) of the DPP is holding on to a 7.3% lead in the Taichung 6, with 15.8% undecideds.
In the Taichung 7 DPP incumbent He Hsin-chun 何欣純 looks safe with a commanding 26% lead, as does Johnny Chiang of the KMT with a 16.8% lead in the Taichung 8.
It’s the Taichung 3 where the attention is focused, with independent candidate Hung Tzu-yung 4.8% behind the KMT candidate she defeated in 2016, Yan Chiong-ying (楊瓊瓔).
It appears that Taiwan People’s Party candidate Chang Jui-tsang’s 5.9% could prove the spoiler for Hung.
However, 14.2% remain undecided.
Meanwhile, the KMT has decided to expel Beitou Township mayor and now independent candidate in the Changhua 3 Yang Li-hsiang (楊麗香) from the party for challenging their own officially nominated candidate.
林佳龍母雞帶小雞 力挺洪慈庸、陳柏惟 倒數21天！陪洪慈庸掃街 林佳龍：洪是「抗中保台」關鍵的一席 立委候選人莊子富邀戰英文演講 對手接下戰帖後婉拒 - Yahoo奇摩新聞 自由時報電子報 台中市8個區域立委選區 抽籤號次看這裡.... 國民黨中市一選區候選人林佳新的助選員，攜帶看板想進入抽籤會場，被選務人員（ ... 〔記者張瑞楨／台中報導〕台中市選委會今天上午於中市豐樂公園演藝廳，舉辦中市 ... 2 days ago udn 聯合新聞網 台中市區域立委 第一階段抽籤號次出爐 2020立委選舉，今天舉行區域立委抽籤號次，台中市一共8個選區，第一階段1-4選區抽籤，號次結果出爐。 台中市一選區：. 1號蔡其昌（民，現）. 2號林佳新（國）. 2 days ago Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 台中市第10屆立法委員選舉候選人號次抽籤結果 台中市第10屆立法委員選舉候選人號次抽籤結果. 臺中市第1選舉區. 1、蔡其昌(民主進步黨)-現任. 2、林佳新(中國國民黨). 3、黃朝淵(親民黨). 臺中市第2選舉區. 2 days ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 抽中第三選區六號 楊瓊瓔高喊：台中市六六大順 前台中市政府副市長楊瓊瓔昨晚請辭副市長，正式投入台中市第三選區立委選戰， ... 楊瓊瓔說，「民調不予置評，但我全力以赴，抽中六號，我想到的是全台中市六六大 ... 2 days ago 彰化縣立委抽籤號次出爐 Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 觀風向》南投基本盤藍大於綠 許淑華全國知名高 陳癸 佑聲量待加強 國民黨立委許淑華因為與邱議瑩衝突、挺韓扮裝神力女超人而成為全國知名的立委，但她的地方實力其實也不含糊。（圖片來源／FB@許淑華）. 南投縣第二選區立委 ... 6 hours ago 中央社即時新聞 彰化南投雲林區域立委選舉 號次抽籤出爐 中央社18日綜合報導）第10屆立法委員選舉今天舉行號次抽籤，彰化、南投及雲林縣抽籤結果出爐，彰化藍綠兩黨抽完籤後都拉布條呼口號造勢；雲林縣部分，前雲林縣 ... 17 hours ago 宋楚瑜高喊「遷都台中」 于美人曝原因網笑翻：高招 宋楚瑜拋遷都台中 于美人神回：把大官遷過去 顏寬恒第3支競選宣傳片 曝光 udn 聯合新聞網 抗韓戰將今晚台中發放罷韓貼紙約600人排隊領取 「WeCare高雄罷韓大遊行」明天將在高雄登場，號稱「抗韓戰將」的台中市第二選區台灣基進立委候選人陳柏惟今晚8點半在台中市烏日區競選總部發放罷韓貼紙，雖然 ... 22 hours ago 自由時報電子報 罷韓挺韓》同病相憐！台中罷燕市民 貼「不要惹我」南 下支援 〔記者張瑞楨／台中報導〕高雄市罷韓遊行即將展開，台中市近150名反韓國瑜的市民，手持「沈瑜落燕、市長攏免」等創意標語，今天上午9時搭乘3輛遊覽車啟程，他們也 ... 11 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 卓榮泰來南投拚命 強調南投贏國會可過半 民進黨主席卓榮泰親自前來陪同南投縣第二選區候選人陳癸佑掃街，希望爭取南投縣鄉親的支持，出發前對於目前選情評估指出，中央黨認為目前73 ... 7 hours ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 台中市最新民調出爐 國民黨全線告急！？ 據媒體最新民調數據顯示，台中市的8個區域立委選區，國民黨僅4個選區成領先狀態。民進黨方面亦為4個選區。與國民黨訴求要在台中「8仙過海」， ... 11 hours ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 民進黨團質疑楊瓊瓔若敗選將回鍋？台中市新聞局長： 市長人事權責 台中市議會民進黨團23日針對前副市長楊瓊瓔請辭，代表國民黨投入第3選區立委選舉，至今已一星期；未見市長盧秀燕遞補副市長懸缺，質疑是否在 ... 6 hours ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 韓粉注意！選前3場大造勢台中地點竟選在這？ - 政治 韓國瑜競選辦公室創意總監潘恆旭在臉書貼文表示，29日下午3點，將在台中市西屯區市政路與黎明路及龍富路口的大空地舉辦造勢活動。國民黨及 ... 8 hours ago 台中第四選區打「空戰」候選人競選廣告拚政績也訴理念 選舉倒數20天！蔡英文台中助選：選情穩定仍不能放鬆 ETtoday 南投縣第二選區／台灣戰警對決神力女超人 許淑華被 看好連任 記者顏如玉／綜合報導. 南投縣第二選區立委選戰，雖有5人參選但戰況不如第一選區激烈，僅管仍舊呈現藍綠對決，由有「台灣戰警」之稱的民進黨 ... 18 hours ago UDN 聯合新聞網 (新聞發布) 韓國瑜29日台中大造勢號召50萬人站出來| 2020總統 立委選舉 總統大選倒數不到一個月，國民黨總統候選人韓國瑜把握機會做最後衝刺，29日將在台中市舉行「國政領航，台灣富強」造勢晚會，競辦創意總監 ... 6 hours ago 韓台中造勢喊50萬人 數老一算驚呆 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 台中市最新民調出爐 國民黨全線告急！？ 據媒體最新民調數據顯示，台中市的8個區域立委選區，國民黨僅4個選區成領先狀態。民進黨方面亦為4個選區。與國民黨訴求要在台中「8仙過海」， ... 1 day ago 彰化第三選區藍營分裂？ 楊麗香確定開除黨籍 彰化藍營分裂！楊麗香執意參選國民黨開除黨籍 Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 南投縣立委選舉馬文君、許淑華選情樂觀 【記者陳世長南投報導】2020選戰進入最後倒數，南投縣立委選舉第1選區由綠營現任不分區立委蔡培慧對上馬文君、第2選區綠營水里鄉長陳癸佑挑戰 ... 1 day ago 聖誕夜換禮物！洪慈庸與黃捷深夜直播 共籲2020返鄉投票 ET民調／台中市立委第①-④區：顏寬恒、蔡其 昌領先 洪慈庸「被復仇」告急 ETtoday新聞雲·1 day ago ET民調／台中市立委第⑤-⑧區：藍綠激戰2比2 江啟臣、何欣純有望三連霸 ETtoday新聞雲·1 day ago
Changhua out, Changhua not in in rail expansions
The rail link connecting the mountain and ocean lines and the stations of Chenggong and Zhuifen is complete.
Starting January 3 trains will begin to run the new route.
This rail connection hooks up Taichung’s coast directly by rail to downtown Taichung.
Up to now to make the same journey by rail required going to Changhua City and changing trains there.
In related news Minister of Transportation Lin Chia-lung has reiterated that the planned extension of the Taichung MRT Green Line to Changhua hasn’t been written off, in spite of plans being rejected last week.
The problem is that Taichung City and Changhua County produced a joint plan, but Changhua City is demanding a different route.
Minister Lin has appointed officials to try to mediate the dispute.
「捷運到彰化」觸礁誰搞軌？縣、市互指責任在對方 中捷延伸彰化縣府公所沒共識 可行？彰化市提「台中捷運綠線東移」 縣府：困難重重 捷運到彰化被擋議員炮聲隆隆 捷運延伸到彰化案林佳龍強調：沒「卡關」將請政務次長協助促成 捷運到彰化觸礁林佳龍將派政務次長與地方協調 台中捷運延伸到彰化市 林佳龍：中央地方目標一致 台中太原地下道23日起 施工11個月 udn 聯合新聞網 台鐵西部海線雙軌 剩談文-追分40公里未做 台中市山海線交接的台鐵成功追分段鐵路雙軌興建工程年底完工，明年元月3日通車，交通部長林佳龍昨天視察。林佳龍說，通車後烏日高鐵站將成 ... 3 hours ago 成功追分站雙軌化完工 林佳龍：打造大台中山手線第一步 成功追分雙軌將完工 林佳龍：台中山手線第一步 臺鐵「成功追分」雙軌工程完工 林佳龍視察給予肯定
Japanese era historical site opens
On Sunday a large Japanese era building, officially called in English Taichyu Factory of Teikoku Seitou K.K., was opened after six years of restoration work.
Mayor Lu Shiow-yen spoke at the event, saying that regarding the controversy over keeping the original name, she believed history is history, and original history should be kept and faced directly without animosity.
The original Japanese era name they are keeping, if translated, would be Imperial Sugar Factory.
Following World War II the arriving KMT-led ROC government actively removed traces of Imperial Japan.
Lu is a member of the KMT.
The structure was originally finished in 1935, and operated until 1990.
It will now serve as an exhibition and performance space.
udn 聯合新聞網 台中帝國製糖廠開幕保留名稱還原歷史| 聯合新聞網 台中市歷史建築「帝國製糖廠台中營業所」今天正式開幕，市長盧秀燕表示，對於是否保留原來名稱地方有爭議，但她覺得歷史就是歷史，應該還原 ... 9 hours ago 台中東區歷史建築 帝國製糖廠風華再現 歷史建築打卡！ 台中「帝國製糖廠」轉型活化 修建6年！帝國製糖廠台中營業所今天開幕 台中「帝國」製糖廠開幕 還原歷史保留名稱
Attention shoppers, Lipao Outlet Mall expands
Already a huge amusement park and outlet mall in the Houli District, Lipao has added a new six hectares of shopping area to their mall hosting another 100 shops.
Built to look like an Italian vacation spot, it includes a 42-meter-tall bell tower building that hosts a Starbucks.
The grand opening is today for Christmas day shoppers.
台中outlet mall再掀戰 「鐘樓咖啡店」拚美 台中outlet戰線延燒！麗寶二期展現北義風格設計 台中Outlet大戰! 業績亮眼搶開二期 台中麗寶outlet二期試營運 全台首間鐘樓造型星巴克亮相
New addition to the skyline lights up
The new bridge being built over the 74 Expressway linking the science park with the Shuinan development isn’t done, but it’s completed 72 meter tower and pylons are being turned into a canvas.
Currently supporting the upcoming Lantern Festival, from 5:30 to 10 pm every evening it will play host to a different lighting show.
The show is visible from much of the city, and reflects beautifully off the waterways in the new Taichung Central Park next door.
水湳景觀斜張橋七彩光雕浪漫唯美 點亮台中夜空 照亮台中夜空 水湳斜張橋多種燈光璀璨 中部最高新地標水湳斜張橋照亮台中
English Articles
HK’s rejection of judicial assistance regrettable: Justice Ministry
Taiwan and Hong Kong trade insults over robbery suspect in extradition row, Asia News - AsiaOne
Fireworks to light up Sun Moon Lake for New Year
Taichung Power Plant faces second deadline for improvement
Coal-fired power is a scapegoat - Taipei Times
Taipower to appeal revocation of licenses
Two permits for Taichung plant pulled
Taichung City punishes power plant for burning excessive coal
Dec 18, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Election politics, pan-blue side
On Friday the 13th, the campaign headquarters of KMT presidential candidate Han Kuo-yu was formally opened.
The event was an impressive show of unity, with the local red and black factions, former Mayor Jason Hu and party chair Wu Den-yih among others in attendance.
The big relief for the party was no doubt Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen taking up the position of Taichung campaign head and very visibly joining the event.
The mayor had been prevaricating for months, remaining non-committal when asked by the press.
When asked why the delay in accepting, she stated that she could only put her heart into one thing at a time, and she first felt she had to focus on administering Taichung.
Now she says she can show off the results of her administration as a powerful campaign tool for Han.
Han for his part stated they would work together to tackle air pollution and improve Taichung’s air quality.
The party also announced that they will be holding a rally and “Kuo-yu night market” on Sunday, December 29 in an 8 hectare space bounded by ShiZheng and LiMing Roads.
The are planning for half a million attendees.
Meanwhile, Taichung Vice Mayor Yang Chiung-ying last night announced she would be resigning her post to concentrate on her campaign in the Taichung 3 district, one of the two in Taichung that is considered neck-and-neck.
She is hoping to win back the seat she lost to then NPP and now independent candidate Hung Tzu-yung in 2016.
Election politics, pan-green side
President Tsai Ing-wen has again been campaigning through Central Taiwan, and the party seems to be concentrating much of their energy on the battleground county of Changhua.
Both the president and the DPP party chair claimed in rallies that if they can hit a home run and win all four of Changhua’s legislative seats, then the DPP will be able to hold a national legislative majority.
The party cited internal polling showing that their candidates, which they said were previously behind, have closed the gap or pulled up to be slightly ahead.
The DPP also concentrated much firepower on their campaign to “take down Wu Sz-huai (吳斯懷)”, the controversial candidate the KMT put at number four on the party list.
The DPP is hoping to depress the KMT vote on the party list to around a million and a half votes in order to deny Wu a seat in the legislature.
The DPP will only be holding one more major rally in Taichung on January 4 and in Nantou between the 6th and the 9th prior to the election on January 11.
However, they will be holding two in Changhua, on January 4 and another between the 6th and the 9th.
In related news, the Taiwan People’s Party, led by Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, is to hold a rally on the 22nd by the Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium.
Election links: 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 台中市選舉委員會：台中首投族增加4萬餘人 第15任總統副總統及第10屆立法委員選舉」訂於109年1月11日投票，台中市選舉委員會為鼓勵民眾參與民主政治，加強宣導此次選舉，已請各區公所 ... 1 hour ago 台中立委選情》藍綠各握3席優勢 就看張廖萬堅與洪慈庸保衛戰 決戰中台灣 小英忙拔樁 韓國瑜：還給台中人乾淨天空 彰化立委二選區選情緊繃黃秀芳連趕三區拜票 Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 南投第一選區 雙姝爭勝 南投縣立委選戰共有兩個選區，分別由國民黨馬文君與許淑華等2位女性候選人尋求連任，2人已在南投深耕多年，最具威脅性的挑戰者皆為民進黨 ... 12 hours ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 林明溱看2020大選 評估韓國瑜在南投贏5萬票 2020大選進入短兵相接階段，南投縣長林明溱觀察選情，認為國民黨總統候選人韓國瑜是庶民，主張「台灣安全，人民有錢」，兩岸和平相處，因此會 ... 26 mins ago 自由時報電子報 柯文哲、謝文卿宣布22日台中辦園遊會 號召入民眾黨 柯文哲、謝文卿宣布22日台中辦園遊會號召入民眾黨 ... 謝文卿說，民眾黨成立4個月，黨員數近萬人，台中市占比11.16%，他在跑選區，接獲民眾反映 ... 7 hours ago Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 總統南投輔選 直播品嘗在地小吃 蔡英文總統今(15)日上午在南投為黨籍立委輔選，還直播品嚐在地美食，總統胃口大開，直誇草屯的炸南瓜，比炸薯條好吃一百倍，總統還開玩笑 ... 5 hours ago 中台灣世代之戰關鍵中間選民 投票率左右結果 Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 藍營台中市造勢活動 (圖) 總統大選被視為搖擺區的中台灣，為兵家必爭之地，藍綠積極搶攻。圖為國民黨總統參選人韓國瑜到台中市的造勢場合。（民眾提供）. 中央社記者 ... 7 hours ago Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 綠營台中市造勢活動 (圖) 總統大選被視為搖擺區的中台灣，為兵家必爭之地，藍綠積極搶攻。民進黨的造勢場合上，支持者展現熱情，迎接總統蔡英文進場。 中央社記者郝雪卿 ... 7 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 盧秀燕胡志強同台批林佳龍 高舉債讓台中六都財政最 差 台中市長盧秀燕與前市長胡志強今天為立委江啟臣站台，盧兩人批民進黨前市長林佳龍高舉債，讓台中市高負債成「六都最差！」龍燕在這場大選不斷 ... 3 hours ago 立委選情探索/彰化縣第3選區》謝衣鳳盼為母甜蜜復仇洪宗熠端 ... 立委選情探索/彰化縣第4選區》陳素月會勘必到場蕭景田政見拚 ... 立委選情探索/彰化縣第1選區》柯呈枋力守藍席次陳秀寶親和有 ... 立委選情探索/彰化縣第2選區》黃秀芳強打幸福牌張瀚天訴求反 ... 國會過半關鍵？蔡英文到彰化點名：就是靠這裡‧‧‧ 彰化黑函滿天飛國民黨批綠營選舉奧步摧毀台灣民主 綠營立委助選各顯長才！有人帶頭砲轟台中盧市府、有人主持造勢炒熱氣氛⋯ 立委決戰／台中第三選區 洪慈庸VS楊瓊瓔五五波激戰 風傳媒 準備請辭台中市副市長全力拚選戰？楊瓊瓔：一切以市 政為優先 傳出今（17）日準備請辭台中市副市長的楊瓊瓔，上午如常出現在市政會議中，面對媒體詢問是否請辭全力投入立委選戰，她沒有正面回應，只說「一切 ... 9 hours ago 東森新聞 選到底！不辭台中市副市長 楊瓊瓔：以市政為優先 明天（18日）就是立委抽籤日，原本外傳參選立委的台中市副市長楊瓊瓔上午將宣布請辭，但楊瓊櫻一早照常出席市政會議，面對記者詢問，楊瓊瓔沒 ... 1 hour ago 民視新聞網 (新聞發布) 快新聞／傳楊瓊瓔明將辭台中市副市長？ 碰巧當日無 市府公開行程 有國民黨台中市議員透露，因18日將抽籤立委參宣人號次，台中市副市長楊瓊瓔將於明（17）日請辭。而台中市議會定期大會今（16）日結束，針對 ... 23 hours ago 大紀元 台中市檢警破選舉賭盤 查獲4件4人 台中警方針對幫派等案件加強偵辦，其中選舉賭盤案件共計查獲4件4人，犯嫌招攬不特定人下注簽賭，後續人流與金流，檢警正擴大偵辦釐清，圖為 ... 23 hours ago 「下架吳斯懷」助攻彰化綠選將聲勢漲 捲土再戰洪慈庸！傳楊瓊瓔將請辭台中副市長 選舉接近尾聲，楊瓊瓔副市長辭不辭都「為時已晚」 新頭殼 韓國瑜台中競總射出首支穿雲箭號召50萬人1229大造 勢| 政治 韓國瑜台中競選總部今（11）日公布三名發言人，並且射出第一支穿雲箭，12月29日要在台中市辦一場多達50萬人的造勢活動，要將韓國瑜送進總統 ... 4 hours ago 韓國瑜台中總部13號成立 號召50萬人29號齊聚台中 韓國瑜台中競總射出首支穿雲箭 號召50萬人1229大造勢 韓國瑜台中競總發「穿雲箭」 29日辦50萬人造勢 韓國瑜點名盧秀燕接台中競總主委 民進黨老神在在應戰 韓國瑜冤枉自己絕非「落跑市長」 認盧秀燕接台中競總主委 攻防中台 韓、盧合體 綠大咖齊聚 【選戰觀察】「禿燕」合體強打反空污 藍營喊台中市韓贏蔡至少10萬票 「台中艦隊」準備好了！盧秀燕接韓國瑜台中競總主委 禿燕同台！韓國瑜台中總部成立 盧秀燕接主委 韓國瑜首度與朱立倫盧秀燕同框！顏清標高喊：台中要贏20萬票 台中艦隊啟航 韓國瑜：讓欺騙的政府下台 正式出任韓國瑜台中競總主委 盧秀燕曝光現在才接任的真正原因 韓國瑜訪薰衣草園 批總統來幾次台中都沒用 接韓國瑜台中競總主委 盧秀燕：市政是輔選利器 禿子、燕子合體台中競總成立大會 盧秀燕：以競總主委身份出席 出席台中競總成立大會 韓國瑜：中部人為空汙委屈了 新頭殼 無懼13號黑色星期五韓國瑜台中競總盛大成立盧秀燕 接掌兵符| 政治 今（13）日是2019年的第二次星期五遇上13號，韓國瑜台中市競選總部今日下午五點半在台中市烏日區中山路三段1號台中國際展覽館，從下午起來自 ... 17 mins ago 自由時報電子報 國民黨稱29日台中50萬人大造勢 綠營提數據：太膨 風！ 此外，國民黨評估台中市8席穩定，陳世凱表示，很佩服國民黨的樂觀及韓國瑜式的天方夜譚，民進黨一直審慎評估自己的立委選情，但也對立委選情 ... 9 hours ago
Taichung pulls trigger on Taipower fines
As they previously announced they would, the administration of Mayor Lu Shiow-yen issued NT$6 million in fines against state-owned Taipower.
The city claims the Taipower owned Taichung Power Plant exceeded a city mandated coal burning cap of 11.04 million tons this year through to next January 25.
Taipower retorts it has a license from the city that states it can burn 16 million tons.
There are claims that the license issued to Taipower should have read “prior to” January 25--which the city is enforcing--and what is written on the license, which is “starting from” January 25.
Taipower calls the fines unreasonable and illegal.
udn 聯合新聞網 中火限期改善今到期 中市府「繼續燒生煤會依法處理」 台中火力電廠生煤量超標，3日遭台中市環保局開罰300萬元，並限期10天改善，今天是改善期最後一天。台電對外表示，中火自14日起不能再燒生 ... 4 hours ago 中央社即時新聞 中火燃煤超量 中市府：14日起再用煤續罰 中央社記者蘇木春台中13日電）台中市政府日前針對台中火力發電廠用煤量超標開罰，限期今天完成改善，台中市政府今天表示，明天中火若仍有生 ... 4 hours ago 新頭殼 中火燃煤超量！台中環保局：14日起再用將按次開罰 600萬| 環保 中火爭議持續燃燒！因中火108年度生煤用量已超過1104萬噸，台中市環保局日前依空汙法開罰300萬元，並限期今（13）晚12時前完成改善，若中 ... 2 hours ago Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 政府「非核家園」政策 黃馨慧痛批中央出賣台中人健康 國民黨市議員黃馨慧13日痛批中央政府主張「非核家園」去年立法院修訂「 ... 萬噸，未符合台中市生煤管制自治條例4年減4成規定，台中市政府環保局 ... 11 hours ago 經濟日報 (新聞發布) 中火持續超量使用生煤 台中市府今開出第2張600萬罰 單 台中市府今天指出，中火燃煤使用量已超過1104萬公噸許可量，台中市政府環保局日前依空汙法開出第1張裁處書、罰300萬元，並限期12月13日前 ... 4 hours ago 台中市府再罰中火600萬 台電喊冤：不合理也不合法 Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 台中市府再罰中火600萬 台電喊冤：不合理也不合法 台中市政府14日表示，台中火力發電場3日時因用量超過1104萬公噸，當時開罰300萬元，並限期台電13日前改善，但之後仍有超標情形，因此市府再 ... 1 hour ago udn 聯合新聞網 中火超煤？市府今再罰600萬 台電籲依法行政會行政 救濟 中火之戰再掀戰火！台中市政府依台中火力發電廠今年生煤用量已超過1104萬噸，違反台中生煤管制自治條例，日前對台電開出300萬元罰單，今天 ... 5 hours ago 經濟日報 (新聞發布) 環保署：中部空品已改善 台中市府也稱八年最佳 台電與台中市府的中火煤電大戰，環保署表示，台中市政府開罰中火問題，環保署的立場還是依法行政，但台中的空氣品質監測顯示，台中空氣已經 ... 5 hours ago TechOrange 科技報橘 (新聞發布) (網誌) 【台電成為台中空汙的祭品】中火2 度被開鍘百萬罰 單！3 點揭露：盧秀燕為何一直找中火麻煩 據《中央社》報導 ，台中火力電廠因持續使用生煤，遭台中市政府14 日開出第2 張罰單，而台電15 日表示：「中市府裁罰於情理法都說不過去，會比照 ... 5 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 台中環保局再開罰中火硬拗不利綠營| 聯合新聞網 中火堅持用煤量要以核可量計算，台中市環保局再開罰！環保局於14日再針對中火全年用煤量超標開出第2張罰單600萬元；但台電高層依舊堅持說， ... 23 hours ago 韓國瑜稱以前台中空氣甜的 蔡其昌批詐騙 風傳媒 中央肯定台中「多管齊下」抗空汙 盧秀燕：仍不滿成果， 將持續努力 中央肯定台中「多管齊下」抗空汙盧秀燕：仍不滿成果，將持續努力 ... 台中市政府今（17）日舉行市政會議，對於空汙治理議題，盧秀燕指出，台中今年 ... 1 hour ago
MRT extension study rejected
The Taichung City Government is once again locking horns with the Ministry of Transportation, this time accusing the ministry of blocking central Taiwan’s development.
The ministry last Friday rejected a feasibility study on a planned extension of Taichung Green Line MRT into Changhua City.
Both Taichung City and Changhua County have been working on the plans, and the central government has expressed their support for the plan.
However, the ministry claims that Changhua City isn’t on the same page as Changhua County, proposing a different route.
The Ministry demanded the three administrations provide a unified proposal.
Minister Lin Chia-lung has stepping in, asking his ministry to work with the three to find a solution.
內政部預告 松山、台中2機場劃設集會遊行禁制區 台中大車站計畫縮水？何敏誠妙喻：燕子不知鴻鵠之志 台中捷運綠線延伸彰化交通部可行性審查台化設站三鐵共構達共識 台中捷運南延終站確定在台化 買購不動產新聞台 (新聞發布) 台中市府：「這件事」卡住中台灣的期待-區域情報 【MyGoNews林湘慈/綜合報導】為健全軌道建設，台中市政府提送「台中都會區大眾捷運系統烏日文心北屯延伸線可行性研究報告」至中央審查，交通 ... 1 hour ago 買購不動產新聞台 (新聞發布) 審查退件台中捷運烏日文心北屯延伸線-區域情報 台中市政府2019年9月底所提延伸計畫分南北兩段，北段是由目前施工中之烏日文心北屯線北側舊社站(G03站)沿松竹路向大坑延伸，路線長度2.49 ... 1 hour ago Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 闢航線 揪郵輪 台中大步躍國際 中國時報【陳世宗╱台中報導】. 台中市政府觀旅局擘畫「打造台中市為觀光首都」為施政願景，積極提升國內外旅客到訪台中，以「強化城市行銷、優化 ... 12 hours ago 台中捷運綠線延伸彰化？可行性報告遭中央退件 台中捷運綠線延伸彰化？可行性報告遭中央退件 中捷延伸彰化被退件中市府：交通部「卡」中台灣發展 台中捷運綠線延伸退件 交通部：中市彰化應協調整合再報 捷運南北延伸 建構台中城市願景 沈智慧：積極爭取大坑設站，交通部不能反覆不決 台中捷運綠線延伸遭退中市府：悖離中部民眾期待 捷運綠線延伸彰化被退中市府：關鍵時刻被突襲難接受 中捷綠線延伸爭議 林佳龍要求交通部主動協助地方整合
Taichung slated to get an F-16 repair centre
Witnessed by premier Su Tseng-chang, Taiwan's Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) signed an agreement on the 17th with US defence giant Lockheed Martin.
They will increase collaboration on providing maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade (MRO&U) capability for F-16s, and will include some technology transfer to AIDC--which is the intended builder of a new generation of trainer jets for the air force.
The centre will be located in the Shalu District.
Lantern festival promotions start
Two Lantern Festival events are kicking off to promote the festival, which launches on February 8.
In the Shigang District an attractive light festival is attracting visitors to it’s paths and bridges.
At the Wenxin Forest Park starting from Dec. 21 and running to Jan. 1, artificial snow will be falling every day at the “light forest.", followed by two weekends of concerts with a “fruity fragrance” being created.
2020台灣燈會在台中 石岡文心公園搶曝光 2020台灣燈會在台中 大安公所發函邀國內人士賞燈 台中燈會有看頭！林佳龍：投兩億經費 2020台灣燈會在台中 六校花燈研習成果讓人驚艷 新頭殼 台灣燈會副展區12/21點燈！市府推薦800路公車賞燈 最方便| 生活 2020台灣燈會副展區將於21日在文心森林公園登場！因停車空間有限，台中市交通局呼籲民眾多利用周遭10條公車路線前往賞燈，其中800路公車 ... 7 hours ago 千人薩克斯風齊聚台中 邀民眾參加台灣燈會 戽斗星球、熱帶水果鳥進駐 台中燈會提前點燈吸睛 史上第一「有香味會飄雪的台灣燈會」！ 副展區12/21台中開展 2020台灣燈會首創文化資產花燈 展現台中文化底蘊 全台耶誕燈海拍美照囉！紫光隧道、黃金麋鹿好夢幻，台中TSUM TSUM最可愛
English
Taichung to roll out near-free bus fare schem... | Taiwan News
Taichung Power Plant faces more fines for coal use
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Dec 11, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Mayor Lu to be Han’s campaign head, but stays mum
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen for months has not confirmed one way or the other if she would take the position of head of KMT presidential candidate Han Kuo-yu’s campaign committee.
However, with the announcement of Han’s campaign headquarters being inaugurated in Wuri on the 13th, it was also noted that she indeed would be the head of the committee.
The mayor, however, has remained silent in public on the matter.
Both her and New Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi, in spite of campaigning closely with Han during the local elections last year, have been keeping some distance between themselves and Han.
However, Hou You-yi finally relented and appeared at a Han rally with Han and other KMT bigwigs last week, shifting focus to whether Lu would follow suit.
Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 【盧秀燕不鬆口】韓國瑜台中市競總邀請函曝光 主委就 是她 國民黨總統候選人韓國瑜在台中市的競選總部預計13日成立，輔選幹部也隨之出爐，其中台中市長盧秀燕正式列入主委頭銜，但面對媒體詢問， ... 1 hour ago udn 聯合新聞網 影／接韓國瑜台中總部主委？盧秀燕聽到問題轉身就 走 國民黨總統候選人韓國瑜台中競選總部13日晚間成立，誰來接韓國瑜台中競總主委？國民黨台中市黨部今天發出邀請函，幹部名單也曝光，主任委員 ... 4 hours ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 韓台中市競選總部13日成立大會 盧秀燕出任主委 韓國瑜台中市競選總部成立大會13日5點30分在烏日區台中國際展覽館舉行成立大會，邀請函6日公布，台中市長盧秀燕確定出任韓競總主委，榮譽 ... 4 hours ago 韓國瑜台中競總13日成立 邀請函洩盧秀燕接主委 韓國瑜台中競總13號成立 盧秀燕任主委不回應提問 韓國瑜台中總部13日成立 盧秀燕掛主委
In runup to election, local politics heats up
Meanwhile the DPP city council caucus is ramping up their attacks on the mayor and her administration.
Unfurling a large banner accusing the Taichung City government of being a campaign headquarters, the party is accusing the administration of not being neutral.
As proof, they brought forth a poster for a bowling event that on the list of event organizers included the KMT and the Taichung City Social Affairs Bureau, with Han Kuo-yu’s election headquarters listed as an affiliated organization.
The Social Affairs Bureau denied anything to do with the event, saying they had not been consulted in any way, nor had they subsidized the event, and had only just been made aware of the poster.
The DPP also accused the mayor’s recent efforts, alongside six other KMT government heads, of using the pollution issue for campaign purposes--a charge the mayor strongly denied.
They also questioned why the city’s Civil Service Ethics office head had yet to be filled with only two weeks left before the anniversary of the mayor taking office.
The mayor said she had different people promoting different choices for the post, and was looking for the central government’s recommendation.
誰行政不中立？ 台中藍綠議員舌戰 綠營控中市府行政不中立 盧秀燕：與事實不符 udn 聯合新聞網 掛名韓競總活動惹議台中市社會局：無補助也未被徵 詢| 聯合新聞網 民進黨籍台中市議員張家銨今天指出，大台中青工總會、韓國瑜競選總部舉辦保齡球賽，社會局為指導單位，質疑行政不中立；社會局表示，市府無 ... 5 hours ago 快新聞／台中議會總質詢 綠議員批：「行政不中立、市政不給力、市民被放棄」 中市府施政滿意度高 綠營民代諷民調膨風 誰行政不中立？ 台中藍綠議員舌戰 自由時報電子報 台中》市府列韓競總比賽指導單位 社會局長：被盜用 〔記者蔡淑媛／台中報導〕台中市副市長楊瓊瓔帶職參選立委，爭議不斷，市府屢被質疑行政不中立！市長盧秀燕強烈宣示市府一定嚴守行政中立，卻被 ... 11 hours ago 台灣蘋果日報 國民黨辦球賽「被掛名」指導單位台中市府要抗議｜即 時｜蘋果新聞網｜蘋果日報 選戰倒數36天，國民黨大台中青工總會本周六大雅區舉辦一場「滾出愛，打出青工美好未來」公益盃保齡球賽」，因活動海報印出協辦單位是「韓國瑜 ... 21 hours ago 綠議員送布條賀「台中市府競總」成立 盧秀燕：公然抹黑 綠營批「整個台中市政府都是競選總部」 盧秀燕：非事實 綠營批「整個台中市政府都是競選總部」 盧秀燕：非事實 綠議員送布條賀「台中市府競總」成立 盧秀燕：公然抹黑 udn 聯合新聞網 台中政風處長懸缺 盧秀燕：法務部首長送名單關說難 看 台中市長盧秀燕上任後，政風處長迄今懸缺，由副處長許金來代理。民進黨議員林祈烽今總質詢詢問，盧秀燕語出驚人表示，「不同首長送不同人選來 ... 3 hours ago
EPA wrong, Taichung is banning disposable tableware
On Saturday the national Environmental Protection Agency announced the list of municipalities and counties banning disposable--or single use--tableware for dine-in customers at restaurants and food stalls in department stores and malls.
The big municipalities were all on the list, aside from Taichung, which was conspicuously absent.
However, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has confirmed that the EPA was incorrect, the ban will apply in Taichung starting January first next year along with the other first movers on the EPA list.
The city’s decision was formalised in a press release in late November and perhaps escaped the EPA’s attention.
Changhua is also joining in the ban, but it will be implemented from July 1 next year.
中時電子報 (新聞發布) 禁用免洗餐具公告漏台中市 盧秀燕：明年元旦實施 環保署公告百貨量販業禁用免洗餐具的區域，包括新北、台北、桃園等11縣市明年元旦起開始實施。市議員陳淑華質詢說，為何看不到盧秀燕讓台中市 ... 20 hours ago 經濟日報 (新聞發布) 禁用免洗餐具公告漏了台中 中市府：明年元旦實施 環保署公告百貨量販業禁用免洗餐具的區域，台北、新北、桃園等11縣市明年元旦起開始實施。這份名單漏了台中市，台中市環保局今向環保署查證， ... 1 day ago 自由時報電子報 《台中》百貨量販明年起禁用免洗餐具 環署公告名單沒 台中 市議員陳淑華九日質疑，台中市竟然不在名單內，市府只重視中火議題，禁用免洗餐具沒有掌聲，就不受重視。市長盧秀燕表示，她不是要打臉議員， ... 12 hours ago
The MRT Green Line extension proposals grow
The MRT Green Line is slated to become operational late next year from the High Speed Rail Station in the Wuri District, up WenXin Rd and into the Beitun District.
Plans to extend the line to Changhua City have been approved already, and feasibility studies for extensions into Taichung’s Dakeng area and Changhua County’s Lugang are already advancing.
Changhua County has just added yet another extension plan they hope to propose to the central government next year: a branch line from the Changhua City Train Station into Hemei.
Transportation Minister Lin Chia-lung noted that the Taichung-Changhua area had four million people, and needed a public transportation plan.
However, the Lugang feasibility study, due to be finished in May next year, needed to be done first before considering Hemei.
He also noted potential traffic volumes, and other transportation options, were all under consideration.
自由時報電子報 台中市捷運綠線明年底通車 預計虧損逾8億 議員謝明源表示，捷運公司明年人事費用高達六億多元，員額將達六百多人，而終極目標八百多人，綠線是台中市第一條捷運，在只有一條捷運路線的 ... 16 hours ago 彰化爭取捷運林佳龍：落實運量培養避免蚊子路線 立委柯呈枋爭取北彰化捷運路網交通部承諾評估 自由時報電子報 中市免費公車8年半補助近200億 明年預算再加31億 〔記者蔡淑媛／台中報導〕台中市首創雙十免費公車政策明年上路，市議員張玉嬿、謝志忠今天在市政總質詢指台中市免費公車政策8年半以來已經補助 ... 4 hours ago 搶先曝光！彰化捷運鹿港線、和美線路地圖 台中捷運綠線延伸到彰化進度駛到哪？延伸到鹿港敲線東路 影／立法院交通委員會考察彰化縣 王惠美提爭取捷運
Cars out of control
Three car accidents made the news this week.
The most tragic was a vehicle that plunged into a ravine in Nantou, off the provincial 14甲 highway.
A six-year-old was sent flying, and didn’t survive.
The driver and passenger were rescued and sent to hospital in Puli, but the passenger also passed away.
In another case, two Taichung police officers and a handcuffed suspect in a police car collided with another vehicle on Freeway 1 near Madou.
The car crashed through the railing and flipped over into a field.
The three took serious, but not life threatening, injuries.
The suspect did not attempt to escape, the incident appears to be purely an accident.
The third accident thankfully led to no injuries other than undoubtedly a bruised ego.
After midnight on Monday evening a 33-year-old driver drove his Mercedes Benz off WuQuan road, down an embankment and 10 meters along the bottom of Meichuan canal, with the car coming to rest partly in the water and partly up the other side of the embankment at an unusual angle.
Police arrived to find the driver had climbed up the embankment back up to the road, which is by the Taichung Cultural Center.
He was soaking wet and shivering, but unharmed.
The driver had reached for his phone and lost control of the car.
Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 賓士男駕駛撿手機車失控 衝進台中梅川中 台中市五權西路和五權路口，10日深夜12點多，發生一起賓士轎車駕駛自稱為了撿手機失控衝出路面，車子飛進台中市大墩文化中心旁的梅川生態 ... 7 hours ago 中央社即時新聞 南投仁愛鄉大貨車墜深谷 救出受困3人1人命危 中央社記者吳哲豪南投7日電）南投縣仁愛鄉台14甲線傳出大貨車墜谷意外，2名男子、1名女童受困。2名男子被救出時，其中1人已無生命跡象，緊急 ... 2 days ago Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 南投山區死亡車禍 6歲女童拋飛車外剛被尋獲 往清境的台14甲公路上，今傍晚發生一起貨車墜落50公尺深山谷意外南投縣，南投縣消防局動員多個分隊到場搶救後，發現車上3人中，有一位6歲 ... 2 days ago udn 聯合新聞網 台中市警車2警押1人犯 國道新營段翻覆邊坡 國道1號南下297公里處今天下午2點多發生一部台中市警車翻覆邊坡，消防局派遣新營及鹽水消防分隊前往協助脫困，初步了解是兩各員警押解一名 ... 3 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 台中警解送通緝犯國道翻落邊坡 所長心急驅車南下探 視 國道一號南下297公里處今發生警車翻落邊坡事件，經台中市警察局證實，翻覆的警車是台中市第二警分局立人所警備車，當時洪姓與張姓員警正解 ... 2 hours ago 台中警車自撞翻落邊坡 2警1嫌受傷 台中警車國道新營段衝落邊坡 2警1嫌受傷送醫 台中警押送嫌犯國道擦撞衝落邊坡 2警1嫌受傷
English
Regional environmental education center launched by Taiwan, US in Taichung
Minister urges Taichung to rethink power plant threat
32019 Dreamy Christmasland in Taichung – Celebrate Christmas with Disney 2019-12-05
Dec 4, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Lu leads local leaders in battle with Taipower
With national elections only 48 days away, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has drafted seven central Taiwan KMT city and county heads in her escalating war with state-owned power company Taipower.
The mayor was joined by the county commissioners of Changhua, Nantou, Miaoli, Hsinchu, Yunlin and the mayor of Chiayi City.
Convening a so-called “emergency pollution control meeting”, the opposition party grouping jointly expressed their support for the mayor’s hard line against Taipower, and criticized the ruling administration’s power and pollution policies.
Mayor Lu also announced another NT$3 million fine against the firm’s Taichung Power Plant, bringing the total so far this year to nearly NT$90 million.
She also announced that a whole lot more fines were on the way, as Taipower has reached the maximum amount of coal allowed to be burned under a law passed four years ago mandating a 40% cut.
According to the mayor, any amount burned between now and January 25 will be over the legally mandated amount of 11.04 tons.
Taipower disputes this, and has been operating on a different timetable, including last week asking for permission to up the 11.04 ton limit for next year up to 12 million tons.
The reason for why the Taichung City Government and Taipower have been operating on different timetables came to light over the last week.
It turns out the operations permit documentation presented to Taipower by the city government read “starting from January 26, 2020” the cuts need to be implemented.
The city law, however, mandated that the cuts be implemented by January 26, 2020.
The accidental substitution of the word “qian” for “qi” radically changed the meaning of directive.
Taipower is accusing the mayor’s administration of continually changing the rules and said if it stopped using coal now to comply, power would go out across not just Taichung, but throughout much of Taiwan.
The mayor for now is sticking with the January deadline, meaning Taipower will have to operate over the city’s limit to keep the power on.
中央放寬中火燃煤量 中彰投3縣市長開砲 【讀者投書】環保署暗渡陳倉助中火 台中市民多吸百萬噸煤灰 砲打中火彰化縣長批犧牲縣民生命健康發電 好房News 中火減煤風波延燒 台電：中市府朝令夕改難適從 工商時報記者馮建棨、郭建志、邱琮皓／台北報導. 為解決空污，台中市府要求台電今年減煤目標要達1104萬噸，台電26日表示，中市府減煤規定一變 ... 6 hours ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 台中人拒絕「用命發電」 抨擊蔡政府帶頭護航中火 行政院環保署發函給台中市政府，「開後門」讓中火燃煤許可量放寬10％！台中市議會國民黨團27日召開記者會，痛批民進黨政府「變本加厲」，踐踏 ... 4 hours ago 自由時報電子報 數據硬拗？台中市稱減煤量「誤繕」 公文曝光 台電上週收到台中市府的公文，內容提到，本局（台中市環保局）將許可證次頁的其他規定事項中，登載事項『誤繕』為，「本製程...『自』2020年1月26日『 ... 21 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 環保署出示中火許可證反擊：台中市府明載許可差值 針對台中市長盧秀燕批評中火燃煤增加一成是大開環保倒車，環保署今天出示台中市府自己發放的中火許可證，明文登載10%容許差值，也「希望各界 ... 1 day ago 風傳媒 中火生煤用量容許誤差值？台中市府反擊中央：別再為 台電護航 今年台中火力發電廠的生煤用量即將超過《台中生煤管制自治條例》所規定的1年1104萬公噸標準，行政院環保署對此發函台中市政府，指依據18年前 ... 20 hours ago 中火生煤用量容許誤差值？台中市府反擊中央：別再為台電護航 為中火再槓中央！台中環保局：生煤管制政策朝令夕改 udn 聯合新聞網 林佳龍：空氣不會馬上換新 環局盼續為台中發聲 台中市環保局表示，期盼林前市長在中央要繼續為台中發聲，支持 ... 林佳龍說，生煤條例通過後，中市府發放中火許可證時，可以設定條件，現在爭論 ... 18 hours ago 空汙再成選戰話題 林佳龍籲回歸理性「不能政治化」 藍營再度大打空汙牌 林佳龍回擊：刻意炒作 台74線動土盧秀燕沒來... 林佳龍再開砲：換了誰空氣都不會變新 台74線動土盧秀燕沒來... 林佳龍再開砲：換了誰空氣都不會變新 udn 聯合新聞網 盧秀燕召7藍營首長反空汙 再罰中火300萬元 台中市長盧秀燕今天召開中部7縣市首長空汙治理緊急會報，南投縣長 ... 盧秀燕說，台中市生煤條例規定，中火4年要減煤4成，明年1月25日前生煤量 ... 6 hours ago 急速減煤中的城市責任──談台中火力電廠 udn 聯合新聞網 林佳龍臉書留言批盧秀燕 「女版韓國瑜！」 台中市長盧秀燕與經濟部、台電針對中火過招，民進黨議員黃守達在臉書呼籲「停止嘴砲」，如果市府認定中火超燒生煤就直接開罰、關廠。交通部長 ... 4 hours ago 中火議題延燒 林佳龍指盧秀燕是女版韓國瑜 盧秀燕反燒煤槓中央 林佳龍酸「女版韓國瑜」 udn 聯合新聞網 龍燕再戰！林批盧「女版韓國瑜」 盧不回應 台中市府與中央上演中火生煤量大戰，臉書昨也爆出「龍燕再戰」；民進黨議員黃守達在臉書發文，交通部長林佳龍立即留言批盧秀燕是「女版韓國瑜」。 10 hours ago 重懲中火300萬 盧秀燕召藍營7首長反空汙 中時電子報·6 hours ago 盧秀燕召7藍營首長反空汙再罰中火3百萬｜蘋果新聞網｜蘋果日報 https://tw.news.appledaily.com › politics › realtime
Expanded Taichung smoking ban to kick in Jan 1
Taichung is set to massively expand the number of outdoor areas at private businesses designated non-smoking areas starting at the beginning of next year.
A law passed three years ago banned smoking at 66 convenience stores that were located in arcade-style buildings--meaning buildings with covered walkways.
This is now to be expanded to 1385 establishments, including all the major convenience store chains as well as the major coffee chains, including Starbucks, 85c, Louisa and others.
Fines for breaking the law can reach up to NT$10,000.
Additionally they have started installing “non-smoking speaker systems” that, when a button is pressed by convenience store staff, plays an official announcement through the speakers warning the location is a non-smoking location, the fine amount and instructing the smokers to put out their cigarettes.
This is presumably so the staff in the convenience stores can avoid direct confrontation with patrons.
The system has come under criticism already, however, saying the sound isn’t clear and criticising the lack of foreign languages.
According to the city, they will be reminding locations they have the speakers installed at to monitor the volume.
The devices currently broadcast in Mandarin and Taiwanese Holo, with Hakka on the way.
They are currently researching whether to add other languages.
udn 聯合新聞網 台中8大連鎖超商咖啡1385門市騎樓明年起全面禁菸 台中市繼3年前公告66家超商騎樓禁菸，今天由台中市長盧秀燕宣布，將擴大騎樓禁菸範圍，公告包括統一超商、全家超商、萊爾富超商、OK超商、美 ... 5 hours ago 自由時報電子報 台中市無菸語音廣播 民眾：音質差、無外語 〔記者蘇孟娟／台中報導〕台中市衛生局打造無菸環境，在全市超商等百餘店家設無菸語音廣播系統，不過廣播系統甫上路，有民眾反映音質差，且無 ... 12 hours ago
Upgraded bus transfer station, new warning lights
The city bus transfer station downstairs at the Taichung Train Station has been upgraded, with four platforms in operation and 12 new bus routes added.
Now not only will buses serving Taiwan Blvd and the coast still be accessible at the station, Fenchia and Yizhong night markets, and the Beitun, East, Tanzi, Fengyuan, Taiping and Dali Districts will also be served.
Meanwhile, the city is currently testing flashing warning lights at intersections with frequent accidents.
The lights are triggered by infrared detection of oncoming cars.
提升轉運功能 台中轉運中心30日起進駐12條公車路線 udn 聯合新聞網 12條公車路線 今天起進駐台中轉運中心乘車 台中市政府交通局規劃12條熱門公車路線進駐台中轉運中心，今天起Ａ月台有往台灣大道的300、309、310路公車路線停靠、Ｂ月台停靠5條往崇德路 ... 1 day ago udn 聯合新聞網 台中路口 試辦紅外線感應來車 不少與主幹線交叉的巷道路口常發生車禍意外，台中市交通局試辦創新的紅外線感應燈號，在巷道內側設置感應器，一旦有車輛靠近，路口的號誌燈 ... 1 day ago 台中轉運中心新增12條公車路線 派駐大量人力引導 台中轉運中心增12條公車路線停靠 首日運作順暢
Nantou’s war on noisy exhaust pipes: IE big bikes
Nantou’s beautiful mountain roads are popular with tourists, especially day-trippers on the weekend.
One type of visitor, however, the county has started cracking down on: riders of big motorcycles with noisy exhaust pipes.
So far this year they have caught 32 offenders, issuing fines of NT$72,000.
Popular roads for bikers targeted include provincial highways 3 and 21, as well as county roads 136 and 139.
The Nantou Environmental Protection Bureau, the enforcement agency, emphasised that they are not targeting motorcycle modifications per se--just noise.
Big bike owners frequently modify their exhaust pipes to increase volume.
Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 汽機車排氣管噪音擾人 南投開罰7萬多元 中央社記者蕭博陽南投縣2日電）南投縣多條山路是高噪音車輛熱門出沒路線，南投縣政府環保局配合警察、監理單位執行聯合稽查，今年累計查獲32 ... 1 day ago
Nantou County history set released
The Nantou County Annals--or a traditional history set--has been released of 13 volumes and over 5 million characters.
Over 20 major new historical events have been added, including the 921 earthquake.
The annals were compiled over three years.
自由時報電子報 《南投縣志》續修完成 記錄20多來重大歷史發展變遷 〔記者張協昇／南投報導〕南投縣政府文化局103年開始推動《南投縣志》續修工作，主要的任務在於加強南投縣文化的調查、研究、保存與推廣，經過3年 ... 4 hours ago Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 續修南投縣志 完整記錄南投發展變遷 (圖) 南投縣政府完成「續修南投縣志」，500多萬字完整記錄南投縣20多年來發展變遷，縣府文化局30日將辦理「續修南投縣志」新書發表會。（文化局提供）. 28 mins ago yamNews蕃新聞 「續修南投縣志」新書發表會 重建南投歷史 【大成報記者何秀菁／南投報導】南投縣政府30日在文化局1樓大廳舉辦「續修南投縣志」新書發表會暨「傳統手工製茶保存者授證儀式」，由文化局長 ... 18 hours ago Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 重建南投歷史「續修南投縣志」新書發表會 【記者林玉芬南投報導】縣府30日舉辦「續修南投縣志」新書發表會暨「傳統手工製茶保存者授證儀式」，文化局長林榮森與貴賓一起為續修南投縣志新書 ... 4 hours ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 南投縣文化局《續修南投縣志》完成 並舉行新書發表會 南投縣文化局基於保存文化調查、研究、保存與推廣，103年開始推動《南投縣志》續修工作，終於編纂成功，30日在文化局1樓大廳辦理「續修南投 ... 1 day ago 明報OL網 (新聞發布) 南投唯一火車鐵路登「移動博物館」 遊古早車站- 20191130 ... 移動博物館」——今年10月，南投推出期間限定「國立集集美術館」彩繪列車，藉香蕉昔日為集集帶來的成就，為明天寄予祝福。（Echo Cheung攝） ... 1 day ago
English
Taipower: Deadline to cut coal use at plant will disrupt power supply
Tsai: Taichung Power Plant Decreases Coal Burning by 500 Tons KMT: Deceptive Statement
2020 Elections: Soong pledges to relocate capital to central Taiwan
VIDEO: Flight attendants get onboard Nantou religious procession
WOHA populates 'sky green' development with trees and plants
Nov 27, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Lu Rejects Taipower Request, Slams DPP
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen is firmly rejecting a request from Taipower sent via the central government to allow the firm an additional 10% permitted wiggle margin in their coal burning next year at the Taichung Power Plant, raising the cap from 11.04 million tons to 12 million tons.
The mayor is defending the amount legally mandated in a law passed by the Taichung City Council four years ago to bring emissions down at the nation’s largest stationary pollution source.
Taipower, however, feels wronged and unappreciated for their efforts, noting that they are on track to only burn 13 million tons this year, down from 18.4 million tons in 2014.
In a related issue, the mayor slammed plans to add two new gas-fired units to the power plant, accusing the DPP of trampling on the people of Taichung.
The mayor also announced plans to boost renewable energy, including tripling solar power by 2022. 蔡政府新增中火燃煤機組 盧秀燕批：民進黨糟蹋台中人 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 風光城市！盧秀燕推動台中成為綠電供應重鎮 台中市經發局長張峯源26日在市政會議專案報告「推動台中市再生能源發展，光電倍增、離岸風電」，將打造台中港為離岸風電組裝碼頭及風力機零 ... 1 hour ago udn 聯合新聞網 中火燃煤放寬10%？ 盧秀燕堅拒 台中市長盧秀燕、副市長楊瓊瓔今天在台中、台北兩地同步砲轟中央放寬中火燃煤許可。盧秀燕在市政會議說，最近忽然收到中央函文，要求中火燃煤 ... 3 hours ago 中央偷吃步、減煤沒半步，台中市民只想好好呼吸 江啟臣、沈智慧、顏寬恆為中部人請命 拒絕用肺發電 NOWnews 台電反批減媒被無視台中市府朝令夕改根本「獨門暗 器」 | 生活 針對台中市府與藍委，質疑環保署一紙函文，就放寬台中火力電廠10%的燃煤量。台電今（26）日指出，近年的減媒，市府似乎「無視」真心換絕情。 43 mins ago 台電反批減媒被無視 台中市府朝令夕改根本「獨門暗器」 自由時報電子報 環保署釋疑中火許可證 藍委轟對台中空氣下毒手 國民黨團今（26日）召開「中市府促中火改善蔡政府全力護航」記者會，右起台中市環保局長吳志超、立委顏寬恒、立委江啟臣、台中市副市長楊瓊瓔、立 ... 5 hours ago
Police Arrest Four in Robbery-Murder Case
Police arrested four suspects on Monday afternoon in the mountains in the Wufeng District over the robbery, assault and kidnapping of an art and jewelry dealer.
The victim--a 50-year-old surnamed Chang--was rushed to hospital, but didn’t survive, adding murder to the charges.
Three of those arrested met with Chang at a tea house on ChongDe Road in the Beitun District ostensibly as buyers of dzi (天珠) beads, which are highly valued and are purported to have supernatural powers.
Then, out in the parking lot, the men attacked Chang with a knife, but he fought back, causing all three to have to beat him in order to subdue him.
They stuck the wounded Chang in their sedan, and fled.
During the altercation, police had been called, who examined security footage.
Police claim that within one hour of receiving the report, they already had three of suspects in custody.
The fourth person arrested has been described as being involved “behind the scenes”. udn 聯合新聞網 獨／早預謀搶天珠殺人棄屍？ 台中三匪車內藏新買鐵 鏟 台中市李姓男子等4人謀議強盜張姓藝品商，今天在北屯區昌平東一路的停車場犯案，其中洪姓男子「臨陣退縮」，由李等3人行凶犯案，不過行凶過程 ... 21 hours ago 自由時報電子報 台中爆強盜殺人 藝品商人遭砍傷重不治 〔記者許國楨／台中報導〕台中市接近中午發生一起強盜殺人案，張姓藝品商人與佯裝買家的3名歹徒相約北屯區一間茶館交易天珠，未料對方竟持出預 ... 23 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 台中北屯結夥強盜鬧出人命！3嫌疑為搶天珠犯案 台中市北屯區昌平路今天中午傳出強盜殺人案，從事天珠販售的張姓男子遭三名歹徒約出後，意圖行搶，張被三名歹徒持凶器攻擊頭部，並將人載往 ... 23 hours ago 買主持刀劫天珠 台中藝品商人頭部中刀慘死 搶匪持刀劫天珠 台中藝品商人遭砍亡 台中珠寶商遭擄走刺死 警逮4人送辦 台中山區驚傳命案 男子頭部中刀身亡 台中驚傳強盜殺人！藝品商遭3匪強搶天珠…持蝴蝶刀猛砍丟包山區慘死 台中珠寶商交易天珠遭搶並擄走刺死 4歹徒落網
Legislative Candidates Announced
The final list of candidates for the Legislative Yuan is out, and a small army of candidates across central Taiwan are vying for seats.
In Taichung, 43 candidates are in the battle for eight seats.
Currently the DPP holds four seats, the KMT hold three seats and a DPP-allied independent one.
The KMT is the only party running candidates in all eight districts.
Though the DPP is running in only six of the districts, they are backing incumbent independent Hung Tzu-yung in the Taichung 3 and Chen Bo-wei--aka 3Q--of the Taiwan Statebuilding Party in the Taichung 2 against powerful incumbent Yen Kuan-hung of the KMT’s Black Faction.
Hung Tzu-yung will be battling not only KMT Red Faction heavyweight and Vice Mayor Yang Chiong-ying (楊瓊瓔), she has to fend off candidates from four other parties, including the Taiwan People’s Party and the Formosa Alliance.
The People’s First Party is running four candidates, including in the Taichung 1, 4, 5 and 6.
The Taiwan People’s Party is running three candidates, in the Taichung 3, 4 and 5.
The only other party running multiple candidates is the Interfaith Union, running in the Taichung 3 and 6.
In Changhua 16 candidates are in the running for four seats--but seven of those are running in the Changhua 4.
Currently the DPP holds three seats, and the KMT one.
The KMT faces a split vote in the Changhua 3, as KMT Beitou Mayor Yang Li-hsiang (楊麗香) has entered as an independent.
In Nantou, where the KMT currently holds both seats, seven are in the race, five of whom are in the Nantou 2. 彰化縣16人登記選立委第4選區7人參選爆炸 自由時報電子報 南投立委第1選區藍綠釘孤枝 第2選區5搶1 〔記者劉濱銓／南投報導〕南投縣區域立委登記作業今傍晚截止，第一選區（烏溪線6鄉鎮）呈現藍綠對決，由現任國民黨立委馬文君，對戰民進黨不分區 ... 2 days ago 自由時報電子報 台中市立委選舉 43人登記搶8席 〔記者黃鐘山／台中報導〕台中市區域立委選舉從18日起到22日在台中州廳受理登記，根據台中市選委會統計，8個選區共有43人完成登記，8位現任立 ... 3 days ago 彰化第三選區藍營分裂危機？楊麗香低調：要沉澱一下
Major Breakthrough for Downtown Traffic
Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has announced a major breakthrough in an issue that has vexed the city govt for the last 12 years--tearing down a building blocking the city from allowing DaZhi Rd to connect and allow traffic to flow freely.
According to the mayor, the building will be torn down and the road connection finished by the end of August next year, clearing out a major bottleneck in the old downtown’s notoriously bad traffic. 公視新聞 (新聞發布) 台中市大智路貫通屢遭抗爭延宕12年 延宕12年的台中市大智路貫通，歷經三任市長，屢遭陳情抗爭。台中市政府上午宣布，已經取得24戶所有權人的同意，預計明年農曆年後進行拆遷跟 ... 23 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 延宕12年...台中市府展魄力 大智路將開通 延宕超過12年的拆遷案難題，台中市政府一年解決了。「大智慧學苑」大樓拆遷案曾引起諸多陳抗，影響台中火車站周邊區域車流、動線與發展。 22 hours ago 台中大智路明年通 盧秀燕取得100%支持 台中將打通大智路 連通火車站前後站 華視新聞 (新聞發布) 台中將打通大智路連通火車站前後站 華視新聞徐孟蘭楊宗穎台中報導 / 台中市. 台中市東區發展又邁進一大步！位在復興路、大智路口的一棟補習班大樓，經過12年溝通協條，市府終於 ... 23 hours ago 中市府取得用地 109年8月前貫通台中車站前後站 ETtoday 繼大智路打通後還有多條進行中 中市府：逐步完善大 台中路網 台中市政府日前完成大智慧大樓協議價購作業，明年將打通大智路，縫合台中火車站前後站，帶動舊市區整體發展，其他像市政路、東豐快速道路等10 ... 22 hours ago 務實解決重大道路工程爭議 大台中交通路網逐步完善 台中大智路打通 便利交通串連車站周邊景點
TRA Forced to Apologize and Pay Compensation
The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) on Sunday apologized, and said it would offer full compensation to the driver of a car hit by an express train last week in the Wuri District.
Initially the TRA blamed the driver, but after footage was released showing that the driver--a volunteer firefighter--had followed the law to the letter, and that the crossing barrier had malfunctioned and lifted too early, they apologized.
Their initial accusation had led to an outpouring of outrage and scorn against the driver, who also suffered minor injuries in the accident. udn 聯合新聞網 台鐵新烏日平交道火車撞轎車 疑轎車發生故障駕駛送 醫 台鐵緊急通報，今晚9時35分，自強號149次基隆開往潮州的列車，在行經台中市新烏日站與成功站間的登寺巷平交道時，迎面撞上一輛疑似故障停在 ... 2 days ago 恐怖平交道差一秒奪命 中市議員要求林佳龍道歉負責
Christmas is Coming
Taichung is partnering this year with Disney, to put on a Christmas Light Festival from Dec. 6 to New Year’s.
The Disney-themed festival will feature a tree and activities in the City Hall square, and installations and lights along the renovated canals downtown.
Changhua will also light a tree and have an installation out front the Changhua Train station starting December 21. udn 聯合新聞網 台中迪士尼耶誕 亮到元旦 台中市每年都在市府廣場舉辦耶誕點燈，今年移師舊市區，還取得迪士尼授權，要打造歡樂夢幻的耶誕燈節；相關內容尚未揭露，但從迪士尼台灣已 ... 17 hours ago 愛在彰化聖誕歡樂嘉年華 影／彰化聖誕點燈園遊會踩街傳佳音 2019愛在彰化聖誕歡樂嘉年華會點燈、踩街傳遞溫暖佳音 耶誕樂！台中很迪士尼彰化傘閃聖誕樹吸睛 台中耶誕迪士尼 議員批米奇還沒來、老鼠先來
English
Formation of 1,800 spell out a love note for YLES - Taipei Times
TRA train collides with car in central Taiwan
Tsai launches Taichung International Airport renovation
VIDEO: Taichung band creates theme song for 2020 Lantern Festival
Nov 20, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Suspect held in death of infant
The 24-year-old biological father of a two-or-three-year-old whose body showed no signs of life when admitted to hospital in the Central District Sunday evening has been detained and denied visitation.
The 41-year-old mother of the child was also detained for refusing to testify, but later released on NT$50,000 bail.
The child had many scars, both recent and older, and the hands showed markings that are suspected to indicate being tied up.
The boy’s skull was also partially caved in, and he showed signs of scalding.
According to prosecutors, the father admitted to punishing the child with a coat hanger from time-to-time, but insists the child was brought to hospital due to choking on fruit, and denied the beatings were the cause of death. udn 聯合新聞網 台中市三歲男童疑遭家長家暴致死？ 檢警介入調查 台中市傳出3歲男童前天晚間被母親帶到台中醫院就診，當時男童渾身是傷，已無呼吸心跳，經院方急救後宣告不治，院方認為男童身上傷勢並非母親 ... 1 hour ago 台中3歲男童疑遭虐死 生父遭檢方聲押 快訊／台中3男童疑遭虐死！急救不治 快訊／台中3歲男童疑遭虐死！臉燙傷、頭骨凹陷不治 台中3歲男童疑遭虐死 身上多處新舊傷痕 台中3歲男童疑被虐死 生父遭羈押禁見 台中2歲男童疑遭生父虐死 檢方聲押獲准 台中2歲男童疑遭生父虐死 檢方聲押獲准
Drunken man bludgeons colleague to death
A 42-year-old man allegedly beat his 39-year-old colleague to death during a drunken argument last Friday evening in the Taiping District.
Police described the murder weapon as a “blunt metal instrument”.
After being alerted to the scene, police arrived and arranged for the victim to be sent to the emergency room.
Doctors were unable to save the man.
Police say they are unsure of the nature of the quarrel, in spite of claiming to have questioned the man--of Thai nationality--through an interpreter.台中2名泰籍移工酒後爭執 1人被鐵器打死
Airport upgrade breaks ground
Ground was broken Monday at a ceremony attended by President Tsai Ing-wen, Minister of Transportation Lin Chia-lung and a bevy of other political figures.
The project is to increase annual passenger capacity by 1 million at the Taichung International Airport.
That would, if it goes according to plan, bring capacity up to 3.69 million by 2022.
That extra capacity is necessary, as Taichung handled 2.64 million in 2018.
In the longer term, there is a goal to bring the annual capacity up to over 10 million and building an expressway to the airport, but the plan is mired in controversy and disputes between the Taichung City Government and national authorities.
That plan was originally scheduled for completion in 2035, but it was announced that has been pushed back to 2040. 台中機場升級 林佳龍讚洪慈庸這些事 台中機場升級動土典禮 洪慈庸.楊瓊櫻較勁 台中機場斥資8.6億整建國內航廈！蔡總統親臨動土加碼投資 台中機場斥資8.6億整建國內航廈！蔡總統親臨動土加碼投資 台中機場航廈改善工程開工 蔡英文： 加速升級 改善台中機場航廈 蔡英文出席動土典禮 台中機場改善工程 小英：航太起手式 加碼508億擴建台中機場？宅神轟綠營：應先改善桃機! 痛批蓋台中機場要花21年 張善政：丟臉丟死了，就是在作秀、買票
Michelin Guide to come to Taichung, sort of
One mover of tourists who may need that airport are international foodies, as it has been announced that their sacred text--the Michelin Guide--will be including Taichung.
Curiously, Taichung will not have its own guide, however, but rather will be shoehorned in with Taipei.
The reason for choosing Taichung is because the city--the second-largest in Taiwan--has made rapid progress and its food service industry is booming, according to Nicolas Achard, managing director of Michelin Food & Beverage Asia.
In spite of the added workload, he expressed confidence that the new Taichung-enhanced bilingual Michelin Guide will hit the shelves in the second quarter of next year. Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 米其林指南 新增台中市 林佳龍致詞時則說，台中市是公認的宜居城市、台灣第二大都市，也是珍珠奶茶的故鄉、擁有太陽餅等糕餅文化，而台灣話說「有一就有二、無三不成 ... 6 hours ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 米其林新增台中市 林佳龍：我也想當神秘客 米其林集團今（14）日宣布，明年起在台灣推薦的餐廳範圍將新增台中市。交通部長林佳龍表示，台灣話說「有一就有二、無三不成禮」，希望未來獲選的 ... 20 hours ago 自由時報電子報 入選米其林指南評鑑城市 台中市府：將以美食行銷國 際 〔記者歐素美／台中報導〕米其林指南與交通部觀光局今天宣佈台中市為新入選米其林指南評鑑的城市，台中市觀光旅遊局表示，市長盧秀燕在立委任 ... 15 hours ago 國際饕客按圖索驥「追星」 台中美食獲評 加入米其林指南
Election moves on the KMT side
For months now Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has been avoiding committing one way or another to taking up the position of KMT presidential candidate Han Kuo-yu’s Taichung election campaign chair.
Though she, Han and New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi campaigned together, Mayor Hou has bluntly refused to take the largely ceremonial, but symbolically important role in his city.
She now appears to have accepted the role according to some media outlets, though her only public comment has been “we’re currently discussing it”.
Another long-standing mystery has been the curious delay in Vice Mayor Yang Chiung-ying (楊瓊櫻) returning to challenge independent Legislator Hung Tzu-yung to attempt to reclaim the Taichung 3 district seat she lost in 2016.
She has declared, long after all the other KMT candidates in Taichung, she is indeed running.
Amusing some, her announcement came in the same week that her car was reported for being parked backwards on a city street--in the opposite direction to traffic.
The Taipei People’s Party is also running candidate Chang Ruei-tsang (張睿倉) for the same district. 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 盧秀燕傳已允擔任韓國瑜台中市競總主委 台中市長盧秀燕遲未點頭擔任韓國瑜台中市競選總部主委，備受各界關注，據了解，盧秀燕已允為擔任國民黨總統參選人韓國瑜台中市競選總部主 ... 21 hours ago 接韓台中競總主委？盧秀燕鬆口說5字 自由時報電子報 台中市韓競選總部主委 傳盧秀燕答應接任 時間選這天 〔即時新聞／綜合報導〕韓國瑜代表國民黨參選2020總統大選，針對台中市競選總部主委人選，台中市長盧秀燕今上午曾鬆口說「正在商量中」，據傳盧 ... 54 mins ago 盧秀燕接韓國瑜台中競總 藍營：已點頭 楊瓊瓔宣布帶職參選 台中3洪慈庸市場價格暫領先 udn 聯合新聞網 影／台中國民黨李中登記 高歌「我現在要出征」 我現在要出征！」台中市第六選區（中西東南）國民黨參選人李中，今天正式登記參選，他高歌總統參選人韓國瑜的「我現在要出征」，呼籲選民下架民進 ... 2 hours ago 尊重選民！洪慈庸籲楊瓊櫻 要參選就辭中市副市長 udn 聯合新聞網 國民黨區域立委完成提名 台中市3選區徵召楊瓊瓔 國民黨中常會下午通過第十屆立法委員選舉第十四梯次建議輔選方式暨名單，台中市第3選區徵召副市長楊瓊瓔參選，金門縣選區提名立委陳玉珍。 15 hours ago 自由時報電子報 好大官威？民眾檢舉台中市副市長公務車違規逆向停 車 〔記者歐素美／台中報導〕民眾向本報爆料指出，台中市副市長楊瓊瓔的公務車，於本月5日晚上8點多，逆向停在潭子區昌平路二段長達半小時，質疑 ... 21 hours ago
Lack of English teachers prompts city council anger
The administration of Mayor Lu Shiow-yen came under fire when it became known that the city next year will drop to the bottom of the list of big cities in terms of foreign English teachers in elementary schools.
This year, Taichung only had 25 foreign teachers, far behind New Taipei’s 90, Taoyuan’s 83 and only barely ahead of Kaohsiung’s 21.
However, Kaohsiung has budgeted to add 20 next year, bringing their total to 41.
Taichung will only add 10, bringing the total to 35.
However the city announced they expect to have 50 by 2022. 新頭殼 台中市國小外師數淪為六都之末議員賴佳微批：如何提 升競爭力| 政治 台中市議員賴佳微今（12）日在市議會質詢指出，台中市國小外師數量目前為六都倒數第二，依現有規劃明年會被高雄超越，成為倒數第一，她要求市 ... 13 hours ago 經濟日報 (新聞發布) 台中國小外師人數六都墊底 教局：明年增10人逐年趕 上 台中市國小英語教學外師人數六都墊底，市議員賴佳微指出，外師數量是重要指標，但台中是六都倒數第二，且明年規劃將被高雄超越成為倒數第一， ... 12 hours ago 自由時報電子報 中市外師數量明年淪為六都之末 議員批市府雙語政策 推動慢 〔記者張菁雅／台中報導〕台中市外籍教師數量目前是六都倒數第二，明年將被高雄超越，成為倒數第一。台中市議員賴佳微今日質詢時表示，台中市 ... 11 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 校外人士教學指「領養造成亂倫」 台中市議員批：應建 立評鑑制度 ... 台中市議會今天進行教育文化業務質詢，市議員黃守達拿出民眾投訴錄音檔，揭露今年9月台中某小學校外人士入班協助，卻有不當發言，要求教育局 ... 16 hours ago 「不要用孩子的教育來換建設」...台中市外師數量六都倒數第二
Japanese-era buildings to be restored
Nantou County has succeeded in getting a NT$200 million budget to restore Japanese era Jiji Camphor Branch Office Buildings, built at the height of the camphor industry.
The project will restore all 11 buildings on the site, opening many reuse options for the tourist hotspot.
English
Tsai: Upgrade to Taichung airport to drive regional development
Taichung councilors call for ban on student vaping
New Recovery Plan Seeks to Ward Off Extinction of Taiwanese White Dolphin | Animal Welfare Institute
Nov 13, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Triple homicide shocks central Taiwan
Police arrested a man surnamed Chen last Friday morning at an internet cafe in Xihu, in Changhua County.
They had launched a manhunt the day prior, when the bodies of a 29-year-old woman and her two 10-month-old infants were found dead in a Taichung studio apartment.
Neighbors had alerted authorities due to a smell emanating from the apartment.
The decomposed bodies had been murdered approximately five days earlier according to police.
With no signs of forced entry, and the apartment cleaned of evidence and many of her personal effects gone, suspicion immediately fell on her live-in boyfriend Chen.
According to police he has confessed to the murders, saying he had lost control in an argument with the victim.
He told police he suspected that his girlfriend was getting too close to patrons at the hostess bar she worked at, and doubted the two infants were his children.
He strangled the mother to death in a rage.
He then later returned to the apartment--and apparently because he felt it would be too horrible for the infants to have no mother--wrapped them both in blankets to smother them, and left them in the washing machine.
DNA testing has since confirmed the infants were indeed his.
In other crime news, a 29-year-old woman is the prime suspect in the murder of her 57-year-old father in Yuanlin City in Changhua County.
According to the family, she had a history of emotional problems.
udn 聯合新聞網 台中市三屍命案死者雙胞胎兒子未入父籍原欲回彰化 住| 聯合 ... 台中市驚傳三屍命案，死者29歲陳姓女子設籍彰化縣竹塘鄉，彰化縣府社會處表示，陳女並非被通報過家暴的高危險家庭，二個雙胞胎兒子每個月各 ... 1 day ago 新頭殼 台中3屍命案》 苦命女為養家到酒店上班他批凶嫌「比 禽獸不如」 | 社會 台中市中區7日晚間傳出3屍命案，遭同居男友陳姓兇嫌殺害的陳姓女子，為了養家還到酒店上班，但最後卻落得被殺害的悲慘命運，酒店業者批陳嫌「 ... 5 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 台中母子3屍命案 陳女最後一次與母親聯繫是10月底 台中市發生三屍命案，29歲的死者陳姓女子與雙胞胎幼嬰昨天傍晚被發現陳屍在出租套房。台中市家防中心指出，陳姓女子在台中沒有任何家暴的 ... 1 day ago 自由時報電子報 台中3屍案母做八大扛家計 還接演本土戲、兼差當賣家 〔記者張瑞楨／台中報導〕台中市中區出租套房3屍命案中，被同居男友陳宏嘉下手殺害的苦命女陳姓媽媽，在八大行業的傳播公司工作，一人獨自賺錢 ... 10 hours ago 三立新聞網 (新聞發布) 台中3屍案！殺媽媽5小時後再殺雙胞胎 專家：毀滅心 理 台中市光復路一處出租樓，日前發生一起兇殘的命案，喪盡天良的陳姓男子將女友殺害後，還以「孩子沒媽很可憐」為由，將女友的2個兒子全丟進 ... 12 hours ago ETtoday 台中3屍29歲媽做八大...「兼差本土劇臨演」養一家4 口！被無業男友掐死 台中市出租套房發生母子雙胞胎3人慘遭殺害命案，被害的29歲陳姓女子故鄉在彰化縣竹塘鄉，祖父可算是地方的聞人，頗有名望，且她長相清秀，還 ... 13 hours ago 自由時報電子報 悲涼！3屍案母子靈堂無親朋 簽名簿一片空白 〔記者張瑞楨／台中報導〕台中市3屍命案，慘遭同居人陳宏嘉（29歲）殺害的陳女與2名尚未年滿1歲的雙胞胎兒子，靈堂設於台中市生命禮儀管理處崇德館（台中 ... 4 hours ago 台中三屍命案彰化老家鄰居不捨 台中母子3屍命案！少婦最後身影曝光 台中3屍母做八大養家！無業男殘殺2子原因曝 台中母子3屍命案 同居男友收押禁見 台中母子三人裹屍命案兇嫌彰化網咖落網 Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 慟！台中3屍命案 母子靈堂放奶瓶「簽名簿」全白 台中市日前傳出震驚社會的3屍命案，1名29歲的陳姓女子，以及她未滿1歲的雙胞胎兒子陳屍在租屋處；她的男友陳宏嘉被警方補後坦承犯案，承認 ... 8 hours ago 「凶嫌帶恨意討債」她驚曝台中3屍案因果！ 慟！台中3屍命案 母子靈堂放奶瓶「簽名簿」全白 悲慟！台中3屍案靈堂無人弔唁…簽名簿全白 台中三屍命案⋯雙胞胎演過《戲說台灣》！ 廖峻兒子悲痛：我都抱過 台中離奇3屍命案 母親和2嬰裹棉被陳屍 台中3屍！死者最後笑容曝 八大同事曝過往辛酸 Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 兇嫌疑戴綠帽釀母子3屍命案 DNA鑑定出爐！ 台中市中區一棟公寓內發生母子3屍命案，兇嫌陳宏嘉在8日落網後坦承犯案，他不僅將女友掐死，還將雙胞胎兒子丟入洗衣機悶死。陳男疑似是不滿 ... 3 hours ago 台中冷血男殺死3母子！DNA鑑定出爐 驚人真相曝光 Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 台中市母子3屍案 凶嫌與雙胞胎男嬰有血緣關係 中央社記者蘇木春台中12日電）台中出租套房母子3屍案，陳姓女子與她的雙胞胎男嬰，遭同居陳姓男友殺害，檢方今天解剖遺體，發現陳女咽喉部 ... 11 hours ago
彰化員林驚傳女兒弒父睡夢中遭刺不治 彰化驚傳人倫悲劇女兒持刀刺死父親
A bad week for fires in Taichung
Four fires made big news in Taichung over the last week.
Though no one was hurt, a dramatic blaze producing considerable smoke struck the ASEAN Plaza, burning up miscellaneous items and causing considerable alarm last Tuesday morning.
64 emergency personnel from across the city arrived in 19 vehicles to put it out.
Then on Friday afternoon a major brushfire broke out near Freeway 3 in the Qingshui district.
That fire raged for five hours, covered 10 hectares and required 51 personnel in 16 vehicles to put an end to it.
Next door in the Shalu District, a fire broke out at about 1:30 am on Sunday morning in a building that included a worker’s dormitory.
14 were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, including four children.
The adults were a mix of Taiwanese and Vietnamese nationals.
Then it was another brushfire also near Freeway 3, but in the Lungjing District, that got more press attention due to easier visibility and apocalyptic appearance.
That started at 2 pm on Sunday and it took firefighters 12 hours to bring that under control.
It also ranged over 10 hectares, but in an area with considerable wildlife.
A dead deer was found the next day, apparently a victim of the fire.
自由時報電子報 台中又傳火燒山 國道3號龍井邊坡延燒2公頃 綜合媒體報導，台中市消防局表示，今天下午2時20分接獲民眾報案指龍井區國道3號北上185K的右方邊坡，有大面積雜草火警，立刻出動各式救災 ... 2 hours ago 中央社即時新聞 國道3號龍井邊坡起火 火燒山面積2公頃 中央社記者蘇木春台中10日電）國道3號龍井路段邊坡今天下午發生雜草火警，台中市消防局出動人車趕往滅火，因為風助火勢，一發不可收拾，延燒 ... 2 hours ago ETtoday 快訊／台中龍井驚傳大火 國道3號旁雜草「狂燒4hrs」 …火勢無法控制 台中市龍井區10日下午發生火警事件，當地山區的雜草因不明原因起火，導致現場陷入火海。當地消防隊獲報後，出動19輛車共53人前往搶救。 3 hours ago 新城電台 台中市外籍工人宿舍起火14人不適送院- 即時新聞- 新 城財經台財經網 台灣台中市一間外籍工人宿舍起火, 14人不適送院. 事發在凌晨一時許, 沙鹿區一幢三層高的樓宇起火, 12架消防車到場撲救, 一樓多架電單車起火, ... 12 hours ago 自由時報電子報 台中市沙鹿工廠宿舍火警 雲梯車救出14人送醫無大礙 〔記者歐素美／台中報導〕台中市沙鹿區鎮南路一處4樓透天民宅，今天凌晨1點多突然起火燃燒，消防局接獲民眾報案，趕往現場，利用雲梯車等將困在樓上的人員 ... 14 hours ago 疑電動機車釀禍 台中外籍移工宿舍大火14傷 Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 台中市外籍移工宿舍火警 14人嗆傷送醫 (圖) 台中市沙鹿區一處外籍移工宿舍10日凌晨發生火警，消防局獲報到場搶救，14人嗆傷送醫，警方正調查起火原因。（台中市消防局提供）. 中央社記者 ... 12 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 台中清水國道三號旁雜草大火 強風助長延燒5小時 今天下午近5時，國道三號171公里處路旁邊坡發生雜草火警，台中市消防局獲報後立即派人車前往灌救，由於多處火點，火勢在風勢助長下迅速 ... 2 days ago 台中龍井山坡野火燎原 警消徹夜奮戰12小時收伏 udn 聯合新聞網 台中東協廣場地下室火警 濃煙直竄天際 台中市著名的東協廣場，今早疑似地下室雜物悶燒，濃煙直竄天際，路過人車驚呼。台中市消防局勤指中心表示，目前尚無人受困，已找到火點進行 ... 11 hours ago 台中東協廣場火警 初判地下停車場雜物起火 三立新聞網 (新聞發布) 東協廣場驚傳火警 台中人懼24年前「幽靈船」又要開 了？ 根據「自由時報」報導，此場火警的發生，讓台中居民又再次回憶起，24年前在同個地點發生的「衛爾康」西餐廳大火，當時整個台中市的警義消幾乎 ... 8 hours ago
Annual flower festival with French twist kicks off
This year’s annual Taichung International Flower Carpet Festival has returned to the Xinshe District--where it was previously called Xinshe Flower Sea--after being held in Houli for three years.
It kicked off last Saturday and runs to December 2.
This year it features a “Love and Hope – Le Petite Prince Interplanetary Journey” exhibition area, based on the book of the same name.
This year it will cover 1.8 hectares decorated with nearly 250,000 flowers and plants, featuring 10 species of flowers such as perpetual begonia and Mexican marigold, arranged to form 3D floral art installations.
This year’s main installation, The Planet of the Rose, recreates the scene of the Little Prince reuniting with his beloved rose, using a dynamic mechanical presentation every hour from 9 am to 4 pm daily.
Free shuttle buses are available to attend the event.
From Monday to Sunday, shuttle service linking Taiyuan Parking Lot in Beitun, Fengyuan Rail Station, and the exhibition areas will be provided
On the weekend, a Dongshi Line shuttle service will be added from Dongshi Riverside Park.
The buses depart every 20-30 minutes on average during weekdays and 15-20 minutes during weekends.
新頭殼 必看！台中花毯節9日登場交通運輸攻略大公開| 生活 台中市交通局長葉昭甫表示，活動期間每天均提供免費接駁專車服務，週一至週日往返北屯太原停車場、豐原火車站及展區內巡迴接駁線，週末更加 ... 8 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 台中新社花海「小王子」 空拍玩家朝聖 台中「新社花海」邁入第14年，今年結合暌違3年的「台中國際花毯節」，再加碼「 ... 台中市30家民宿業者加碼推出「2820 愛花愛你賞花方案」，住宿搭配 ... 20 hours ago 自由時報電子報 中市花毯節9日登場 4條免費接駁路線上路 為紓解交通，台中市政府交通局規劃4條免費接駁路線，其中，豐原線、太原線及櫻木花道線不分平、假日，東勢線則於假日行駛，均自早上8時至下午4 ... 10 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 搭公車賞新社花海 台中推4條免費接駁車 台中國際花毯節與新社花海今天開幕，市府規劃4條免費接駁公車與7處免費 ... 台中市交通局長葉昭甫說，活動期間每天的免費接駁專車，分別自北屯 ... 3 hours ago 快來踩點！台中花毯節今登場 民眾搶拍小王子玫瑰星球 台中花毯節新社登場 小王子玫瑰星球吸睛 新社花海台中花毯3合1 數千民眾爭睹小王子玫瑰星球 台中花毯節！民眾搶看小王子玫瑰 找嘸停車位
Norwegian triathlete arrives
Norwegian triathlete, Gustav Iden--who set off a popular frenzy in Taiwan for baseball hats from a Changhua County temple--arrived Saturday for a three day visit.
During his visit he joined Changhua County Commissioner Wang Hui-mei (王惠美) in running the last 3.5 kilometers of the Tianzhong marathon, where he was very impressed with the lobster offered at marathon supply tables, and the friendliness of the people.
Ironically, right after he had won the race in France that drew all the attention wearing his lucky hat--which he had found by accident in Japan--he lost it after putting it aside to accept the trophy.
He visited the temple that issues the now-famous hats and was presented with a new one.
The local newspapers seemed most impressed that the 23-year-old professional athlete, who was feted and fed all through his 3 day stay, wasn’t concerned about gaining weight.
彰化大啖美食發胖？ 世界三鐵冠軍伊登：回去要做重訓 彰化縣靠順澤宮一頂「冠軍帽」，炒熱田中小鎮觀光？ 伊登3天彰化行「快被榨乾」王惠美保密：花得絕對值得 王惠美縣長桃園接機伊登來彰化三天感恩之旅 三鐵冠軍艾登彰化遊日日吃美食不擔心發胖
English
Norwegian triathlete set to visit Taiwan this weekend
Norwegian triathlete receives new ‘luck... | Taiwan News
Athlete who sparked 'lucky cap' craze visits Changhua temple
Taiwan tycoon to serve 5 years and 9 months in prison for food safety scandal
Supreme Court sentences ex-Ting Hsin boss over tainted oil scandal
Supreme Court rejects Wei Ying-chung’s appeal - Taipei Times
Suspect arrested after mother and baby twins found dead in Taichung City
Police detain boyfriend over killing of woman, twin babies
Man detained for killing girlfriend and twin babies
Orsted A/S breaks ground at wind power substation - Taipei Times
Fire hits migrant workers dorm in Taichung, causing choking injuries
Taiwanese, Vietnamese suffer smoke inhalation injuries from fire in Taichung dorm
Deer carcass spotted at scene of W. Taiwan wi... | Taiwan News
Some sites acting as mouthpieces for China: source - Taipei Times
Nov 6, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Water cuts, water pressure reduced in Changhua
7214 households in Changhua City are to have their water supplies impacted starting tomorrow morning at 8 pm for 10 hours, or to about 6 in the evening.
601 households in the Xixing (西興里) and Pinghe (平和里) neighborhoods will have their water cut completely.
Meanwhile, 6613 households in the Xinyi (信義里), Guangfu (光復里), Guanghua (光華里), Changle (長樂里), Zhongyang (中央里), Wanshou (萬壽里) and Lunping (崙平里) neighborhoods will see their water pressure reduced.
This scheduled maintenance by the water company is move water mains.
彰化市自水來用戶注意！西興、平和里7日停水10小時 準備存水囉！ 彰化7日自來水管線遷移預估停水7214戶
Taipower outlines steps to reduce air pollution
On Monday, Taipower outlines plans to reduce air pollution in Taichung City through cutbacks at the Taichung Power Plant--the nation’s largest stationary polluter.
Of the ten units in operation, Taipower has suspended operations at three coal-fired units and cut back operations at some others.
The state-owned company claims that they will likely bring their annual coal usage to below 16 million tons, which they claim will meet city government requirements.
This figure is at odds with the city’s demands of an annual reduction to 11 million tons by next January 25.
Taipower claims the current cutbacks are only temporary, and that the key going forward is to get two planned gas-powered units built and online.
They claim this will allow them to reduce pollution emitted from the plant by 60 to 70%.
It is unclear how they reached those numbers, as the two new units would be added in addition to the existing 10, and gas-fired units often emit as much as half the pollution of a coal-fired unit.
Those numbers were made all the more surprising as in the same announcement they issued a warning, saying Taichung has been Taiwan’s biggest consumer of power for the last three years.
Additionally, they said they expected demand to increase significantly over the next few years as new business moves into the city.
Taichung is home to many power-hungry industries, and is a prime location for businesses returning from China.
udn 聯合新聞網 台中市府重罰中火後台電表示歉意 中市府：肯定 台中市政府日前重罰中火史上最高6000萬元罰單，台電承諾汙染防制設備完成前，不再對外排放廢水。台中市環保局今天表示，市府查獲中火廢水7次 ... 1 day ago 遠見雜誌 盧秀燕：陽光、空氣、水，打造兼容並蓄的台中 盧秀燕指出，維繫台中市景觀美好，一如維繫生命，需要提供乾淨的陽光、空氣、水。其中，陽光代表「陽光政治」，通過公開所有政治決策過程，與民同 ... 1 hour ago 自由時報電子報 台中的「護市神山」 竟是「惡地奇景」！ 他認為，這主要是火炎山擋住了中國的污染進入台中盆地，可說是台中市區的護市神山，讓台中市區的民眾免於這次受中國塵霾污染。總而言之，市區 ... 1 day ago 台中空氣品質倒退三年？環保局駁：是歷年最佳
Death of a 2-year-old at tourist spot causes fears
A 2-year-old boy plunged 90 metres to his death after falling from the popular tourist suspension bridge at the Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area in the Renai Township in Nantou County.
The bridge has plank sides with chain-link fencing filling in the small gaps between the planks.
According to a statement by the family to the press, the mother was holding the child’s hand but a strong gust of wind caused the bridge to sway.
The child was pressed up against the gap protected by the chain link fence, but his weight was apparently enough to push the chain link fence outward, creating a toddler-sized gap.
The mother lost her grip, and the child fell into the valley below.
The bridge was, according to the Forestry Bureau, was inspected monthly.
The bureau will be conducting a comprehensive review of the basic infrastructure in all national forest recreation areas following the tragedy.
The manager of the recreation area has been released on bail following questioning.
Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 南投奧萬大吊橋發生男童摔落溪谷意外 送醫急救不治 南投縣奧萬大森林遊樂區下午發生男童從吊橋摔落溪谷意外，救護車雖然緊急將男童送往埔里基督教醫院急救，但仍因傷重宣告不治。 男童的父母親 ... 2 days ago udn 聯合新聞網 2歲童南投墜橋亡 林右昌下令體檢基隆市4吊橋 南投縣仁愛鄉奧萬大國家森林遊樂區，昨天發生駭人的幼童墜橋身亡事故，南投縣府觀光處指出，可能是護網下方與橋面固結點鬆開，才出現較大 ... 1 day ago 奧萬大墜橋 遊樂區經理交保
Nantou’s population crisis deepens
Nantou City has fallen below a population of 100,000, hitting 99,251 last month
This follows on the heels of the entire Nantou county falling below the crucial level of half a million, which puts the county’s second legislative seat at risk.
Caotun Township has seen a small uptick of 300 this year reaching 97,577, but the overall trend has been down, with Caotun falling below 100,000 a decade ago.
A declining birthrate, an aging population and emigration of working age people seeking career opportunities elsewhere have all taken their toll.
IVF born make world record in Taichung
A Guinness World Record was set this Sunday in Taichung for the world’s largest gathering of people born through in vitro fertilization.
The over 3000 attending formed a map of the world for photographs.
All of the people attending had been conceived at Lee Women's Hospital, which had previously set the record by gathering over 1200 of their success stories in 2011.
Over 20,000 babies have been conceived through assisted reproductive technology at this hospital, which boasts an 80% success rate.
They are also reaching out abroad, for example helping over 700 couples in the Philippines conceive.
Taichung students bring innovation awards home
Taiwanese students once again shined on the world stage for their innovation and imagination at two different international events.
High-school student Lin You-hsieh (林又頡) from Shin Min High School in Taichung last week won a gold medal at the annual British Invention Show for a flask that allows the user to keep coffee at any temperature-hot or cold.
Then at the International Trade Fair for Ideas, Inventions and New Products (iENA 2019), on Sunday in Germany, Shen Po-wei (沈伯尉) of Ming-Der Senior High School in Taichung and Chan Min-chao (詹敏照) of National Chin-Yi University of Technology, who together invented a dredging tool that helps clear drainage pipes, won gold medals.
There is already commercial interest in their design.
English
Group nets NT$16m in fake receipt prizes: prosecutors
Changhua courts Japanese tourists - Taipei Times
Student wins for coffee invention - Taipei Times
Groups call on county to tackle stray dog problem
Taiwanese IVF ‘babies’ set event record
Gathering of 3,000 people born through IVF sets new record
2-year-old falls to his death through gap in central Taiwan bridge
Nantou joins reconstruction initiatives with Jiji camphor site
Boy dies in Nantou after falling from bridge
Child falls to death from suspension bridge in Nantou
Taipower takes steps to cut coal consumption at Taichung plant
Population in Nantou County regions stuck below 100,000 as figures decline - Taipei Times
Late winter brings fears for changing of color in Aowanda<br /> 因天氣乾熱 奧萬大憂楓葉未紅即枯掉 - Taipei Times
Oct 30, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Taichung Hits Taipower with NT$60 Million Fine
The Taichung City Government Environmental Protection Bureau on Monday announced they were levying an NT$60 million fine against state-run Taipower over water pollution at the Taichung Power Plant.
If collected, it will be the largest fine ever levied against a state-owned company.
The fine is the cumulation of three separate infractions fined at NT$20 million apiece.
The first infraction was expected following the announcement of test results in September showing toxic boron waste water pollution from units 5 to 8 at 24 times the legal limit.
However, tests conducted last Thursday found units 1 through 4 and units 9 and 10 had dumped boron at 26 and 28 times the legal limit respectively.
Taipower announced they respected the first fine, but disagreed with the other two due to the short notice which did not give Taipower a chance to respond.
The city is giving them until November 15 to submit an improvement plan, and stated they would continue testing and issuing fines.
Taipower reiterated that they were building a wastewater treatment plant due to come online before the end of the year.
Their spokesman added “It is the city government’s right to conduct tests, but we think it was just aiming to fine us, as it knew the plant would not be able to meet the standards because the treatment facility is still under construction” and urged the city to approve its application later this month for the establishment of the treatment facility. 新頭殼 中火遭台中市府重罰6000萬經濟部次長：若機組停工 會影響供電| 政治 針對中火廢水違規一事，台中市府祭出史上最高6000萬元罰鍰，經濟部次長曾文生今日表示，目前中火防污設備將在12月全面完工，屆時有信心符合 ... 1 day ago udn 聯合新聞網 台中市環保局：中火明年1月底要減煤4成 台中市環保局昨開罰台中火力電廠3張共6000萬元罰單後，今天在市政會議上祭出第二招，副局長陳宏益說，台中市生煤管制條例要求中火減煤4成， ... 7 hours ago Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 防治空汙！台中市府：燃煤鍋爐2022年全數退場 空汙問題一直是台灣人的困擾，台中市環保局副局長陳宏益今(29)日表示，全台中市有7家業者、17座燃煤工業鍋爐，其中已有4家、6座改為燃氣 ... 1 hour ago 經濟日報 (新聞發布) 中火廢水硼超標逾24倍 台中市府開罰6,000萬元 台中火力電廠放流水多次超標，市府繼今年3月開罰最高罰則2000萬元後，今天再度宣布，中火3座放流水排放口被驗出硼超標，超標倍數分別為1至4 ... 1 day ago 經濟日報 (新聞發布) 中市開罰中火為何另闢「水戰場」？ 背後有這名揪空汙 悍將 台中市府對抗空汙，最大矛頭指向台中火力發電廠，光今年迄今就開出七張罰單，都是放流水超標，罰款自26萬至2,000萬元不等。中火空氣汙染 ... 16 hours ago 州官放火！台中市長盧秀燕痛批：國營事業帶頭汙染 中火遭台中市府重罰6000萬 經濟部次長：若機組停工會影響供電
Taichung Also Threatening Taipower with Coal Fines
Taichung has issued an official warning letter to Taipower restating their commitment to fine Taipower if they have not cut this year’s annual coal usage by 40% by next January 25.
If Taipower has failed to do so, the city will issue fines of between NT$5 and NT$20 million.
The deadline was set in a law passed by city council under the previous mayor setting a target of a 40% reduction in coal use in four years, which is coming up next January.
In related news, the city also reiterated their deadline to the seven remaining companies operating coal-fired power plants--17 units in total--to be converted to natural gas or some other fuel by 2022. (links included above)
Chinese Man Deported for Vandalism of Lennon Wall
A Chinese man in Taiwan on a one-week business visa on Sunday started tearing down posters and materials at Taichung’s Lennon Wall in an underpass on Meicun Road.
He was confronted and reported to police by local citizens, and was arrested.
The Taichung District Prosecutors Office granted the man a deferred prosecution, but ordered him to pay NT$30,000 to charity and to receive a 30 minute instruction by prosecutors on the rule of law and freedom of speech.
Then the National Immigration Agency forcibly deported the man from the country on Monday evening.
He will not be allowed to return to Taiwan for five years.
This is the second such incident nationally. 頭條日報 Headline Daily (新聞發布) 陸客撕毀台中市連儂牆 強制出境5年內不得赴台 - 中國 - 即時新聞 - 頭條日報 Headline Daily 台灣又發生一宗大陸遊客撕毀連儂牆事件。一名胡姓大陸商務客昨日因政見不合，撕毀了台中市一處連儂墻海報被依法送辦，及被強制出境、限制5年 ... 21 hours ago 中客撕毀台中連儂牆 遭罰3萬今強制出境 中客撕毀台中連儂牆 遭罰3萬強制出境 陸客「不認言論」撕毀台中連儂牆 遭押送機場強制出境
Taichunger Indicted over Threat to HK Office
A student at Providence University has been formally indicted on charges of intimidation over a package sent to the Hong Kong Economic Trade and Cultural Office in Taipei in August.
The package contained a letter with various threats, including that the safety of office personnel could be in doubt as hackers had obtained their personal information and “more radical or even violent, erratic protests” could be directed at the office.
The package also contained a piece of clothing covered in red paint and funerary ghost money paper.
He wrote in his letter that “The piece of clothing covered in red paint symbolizes the blood of the Hong Kong protesters, while the ghost money represents the fear of Hong Kong citizens amid police suppression”.
The man claims the package was not meant to intimidate, but rather was just a political statement.
Historic Bookstore to Reopen after Campaign
During the Japanese colonial era, on January 3, 1927 one of the biggest bookstores, publishing house and cultural meeting spots opened in downtown Taichung: the Central Bookstore.
It was opened by the Taiwanese Cultural Association, which is one of the most influential groups in history in articulating and advocating for Taiwanese self-representation and democracy.
The bookstore survived 71 years, closing in 1998 due to financial difficulties.
After that the iconic circular building housed other businesses, including a convenience store, a wedding gown shop and a motorcycle helmet store.
After a Facebook campaign to save it from destruction, the Shang Shan Human Culture Foundation obtained rights to the building in 2016.
After renovations, it will soft open in November and formally re-open in January.
According to the foundation, “The new Central Bookstore won’t be just a bookstore.
It will have spaces for reading, exhibitions and talks, dining and other cultural activities.
It will carry out the Central Bookstore’s mission of promoting localization and cultural awareness”
Recent years have seen a dramatic revival in interest in maintaining downtown Taichung’s historical sites.
The downtown revival has driven a big increase in business and tourist hotels.
English
Taipower may appeal Taichung fines
Taichung bookstore set to be reopened next month
Man indicted over package sent to Hong Kong office - Taipei Times
European vertical and aerial dancers grace Taichung
Students’ right to appeal school actions expanded
VIDEO: The boom- and bust- of Nantou County’s “skywalks”
Taichung Farmers Assoc. chief dies after car ... | Taiwan News
Oct 23, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Mountains opened to public
On Monday Premier Su Tseng-chang announced that mountain and forest areas not classified as national security sites or conservation areas are now open to the public.
The government announced this as part of a transparency drive, and stated that the government should not use danger to personal safety as an excuse for limiting access to the nation’s forests and mountains.
Going forward the Forestry Bureau will manage motor vehicle access to mountain and forest roads, but will not limit public access.
Those who want to enter conservation areas still need to apply online at least five days in advance, but will no longer be subject to evaluations of mountain-climbing experience.
This announcement immediately brought to the fore a long-standing problem regarding the lack of regulations to allow camping grounds to operate legally.
Nantou County Commissioner Lin Ming-chen announced that the Nantou County government is working on drafting regulations, which would at least in the short term provide a local set of regulations to fill the lack of clarity on the national level.
In Nantou, only 4 of 344 campgrounds are operating legally.
Legal provisions will include not allowing trees to be chopped down, waterways and embankments protected and safety and access for those with disabilities accounted for. Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 南投露營產業管理自治條例 南投縣長林明溱昨（二十一）日於縣府縣務會議中指示觀光處盡速擬定南投縣的露營產業管理自治條例，輔導業者申請合法經營，保障民眾安全與 ... 13 hours ago cna.com 南投率先訂定管理自治條例 輔導露營區合法化 中央社記者蕭博陽南投縣21日電）針對露營業者抱怨中央到地方仍無主管機關及專法管理露營產業，南投縣長林明溱今天指示觀光處制定管理自治 ... 18 hours ago 自由時報電子報 南投列管露營區344家 林明溱促縣府擬訂管理自治條 例 〔記者張協昇／南投報導〕南投縣列管露營區344家，但合法只有4家，南投縣長林明溱21日在縣務會議表示，露營符合社會大眾休閒需求，但由於中央 ... 21 hours ago
Bridge to popular tourist site partially closed
Bridge inspections in the wake of the Nanfang'ao bridge collapse in Yilan have so far only resulted in one bridge closure here in Taichung.
The bridge, built in 1975, is a key access bridge to the Gaomei wetlands--one of Taichung’s most popular tourist attractions.
The closure is only partial, pedestrians and motorcycles are still allowed access.
The next step, which may happen as soon as November, would be to allow personal cars as well.
Large vehicles, including tour buses, will be banned for some time--though there are other access points to the wetlands they can use.
An NT$300 million budget for replacing the bridge is being requested, with plans for the replacement expected to be submitted by next June and the contract to build it awarded by the end of next year.
In other bridge news, Taichung Mayor and local legislator Yen Kuan-heng have announced they are seeking nearly NT$1 billion in subsidies from the central government’s Interior Ministry as part of an NT$2.5 billion plan to build a bridge from Dadu to Hemei in Changhua.
Changhua County is seeking NT$1.1 billion from the transportation ministry, with the remainder to be paid out by Taichung City and Changhua County.
The bridge, if completed, would span 1575 meters. 自由時報電子報 橋梁體檢 高美濕地濱海橋 明年重建前禁行重車 台中港務公司處長劉明昌表示，這五座橋以興建於1975年的濱海橋橋齡最老舊，目前委託台中市土木技師公會進行為期一個月檢測，會在11月4日 ... 8 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 和美大橋台中爭取營建署補助10億元 顏寬恒：市長教 的 台中市大肚區下番社生態共融兒童公園今天上午舉辦啟用典禮。台中市長盧秀燕、國民黨立委顏寬恒等人到場參與。立委顏寬恒報告好消息，中市 ... 1 hour ago 盧秀燕、顏寬恒一同宣佈和美大橋明年發包
Fans defy authorities to show opposition to CCP
While the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association would no doubt prefer that all press coverage of the just finished Asian Baseball Championship held in Taichung be focussed on the championship win by the Chinese Taipei team: The international press seemed at least as much interested in the fans.
The association, citing “Olympic rules”, banned anything they deemed “political”, including large ROC flags.
They weren’t entirely successful, however.
At the Hong Kong versus Japan game, a group of fans dressed in black t-shirts, donned facemasks and carried banners with messages such as “Free Hong Kong,” “We stand with Hong Kong” and “Defend Taiwan, fight against China, liberate Hong Kong” while yelling out slogans throughout the game.
Then, while the Taiwan team crushed their Chinese opponents 10-2 on Saturday, one enterprising fan managed to evade bag searches and brought a large stuffed Winnie the Pooh and a poster featuring the ROC flag and Taiwan #1.
The fan was situated right behind home plate, meaning television coverage couldn’t avoid showing these displays of defiance to the Chinese Communist authorities.
Another group in the crowd affixed Winnie the Pooh images to their hats.
Winnie the Pooh has been periodically banned in China after it became a popular online meme mocking PRC President Xi Jinping.
Descendants dreams turn out to be real
After a descendant of the legendary Seediq leader of the Wushe uprising against the Japanese, Mona Rudao, complained that his mother repeatedly dreamed that the ancestral spirits were complaining that his final resting place had become “cold and damp”, Nantou’s Renai Township finally took action and opened the grave.
It turns out the dreams were correct, there was a crack in the crypt.
They repaired the crack and cleaned out excess moisture from the tomb, but said that further repairs will be needed long term.
Taichung has a new slogan
The 2019 International Conference on Taichungology last week released the results of their "Summing Up Taichung in One Sentence – Citizens Slogan Contest".
The winning slogan had to beat out strong contenders such as "Fried Noodles for Breakfast and Braised Pork Rice for Midnight Snack" and "One Minute of Sentimentality Costs me 60 Seconds of Rationality".
The winning slogan was "Harmonious Taichung – A Livable City to Grow Old In"
English
Fans defy ban on HK support at game - Taipei Times
Drafty Sediq tomb disturbs slumber - Taipei Times
1A Slogan that Sums Up Taichung 2019-10-17
1792 Full Proof Bourbon Earns Jim Murray's 2020 World Whisky Award - The Whiskey Wash
Mountains, forests now open to public
2Double Enjoyment! Parent-Child Music Festival and Dance Carnival Kick-Off on November 2 2019-10-17
Oct 16, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Indonesian Police Accuse 6 of Human Trafficking
Indonesian National Police last week announced the arrest of two Indonesians and that they sought at least six Taiwanese nationals for human trafficking.
Allegedly 40 Indonesians were offered jobs and scholarships to Chienkuo Technology University in Changhua County starting in 2017.
According to the Indonesian police, two alleged victims reported the situation to them.
According to their account, they were forced to work from 1 to 9 pm from Monday to Saturday, and were only allowed to attend Chinese classes at the university on Sundays.
The promised Bachelor’s degrees at the university and some pay allegedly did not materialize, and they had to pay high “administration fees” of nearly US$2500.
Taiwanese representatives in Indonesia told the CNA that Taiwan’s Ministry of Education that they had investigated the issue in June, but couldn’t comment further citing ongoing investigations.
The MOE back in June had publicly stated that the ministry found that at least 19 Indonesian students in university had worked 48 to 54 hours per week, more than double the maximum 20 hours legally allowed for international students.
The university confirmed the 40 students had registered with them, but denied mistreating the students, and said 26 had returned to Indonesia because they “could not adapt to life in Taiwan”.
The university says it is cooperating with Changhua prosecutors in the case.
Dajia Matsu temple official suspect in fraud case
Deputy chairman Cheng Ming-kun (鄭銘坤) of the Dajia Jenn Lann Matzu temple--the very influential temple that is the driving force behind the largest annual Matzu pilgrimage in the world--was released along with four other suspects last Thursday on bail after being questioned.
They are suspected of fraud involving officials at the temple, Chunghua Telecom and three other contractors, including one run by Cheng and his daughter.
The temple in 2016 started conducting trials to offer the faithful the ability to light “luminous lamps” online for a fee, depending on what they were praying for.
Prosecutors claim that around NT$30 million was funnelled from the partially state-owned telecom to the contractors fraudulently.
According to Cheng, the trials didn’t work out in the end because their system and Chunghua Telecoms computer systems weren’t compatible.
Prosecutors allege the conspirators pocketed the money put in by the telecom.
“Lucky hat” temple stays in the news
The craze for the Puyan Shunze Temple “lucky” baseball caps continues, and is to be given a boost by the Norwegian triathlete who started it all off.
About a month and a half ago Gustav Iden won a competition in France wearing a hat from the temple.
He had found the cap--given away for free by the temple--on the ground in Tokyo, liked it, cleaned it up and made it his “lucky hat”.
This set off a craze for the hats locally.
After initially begging off coming to Changhua soon due to his preparations for the Tokyo Olympics, he has finally relented.
He has accepted the invitation of Changhua County Commissioner Wang Hui-mei to visit for three days.
He will attend the Changhua Marathon Festival and visit the temple.
The temple has continued to offer the hats for free, in spite of the lively online market for them, and handed out 1000 per day over the Double Ten day holiday.
Taichung Power Plant faces new woes
Last week the Taichung Power Plant was issued yet another ultimatum from the Taichung City Government.
City environmental tests once again found toxic boron water pollution at units 5 through 8 at levels 24 times higher than the legal limit.
Boron can cause birth defects in pregnant women and male reproductive toxicity.
The city demanded a plan to solve the problem by next week, or face an NT$20 million fine or the closure of units 5 through 8.
The city issued a record fine of NT$25.6 million earlier this year, also over water pollution.
The plants owner, state-run Taipower apologized, saying their water treatment capacity will increase following completion of a new wastewater treatment plant, which could begin operations in December.
In other news, at the request of New Power Party Legislator Hsu Yung-ming (徐永明) the Ministry of Economic Affairs is to launch an investigation of the Chinese company that had won the bid to supply the Taichung Power Plant with a face recognition security system.
This comes after the US banned the firm over human rights violations in China.
Taichung nightclub gets international attention
Taichung nightclub X-Cube was again in the news, but this time not for fights at the club.
The nightclub issued a promo poster showing the names of EDM masters Skrelax, Steve Aniki and Armin Van Buuren along with three look-alikes for their “Be Somebody” halloween party.
Apparently their “halloween costumes” of the three were good enough that some casually looking at the promo thought it was real, and presumably began Googling Taichung and trying to figure out how to get to the party.
The three local performers in costume will actually be performing their own music.
English
Taichung power plant could partially suspend operations over pollution
Taichung Power Plant generators at risk over pollution
Temple giving 4,000 free ‘lucky caps’
Changhua temple to give away 4,000 'lucky caps' over weekend
Dajia temple official out on bail
Staff prosecuted over firm’s emissions - Taipei Times
Police raids uncover gun factories, ‘Trump’ drugs - Taipei Times
Taichung’s first case of dengue this year confirmed
2Trick or Treat! Halloween “Goblins” will Make an Appearance at the Tunghai Art Festival 2019-09-25
Weightlifter’s temporary vision loss due to Valsalva phenomenon 健身練到眼前一片黑原來是「努責現象」
High school ‘super teacher’ goes extra mile for students in Taichung 「打菜媽」蔡芳玲榮獲師鐸獎 中港高中創校第一人
Major Filipino fraternity celebrates 51st anniversary in Taichung
REVIEW: Soaring singers and crisp choreography
Strong bond that came out of disaster - Times
Two firefighters dead in Taichung factory fire
Taichung pigeon racing club loses appeal in gambling case
Punish officials for cat’s death: group - Taipei Times
Two firefighters die in blaze at allegedly illegal factory
Investigation launched into Taichung factory fire that killed two
2 Dead after a fire broke out in paper factory in Taichung Taiwan
‘Lucky’ baseball cap triathlete to visit next month
Oct 2, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Violent cult compound raided
Police last Wednesday shared details with the press regarding two raids that led to five arrests and the freeing of 19 people held captive by the “Chinese Daily Good Deeds Association” (中華日行一善學會) religious cult in August.
Investigators became aware of the cult after the death of a 20-year-old Taichung woman in China’s Guangxi Province, allegedly after being tortured in a purification ritual.
The association was founded in 2009, and was led by a 61-year-old self proclaimed “living Buddha” and “holy mother”, and had over 100 members.
Their office in Taichung was raided, but it was at their isolated and prison-like Nantou compound that police discovered 19 people held in captivity.
Members of the cult were strongly discouraged from leaving the group, and suffered repeated beatings--including a 2-year-old found to be covered in bruises and an 80-year-old.
The 19 held in captivity said they believed that the leader, surnamed Lin, was trying to help them, and that the beatings were to release demons inside of them.
Lin, who had been overseeing expansion plans in China, returned to Taiwan after the death of the 20-year-old, but was arrested during the raids.
Lin will be charged with various assault-related charges as well as under the Organized Crime Prevention Act. udn 聯合新聞網 影／女聖師南投落網神態自若 專案小組形容「很沉」 專案小組透露，上月21日清晨8時許完成蒐證，前往南投縣國姓鄉搜索，先在南投縣國姓鄉的鬧區某處超商前，逮捕外出辦事的林姓女子（61歲），當時 ... 3 hours ago 公視新聞 (新聞發布) 台中警破獲暴力宗教集團藏身南投深山 台中檢警調查一起台灣女子在中國遭暴力毆打死亡案件，警方查出位於南投國姓等深山的暴力宗教團體。這個宗教團體平常都是集中住宿，以稱呼為「 ... 7 hours ago
Casino-style “theme restaurants” in the crosshairs
City councillors across party lines demanded the city crack down on baccarat and casino-style “theme restaurants”.
It is alleged that gambling is more than just a theme, but is actually taking place.
The mechanism is allegedly to have the customers buy casino chips with cash, and selling them back after playing the games.
One city councillor stated that a local police station had received a complaint from one person claiming to have lost NT$10 million.
The city says they have charged five establishments and are monitoring 12 others.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, to speed up the process and get around the delay of passing new regulations, has asked various departments to work together to find ways of shutting the establishments down under existing regulations. 台中市百家樂主題餐廳 盧秀燕：強力執法查緝 議員憂百家樂餐廳林立台中成賭城 盧秀燕：全力取締 自由時報電子報 台中淪賭博城市？百家樂餐廳驚見小朋友 議員爆市民 輸了1000萬 〔記者蔡淑媛／台中報導〕台中市議會臨時會今天針對百家樂主題餐廳現況及管理專案報告，市議員放上照片指台中市以主題餐廳為名卻擺上賭具、賭 ... 7 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 藍、綠都氣噗噗 台中百家樂主題餐廳雨後春筍很難 查？ 台中市最近出現10多家「百家樂餐廳」，今天市議會專案報告中，引發藍綠議員關切，這一類「百家樂」的主題餐廳，是以「賭博式」特色掛羊頭賣狗肉， ... 8 hours ago
Mayor Lu gets more specific on air pollution plans
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen over the last week continued to add new specifics and plans to combat air pollution.
Last week the mayor demanded that state-owned power company Taipower comply with an old city law demanding a 40% reduction in coal burning at the Taichung Power Plant from 2014 levels by January 26, 2020.
This week she upped the ante by demanding that when the two new planned gas-fired units go into operation--bringing the total units to 12--that four older coal-fired units should be removed.
The mayor also demanded that the remaining 17 coal-fired power units still in the city in various factories--already brought down from over 80 in the last few years--should all be gone before 2022.
Increased pollution inspections and higher fines were also announced. 來硬的！台中打擊空污不再「優先勸導」 盧秀燕宣示用2大策略「強力重罰」 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 盧秀燕：台中市要定位東京、紐約等級的國際城市 台中市長盧秀燕25日受邀出席世新大學城市行銷講座時強調，「意志堅強，空汙才能改善，市政才能進步！」學生提問台中市未來定位，她表示，定位 ... 1 hour ago 台中火力發電廠擬增2部機組 盧秀燕：沒汰舊換新絕不妥協 中火若再增機組 盧秀燕：將成台中罪人 【Yahoo論壇】台中市府戳破蔡政府的能源謊言 中火新增2燃氣機組 盧秀燕續砲打中央：對得起台中市民嗎？ 中火新建2燃氣機組！ 台中市府：堅守2原則 中火擬增2機組 盧秀燕：台中府會不能成為罪人
Revised MRT expansion plans finally submitted
Under pressure to get new plans in after not being included in the initial central government proposed budget for next year, Taichung and Changhua have submitted revised MRT Green Line expansion plans.
The originally planned MRT Green Line, running from the High Speed Rail Station up WenXin Rd into Beitun is slated to open to the public next year.
An expansion into Changhua City had already been previously approved.
The new plans add two further stations on each end.
On the Taichung side the MRT would be extended in Dakeng.
In Changhua City, the new extension envisions the line turning towards the east toward ZhangNan Rd. 台中捷運延伸 中市府：月底提報交通部爭取支持 藍委嗆道歉台中人 林佳龍臉書這樣回 台中捷運延至大坑 林佳龍要市府快提修正報告 經濟日報 (新聞發布) 台中捷運延伸 中市府：月底提報交通部爭取支持 對於台中捷運烏日文心北屯延伸線可行性研究計畫，台中市交通局今天表示，9月底前將再提報交通部審查，爭取中央支持，屆時也盼交通部長林佳龍 ... 8 hours ago 捷運將真的開到彰化報交通部版本出爐 捷運綠線延伸大坑彰化中市再提報爭取一次核定 臺中捷運做迵大坑.彰化中市府提報交通部 台中捷運延伸彰化、大坑中市府再送中央審查 經濟日報 (新聞發布) 台中捷運延伸彰化、大坑 中市府再送中央審查 台中捷運綠線明年底通車，台中市交通局表示，中捷綠線延伸彰化、大坑段，今天再次提報交通部審查。交通局長葉昭甫說，市府爭取中央一次核定， ... 8 hours ago
No smoking near schools in Taichung
Non-smoking rules around schools were expanded to all 50 of Taichung’s schools of all levels.
The regulations ban smoking on sidewalks near the schools, and at school gates.
Fines range from NT$2000 to NT$10,000. 即日起 台中市各級學校周邊都是禁菸區 Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 即日起 台中市各級學校周邊都是禁菸區 有抽菸習慣的家長注意了！今天起要到學校接送孩子時，不能在學校周邊人行道及校門口吸菸，違者將可處新台幣2千元至1萬元罰鍰！台中市衛生局 ... 3 hours ago
Retiring star baseball player given emotional farewell
All-star Chinatrust Brothers baseball player Peng Cheng-min--also known as Chia-chia--was given an emotional retirement ceremony Sunday evening at the Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium.
The sold-out evening set a stadium attendance record of 20,223, with many sad fans unable to attend.
The stadium was a sea of yellow Brothers jerseys, with many--possibly most--wearing replicas of his #23 jersey, which sold out.
Many were crying as tribute after tribute was paid to the legendary player during a special post-game ceremony.
Peng will end his career at the end of this season after 19 seasons as one of the highest performing players in the league and in international competitions.
彭政閔引退 球團送馬賽克拼貼畫他做的 彭政閔引退！恰爸哽咽：我以後沒球看了 中職／彭政閔退休 登上WBSC頭條 彭政閔引退 球迷搶限量扭蛋起爭執 彭政閔引退倒數！洪瑞河：台灣職棒因你更有看頭 中職／引退儀式不捨 彭政閔淚流滿面 彭政閔引退賽滿場 兄弟封王再等等 中華職棒／20223人進場挺恰 彭政閔退役戰票房破記錄
English
Police raid frees 19 from dangerous religious cult
Taichung debates casino-style ‘restaurants’
EDITORIAL: Bringing cults into focus - Taipei Times
Taichung wants green light on MRT Green Line extension project
1Da-an Sea vs. Da-an Wind – This is How Kitesurfing is Done 2019-09-23
‘Mr. CPBL’ Cheng-Min Peng announces retirement after 19 All-Star seasons
Sep 25, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Mayor Lu ramps up pressure on air polluters
As Taiwan moves into the cooler temperatures of the fall and winter seasons, we are also moving into the peak season for air pollution.
Though air quality has been improving slowly for years, public awareness and dissatisfaction have increased--leading many to think the situation is growing worse.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen campaigned heavily on the issue, and has repeatedly set her administration’s goal to improve air quality enough that people feel the difference.
Complicating her efforts, and the efforts of other administrations throughout central Taiwan for years, is that the biggest stationary sources of pollution are state-owned enterprises, or otherwise supported by the national government in Taipei.
The biggest by far is state-owned Taipower’s Taichung Power Plant.
The mayor has announced that she plans to enforce a law passed years ago requiring the Taichung Power Plant’s coal usage to be cut by 40% from 2014 levels by January 26, 2020.
If the target is not reached, the city will refuse to extend their operation permits.
In theory this is a serious threat, but repeatedly in past the national government has overruled similar attempts--including in Taichung, Changhua and Yunlin.
At a hearing at the city government, Taipower stated they were duty bound to work with the city to reduce emissions--but also reiterated they also had a duty to keep power output stable, and that large, rash cuts were unfeasible.
In related news, the city announced that starting in October, the city will be increasing fines for air pollution violations by double or triple.
That includes everything from major factories to individual vehicles.
The city was able to announce some good news on a long standing problem: a big reduction in highly polluting 2-stroke motorcycles on the roads.
Using subsidies and other inducements, in just the first eight months of this year over 15,000 2-strokes were retired, or a 16.4% reduction. udn 聯合新聞網 台中市汰換二行程機車已1萬多輛 六都第一 台中市政府環保局響應行政院環保署「宣導報廢獎勵金」方案，更加碼推出報廢車數排名賽及抽獎活動，總獎勵金高達20萬元，鼓勵車行業者勤加宣 ... 9 hours ago 台中減煤聽證會登場 台電重申躁進減煤不可行 強力整治空污 台中市府：中火明年1月26日前減煤4成，將藉展延審查規範 風傳媒 強力整治空污 台中市府：中火明年1月26日前減煤4 成，將藉展延審查規範 為整治空污問題，台中市環保局今（20）日聲明指出，新市府上任後採嚴格標準，將藉由今年底中火機組許可證審查時機，要求中火生煤實際「使用量」 ... 18 hours ago 台電光與綠音樂會台中開唱 節電跨界結合流行音樂 台中市府打擊空汙 空汙季直接開罰最高3倍 udn 聯合新聞網 台中進入空污季環保局大作戰| 聯合新聞網 台中市即將進入「空污」季，台中市環保局長吳志超24日在市政會議表示，下個月開始，包括中龍、豐興鋼鐵等大型工廠固定污染源、汽機車移動 ... 1 hour ago udn 聯合新聞網 空汙季來襲！台中攔檢烏賊機車 不合格就開罰 每年10月到隔年4月中南部進入空汙季，台中市環保局祭出管制措施，將全面攔查烏賊機車，攔檢不合格者過去可限期改善，空汙季期間將直接開罰， ... 7 hours ago
Transportation changes on the horizon
Taichung City residents might well have taken notice of a towering bridge rising over the 74 Expressway near the ZhongQing intersection.
The project is part of a major roadway connecting the Central Taiwan Science Park and the under-construction Shuinan Economic and Trade Park near Fengchia.
The “Taichung Takes Flight” bridge will be 552 meters long when completed, all at a cost of nearly NT$1 billion.
They are projecting the project will be complete by the end of the year.
Bus riders may be happy to hear that starting October 1 the city will be issuing automatic fines on bus companies for late buses.
However, prospective MRT riders may be disappointed that the central government decided not to include a proposed Green Line MRT extension into Dakeng in the coming year’s budget, though the project is still being studied. 中科、水湳銜接道路年底完工 豎琴式斜張橋要帶「台中起飛」 台中公車好難搭？交通局：10/1起誤點、脫班自動開罰 民進黨政府不讓捷運延伸至大坑納入前瞻建設 沈智慧：林佳龍欠台中人一個道歉 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 台中立委第八選區 江啟臣拚三連霸 翁美春來勢洶洶 民進黨提名前台中市議員翁美春參選，她擔任過台中縣議員，台中市升格後擔任兩屆市議員，2018年競選連任，因民進黨採多提名策略而意外落馬， ... 3 hours ago 彰化發表自駕車科技推自駕車實路運行 研製100%MIT！ 全台首部無人小巴彰化亮相
Nantou smoking ban starting to bite
Nantou County health officials have announced they have caught and fined their first five smoking ban offenders.
The new smoking ban came into effect on September 1, banning smoking near hospitals and outside of convenience stores in covered walkway arcade-style buildings.
First time offenders are given a stiff NT$2000 fine, with each subsequent offence adding another NT$1000 to the fine, reaching a maximum of NT$10,000. udn 聯合新聞網 便利超商禁菸開罰了 南投衛生局半月取締共5例 南投衛生局與全家便利商店合作，推動醫院外便利商店騎樓下畫設禁菸區，執行兩周來達到成效，不但吸菸人數大幅減少，更一舉對5名癮君子，因在 ... 6 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 便利超商禁菸開罰了 南投衛生局半月取締共5例 南投衛生局與全家便利商店合作，推動醫院外便利商店騎樓下畫設禁菸區，執行兩周來達到成效，不但吸菸人數大幅減少，更一舉對5名癮君子，因在 ... 1 day ago 自由時報電子報 南投首家超商騎樓禁菸 開罰5人 〔記者謝介裕／南投報導〕南投縣草屯鎮緊鄰佑民醫院的全家便利商店，衛生局公告本月起成為全縣第一處騎樓全面禁菸的公共場所後，迄今查獲五人 ... 13 hours ago Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 南投第1處騎樓禁菸 癮君子注意 南投：南投縣出現全縣第1處騎樓全面禁菸的公共場所－草屯佑民醫院前的全家便利超商，經縣衛生局公告，本月份起含騎樓全面禁菸；迄今已查獲5 ... 13 hours ago
Changhua tackles coastal garbage crisis
Changhua’s coastline is notorious for the amount of trash washing up on its shores--but the county is active in battling the scourge.
This Sunday over 6300 people of all ages from over 300 public and private organizations came out en masse to collect garbage all along the coastline.
According to the county government, they have held at total of 102 events--most much smaller than this one--that have collected 111 tons of garbage so far this year.
Sunday’s event collected over 40 tons alone.
However, in the age of swine flu fears, the discovery of a dead pig caused considerable alarm.
The pig was quarantined and sent for examination to determine the cause of death. udn 聯合新聞網 台中海陸域清垃圾 清出714公斤垃圾、2千根菸蒂 此外，市府也與多家連鎖便利商店、咖啡店共同簽署「台中市不留餘蒂環保行動宣言」，承諾加強騎樓店面、周邊環境菸蒂清理作業。今早在台中市各地 ... 2 hours ago 不是「海豬」！ 彰化淨灘驚見病死豬屍體 彰化歷年最大規模6千人淨灘最遠的最髒的海岸線乾淨了 彰化縣發起6千人淨灘大城出海口疑現漂流病死豬 彰化發起六千个人摒海埔煞發現死豬仔 彰化聯合淨灘驚見疑似病死豬屍 彰化全海岸減塑聯合淨灘6000人攜手護海洋 彰化縣首次全海岸減塑聯合淨灘公私協力守護海洋 彰化6千人淨灘驚見豬屍急通報 彰化6千人淨灘清出39噸垃圾 海岸垃圾垃從何來？ 2019彰化全海岸聯合淨灘
Longest suspension bridge in Taiwan nearly complete
Nantou County Commissioner Lin Ming-chen showed off a nearly completed suspension bridge offering spectacular views of the Shuanglong waterfall in Xinyi Township.
The new suspension bridge is being built parallel to an existing one, but is intended to be safer, more tourist friendly and to capture the title of the nation’s longest.
Curiously, the walkway of the bridge is painted in rainbow colours, changing colour roughly every 50 meters along the 342 meter long bridge.
No reports explained the reason for the design.
It doesn’t appear to be in reference to marriage equality or the LGBTQ flag.
It also would seem an odd choice in an area with a large indigenous population.
Some indigenous traditions refer to a rainbow bridge to the afterlife after death. Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 差一色! 南投雙龍七彩吊橋拚年底完工 南投縣信義鄉秘境雙龍瀑布新建的雙龍七彩吊橋，以長度342公尺、最深110公尺，號稱全台最長最深的吊橋，呈現彩虹曲線，橋面也呼應成七彩顏色， ... 4 hours ago 自由時報電子報 全台最長、最深！南投雙龍七彩吊橋 拚元旦假期開放 〔記者陳鳳麗／南投報導〕南投縣信義鄉秘境雙龍瀑布新建的雙龍七彩吊橋， ... 南投縣府投資5500萬元興建的信義鄉雙龍七彩吊橋，目前橋面剩最後一 ... 1 day ago ETtoday 南投雙龍、瑞龍2新舊景區展「心」貌 實現人本友善觀光 目前正在興建，位於南投信義鄉秘境雙龍瀑布的雙龍七彩吊橋，全長342公尺、深110公尺均為全台之最，其施工進度已達9成，近日橋面已近完成。 1 day ago
English
Jiji train sets off with leopard cat design
Jiji Township launches new train with leopard cat design
October 2019 roving dog and cat rabies vaccination and pet microchipping activity
Sep 18, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
“Iron man” Han visits 21 temples in one day
On Saturday, KMT presidential candidate and Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu embarked on a whirlwind tour of Taichung temples.
Over the course of the day he visited 21 temples, spending an average of 20 minutes at each.
He successfully visited all of them, though he was running an hour late making it to his last stop: the politically powerful Dajia Matsu Jenn Lann temple.
His fans were delighted, mobbing his entourage.
Others, however, were upset at disruptions, sharing video footage of police stopping traffic to allow his entourage to run red lights.
Taichung Mayor Lu joined him during two temple stops, offering a symbolic sign of support.
She hasn’t yet, however, agreed to take the largely honorary post of head of Han’s Taichung campaign.
Mayor Han caused some controversy over the recent Commonwealth poll showing his administration at dead last in popularity nationally, with Taichung Mayor Lu’s administration in second last.
He wrote the results off as “results from 2018”, saying the blame should be placed on the previous administrations.
Former Mayor and current Transport Minister Lin Chia-lung fired back on Facebook with a post entitled “why are you lying”.
In related news, Taipei Mayor and Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Ko Wen-je also visited a few temples in Taichung and Nantou over the weekend. 為盧民調吊車尾抱屈 藍青年團長：明朝劍斬清朝的官 udn 聯合新聞網 影／退讚效應不減人氣 柯文哲南投參香受支持者歡迎 受到網路上退讚運動的影響，台北市長柯文哲粉絲專頁人數短時間內減少了十多萬人，但今天在南投的行程依然人氣不減。柯文哲下午來到了南投名 ... 52 mins ago udn 聯合新聞網 獨／柯文哲明到南投拜廟 縣長林明溱曾兩度讓柯碰釘 子 台北市長柯文哲明天到南投縣參訪，走訪竹山鎮紫南宮、名間鄉受天宮，南投縣長林明溱並沒派人接待。據了解，柯文哲早在今年3月就想到南投參訪， ... 19 hours ago 決戰中台灣 韓國瑜、盧秀燕合體 決戰中台灣 韓起手式大豐收 - Yahoo奇摩新聞 韓國瑜鎮瀾宮大遲到1小時 顏清標：要怪就怪我標仔 - Yahoo奇摩新聞 台中參拜行程遲到19場 韓國瑜挨轟：拜廟當跑攤不尊敬 柯文哲台中拜廟！廟方竟喊：人民有錢 「跑到哪間廟都不曉得」 柯赴台中再諷韓 韓國瑜施政民調墊底死咬「2018數據」 林佳龍怒嗆：你們為什麼撒謊？ 台中參拜與韓拚人氣？柯文哲：他行程排得不好 緊跟韓國瑜台中參拜 柯文哲：沒特別跟誰 「跑到哪間廟都不曉得」 柯赴台中再諷韓 《天下》已聲明民調無關前任 韓國瑜再嗆：「禿燕」滿意度墊底應找陳菊、林佳龍抗議 韓國瑜與盧秀燕合體 洪慈庸：「墊底市長」不要再污辱台中 民調倒數找前任? 林佳龍質疑韓盧：為甚麼撒謊！ 韓國瑜稱滿意度民調墊底找前朝 林佳龍轟：公然撒謊，如何擔當總統大任？ 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 韓國瑜台中市拜廟 車隊被熱情韓粉擁簇包圍 國民黨總統參選人韓國瑜14日在中市狂掃21間宮廟行程，首站在南屯區萬和宮，緊接著到緊鄰的文昌廟祭拜，上午近8時起陸續湧進上千民眾。 1 day ago
Central govt to pour NT$25 billion into airport
Transport minister and ex-Taichung Mayor Lin Chia-lung announced on Sunday that the central government plans to spend NT$25 billion on the Taichung airport by 2035.
He said the funding would go to cover runway and terminal upgrades and to boost transport links to and from the airport.
He also lamented that the Taichung City govt had “cancelled” an urban planning and development plan in the area surrounding the airport.
The information and urban planning departments of Taichung City fired back at Lin’s use of “cancelled”, noting that plans were on hold and were currently being revised and reviewed. udn 聯合新聞網 盧秀燕暫緩清泉崗機場門戶計畫 林佳龍：非常可惜 台中市長盧秀燕今年三月提出暫緩清泉崗機場門戶計畫，引發討論。交通部長林佳龍今天在臉書發文表示「非常可惜」，桃園機場已經飽和，需要台中、 ... 1 hour ago 清泉崗門戶計畫 交通部籲台中市府加速補件 清泉崗門戶計畫 林佳龍盼中市府加速補件 林佳龍FB轟盧秀燕停機場計畫 市府打臉 部長發臉書談台中機場 中市府回應：依預定進度續推門戶計畫 提升台中機場功能 林佳龍：2035年前投入250億
Russian graphic artist arrives
Russian illustrator Katya Molodtsova has arrived in Taiwan.
She rose to public attention in Taiwan when it was discovered that a local illustrator contracted to come up with the design for a themed train running between Changhua and Nantou’s Jiji was using copied images owned by Molodtsova of leopards, not the native leopard cats specified in the contract.
Learning of the uproar, and learning of the plight of the endangered cats, Molodtsova generously offered to come up with new designs of leopard cats--and to offer them to Taiwan for free.
The minister in charge of the department--Transport Minister Lin Chia-lung--was touched by the offer and invited her to visit Taiwan.
She will visit tourist spots including Sun Moon Lake, Rainbow Village and will attend the launch ceremony for the themed train.
Taiwanese have flooded her social media with thanks for her graciousness and to welcome her to Taiwan. 俄羅斯石虎插畫家來了！林佳龍力邀拚台灣觀光
Temple hats explode in popularity
The baseball cap made famous just a couple of weeks ago by being worn by a Norwegian triathlete winning a competition in France has become the “it” fashion statement.
The baseball cap belongs to Gustav Iden, who found a Puyan Shunze Temple hat on the ground in Tokyo, dusted it off and it has been his lucky hat every since.
The temple, located in Changhua County, has seen long lines and as of Sunday had received over 40,000 orders.
The temple has come out and stressed that they have already had an extra 1000 made, and to prove they are real have their logo included.
They stressed that their hats are given away free, objecting to people reselling them online for profit and at fake versions proliferating on the internet.
Changhua County Commissioner Wang Hui-mei personally invited Iden to visit Changhua, but he noted he couldn’t prior to the Tokyo Olympics. 埔鹽順澤宮帽爆紅王惠美邀挪威選手到彰化參加馬拉松
Hero dog headed to France
Tie-hsiung, or “Iron Hero”, the Taichung rescue golden retriever that became famous last year for helping to save lives after Hualien’s deadly earthquake, is headed to France for the World Championship for Rescue Dogs.
Tie-hsiung passed the qualifying round, scoring 280 out of 300 in a simulated search and rescue operation that required him to find people buried under rubble. udn 聯合新聞網 中市搜救犬鐵雄出征法國角逐世界盃冠軍| 聯合新聞網 台中市消防局搜救犬「鐵雄」等將代表台灣出征「2019法國搜救犬世界盃」，消防局長曾進財今天親自授旗，希望「鐵雄」與其他搜救犬隊都能旗開得勝， ... 33 mins ago
English
Demand for Changhua temple 'lucky cap' reaches 20,000
Hualien earthquake hero dog off to world rescue championship
Taiwan in Time: Housing the survivors of the deadly 921 Earthquake - Taipei Times
Long lines for lucky caps as triathlete’s fame grows
Setting sun alignment photo-ops forecast for Taichung
Taichung airport work gets NT$25bn
SGRE breaks ground at Taichung port
Triathlete mulls visit after cap photo makes him famous in Taiwan
1Mayor Lu Sets A New Milestone in City Diplomacy! Taichung City and Utrecht Signs MOU 2019-09-09
2Revitalizing Public Markets – Mayor Lu Visits the Most Fashionable Markthal in Rotterdam 2019-09-09
Sep 11, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
DPP eyes Central Taiwan in upcoming election
With the upcoming legislative and presidential election coming up in January, the DPP is clearly eyeing Central Taiwan as once again playing a key battleground role.
In 2016 the DPP flooded across Zhuoshui River and won big in traditionally KMT dominated Taichung and Changhua.
However, in the local elections in 2018 the tide turned, returning the administrations of Taichung and Changhua to the KMT.
President Tsai’s national campaign headquarters, while scheduled to formally launch in late September, is here in Taichung and already partially in operation.
The president’s itinerary has included Taichung three times and Nantou once in just over one week.
At a rally in Taichung, the big DPP factions were all represented--along with independent lawmaker Hung Tzu-yung and Taiwan Statebuilding Party legislative candidate Chen Bo-wei.
Meanwhile, KMT presidential nominee, Kaohsiung Mayor Daniel Han Kuo-yu will be visiting this Saturday.
His whirlwind itinerary will see him visit 18 temples across Taichung in one day, finishing in the evening at the politically influential Dajia Jenn Lann Matzu temple.
Polling on local administrations out
Commonwealth Magazine has released their annual poll on public satisfaction with local administrations across the 22 cities and counties in Taiwan.
This poll has some overlap, but is not the same, as the poll conducted earlier in the year on public satisfaction with the mayors and commissioners themselves.
The news for Taichung’s Lu administration is mixed compared to her polling.
Her administration--the same result as the polling on her--put her second to last in all 22 administrations.
However, the Lu administration is ranked fifth of the big six--ahead of the Han administration in Kaohsiung--up one rank from her own polling earlier this spring.
The news for the Wang administration in Changhua was somewhat positive.
Commissioner Wang had been ranked dead last, but this latest poll on her administration 19th out of 22, pulling ahead of the bottom three, Taipei, Taichung and with Kaohsiung pulling up the rear.
Nantou County Commissioner Lin Ming-chen had better hope that the people polled were differentiating between him and his administration:
He was earlier ranked fourth, but his administration came in on this poll in 12th. Microsoft PowerPoint - 2019ã•−天三㕉幸禑å”帇大調æ¥ï¼ıå®„æŁ´æ„⁄樎三輛.pptx - article-pdf-5d7707b666a14.pdf 潘孟安奪冠、侯友宜破紀錄！2019天下縣市調查：民心轉向，網紅退潮｜政治社會｜政治｜2019-09-10｜天下雜誌第681期 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 綠黨團批盧民調倒數第二 中市府反擊 2019天下雜誌幸福城市大調查出爐，台中市長盧秀燕施政滿意度，在六都中排名倒數第2，和去年相同；台中市議會民進黨團總召李天生10日批評說， ... 1 hour ago
Mayor Lu in Europe
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen will be coming back today from a trip to the UK and Holland.
In the UK she looked into the riverside tourism efforts implemented along the River Thames in London.
She also met with officials on the UK’s new Clean Air Strategy and on industrial and energy industry policies.
In Holland she looked into land use policy, and signed an MOU with the mayor of Utrecht to deepen international exchanges.
The Utrecht mayor also presented Lu with a cute doll of Miffy the Rabbit. 燕赴英取經 發展河岸觀光 盧市長拜會英國商務、能源和產業戰略部 盧市長參訪泰晤士河畔節 借鏡發展代表台中的河畔藝文觀光盛會 盧秀燕參訪泰晤士河畔節 借鏡台中河畔藝文觀光盛會 盧秀燕參訪泰晤士河畔節 汲取經驗發展台中河畔藝文 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 盧秀燕寫下城市外交新頁！台中市與荷蘭烏特勒支市 簽署MOU 台中市長盧秀燕率領市府參訪團一行，於6日前往卡通人偶「米菲兔」的故鄉的荷蘭烏特勒支(Utrecht)市，與市長范贊能（Mayor Jan van Zanen）會面， ... 9 hours ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 推動台中地方創生 盧秀燕訪荷蘭自由之地住宅區觀摩 盧秀燕表示，荷蘭創新精神值得台中學習，也可作為台中市推動地方創生 ... 市府指出，行政院將今年定為「台灣地方創生元年」，推動地方創生，協助 ... 38 mins ago
Banned Chinese security cameras found in schools
After alerting the public to the presence of banned Chinese surveillance cameras in underpasses, the same DPP city councillor is spreading the alarm to schools.
According to him, Taichung public schools are using security cameras made by China’s Hangzhou Hikvision.
The city’s Education Bureau said that an estimated 1,599 Hikivision cameras were still in use at 34 public schools.
A spokesperson said “While it is not easy to remove so many cameras, we cannot keep using products that could harm cybersecurity.”
They stressed they would replace the cameras at an estimated replacement cost of NT$13 million.
Taichung police and the city’s transportation and construction bureaus say they have already replaced all cameras with local products. udn 聯合新聞網 台中34校用陸製監視器1599支 議員：盡速汰換一個不 留 海康威視監視器案揭露，台中市議員黃守達要求台中市政府全面盤點，發現台中市34所學校還留有共1599支海康威視監視器。黃守達指出，大陸的 ... 8 hours ago
Big bird and big pet parks
An entrepreneur in Nantou’s Caotun has announced plans to build Asia’s largest bird park.
He is working with a team from Singapore’s bird park, and it is expected to cover 20 hectares.
The target is to have 6000 birds of 200 species.
The park would also have a coffee museum, an egg museum and more.
Currently he claims to have 60 to 70 species of birds and also “cute animals”, such as mini monkeys, mini horses, mini cows and more.
Saying this is a dream since childhood, he hopes the soft opening will be in November of 2020.
Meanwhile in Taichung, the long-closed Tungshan Paradise amusement park’s new owners now claim to have had their re-opening delayed by lawsuits, but stress that the park will begin formal operations by year-end.
It is being billed as Asia’s largest pet amusement park.
During the period it was closed as an amusement park, it served as the home of the live music venue The Refuge and the annual LUVstock music festival. 草屯企業家打造亞洲最大鳥園 自由時報電子報 《台中》停業11年 東山樂園將變寵物樂園 〔記者唐在馨／台中報導〕曾以中國式造景及驚險滑水道吸引遊客的台中大 ... 業者表示，三大樂園陸續結束營業後，原本台中市不再有遊樂園，後因麗 ... 11 hours ago
Temple hat craze
People are rushing to buy baseball hats from Changhua County’s Buddhist Puyan Shunze Temple after a Norwegian won the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in France wearing one.
Apparently the athlete found the cap on the ground in Tokyo, cleaned it up and now wears it as his “lucky hat”. 挪威選手三鐵奪冠！帽子成亮點網讚：彰化之光
English
Changhua teen survives dozens of stings from hornets
Russian leopard cat artist to visit Taiwan
Taichung schools still using banned cameras: councilor
12019 Bike Taiwan Kicks Off – Traveling in Taichung on Bicycles 2019-08-29
Monkey climbs power lines in feat of high wire derring-do 台灣獼猴怕過馬路被車撞 走電纜功夫了
SDMS, Orsted say wind farm project on track
Winner’s cap also a winner for Puyan Township temple
Sep 4, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Mixed Messages on Micron Investment
The world’s third largest DRAM manufacturer Micron last week received approval for a new NT$66 billion investment in Taichung.
The plant, dubbed A3, is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2020.
It will be located near other Micron operations in the Houli area of the Central Taiwan Science Park.
It won’t, however, be a wafer factory, but rather will be expanding the company's clean room capacity and upgrading its technologies according to the company.
While a NT$66 billion investment is a major investment, it pales compared to a report in the Chinese-language Economic Daily News that said the firm planned to invest NT$400 billion in the A3 plant, and also a new A5 wafer plant.
The Taipei Times received a confirmation from an official at the Central Taiwan Science Park that the company has submitted its A5 capacity expansion project at a plot of land bought in 2017.
A spokesperson for the firm, however, poured cold water on the reports, saying the company has not reached a final decision about the A5 fab. 美光產能布局 重質不重量
Lu administration releases proposed budget for 2020
The Taichung City Government is proposing to spend NT$141.5 billion next year.
That is NT$16.8 billion more than this year’s budget.
Increases are primarily three areas including social welfare--including childcare and eldery subsidies and social housing construction.
Public transportation is also seeing growth, with new iBike stations set to resume growth next year, increasing “double-ten” bus subsidies and the extension of the MRT Green Line into Changhua.
The third big growth area is construction, including a so-called “big egg” domed stadium and a long-awaited international conference centre in the Shuinan development zone.
The administration touted that the projected NT$12.1 billion deficit was NT$3.6 billion less than last year’s.
The DPP saw it differently, with one city councillor noting the total deficit is still rising and has reached NT$37,000 per Taichung resident.台中109年總預算歲出1400億 盧秀燕：大建設年 號稱舉債變少 議員批台中市民每人負債3.7萬 自由時報電子報 台中市府誇招商全國第一 議員批攬功 〔記者蔡淑媛／台中報導〕台中市今年前七月促參投資金額近八十四億，市府昨公布招商績效居全國各縣市第一，民進黨市議員江肇國則指其中北屯區 ... 19 hours ago 自由時報電子報 盧秀燕宣稱「市府舉債變少了」 議員打臉：市民人均負 債3.7萬 〔記者黃鐘山／台中報導〕台中市政府明年度預算規模達1414億元，市長盧秀燕說「市府舉債變少了」；市議員林祈烽今批評，截至今年7月底，台中市民 ... 55 mins ago
Parking challenges
While subjectively Taichung residents have their own opinions on where is the hardest to park, the city’s transportation bureau decided to study the issue.
The worst area in the city according to the bureau is downtown around the Second Market, with available parking around half the demand.
On average it takes about 10 minutes, driving around 3 or 4 times, to find a parking space within 400 metres--or a five minute walk--from Second Market.
The second worse location is also in the old downtown: Around the Taichung Train Station, especially the rear exit.
The Transportation Bureau in the last couple of years has been aggressively trying to get subsidies from the central government for new parking.
Four new cases have just been approved, bringing the number of ongoing cases in the works up to 16, or 6000 new parking spaces. 花半小時泊車!台中第二市場最難停車 udn 聯合新聞網 中央補助5.75億 台中4區建停車場 台中市每年人口及車輛均有成長，不少地區車位難求，台中市交通局表示，中區、東區、沙鹿與大里將新建停車場，共1300個車位，預定111年陸續 ... 13 hours ago
Traffic camera challenges
Taichung police have released the figures through the end of August on the effectiveness of their speed traps.
The top trap is on ZhongQing Section 7 by the Freeway 3 Shalu District exit.
It’s responsible for issuing an average of nearly 50 tickets a day, or nearly 12,000 so far this year.
It alone has pulled in NT$14.3 million in fines, or nearly NT$60,000 per day.
In second place is Taiwan Boulevard Section 4 by Tunghai University with an average of about 45 tickets issued a day.
So far it has issued 10,700 tickets this year and brings in about NT$53,000 a day on average.
The worst performing speed trap, however, is on Taiyuan Road Section 3 in the Beitun District.
It produced an average of only 3 tickets per month. 台中最賺測速桿! 今年開出千萬罰款 自由時報電子報 今年猛賺1428萬元 台中市這支測速照相桿最賺錢... 〔記者張瑞楨／台中報導〕您被拍過嗎？台中市績效最高的測速照相桿是哪一支？中市警局交通大隊統計，位於國道三號沙鹿交流道，連接沙鹿區的中 ... 7 hours ago
Art returned from the US
Taichung, and Taiwan, got some great news in August as 652 Taiwanese artworks were donated to the Ministry of Culture by the Sun Ten Museum in Irvine, California.
The artworks include important works going as far back as the Japanese colonial era.
The paintings include works by many of Taiwan’s most pre-eminent 20th century artists.
They include the legendary Chen Cheng-po (陳澄波), who was killed for his role in the uprising against the KMT after the 228 incident.
The paintings were the collection of Sun Ten Pharmaceuticals founder Hsu Hung-yuan (許鴻源), an American and Taiwanese emigre.
According to his son Charles Hsu, his father said: "These paintings are not my own, they are the property of the Taiwanese people. One day, I want the entire collection to be returned home, to be returned to Taiwan,"
They are now at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts in Taichung, where they were officially received last week.
The paintings are being catalogued, and will go on display in March next year. 自由時報電子報 《台中》美國順天美術館捐贈 652件台灣國寶回家 不過，去年十一月文化部曾與前台中市長林佳龍簽署合作意向書，規劃台中市將台中州廳修復後設置「國美館台中州廳園區」，當時曾宣布順天美術館 ... 13 hours ago
Leopard cat design screwup ends nicely
Initially the Tourism Bureau was in hot water over a painted tourist train to Jiji in Nantou when the designer used a purchased image of a leopard, not an indigenous leopard cat.
The department demanded that the designer come up with three new original leopard cat designs.
However, the Russian illustrator that the designer had purchased the images from heard of the situation, and the leopard cat’s endangered status, and generously offered to create designs for free for Taiwan to use.
Minister of Transportation Lin Chia-lung then invited the Russian illustrator to Taiwan to witness the launch ceremony on September 21. 拒俄羅斯石虎插畫 林佳龍：觀光局欠考慮 深夜發文讓觀光局回心轉意！林佳龍親邀俄羅斯「石虎」畫家來台 林佳龍要求「收回這句話」 觀光局：台俄設計師繪石虎將同現集集彩繪列車 林佳龍能終止石虎爭議？ 內行人揭關鍵：政府標案問題大 危機變轉機！林佳龍靈機一動 石虎列車爭議圓滿落幕 俄石虎插畫家確定9月訪台 林佳龍喜：教我俄文
English
EPA warns over new illegal waste dumping method - Taipei Times
12019 Bike Taiwan Kicks Off – Traveling in Taichung on Bicycles 2019-08-29
Aug 28, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Another week of natural disasters
Tropical Storm Bailu piled on to the damage of weeks of heavy rains and seismic activity.
But even before the tropical storm arrived, a large chunk of hillside collapsed in Huatan, Changhua, taking a chunk of a factory with it.
In the mountains in Taichung’s Heping District a landslide went right through a tourist site, causing some damage to--but not entirely carrying away--some guesthouses hosting tourists.
Another landslide hit an animal shelter in Taichung’s Dakeng, killing one dog instantly and washing many away that remain unaccounted for.
Also in Dakeng two very popular hiking trails, numbers 1 and 3, took so much damage they will be closed at least until December and next June respectively.
In Nantou minor landslides, and many falling trees, closed roads for awhile, and power was out for thousands of households for hours.
In Renai Township in Nantou, one of the hardest hit areas in the last few weeks, the local head of the construction department collapsed and died Monday morning.
It is suspected extreme overwork contributed to his death.
豪雨加地震 皮革廠如站懸崖邊 中部連日豪雨！苗栗、台中、彰化接連傳災情 中部連日豪雨！苗栗、台中、彰化接連傳災情 自由時報電子報 台中連日豪雨 大雪山邊坡大坍方 〔記者張軒哲／台中報導〕台中市連日陰雨，山區屢傳災情，和平區大雪山若茵農場下方山坡一週前出現坍方，有網友將空拍畫面上傳，東勢林管處 ... 43 mins ago 接連雨彈！台中和平「大崩山」畫面曝 自由時報電子報 台中市大雪山民宿邊坡坍方 岌岌可危 台中市連日陰雨，山區屢傳災情，和平區大雪山一處景觀民宿下方山坡一週前出現大面積坍方，民眾林忠瑋拍攝空拍畫面，景象駭人。東勢林管處 ... 4 hours ago 自由時報電子報 獨家》白鹿颱風來襲 台中這條登山步道竟然人超多 〔記者許國楨／台中報導〕白鹿颱風襲台，沒想到台中市大坑登山步道中難度最高的4號步道，今天竟然出現爆滿情形，有山友打趣說，可能是台中市 ... 19 hours ago 自由時報電子報 台中市大里運動公園停車場漏水還漲價 民怒批搶錢 〔記者黃鐘山／台中報導〕大里運動公園地下停車場年久失修，導致路面破損、天花板漏水，大雨甚至出現室內水柱，駕駛人向市議員林德宇投訴，市府 ... 4 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 台中外埔國中滯洪池喬不攏！ 百人抗議批「罔顧民意」 台中市外埔國中老舊校舍拆除重建工程為符合水保法規，在校地上規畫設計兩處滯洪池，其中一處滯洪池規畫設在土地公廟前，引發地方里民不滿， ... 15 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 抽水機來卻沒用？台中風雨不大居民救生衣備用 白鹿颱風來襲，台中市今天風雨不大，低窪、易淹水區居民、市府等單位都準備防颱、防淹水。台中市烏日樹王埤宜城橋上游居民、市政顧問蘇秀姃夫 ... 17 hours ago 自由時報電子報 台中市大里區萬靈祠逢大雨淹 居民盼改善 〔記者陳建志、許國楨／台中報導〕大里區樹王里萬靈祠因附近排水不良，每 ... 另外，昨天白鹿颱風襲台，台中市大坑登山步道中難度最高的四號步道， ... 4 hours ago 自由時報電子報 白鹿颱風擦邊 南投傳零星災情 〔記者佟振國、劉濱銓／南投報導〕白鹿颱風來襲，南投縣雖在颱風暴風圈邊緣，但在迎風面的仁愛、埔里、魚池等地也颳起七至十級強陣風，造成多處 ... 4 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 影／白鹿中午變臉 南投山區大雨狂風樹倒路斷 白鹿颱風上演變臉秀，南投今天上午沒有風雨，但中午過後突然下起大雨，並颳起十級陣風，導致路樹、電桿被吹倒，台14甲線因路樹倒塌雙向交通 ... 17 hours ago yamNews蕃新聞 白鹿狂掃1萬多戶停電台電南投區處全力搶修已全部復 電 【大成報記者何秀菁／南投報導】白鹿颱風狂掃南投縣仁愛、埔里、魚池、水里及信義等地區，造成南投縣停電戶數曾經最多高達約1萬多戶，其中以仁愛 ... 12 hours ago 豪雨不斷！台中大坑2登山步道損壞 自由時報電子報 白鹿吹垮南投農作網室樹枝砸傷遊客- 生活 〔記者佟振國、劉濱銓／南投報導〕白鹿颱風為南投縣山區帶來強勁風勢，重創仁愛鄉農業，許多網室被強風吹垮，即將收成的番茄等作物泡湯；日月潭 ... 1 day ago udn 聯合新聞網 豪雨災害頻傳南投仁愛鄉公所建設課長疑救災過勞猝 死| 聯合新聞網 南投縣仁愛鄉公所張姓課長今上午被人發現猝死在辦公室沙發上，被發現當下雖有通報119緊急送醫，但仍宣告不治。而張到職不到半年，工作認真， ... Opinion · 1 day ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 疑似防災過勞 南投仁愛鄉建設課長猝死辦公室 白鹿」颱風來襲，全台造成1死9傷，但今天上午傳出南投縣仁愛鄉建設課張姓課長，疑似因為颱風前連續大雨造成鄉內道路坍塌疲於奔命，加上這幾天 ... 1 day ago
40 rescued off listing ship
On Thursday the coast guard and rescue workers had to be brought in to evacuate 40 crew off a seriously listing drilling ship off the coast of Changhua.
The ship had tilted about 40 degrees and was taking on some water.
The ship was drilling on an offshore wind farm site, and it is suspected a drilling rod got stuck on the ocean floor.
The ship was towed safely to Taichung on Friday.
嚇人！畫面宛如電影船難印尼籍工作船彰化外海故障傾斜 離岸風電工作船險翻40人彰化外海驚魂 印尼派翠號工作船彰化外海傾斜40度海巡馳援平安救出40人
Political alliances forming for Han...and not
In spite of cancelling a visit to Taichung this last weekend to deal with the tropical storm, at an event attended by the top people in both the red and black political factions came out once again in strong support of KMT presidential candidate and Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu.
The powerful Yen Ching-piao spoke of winning the election and warned off Terry Gou making an independent run, mocking him for already having lost the KMT primary.
His comments were significant as they came on the heels of a visit by former legislative speaker Wang Jin-pyng, the factional heavyweight who it is being widely speculated may be cooperating with Gou.
Yen’s son, legislator Yen Kuan-heng also took up the position of deputy head of Han’s campaign locally.
The position of head of the campaign, however, is still unfilled.
The person tipped for the post, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, has been prevaricating on accepting, making it unclear if she will take it or follow New Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi’s example and reject it.
蔡英文稱台中人應向林佳龍道歉？前外交官批：毫無民主素養又充滿權力傲慢 藍批蔡英文要台中市民道歉是權力傲慢 綠指反應過度 蔡英文要台中市民向某人道歉 藍議員批：權力傲慢 中市藍營議員要求 蔡英文及林佳龍向人民道歉 韓國瑜25日到台中 盧秀燕：有一點時間可以搭配 韓國瑜週日台中造勢 盧秀燕將現身助選 韓國瑜週日台中造勢 盧秀燕將現身助選 韓國瑜9月1日彰化拜會行程確定了... 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 南投選區 民進黨「會用許淑華打許淑華」 民進黨今中執會通過南投縣第2選區立委參選人陳癸佑，陳提到，他的選區對手是國民黨的神力女超人許淑華；坐在一旁的台北市第7選區提名議員 ... 11 hours ago 取消台中行！韓國瑜：防颱第一 墾丁南灣比基尼不見蹤影 防颱優先 韓國瑜：台中造勢不去了 三子不同調！韓能源政見衝擊新北、台中 大選關鍵聚焦中台灣 台中成藍綠角逐重點 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 韓周日台中造勢取消 藍盼第三次成行 國民黨2020總統參選人韓國瑜7月20日，8月25日原本安排到台中市展開假日競選行程，但第一次因高雄淹大水，明天則因白鹿颱風將襲台，取消台中 ... 1 hour ago 台中紅黑派齊力挺韓 顏清標酸郭台銘：初選輸了不甘願？ 韓國瑜留守高雄 李佳芬代打出席台中山海屯中秋聯歡會 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 台中紅黑派要角大團結 挺韓號角勢不可擋 其實，韓國瑜也深知中台灣是2020的重中之重，7月全台首場感恩之旅就選在台中市，卻因高雄淹大水取消。之後，台中市紅黑派掌門台中市議會前 ... 17 hours ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 傳父親接韓台中競總主委？顏寬恒回應了 台中市大家長盧秀燕對決定是否加入韓國瑜競總團隊，近日未有正面回應，僅表示「以後再說」，媒體追問是否還在考慮中，盧秀燕沒有正面回答。 50 mins ago 藍營彰化整合完成縣議員張瀚天拚立委 林飛帆、韓國瑜9/1彰化亮相方仰寧的嚴峻考驗 顏清標暗批郭台銘 郭幕僚：國民黨台中基本盤鬆動 小英要台中市民向他道歉 林佳龍：被過度解讀了 遭疑台中地方派系挺韓 顏寬恆反批… 向林佳龍道歉? 盧秀燕嗆:多檢討自己 台中人欠他一個道歉？林佳龍緩頰是疼惜勉勵 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 台中紅黑派要角大團結 挺韓號角勢不可擋 其實，韓國瑜也深知中台灣是2020的重中之重，7月全台首場感恩之旅就選在台中市，卻因高雄淹大水取消。之後，台中市紅黑派掌門台中市議會前 ... 1 day ago NOWnews 顏清標姪子輕生副議長顏莉敏服務處死因待查| 中彰投 顏清標的姪子顏子禎今年28歲，今(26) 日中午驚傳在台中市副議長顏莉敏沙鹿服務處上吊身亡。警消獲報後趕到服務處，顏男明顯死亡，而現場並無 ... 1 day ago 過招！韓國瑜9/1彰化宮廟趴趴走蔡英文8/29彰化關懷之旅
Mayor Lu to shake up her cabinet
Faced with low approval ratings and high disapproval ratings that put her administration near the bottom of city and county leaders, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen is tackling the issue by shaking up some key positions in her administration.
The new appointees, or those being moved to other positions, will be phased in in early September.
They include the powerful Economic Development, Social Welfare and Information Departments--though the head of the Information Department is moving to take over the Research, Development and Evaluation Commission.
Two of the key figures, including the new economic development head, previously worked for Eric Chu, who was a popular New Taipei Mayor.
Similarly, recently Changhua County Commissioner--who also faces low approval ratings--sent many of her top people to learn from the highly popular administration of fellow KMT Commissioner Lin Ming-chen in Nantou.
自由時報電子報 盧秀燕民調六都墊底大幅調整小內閣團隊- 政治 另外，東海大學社工系副教授彭懷真，接任台中市社會局；現任新聞局長吳皇昇調研考會主委，遺缺由媒體人、謝立功競選總部發言人黃國瑋接手，再 ... 13 hours ago 自由時報電子報 盧秀燕民調六都墊底大幅調整小內閣團隊- 政治 另外，東海大學社工系副教授彭懷真，接任台中市社會局；現任新聞局長吳皇昇調研考會主委，遺缺由媒體人、謝立功競選總部發言人黃國瑋接手，再 ... 13 hours ago 自由時報電子報 盧秀燕調整小內閣向朱立倫借將 議員酸「換市長比較 重要」 〔記者蔡淑媛／台中報導〕台中市長盧秀燕執政民調六都墊底，外傳將 ... 人、謝立功競選總部發言人黃國瑋接手，前台中市副市長黃國榮擔任副秘書長， ... 1 day ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 盧秀燕小內閣大地震 向朱借將救民調 台中市政府新聞局長吳皇昇23日對此表示，盧秀燕的確有人事調整的想法，新市府團隊上任迄今已經八個月餘，市長一直都有在思考如何調整可讓 ... 1 day ago udn 聯合新聞網 獨／顧社福、拚經濟 盧秀燕延攬彭懷真、張峯源入閣 台中市新聞局長吳皇昇今天表示，盧市長確實有調整人事的想法，外界所傳的人事規畫，因未正式確認，市府不會證實；新人事名單預計下周二市政 ... 1 day ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 台中市府小內閣改組 林佳龍：尊重支持期待 台中市府近日小內閣改組，各界議論。交通部長、前台中市長林佳龍27日到台中參加活動時受訪表示，人事調整是很自然，都是希望團隊更好，他身為 ... 2 hours ago UDN 聯合新聞網 (新聞發布) 台中市府人事調整 前市長林佳龍：希望愈來愈好 台中市府近日小內閣改組，各界議論。交通部長、前台中市長林佳龍上午到台中參加活動時受訪表示，民選首長對人事的調整是很自然的，就是希望 ... 7 mins ago 自由時報電子報 中市府小內閣將改組 這個職位懸缺長達8個月… 〔記者張菁雅／台中報導〕台中市政府明（27）日將有一波內閣小改組，經發局長、社會局長等首長都將換人，台中市工商發展投資策進會總幹事仍然懸 ... 9 hours ago
“Museumbrary” plans announced
Originally a plan of ex-Mayor Jason Hu’s, the city has announced they are going ahead with his dream of building the Taichung Green Museumbrary.
The idea is to build, according to the city, “a library in the park and an art museum in the forest.”
The striking all-white design for the eight structure complex is the one that won an international design competition held by the city in 2013, which was won by the two Japanese Pritzker award winning architects behind the firm SANAA.
The location will be next to Taichung Central Park in the Shuinan Economic and Trade Park.
It will break ground on September 16, and is slated to be completed in 2022 at a cost of around NT$3.8 billion.
台中綠美圖9/16開工 再添世界級地標 再添世界級地標 台中綠美圖9/16開工 台中再添世界級地標 綠美圖9月中動工
Better bus benefits on the way
Mayor Lu Shiow-yen’s administration has announced a new “double ten all-you-can-eat bus program”, which sounds better in Mandarin.
Starting New Year’s Day in 2020, the current 10 kilometers free program for city buses will be matched with a second program: any distance above 10 kilometers will only cost NT$10.
台中搭公車福利多！雙十公車「10元吃到飽」 10元坐飽坐滿！ 台中「雙十公車吃到飽」明年上路 udn 聯合新聞網 明年上路！台中免費公車再進化 最多只收「10元」 台中市免費公車聞名，從前市長胡志強推動8公里免費，前市長林佳龍加碼到10公里免費，現任市長盧秀燕喊出「雙十公車」，把車資上限60元降為10 ... 4 hours ago
Happy Granny passes
Billed as Taiwan’s oldest internet celebrity, Changhua Shetou’s Liu Chang-hsiu--known as Happy Granny--has passed away.
Filmed by her granddaughter, her good humour and wisdom earned her 200,000 fans on Youtube.
English
Taichung students take Olympiad gold
VIDEO: Taichung wall of support for HK protesters to stay for now
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Aug 21, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Rains Continue to Pummel Central Taiwan
For the second week in a row rains have caused chaos.
The build up of water, exacerbated by an earthquake last Friday, meant the level of destruction escalated significantly, though fortunately there have been no fatalities.
On the morning of the 16th, 80 people were evacuated in Mingjian Township in Nantou when a three storey high landslide engulfed homes in the area.
On the same morning a chunk of home in Taichung’s Tanzi District collapsed, though the 90-year-old homeowner was fortunately away.
Roads all over the region collapsed, were washed away, covered in landslides or developed huge gaping cracks as the ground underneath gave way.
On the 17th, on a collapsed stretch of road in the Tanzi District a 50-year-old woman plunged down an embankment after riding her scooter into a space where the road no longer existed.
Very fortunately she managed to climb up the embankment, got herself home and cleaned up and went to the hospital.
In Taichung roads had to be closed in Tanzi, in the Xitun District when a tree collapsed crushing a car, in the Houli District, the Xinshe District and in the Dadu District where roads, fields and ditches were indistinguishable under a lake of water.
In Changhua, where some are referring to the floods as the worst in 20 years, a home collapsed in Lukang, but again no one was hurt.
Underpasses in various places across Changhua were closed, mud and flooding overwhelmed roads in Changhua City and Huatan, and landslides took out roads in Ershui and Tianzhong.
But, as is usually the case, Nantou got hit the worst.
Roads were taken out in Zaotun, Renai, Zhongliao and Guoxin.
In terms of agricultural damages, the latest estimate has Nantou taking almost half of the damage nationally at NT$43.9 million.
Changhua has taken NT$12.4 million and Taichung NT$9.6 million in agricultural damage.
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Rains not the only Cause of Agricultural Losses
While rains and flooding didn’t help, it appears that heat is the main cause for the deaths of around 70% of clams being raised in Changhua County.
The widespread destruction has caused a spike in prices to NT$120 per catty.
Many of the clams were intended to be sold during the mid-autumn festival, and are considered an essential part of the barbequing enjoyed during the holiday.
In Nantou an investigation by the Council of Agriculture into the causes of why almost half of the 94 bee farmers suffered significant losses has concluded it is due to illegal pesticide spraying.
Specifically they discovered that the pollen on the dead bees had been collected in and around betel nut orchards.
The council will assist the bee farmers in seeking financial reparations.
天氣太熱彰化文蛤暴斃7成批發價格飆破1斤120元 高溫又暴雨彰化縣養殖文蛤量減7成
Water Main Bursts on Taiwan Blvd
Ironically on a day with much of the city without water due to planned maintenance, some in the city were subjected to an unplanned water cut for a few hours.
A water main burst on Taiwan Blvd near Dadun Road, cracking open the asphalt and creating a dramatic geyser and flooding the area.
The water company shut off the water, and fixed it within a few hours.
On the planned water outages, many will see their water restored this morning, but many are still planned to be out for another day.
However, the water company has announced they are working to restore water ahead of schedule.
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Election Sniping
Two political wars of words has broken out in relation to the election campaigns of the two major parties.
Nantou County Commissioner Lin Ming-chen has launched a war of words with New Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi, over Hou’s refusal to head up the local campaign of KMT candidate Han Kuo-yu.
Lin, known at times to be outspoken, took Han to task, calling him unreasonable and saying if he’s going to be uncooperative with he should leave the party.
Hou stated he was too busy with his job as mayor of 4 million people to help Han.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen is still considering whether or not to head up the Taichung campaign.
Meanwhile President Tsai Ing-wen inaugurated her Taichung campaign headquarters, with former mayor Lin Chia-lung the committee chair and current speaker of the legislature Su Chia-chuan as convener.
The president ruffled some feathers, however, when she indicated that the voters of Taichung should apologize to Lin, presumably for not re-electing him.
Mayor Lu called on the president to self reflect on her own behaviour, not the voters.
政治獻金網上查 九合一大選全露 洪慈庸：持續努力讓台中成為抗中保台的重要基地 怎麼選贏台中顏家？ 陳柏惟：讓自己成為海嘯 影／民進黨彰化縣黨部正式向假新聞宣戰 自由時報電子報 洪慈庸挺邱顯智 選台中市第五選區立委 〔記者蔡淑媛、歐素美／台中報導〕立委洪慈庸昨至神岡區溪洲社區發展協會與老人座談前，受訪時坦言，時代力量決策會未針對黨的路線等進行討論， ... 1 day ago 自由時報電子報 小英台中競選總部曝光！蘇嘉全任召集人、林佳龍當主 委 〔記者蘇金鳳／台中報導〕距離明年總統大選只剩5個月，總統蔡英文在台中市競選總部組織架構已確定，由立法院長蘇嘉全擔任競總總部的決策委員 ... 7 hours ago 任韓國瑜競總主委？盧秀燕：再考慮 市政優先 盧秀燕拒接韓台中競總主委 學侯友宜？被問是否擔任韓國瑜台中競總主委，盧秀燕這樣回應… 決戰中台灣 盧秀燕是否接任韓國瑜台中競總主委？ 蔡英文台中開講 槓上中市府 蔡英文辣台派台中開講！喊話「三年有成、再給四年」 辣台派台中開講！蔡英文批一國兩制 支持者接話喊「豪洨」 udn 聯合新聞網 蔡英文要台中人向林佳龍道歉 市府青年代表：請收回 針對總統蔡英文昨在台中市演講，提到「你們應該對某個人(前市長林佳龍)道歉」她強調，市民的選擇自己要負責任。第1-3屆台中市政府青年審議 ... 1 day ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 台中燕子不飛了？港媒曝她三張保命底牌！ 盧秀燕昨出席公開活動後接受媒體詢問，就是否會擔任「韓國瑜台中市競選總部主委」？，她表示「以後再說」。媒體追問是否還在考慮，盧則避談。 17 hours ago 自由時報電子報 楊宗澧申請加入民進黨 爭取參選中市第5選區立委 〔記者張菁雅／台中報導〕台中市第5選區（北區、北屯區）立委參選人楊宗澧今日舉辦競選辦公室開幕茶會，民進黨不分區立委林靜儀、台中市議員 ... 1 day ago 芋傳媒 TaroNews (新聞發布) 《專訪》挑戰台中市最艱困選區！人權工作者楊宗澧盼 「深耕中台灣、保衛大台灣」 民進黨在抗中保台的大目標下，在台中市現有7 個選區中，4 席民進黨籍現任立委繼續挑戰連任，在第三選區將繼續支持無黨籍立委洪慈庸競選連任； ... 16 hours ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 侯友宜拒接新北總部主委 南投縣長再嗆！ 南投縣長林明溱呼籲應識大體，侯友宜今受訪時回應，「我非常識大體」，他識的大體就是400萬市民。對此林明溱今出席活動後受訪再回應，「不合作就 ... 1 day ago Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 不再談總統大選 林明溱：全力讓韓在南投得票率衝第 一 [新頭殼newtalk] 南投縣長林明溱近日對總統選舉多次表達自己的意見，不過今(19)日林明溱卻說，不會對總統大選再表示意見，因為「皇帝不急，急死 ... 13 hours ago 蔡指台中人應道歉 盧：不要檢討選民 台中人應該向林佳龍道歉？ 盧秀燕回應蔡：不要檢討選民 【Yahoo論壇】盧秀燕才該跟台中市民道歉 蔡英文要台中人道歉！ 盧秀燕：多檢討自己 udn 聯合新聞網 總統大選 藍、綠台中競選總部下月進駐 韓國瑜台中競選總部決定在國民黨台中市黨部，市黨部主委顏文正證實，他表示這棟建物已40幾年，因精簡人事又沒有餘力裝修，目前內部維持陽春， ... 2 hours ago 韓國瑜民調降9/1彰化造勢一整天 韓國瑜9/1確定到彰化走透透蕭景田：行程一整天從白天到晚上 世界日報 南投縣長批侯友宜矯情喊話王金平「不合作就退黨」 - 世界新聞網 ... 市長侯友宜繼前天回應「市政優先」後，昨再強調「讓市民有感的市政才是最重要的」；南投縣長林明溱昨則再批，不合作就退黨，別待在黨內「矯情」。 1 day ago
Ilocano Celebration Held in Taichung
Around 900 ethnic Ilocano people from the Philippines held a celebration in Taichung to mark the 12 anniversary of the founding of the Confederation of Ilocano Association Inc’s Taiwan chapter.
Ilocano generally hail from northwest Luzon.
They held several activities, including dance and rap performances and a beauty pageant for men dressed as women.
Ilocanos are one of the largest ethnolinguistic groups in the Philippines.
English
Hundreds of Filipinos congregate in Taichung to celebrate Ilocano heritage
Taichung bureau in hot water over ‘ethics’ document
Festival moon cakes made specially from behind bars
Heavy rain in central, southern Taiwan leaves one dead
Adaptive reuse in Taichung breathes new life into declining neighborhood
Aug 14, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Swathes of Taichung to See Water Cut
As part of a migration of water pipes nearly 120,000 households--or roughly half a million people--are to see their water pressure drop or their water cut outright.
The cuts will kick in next Tuesday morning at 10 am, and--depending on location--will last from 23 to 46 hours.
According to a statement issued by the water company, the districts impacted are Tanzi, Daya, East, West, South, North, Central, Nantun, Xitun, Beitun, etc.
Not all areas within those districts will be affected.
To find out if your residence is to be impacted, go online and visit wateroff.water.gov.tw and view their map.
Moving your mouse over the affected areas displays a pop-up showing the estimated time of the cut for the area.
This is one of several large scale planned cuts over the last year as the water company conducts maintenance work.
記得儲水！台中8/20起停水23至46小時 影響近12萬戶 台中20日起停水23至46小時 影響近12萬戶 大台中地區注意！8/20停水23小時到46小時 影響近12萬戶
Heavy Rains Cause Chaos Across Central Taiwan
Intense rains, dumping between 150 and 200 millimeters of rain in many areas across the region, caused considerable consternation.
Underpasses were closed in many locations due to flooding, and cars being carried off course in the flooding or submerged under water appeared in Changhua, Puli in Nantou and in Taichung City.
A yellow alert was issued for the canals that run through Taichung’s downtown, with some near bursting their banks.
Landslides in the mountainous areas, and dramatic images of urban waterfalls surfaces.
Even the most knowledgeable of the terrain were caught off guard.
Flooding was so high in one area of the Nantun District that the road and the local fields were all one big lake--and a local postal carrier accidentally rode his delivery motorcycle into a field.
Near the border of Lukang and Xiushui in Changhua County a tornado appeared.
The tornado didn’t last long, or cause much damage, but it did hurl around ceramic flower pots like toys.
Some criticized Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen for failing to call for a work and school day off in spite of the heavy rain advisory.
She pointed out that it didn’t meet the standards.
It is also unusual to issue such a cancellation over rain alone.
udn 聯合新聞網 台中暴雨 五權西路國道下涵洞封閉 台中市區、屯區今天清晨下起暴雨，部分地區時雨量突破50毫米，南屯區五權西路國道下方涵洞積水20公分，有3輛車拋錨，警方已到場拉封鎖線；大 ... 9 hours ago 新頭殼 豪大雨來襲！台中市部分路段淹水封路| 生活 受到西南風影響，中南部地區有短暫陣雨或雷雨，並有局部大雨發生機率，台中市政府水利局表示，這波水氣影響台中市主要範圍為市區及屯區，中興 ... 7 hours ago 自由時報電子報 台中豪雨》多處淹水汽車拋錨 民眾自救怒批盧秀燕臉 書救災 〔記者張瑞楨／台中報導〕今天清晨起台中市降下豪雨，至上午9時許，台中市已有多處道路淹水，且淹水幅度達汽車引擎高度，已有多輛汽車拋錨受困， ... 8 hours ago 經濟日報 (新聞發布) 台中南屯水淹及膝郵差分不清水面、路面卡田中央| 消 費生活| 產業 台中市南屯區今天清晨下起大雨，時雨量突破40毫米，各低窪路段都傳出積水、淹水災情，今天上午11時許，一名郵差行經南屯區中和里中和巷時， ... 6 hours ago 雨彈炸台中 綠川等3河川水位達黃色警戒 暴雨狂襲台中！涵洞積水、汽車拋錨 台中遭雨炸多處淹水 盧秀燕巡視南屯溪指揮救災 彰化龍捲風氣象局：係真吔 北彰化豪大雨8個小時雨量破151毫米、 大肚溪暴漲 彰化間歇性暴雨還出現龍捲風！ 氣象局：一下子就不見了 龍捲風襲彰化！花盆碎球架翻居民嚇傻 彰化疑出現龍捲風民眾驚恐記錄 彰化豪雨不停卦山路車輛陷水中 Yahoo奇摩新聞 (新聞發布) 【影】暴雨狂襲南投埔里 轎車涉泥流引擎拋錨 氣象局今(12)日針對中南部發布豪、大雨特報，包含台中、南投、苗栗、彰化、雲林、嘉義、台南、高雄以及屏東等地，都需要注意雨勢。今日早上有民眾 ... 8 hours ago 雨彈狂炸撐爆水管！台中路口驚現巨洞 台中淹水不放假 網酸：燕子＝禿子？ 雨彈狂轟! 台中道路出現坑洞害爆胎 雨炸台中網友臉書酸盧秀燕 市府駁不實資訊 雨炸台中網友酸盧秀燕勘災作秀 新聞局長怒斥散布謠言令人不齒 暴雨狂襲台中！多處路段傳淹水災情 雨狂下200毫米！ 台中南屯、烏日淹水車卡住 快訊／中南部雨下不停 台中以南9縣市大雨特報 台中大雨市區淹！民眾、記者涉水慘摔 台中大雨成災 人行道出現小瀑布! 自由時報電子報 台中市南屯溪暴漲多處積水封路- 生活 〔記者陳建志、許國楨、歐素美／台中報導〕台中昨天上午降下豪大雨，全市多處嚴重積水，包括五權西路在南屯交流道下方涵洞、大肚興和路地下道， ... 14 hours ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 市民急問停班課 盧秀燕：台中未達標準 台中市13日大雨仍然下不停，很多市民一早紛紛在問「是不是停班、停課？」市長盧秀燕上午7點多在臉書發文表示，目前經氣象專業人士及機關的 ... 11 hours ago 自由時報電子報 民眾請繞道！台中豪大雨大肚興和地下道積水15公分 暫封閉 〔記者蘇孟娟／台中報導〕台中市今下起豪大雨，帶來驚人瞬間雨量，台中市建設局長陳大田指出，大肚興和路地下道積水近15公分，因旁邊的水利溝滿 ... 1 day ago 彰市大雨1天187mm 鹿港颳水龍捲 暴雨狂炸西南沿海彰化最大抽水站發揮功能 雨彈炸南彰彰縣開設3級災害應變中心
Environment Group Sounds Reservoir Alarm
On Monday the Taiwan Water Resources Conservation Union issued a call to stop the NT$20 billion planned Niaozuitan Reservoir.
The reservoir--scheduled to open in 2022--is intended to serve as the drinking water source for parts of Changhua and Nantou Counties, including the sizeable town of Caotun.
The group’s concerns centre on the planned reservoir’s location: 200 metres from the Caotun municipal dump.
They worry that not could wind easily carry pollutants and ash, but that the ground water and the nearby source of the reservoir’s water could be polluted as well.
彰化草屯將喝毒水？環團籲停建鳥嘴潭人工湖 垃圾場離飲用水人工湖200公尺環團飆：讓彰化、草屯人喝毒水 鳥嘴潭人工湖距垃圾場200公尺環團憂彰化、草屯人將喝毒水
A Political Bombshell in the Taichung 3
Legislator Hung Tzu-yung who represents the Taichung 3, which includes the Tanzi, Houli, Shengang and Daya Districts, yesterday announced she is leaving the New Power Party.
She will contest the January legislative election as an independent candidate.
Considered one of the most prominent leading lights of the party, this comes as part of a string of blows the party has suffered recently.
She, along with some other prominent party leaders such as Freddy Lim, were unhappy with the party failing to come to a consensus to work with the DPP in the coming election.
She supports President Tsai Ing-wen, and believes that defeating the KMT and stopping Chinese encroachment into Taiwan to be paramount concerns.
She and others in the party feel working with the DPP is the best strategy to accomplish that.
Others, however, want to chart an independent course for the party outside of the two major parties.
Hung is already tacitly supported by the DPP in the next election, with the DPP already announcing they will not run a candidate of their own in that district.
Hung has for now ruled out joining the DPP.
Her opponent is a current Vice Mayor of Taichung, Yang Chiong-ying.
Hung ousted Yang in the last election after Yang had held the seat for 17 years.
時力路線若無解 洪慈庸：我會好好思考未來 - Yahoo奇摩新聞
Caregiver Given Care
After caring for an elderly grandmother for nine years, a caregiver in Taichung was out of work after her charge passed away.
Being an Indonesian national, her employment options were largely limited to caregiving.
Her news got worse, when--at only 43--she was diagnosed with lung cancer.
She underwent surgery to remove the 2.8-cm tumor, but she had a long five day recovery period.
Taking care of her was the family of the grandmother she had cared for before, who took turns looking after her around the clock.
The family also covered all her medical costs to get the best treatment possible.
Her care of their grandmother inspired them to show their gratefulness in kind.
English
Nantou Fire Department issues warning on snakes
Taiwan student denies threatening Hong Kong trade office
Indonesian caregiver taken care of by former employer | Society | FOCUS TAIWAN - CNA ENGLISH NEWS
Japanese prefecture delegation visits Taichung in bid to boost ties
Weeks long drama continues as another NPP lawmaker leaves party
2020 Taiwan Lantern Festival poster revealed
EDITORIAL: Copycat tourism losing its appeal
Looking for a better life | The Standard
An American in Paris in Taichung
Aug 7, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Taichung City Govt, Kid’s Theatre in Public Spat
An official--or officials--inside the Taichung City Govt apparently picked a political fight with the wrong crowd: A non-profit travelling theatre troupe putting on free performance for children.
According to the Paper Windmill Theatre, officials inside the city government accused them of being too closely associated to DPP legislators and have a pan-green political bias.
For years, both in Taichung and in other jurisdictions around Taiwan, local governments have cooperated with the non-profit troupe to allow them to perform on government property for free.
According to the troupe, this year Taichung officials decided to not let them use two local elementary schools over this coming weekend, but after tough negotiations agreed to rent them for a fee of NT$12,000.
The troupe has cancelled their shows in Taichung this weekend in the Fengyuan and Xitun Districts, and have stated they won’t be back in Taichung City for at least six months.
This brought considerable public outcry in the local media.
Parents can still bring their children to see the shows in other areas around the country.
Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, speaking to the press, was contrite, apologizing for the “mistake” made by her officials and emphasising that the troupe is welcome in the city.
「感覺被刁難」紙風車取消台中演出 市府：誤會 紙風車演出被台中市府刁難 執行長：何必出錢又被糟踏 台中市政府刁難兒童藝術 紙風車公益演出被迫取消 不滿被刁難 紙風車劇團宣布將跳過所有台中公益演出 上報 (新聞發布) 不滿被刁難紙風車劇團宣布將跳過所有台中公益演出-- 上報 長年巡迴全國各地進行公益演出的紙風車兒童劇團，於8月10日及11日擬在台中豐原及西屯演出，卻傳出因為台中市府質疑紙風車的「政治色彩」，不 ... 1 hour ago 風傳媒 13年來免費演出「不想被中市府糟蹋」！紙風車取消周 末台中2場演出 紙風車文教基金會5日決定取消周末台中市的演出場次。圖為台東金鋒演出：小孩沒有相機，所以巫頂用擁抱代替拍照。（紙風車文教基金會提供）. 21 hours ago 紙風車遭刁難取消台中演出 盧秀燕出面道歉 紙風車遭刁難取消台中演出 市長盧秀燕親上火線道歉 紙風車劇團取消台中演出 盧秀燕公開道歉 出演被刁難! 紙風車:至少半年不到台中 紙風車演出遭台中刁難取消！劇團總監自曝「過不去那關」 「台中願景館」換新牆囉！ 用巧思細述台中願景和生活故事 民眾直呼有趣！ 紙風車遭質疑政治色彩？怒取消台中演出 「台中市府『長官』說有政治色彩」 紙風車：協調會隔天被通知談的都不算數
Han Kuo-yu Gets Pan-blue Support from Taichung
There is a lot of political uncertainty surrounding the presidential election, including possible candidacies by failed KMT candidate Terry Gou and Ko Wen-je and the ongoing presidential run by KMT factional leader Wang Jin-pyng outside of his own party’s primary.
In this climate Kaohsiung Mayor and KMT presidential candidate Han Kuo-yu got a welcome show of pan-blue unity on Monday evening.
A caravan of KMT Taichung City councillors and legislators and--importantly--the biggest figures in both the red and black factions--Chang Ching Tang (張清堂) and Yen Ching-piao--paid a visit to Kaohsiung to meet with Han.
Yen Ching-piao had some positive comments for the party candidate, saying “we’ve always been unified” and calling Han the “president of the people”.
Han was thankful, stating that the “general election is a challenge for all of us”.
紅黑派大老送暖 藍議員：把台中需求告訴韓國瑜 紅黑派大老送暖 中議員把台中需求告訴韓國瑜 台中紅黑派系團結挺韓國瑜 顏清標、張清堂領軍南下 台中紅黑派 送暖到高雄 台中紅黑派高雄合體挺韓 顏清標：他是庶民總統 台中紅黑派系團結挺韓國瑜 顏清標、張清堂領軍南下 台中黑.紅派大老南下 力挺韓國瑜 台中紅黑派系大團結挺韓 韓國瑜感謝：大選是大我的問題 台中紅黑派團結 張清堂顏清標連袂挺韓 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 台中市派系、藍營議員 南下高雄為韓國瑜送暖 高雄市長韓國瑜忙於市政，又面臨黨內團結問題，台中市紅黑派系龍頭與市議員5日包遊覽車南下為韓國瑜送暖，市議員黃馨慧上午在出席西屯區共融 ... 1 day ago 專訪二》大選決勝中台灣 盧秀燕：如果有人敢忽略台中 就是不智
Pan-green Divvying up Territory in Taichung
While negotiations are ongoing on the pan-green side on if, or how much, to cooperate--two deals have already been reached in two Taichung legislative districts.
On the same day that Yen Ching-piao and his son, KMT lawmaker Yen Kuan-heng paid a visit to Han Kuo-yu, the DPP and the Taiwan Statebuilding Party held a joint rally announcing their challenger to Yen’s Taichung 2 seat along the Taichung coast.
The DPP announced they will step aside to allow TSP candidate Chen Bo-wei (陳柏惟) take on the black faction heavyweight.
Meanwhile, in the Taichung 3, in the north, the DPP is once again stepping aside for now New Power Party incumbent Hung Tzu-yung.
Hung will be faced by the same opponent she defeated last time: Yang Chiung-ying (楊瓊瓔) of the KMT.
Yang held that seat for 17 years before losing it to Hung, but was recently promoted to vice mayor by Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, keeping her profile high.
中時電子報 (新聞發布) 台中3選區泛綠推洪慈庸 料再戰楊瓊瓔 台中市第3選區（后里、神岡、大雅、潭子）區域立委，現任時代力量洪慈庸尋求連任，但藍綠遲未推出人選，一度讓洪等不到對手，昨民進黨終於決定不 ... 11 hours ago 民進黨挺小綠台中人選 力抗顏寬恒 台灣基進黨陳柏惟對戰顏寬恒 顏：沒有選擇對手的權利 抗中保台護台中！民進基進共推陳柏惟抗顏寬恆 他願當消波塊！民進黨、台灣基進共推陳柏惟挑戰台中顏寬恆 民進黨挺小綠台中人選 力抗顏寬恆 2020立委選舉》挑戰台中顏家 陳柏惟豪語：願當「消波塊」，擋下中國海嘯 與基進黨共推陳柏惟 卓榮泰：台中為政黨合作示範區 自由時報電子報 時力立委林昶佐、洪慈庸選區 民進黨不提名 民進黨提名策略小組今討論定調林昶佐、洪慈庸立委選區、以及台中市第二選區不提名。台中市第二選區部分，民進黨則鎖定與基進黨發言人陳柏惟 ... 2 hours ago
Hehuan Mountain in the Dark
Hehuan Mountain has been designated as Taiwan's first international dark sky park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).
Nantou has been pursuing this for some time, and has been holding starry sky-themed events.
Hehuan Mountain is the third in Asia to earn the designation.
It was chosen because of the exceptional quality of its starry nights and well preserved nocturnal environment that benefits from its high altitude and low atmospheric disturbance.
After receiving the news, Nantou County Commissioner Lin Ming-chen announced plans to build an observatory on the site of an abandoned police station on the mountain.
合歡山暗空觀星獲國際認證 yamNews蕃新聞 南投登上國際合歡山國際暗空公園認證通過 【大成報記者何秀菁／南投報導】為推動當地觀星旅遊，南投縣政府、行政院農業委員會林務局東勢林區管理處及太魯閣國家公園管理處共同合作， ... 20 hours ago 自由時報電子報 合歡山獲認證暗空公園 將加碼設天文台 〔記者張協昇／南投報導〕南投縣合歡山已經國際暗空協會（IDA）正式認證成為我國第一座暗空公園，南投縣長林明溱5日在縣務會議指出，由於合歡山 ... 6 hours ago
Traffic Hassle in Changhua City
Starting this Monday, and continuing through to the 15th, the Zhongyang Rd overpass bridge will be undergoing extension and renovation from 9 am to 4 pm.
This is expected to cause considerable traffic problems, requiring commuters to take lengthy alternative routes.
交通黑暗期 彰化市中央陸橋5日起連續11天施工 《交通》彰化中央陸橋維修，西行連續11天封閉 交通黑暗期彰化市中央陸橋5日起連續11天施工
Chinglish Sign Causes Much Hilarity Online
A bilingual construction sign for the Taichung MRT Green line caused much amusement, and will require the contractor to pay to fix it.
The Wuri-WenXin-Beitun line refers to the line starting in the Wuri District, following WenXin Road and ending in the Beitun District.
That uncomplicated formulation, however, was rendered “Ukrainian Jopanese Heart Beitun Line”.
This is worse than Google Translate, which renders it “Ukrainian Heart North Line”.
The two characters in Wuri, are used as abbreviations for Ukraine and Japan...but Japanese was misspelled to Jopanese.
The “wen” in WenXin mysteriously disappears, but “Xin” appears as heart.
Then Beitun is unexpectedly spelled correctly.
台中捷運施工牌翻譯出包 「烏日文心」變「日文心臟」 自由時報電子報 烏日文心譯成「烏克蘭、日文、心」 中捷施工牌鬧笑話！ 〔記者歐素美／台中報導〕台中捷運目前正試俥中，有眼尖網友發現位於文 ... 台中市捷運工程處長黃國書表示，市府昨已發現這項錯誤，已要求設置的 ... 4 hours ago
English
YouTuber to face disturbance charges over crime parody
Hehuan Mountain named Taiwan's first International Dark Sky Park
Hehuanshan gets dark sky certification
Hehuan Mountain certified as best star gazing spot in SE Asia
AU Optronics Plans A Bigtime Expansion And Investment In Taiwan
CIP, Teco ink deal for windfarm substations - Taipei Times
Tourism facilities too similar: audit - Taipei Times
1Taichung Hot Spring Festival Unveiled Conan and GeGeGe Kitaro Tour Guguan 2019-08-02
July 31, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Shooter Brought to Bitter End in Puli
Twice in the last week criminals trying to flee to Nantou ended up shot.
The more dramatic of the two cases involved a 32-year-old man driving a white Mercedes shooting three bullets into a home in an upscale community in the Taiping District on Sunday evening.
No one was hurt in the shooting, and the motive remains unclear with no apparent connection between the residents of the home and the gunman.
Prosecutors not ruling out the gunman shooting the wrong home by mistake.
The driver was chased by police throughout Taichung and into Nantou.
A single father, during the chase he reportedly called family, begging them to take care of his twin 3-year-old daughters.
On a bridge in Puli Township the police finally closed the trap on the gunman, boxing him in.
Hearing shots coming from the car, police shot 47 times.
However, it appears that the gunman shot himself in the temple.
In a separate case, on Monday Kaohsiung investigators tracked a suspected drug dealer down to a motel in Nantou City.
Closing in, the suspect shot once at the police.
Police fired back nine times, hitting the suspect three times, but not fatally.
台中民宅槍擊案 嫌犯輕生或遭擊斃待解剖 賓士男槍擊台中太平民宅逃逸！被圍捕槍戰中不治 賓士男槍擊台中太平民宅逃逸！被圍捕槍戰中不治 台中民宅遭槍擊案 檢警追查死亡槍手動機 台中傳槍響 嫌犯朝太陽穴開槍自盡不治 台中槍戰嫌開3槍斃命！淚求叔照顧雙胞胎女兒 台中民宅遭槍擊 男子被警方圍捕時中彈身亡 台中民宅遭槍擊 警方鎖定犯嫌追查中 自由時報電子報 又傳槍擊 台中市民：我們住在搖滾區還是高譚市？ 〔記者許國楨／台中報導〕台中市太平區今晚驚傳民宅槍擊案，令人不禁聯想前兩天有市民自拍「開槍」片反諷台中是「慶記之都」，沒想到一語中的，若細 ... 17 hours ago 自由時報電子報 台中太平再傳槍擊案盧秀燕：只是個案- 影音精選 〔記者歐素美／台中報導〕台中市頻傳槍響，台中市長盧秀燕今天對此表示，太平槍擊案只是個案，但只要是台中市境內犯罪，即使是個案，也一定追究 ... 5 hours ago 中時電子報 (新聞發布) 台中單親爸槍戰亡 死前視訊家人求照顧雙胞胎女兒 台中市太平區新安街1棟透天別墅，28日傍晚6點傳出槍響，民宅41歲何姓屋主指稱，當時待在家中，突然聽到呯呯聲響，出門檢視赫然發現鐵捲門有3 ... 8 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 台中太平槍擊案 今由南投檢察官驗屍 台中市太平區昨晚發生槍擊民宅案，警方一路追緝至南投埔里，警匪駁火近50發，賴姓嫌犯疑在車內朝右太陽穴開槍自戕死亡，南投地檢署檢察官 ... 5 hours ago 台中慶記之都？茶館槍案兇手下落不明 台中透天厝遭開槍！住戶：帶孩子收驚 自由時報電子報 台中》盧稱太平槍擊是個案 市民狠批治安差 〔記者歐素美、許國楨／台中報導〕台中市頻傳槍響，二十八日太平再傳男子向民宅開槍，隨後並在台中市街頭鳴槍，該男子在警方追捕過程中斃命， ... 12 hours ago 自由時報電子報 太平槍擊案》歹徒舉槍自轟？ 警圍捕朝輪胎猛開40多 槍 台中市賴姓男子，昨晚6點突然開著白色賓士車前往太平新安街一棟透天別墅前，朝屋內開了3槍後逃逸，警方獲報查出是賴姓男子（32歲）所為，鎖定 ... 1 day ago 自由時報電子報 獨家》南投再傳槍擊！查販毒案遭開槍 警還擊打中毒 犯... 〔記者黃良傑／高雄報導〕高雄市警局刑警大隊偵辦一宗販毒案，偵二隊刑事幹員今午跟監林姓男子，在南投市發生警匪槍戰，對方拿槍攻擊警方，王姓 ... 2 hours ago ETtoday 警匪駁火！ 高雄市刑大南投逮人轟9槍 毒販中彈送醫 高雄市刑大真二隊幹員偵辦一起販毒案，鎖定到一名可以男子並跟監到南投某家汽車綠館前，沒想到男子卻突然持朝警方射擊，雙方駁火9槍後，男子 ... 47 mins ago
Lu Threatens to Go it Alone on Lantern Festival
Citing a lack of written confirmation of subsidies for the upcoming 2020 Lantern Festival, and accusing the central government’s Tourism Bureau of intentionally dragging their heels, Taichung Mayor last Wednesday threatened to have the city hold the festival on its own.
The Tourism Bureau shot back, confirming they will be subsidizing the festival to the tune of NT$18 million, and that they are moving much faster in the approval process than last year’s event--in spite of what they claim are problems with Taichung’s proposed plans.
City council caucuses then weighed in.
DPP lawmakers accused the mayor of copying Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu and doing nothing, but demanding money from the central government.
KMT lawmakers were furious that the NT$18 million subsidy was much less than the NT$300 million given to Pingtung County last year.
They called on the mayor to hold festival on her own because the amount offered was too small.
They also claimed this was an effort to stymie the mayor.
The national Tourism Bureau is under the Ministry of Transportation, which is headed up by Minister Lin Chia-lung, who failed in his re-election bid last year.
中央「卡」台中? 林筱淇：不排除自辦2020台灣燈會 自由時報電子報 台中市府嗆「自辦台灣燈會」 觀光局：已同意固定補助 經費 觀旅局長林筱淇說，台中市主辦2020台灣燈會，市府於5月30日即送出補助申請，她並參加觀光局於6月28日舉辦的審查會議，親自說明，希望中央能 ... 19 hours ago 2020台灣燈會只補助台中1800萬？ 國、民黨團隔空交火 台灣燈會台中大事 綠營議員譏市府別學韓國瑜 經濟日報 (新聞發布) 中央只補助1,800萬？藍議員促台中自辦燈會 台灣燈會補助問題中央、地方過招，台中市觀旅局長林筱淇昨揚言中央卡關，不排除自辦燈會。國民黨議員今開記者會，質疑3、4億的台灣燈會，中央 ... 20 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 屏東3億台中1800萬 辦燈會台中夠委屈 台中市民不是次等公民」、「林佳龍還是台中人嗎？」國民黨台中市議會黨團25日中午召開記者會，抨擊交通部至前一天才核准台中市提出的台灣燈會 ... 17 hours ago 風傳媒 日本青森知事訪台 中市府邀「睡魔花燈」參展燈會 台中市政府與青森縣自105年簽訂友好交流協定書後展開密切交流，青森縣溫泉協議會和台中溫泉觀光協會也締結溫泉交流友好協定，青森縣不僅年 ... 14 hours ago 2020台灣燈會在台中 璀璨識別Logo揭曉 璀璨台中 2020台灣燈會識別Logo揭曉
Taichungers to be Riding the Rails More
The Taichung head of the transportation bureau has announced they’ve completed tests on the MRT Green Line.
The tests showed that the driverless system was stable.
However, following complaints, they are looking into improving sound insulation along parts of the line.
The line is expected to be ready for the public late next year.
台中捷運綠線「通過期末考」 明年底通車邁進一大步 台中捷運班表試車順利 朝2020年通車邁進 udn 聯合新聞網 台中捷運班表試車順利 朝2020年底通車邁進 台中市政府交通局表示，捷運綠線全長16.71公里，共設置18個車站，除終點捷運台中高鐵站與台鐵、高鐵共構轉乘外，捷運松竹站及大慶站也分別設 ... 1 hour ago
Old Mountain Line Coming ‘Round the Mountain
Minister of Transportation Lin Chia-lung has thrown his support behind a plan put forth by NPP lawmaker Hung Tsu-yung to revive the entire old mountain rail line.
The line was retired in 1998 when a new route replaced it, though steam engines have plied a section of the route several times.
This new plan would revive the entire line of four stops, stretching from Sanyi in Miaoli County to Taichung City’s Houli District.
It is projected to cost between NT$1.5 and NT$1.7 billion and to be operational in 2023.
It is expected to run special tourist trains and steam engines, and to tie in with historical sites.
舊山線復駛有譜 林佳龍承諾支持 舊山線全線復駛 林佳龍承諾中央支持 洪慈庸爭取舊山線行駛觀光列車 林佳龍承諾112年復駛 洪慈庸成功爭取舊山線全線復駛 林佳龍承諾中央支持
Parking Spots Across Taichung to be Easier to Find
5984 parking spots in Taichung can now be monitored from your phone for availability.
Using magnets placed on the ground, the information on whether a parking spot is taken or not is passed on to social media LINE id @parking-go.
For certain areas around the city this could be very useful, such as near GongYi Road near dinner time.
停車免煩惱 台中5984車格埋地磁可導航 停車免煩惱 台中5984車格埋地磁可導航
Police Called on Environmental Assessment Hearing
Police were called in after scuffles broke out at an environmental impact assessment (EIA) hearing.
The hearing was over a long-delayed stretch in the Shigang District of an already partially completed expressway.
City officials are proposing a plan that includes a tunnel and requires land appropriation of farmland.
Farmers object to the appropriation, and environmental activists oppose the tunnel.
Scuffles broke out when city officials moved to end the meeting before local activists had finished explaining their concerns.
Controversy of this stretch of the project dates back to 2004 during Jason Hu’s mayorship.
A plan put forth during Lin Chia-lung’s administration was shot down in court.
Current Mayor Lu Shiow-yen’s administration hopes it will begin construction within two years.
Kids to have say on uniforms
With the Lu Jiang International School in Changhua County’s Lugang Township about to start offering Junior High classes, the school will need new uniforms.
The school has decided to draft students from their first graduating elementary school class, plus parents and teachers to provide their input.
English
Shihgang residents, Taichung officials scuffle at EIA meet
Baguashan skywalk new romance hotspot, city says
Taichung Chamber Choir wins awards at Intl. c... | Taiwan News
Taichung Metro successfully completes trial run on new Green Line
Lu Jiang students given say about their own uniforms - Taipei Times
VIDEO: Siam tulip fields a new attraction in Changhua County
TSMC Opens 3,000 Job Openings For Its Plants In Hsinchu, Taichung And Tainan
July 24, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Over 50,000 Households Water Cut or Restricted
Starting at 9 am this morning over 50,000 Taichung households--or roughly a quarter of a million people--will have their water cut or face reduced water pressure.
The water company will be undertaking maintenance, and the water is scheduled to be restored to normal after 23 hours--or by 8 am tomorrow morning.
The affected areas are all located in the Taiping, Dali and Wufeng Districts.
Water tanks will provide water in the selected areas on a temporary basis.
台中市民快儲水！太平、大里、霧峰明9時起停水23小時 台中人快儲水！明起停水減壓23小時
Taichung’s Bid to be Taiwan’s Movie Capital Advances
In the works for over a decade, the Central Taiwan Film Studios finally opened for business on Monday in the Wufeng District.
The 3.12-hectare, NT$793 million complex features many state-of-the art functions and facilities and is the nation’s largest.
One of those facilities is the giant, seven metre deep pool and wave machine used in the four-Oscar award winning Ang Lee movie Life of Pi, which can be used for both above and below water scenes.
There are also the nation’s two largest indoor studios as well as a hydraulic platform.
Both Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, and director Ang Lee through pre-recorded comments, at the opening ceremony expressed their hopes that the studio would boost Taiwan’s movie industry and attract talent locally and from abroad.
The next NT$30 million phase of the project is set aside to attract and train that talent going forward.
Originally planned to be located in what was once the Shuinan airport, the decision to move it to Wufeng was made in part because the district has some history in the film business.
中台灣影視基地開幕 盧秀燕歡迎各團隊到台中拍片 上報 (新聞發布) 全國最大片廠「中台灣影視基地」開幕盧市長宣示打造 全國影視重鎮--上報 台中市政府新聞局投入7.93億元在霧峰區打造「中台灣影視基地」，包含李安「少年PI的奇幻漂流」人工造浪池、深水池、2座全國最大室內收音攝影 ... 10 hours ago
Chinese-made Surveillance Cameras to Go
After being alerted by concerned residents, city councillors managed to draw considerable press and city attention to the fact that surveillance cameras in the underpasses along Taiwan Blvd were made by Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company.
The Chinese brand is one of the largest in the world, but has drawn attention recently for their role in supporting the Chinese state in their efforts to control and imprison large numbers of Uighers, their key position in helping extend widespread facial recognition and the implementation of the Orwellian social credit system by the Chinese Communist authorities.
The city responded by noting that the use of Chinese brand cameras for government purposes is banned in Taichung and is asking the contractor to replace the cameras with non-Chinese brand replacements.
Executive Yuan has also branded the firm as a cybersecurity risk.
台中地下道天眼滲透？監視器用中國「海康威視」 udn 聯合新聞網 綠營指地下道用黑名單監視器 中市新聞局：林佳龍任 內發包 台中市議員黃守達接到民眾陳情，台灣大道民權路、英才路兩地下道，發現來自中國大陸「海康威視」的監視器，黃守達到現場查證，確認屬實。黃守達 ... 10 hours ago 海康威視入侵台中！ 建設局承諾1周內全面拆除 天眼滲透台灣？台中驚現數十支中製監視器 議員：原廠替中南海監控數億人民 資安危機！海康威視監視器入侵台中 議員：全面撤換 扯！台中市府竟裝中國監視器被抓包… 中國監控維族人利器 海康威視「天網」現蹤台中、高雄 台中地下道竟裝大陸天網 市府：一周內全撤換 自由時報電子報 中市監視器使用中國產品業者：未看清合約誤用- 生活 〔記者黃鐘山／台中報導〕中市地下道監視器系統誤用中國海康威視產品，初步查出9座地下道裝設，監視器業者今（19）日從英才路開始拆除，更換為台灣本地電子產品， ... 4 hours ago 民視新聞網 (新聞發布) 台中地下道遭爆裝中國監視器廠商今進行拆除 日前我們為您報導，台中市台灣大道上有兩座地下道，被裝設中國海康威視的監視器，引發資安疑慮。台中市政府建設局的包商，下午已經開始撤換監視器，預計在一 ... 8 hours ago 台灣蘋果日報 (新聞發布) 海康威視監視器入侵永和巴士新北市府不更換引發網 友憂心｜蘋果新聞網｜蘋果日報 中國海康威視監視器系統日前遭爆入侵台中市地下道，沒想到新北市也有民眾發現，搭乘永和區接駁公車F521（永平路口-仁愛公園）路線，在司機後方的車頂，竟然也裝 ... 8 hours ago 自由時報電子報 「中國天網」入侵台中- 政治 台中市建設局回應，驗收時是採功能規格審查，未注意廠牌，已要求廠商備料，希望以一週為目標完成汰換，費用也由廠商負擔，未來驗收時會特別注意原產地。 21 hours ago 自由時報電子報 不止台中地下道業者︰中國監視器瓜分台1/3大餅- 政 治 〔記者許國楨、張菁雅、黃鐘山／台中報導〕台中市多處地下道被爆裝設來自中國海康威視的監視器，引起資安遭中國滲透疑慮，有監視器業者向本報爆料，海康威視在台 ... 21 hours ago 自由時報電子報 海康威視入侵台中市 台灣大道沿線幾乎全淪陷 〔記者黃鐘山／台中報導〕海康威視系統入侵台中，繼市議員黃守達踢爆台灣大道民權路、英才路2處地下道，發現中國海康威視的監視器後，市議員 ... 4 days ago udn 聯合新聞網 不只進駐台中，中國海康威視「天網」早已籠罩台灣 日前有台中市議員指出，台中市台灣大道多處地點裝設中國海康威視（Hikvision）監視器，再度引起資安熱議，台中市政府隨即請廠商於19日開始 ... 16 hours ago
NPP’s Hung Continues Attack over Land Sale
New Power Party Legislator Hung Tzu-yung has in recent weeks been on the offensive against the Taichung City Government over the sale of land originally slated under the previous administration for social housing.
She was the first to bring to light the sale, and is accusing the city of colluding with a property developer engaging in land speculation.
The 3.7 hectare site yesterday morning was successfully auctioned off for NT$3.8 billion to a developer with significant land holdings in the surrounding area.
The city, however, is rejecting Hung’s claims, saying that the social housing project has not been abandoned after all, but rather will be relocated.
林佳龍規劃社宅將移區 盧市府38億元標出原地 台中社會宅原土地以38億標出 洪慈庸痛批市府「賣地炒房」 台中社會宅原土地以38億標出 洪慈庸痛批市府「賣地炒房」 經濟日報 (新聞發布) 總太斥資38億元 標下台中市區段徵收配餘地地王 台中市政府今（23）日標售北屯太原段及太平新光區段徵收配餘地，其中最受矚目的第一標、位於北屯太原段140地號的1萬1,330坪地王，由總 ... 14 hours ago 鉅亨網 (新聞發布) 總太自台中市府標下萬坪建地擬明年推案總銷將逾百 億元| Anue鉅亨- 台股新聞 台中建商總太地產(3056-TW) 今(23) 日以38.02 億元金額，標下台中市政府進行標售的北屯太原段140 地號，總面積達1.13 萬坪建地，換算每坪 ... 9 hours ago 好房News 總太斥資38億 標下台中市徵收配餘地地王 經濟日報記者宋健生╱即時報導. 台中市政府今（23）日標售北屯太原段及太平新光區段徵收配餘地，其中最受矚目的第一標、位於北屯太原段140地 ... 17 hours ago 自由時報電子報 林佳龍規劃社宅土地賣掉了！盧市府「得標者保密」38 億標出 〔記者張菁雅／台中報導〕台中市政府地政局今日進行今年區段徵收配餘地第2次公開標售，其中最受矚目的是原本規劃為社會住宅用地的北屯區太原 ... 15 hours ago
Prosecutors List Suspects in Death of Teen
Prosecutors have questioned six, releasing two and naming the other four as suspects in the death of a 17-year-old girl at a Fengyuan hotel.
Investigators say that more may be involved in the case, and are looking for them.
The girl had come up to Taichung from her home in Tainan and was partying at various locations around town the weekend before last.
Investigators say she ended up at a “sex and drugs party” with six men at a Taichung motel on Saturday, as she reportedly she had worked for a modeling agency and was hired out as an escort girl.
According to footage at the hotel, she was carried to the hotel room, unable to carry herself.
Three of the four suspects have admitted to taking “narcotic coffee powder” mix and having sex with the girl.
One man used his cell phone camera to record the sexual activities, which is now in custody of the prosecutors.
She was found dead on Monday by hotel staff, and the men reportedly panicked and left her there when they discovered she had no pulse and wasn’t breathing.
Prosecutors are working to determine a time of death, in order to determine if the teen died during sex with the men, or from the drugs.
udn 聯合新聞網 獨／少女疑毒趴暴斃 飯店人員驚：她只穿內褲躺床上 台南一名17歲少女，本周日與友人到台中市多家摩鐵疑似開毒品轟趴，隨後與4名男子到另一家商務飯店休息，傍晚5點多飯店人員進房打掃，驚見 ... 11 hours ago 台南少女陳屍台中 母親陳情籲速查出死因 17歲少女疑參加性愛毒趴 猝死赤裸遭丟包台中摩鐵
Changhua Student Wins Piety Award
Second year vocational school student Yang Ching-ju (楊靜如) has won a national piety award for her selfless care of her mother.
She has been helping her mother at work since she was in the fourth grade in order to raise the money needed to care for her and her sister.
Yang says she doesn’t regret turning down requests from friends to go out on weekends, noting her mother never has a chance to rest.
With the NT$100,000 award money, she will pay her and her sister’s tuition fees.
Long term she hopes to work hard after graduation so she can take her mother on a trip, noting they’ve never gone farther than Taichung.
English
Teenage girl found dead in hotel room - Taipei Times
Taiwan prepares expanded blacklist of Chinese telecom products
Taiwan city of Taichung to scrap Chinese-made surveillance cameras
Prosecutors search for more people in death of teenager
Kaohsiung has Chinese cameras: NPP - Taipei Times
List of banned PRC tech firms expected in weeks - Taipei Times
Ang Lee lauds opening of Central Taiwan Film Studios
VIDEO: A sneak peek at new film studio in central Taiwan
Central Taiwan Film Studios opens in Taichung City
Central Taiwan Film Studios open for business in Taichung
Anger over multiple DUI offender’s release
VIDEO: Nantou park fills with summer fireflies
Two century-old schools team up to build on past achievements
Philippine team at Taiwan basketball tournament lauds migrant workers
Two century-old schools in Taiwan team up to build on past achievements
July 17, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Police Crackdowns on “Migrant Workers”
Taichung police have recently taken to coming out in force and ordering people sitting out front of ASEAN Plaza to leave.
ASEAN Plaza--originally named First Square--is a popular spot for people from ASEAN countries to meet with friends.
This last Sunday at around 7 pm one of these actions was caught on camera, with police blowing whistles and aggressively motioning for people to leave.
Police responded saying they were concerned about migrant workers fighting, throwing up and creating garbage after drinking--though in the video nobody appears at all inebriated or in possession of alcohol.
The police also stated they were not forcibly ordering the peacefully sitting people to leave, but rather giving them a “flexible, verbal advisement”--likely because they had no legal basis for their actions.
Ex-Mayor Lin Chia-lung, who gave the plaza its current name, decrying the actions of the police.
台中警方驅離東協廣場移工 移工集體反彈 Yahoo懶人卡 台中「東協廣場」每月商機1.2億！移工讓鬼城重生為何 還被警方驅離 近日，台灣國際勞工協會台中辦公室在臉書指控，台中市警方無故驅趕聚集於東協廣場的外籍移工，相關影片引發網友正反意見激烈交鋒。究竟「東協廣場」之於外籍移 ... 7 hours ago
Meanwhile, in Changhua a crackdown on electric bicycles is underway.
Electric bicycles are a huge export business in Central Taiwan, but aren’t as popular with Changhua police.
They are enforcing regulations that limit an electric bicycle to a maximum speed of 25 km/hr, and customizations such as custom foot rests.
However fully 80% of those caught and fined were described by the police as “migrant workers”.
The crackdown has been conducted around industrial parks, in scenic areas and near the train station.
電動自行車大稽查！彰化單月逾1800件違規挨罰 電動自行車交通大執法彰化一個月取締1864件
Tourism Growing in Taichung
Tourist and traveller overnight stays in Taichung for the first five months of the year increased 3.6% over last year to reach just over 3 million, boosted in part by the Floral Expo.
According the city the target for the year is a total 8 million tourist stays, which would be a new record.
The second half of the year is full of international events.
The shopping festival just kicked off with a dramatic nighttime display by 300 drones putting on a synchronized light show.
A Guguan hotsprings festival is taking place this July and August, a bicycle festival in September and October, Compass Fest and the Jazz Festival in October, and the Xinshe sea of flowers in November and December.
In a move that may further boost the numbers for this year, the city has announced they are moving the start date for the 2020 national Lantern Festival to Christmas Eve this year.
台中市今年1到5月住宿旅客306萬比去年同期多11萬人次 燕子市長拼經濟中市觀光旅遊穩定成長今年1-5月住宿旅客增約11萬人次 花博助攻中市今年1～5月住宿旅客約增11萬人次 2020台灣燈會在台中 預計從聖誕節到元宵節 台中購物節開跑 300架無人機7/13夜空展演 台中購物節開跑 300台無人機表演吸睛 台中購物節開跑 300台無人機表演吸睛 台中購物節開跑 無人機「豪宅」隊形玩噱頭 台中購物節周周有大獎 全城ON SALE
Historical Taichung, Railway on the Way?
Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has determined to go ahead with plans laid by ex-Mayors Lin Chia-lung and Jason Hu on revitalizing downtown Taichung.
The canals and the train station are already highly visible results of this ongoing project, but more are on the way according to the mayor.
Starting in September, renovations on the ex-Taichu Prefectural Hall--later Taichung City Hall--will begin, with the aim of turning it into an iconic historical and cultural hub with international appeal.
Other historic buildings in the area are also slated for renovation, and more work is to be done on the land opened up by the rail line elevation project.
In related news, Minister of Communications and Transportation Lin Chia-lung says that as part of their 2022 tourism year plan, they have already launched a feasibility study on reviving the old mountain rail line linking Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua and Nantou.
中市府推舊城美學經濟 台中州廳活化9月動工 延續前朝政策 台中「城中城」歷史空間再造計畫加碼推動 自由時報電子報 台中市警察局 明年2月要搬家了 〔記者張瑞楨／台中報導〕台中市政府規劃明年4月底前，市府的都市發展局與環保局，將遷移到現在的中市警察局，藉此進行台中州廳及周邊建物歷史 ... 2 hours ago udn 聯合新聞網 州廳再造9月開工 盧秀燕：翻轉中區唯有大投資大建設 台中市文化城中城歷史空間再造計畫，最受矚目的台中州廳及周邊建物歷史場域再造今年9月開工，預計111年底完工，市府希望打造城市文化核心 ... 6 hours ago 台中舊山線復駛有望？林佳龍：評估中
Nantou Adds New Ways to Tax Visitors
In response to local complaint about noise, congestion and pollution caused by crowds of tourists, local authorities and the Nantou County Government have a passed a tourist tax plan.
The plan, which if approved by the national government, would impose a flat NT$10 tax on all tourists visiting three areas in Lugu Township.
It is also expected to raise funds for upkeep of the tourist areas.
That plan would increase planned fees, but a new initiative by Nantou police may catch some unawares.
Recently on Provincial Route 21 in Xinyi Township a small, portable police speed trap has been spotted.
The speed trap and tripod-supported table stand weighs about 5kg and simply looks like a small, black box.
Be careful of your speed in Nantou, or a traffic ticket might be among your souvenirs.
台灣首例！南投鹿谷鄉3景點開徵觀光稅 鹿谷公所擬徵溪頭觀光稅南投縣府樂觀其成 全台第一槍！南投縣鹿谷鄉通過開徵「觀光稅」 測速器進化！南投警方新裝備迷你相機抓超速 測速照相再進化？「迷你相機」抓超速警方這樣說… 南投鹿谷鄉三大園區擬徵觀光稅
Leopard Cat Efforts on the Rise
A series of incentives and measures to improve the safety of Taiwan’s endangered leopard cats has passed the national Council of Agriculture.
Along with building fences along stretches of road where the cats are frequently spotted--and unfortunately hit by cars--plans are now underway to offer incentives to protect the cats.
Initially starting in Nantou and Miaoli, farmers and residents will be offered substantial cash incentives to set aside land free of traps and poisons, install cameras, encouraging farmers to report and not kill cats attacking their chickens, and to conduct patrols of their habitat.
Meanwhile, the Taichung City Govt yesterday began conduct a series of open hearings in potentially impacted districts of a draft law on protecting the cats.
Leopard cats recently have become a popular symbol of Taiwan, and it is hoped they will become are more common sight in the wild.
全台不到500隻 台中推石虎保育自治條例 推動台中石虎保育自治條例 今起舉辦說明會 友善石虎生態服務給付苗栗南投7月先試辦
English
Taichung city councilor says 23 local Web sites spreading TAO’s fake news
Taiwan's Taichung panned for being ‘hotbed’ of pro-China websites
Taiwanese firm gives workers NT$67K in monthly pay, sports cars, trips abroad
KAWS Gigantic BFF Sculpture Goes on View in Taichung | Auctions News | THE VALUE | Art News
Pair sentenced over attack on goose eggs - Taipei Times
Migrant rights groups call for MOE to step up student protections
Taiwan implements cash incentives for leopard cat protection
Jones Cup: PH-Mighty Sports dumps Jordan for 2nd win
Mighty Sports left guessing on Iran lineup ahead of Jones Cup debut
Balkman shows way as unbeaten Mighty deals Japan first loss at ...
Balkman-led Philippines too mighty for Japan in 2019 Jones Cup
Balkman goes on birthday barrage as Mighty Sports continues early ...
Mighty Sports claims 3rd win in Jones Cup
2019 Jones Cup: Mighty Sports dominates Jordan for another easy win
Mighty Sports stamps class vs Jordan for back-to-back Jones Cup wins
Mighty-PH logs 2nd win, routs Jordan
Another easy win for Mighty Sports
Mighty-PH zooms to third straight win
Jones Cup: Mighty trashes Japan for third win
IDF fighter jet makes forced landing at Taichung airport
‘Jiahou Line Bikeway’ in central Taiwan inaugurated on Monday
VIDEO: Bamboo industry in central Taiwan eyeing resurge
Taiwan's Performing Arts Alliance forums aimed at sparking public interest in arts
Taiwan: Japanese encephalitis reported in Taichung City
Global investment falls in first half of 2019
Taiwan finally to actively regulate betel nut tree planting
Taiwan’s Taichung touts digital governance at Asia Pacific Cities Summit
Orsted orders LS Cable wires for Changhua 1&2a
Ørsted Orders Changhua Cables at LS Cable & System
Taiwan's government responds to marine trash report
Taiwan's economics ministry approves investment from five firms
Tourists visit scenic spot of Riyue Tan in SE China's Taiwan
Indian media report praises Taichung as 'artsy capital of Taiwan'
Heat alert issued for 16 counties, cities in Taiwan as mercury soars to 36.9 degrees Celsius
CSBC launches barge for wind farms
FPG rejects claim over high PM2.5 levels
July 10, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Lu-Su Central Govt Subsidies Battle Escalates
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has once again taken aim at Premier Su Tseng-chang, doubling down on her claim that the Executive Yuan is shortchanging the city in budget outlays.
Last Thursday morning she called in the press to inform them that she was not attending a local government leader meeting with the Executive Yuan to be held that day.
Later the same day, the Premier himself visited Taichung to view the progress on a central government funded water works project--but the mayor didn’t show, sending a vice mayor in her stead.
The mayor is claiming that the Executive Yuan is boycotting sending new subsidies to the city.
Executive Yuan spokesperson Kolas Yotaka fired back that over NT$30 billion has been spent on the city so far this year.
The premier commented that his office doesn’t discriminate on blue/green political lines and that he fully supports Taichung construction projects.
The Taichung City government has walked back earlier comments by the mayor about no subsidies, but says that the subsidies received are a combination of regular subsidies or had been decided on last year.
The city further claims that requests for subsidies this year, for example for the upcoming Lantern Festival, haven’t been responded to appropriately.
Kaohsiung Mayor and presidential candidate Daniel Han Kuo-yu offered Lu his support, calling on the central government to listen to Taichung 2.8 million residents.
盧秀燕缺席行政院會 蘇揆南下視察台中旱溪由副市長代打討錢 盧秀燕缺席行政院會 蘇揆南下視察台中旱溪由副市長代打討錢 視察台中大康橋計畫 蘇貞昌指示中央支持 【政院經費卡台中】盧秀燕拒出席院會 蘇揆：台中建設都會支持 盧抗議中央 民代：台中不需盧小小孩 盧秀燕缺席院會抗議 政院：旱溪整治已撥6億 補助台中逾300億 盧秀燕不出席院會 蘇揆:台中建設都會大力支持 台中補助 蘇貞昌：中央地方一條心 不滿中央不撥款盧秀燕今缺席 政院：一直把台中放心上 行政院：今年已核300億補助台中市 盧秀燕拒出席行政院會 Kolas：已補助台中300億 盧秀燕缺席院會抗議補助不實 政院：一直把台中放心上 盧秀燕缺席院會抗議 政院：一直把台中放心上 影 盧秀燕認為中央補助口惠而不實蘇貞昌：不分藍綠 盧秀燕預算也被卡 韓國瑜：政院應傾聽280萬台中市民聲音 蘇揆表示全力支持台中市建設 中市府：感受不到 盧秀燕缺席行政院會 蘇揆南下視察台中旱溪由副市長代打討錢 盧秀燕缺席行政院會 蘇揆南下視察台中旱溪由副市長代打討錢 視察台中大康橋計畫 蘇貞昌指示中央支持 盧抗議中央 民代：台中不需盧小小孩 盧秀燕缺席院會抗議 政院：旱溪整治已撥6億 補助台中逾300億 東豐快未完工怪林佳龍？卓冠廷無奈回 「通用計程車」 林佳龍南下台中視察通用計程車 中市府爭取2300萬小黃補助 中市成功爭取通用計程車補助營運計畫 林佳龍：支持推動人本交通
Taichung City Govt Changes of Plans
Finally a location and a start date have been finalized to begin construction on a “Big Egg” domed stadium.
Mayor Lu Shiow-yen’s administration overturned the previous administration’s plans and have restored the location originally planned under ex-Mayor Jason Hu not far from the Intercontinental Baseball Stadium.
The location is convenient, being right next to Freeway 1 and the 74 Expressway.
Planned to seat 15,000, construction is slated to begin in 2022 and operations to begin in 2027.
The project is expected to cost NT$6.5 billion.
In another major change of plans, the city has cancelled the Beitun/Taiyuan public housing project, originally the biggest one planned under the previous administration.
Instead, the city plans to sell the land, expecting to bring in at the lowest estimates at least NT$3.4 billion.
終於有蛋了！台中巨蛋111年動工比「迷你蛋」大14倍 台中有巨蛋了市府決自籌自建 台中賣社宅用地！時力批：向建商靠攏 不蓋了！台中最大社會宅喊卡 底價34.1億 社會住宅爭議延燒 林佳龍要盧秀燕多一點「聆聽」 盧秀燕市府狂賣最大社宅用地網酸：社宅變豪宅台中發大財 洪慈庸批賣社會宅用地圖利建商市府：以訛傳訛
Shopping Festival Kicks off Today
From today to August 18 is the 2019 Taichung Shopping Festival.
The city is going all out to boost the local retail market, and has signed up an impressive list of local partner retail outlets--including the major night markets--to offer promotions, activities and discounts.
The city has promoted the event heavily both locally, and through a PR campaign, internationally.
Big prizes are a big draw, include a luxury apartment worth NT$10 million, a luxury car, presidential suite stays, electric scooters and many more items.
Those who spend at least NT$500 at a wide range of locations around the city can register online for a chance to win those prizes.
International tourists brought in by the PR campaign, however, may be disappointed to discover the website is in Chinese only.
台中購物節10日登場 68家身障店家加入優惠商店行列 小朋友化身糕餅師中市、裕珍馨攜手宣傳台中購物節 宣傳台中購物節 小朋友變身糕點師傅學習食安知識 台中購物節公布千萬豪宅 2房新成屋附平面車位 台中購物節首獎千萬豪宅公布 北屯鴻邑晴山居建案 台中購物節首獎千萬豪宅 北屯區建案獲選 台中購物節明天登場 市府邀店家一起拚經濟 台中購物節明天登場 市府邀店家一起拚經濟 台中購物節登場 「千萬豪宅」抽獎大放送 台中購物節將開跑 中信全台ATM協助宣傳 台中購物節 中信5800台ATM加入行銷陣容
MRT Green Line is Nearly Done: Stations Not Yet
The MRT Green Line is just about done, meaning full route testing can begin.
This doesn’t mean it will open to the public soon, though, the testing period will continue for quite some time to ensure safety and stability of the system.
In the meantime, sound barriers and the stations will continue to be worked on.
The stations are currently over 84% complete.
The system runs from the High Speed Rail Station up WenXin Road and into the Beitun District, terminating not far from Dakeng.
It is expected to begin public operations in 2020.
Meanwhile, the Taichung Metro Corp has filed a new logo patent, replacing the original one, which was widely mocked.
The newer design was tested to high approval in public polling, and is shaped like a stylized, in motion “chung” character--the second character in the city’s name.
台中捷運綠線列車測試 模擬實際營運班表 台中捷運綠線模擬營運 拚2020年通車 模擬實際營運 台中捷運綠線列車上路測試 台中捷運公司第二、三波徵才 招募152人 台中捷運機電系統測試 家長反映音量干擾學生 台中市捷運綠線測試進離站音樂變噪音 台中捷運綠線測試車站音樂太大變噪音
Pearl Milk Tea Festival
These days hardly a day goes by without news of a new pearl milk tea shop opening somewhere around the world, even in smaller cities and towns.
So it is fitting that Taichung--the birthplace of pearl milk tea--is holding a Pearl Milk Tea Festival.
According to the city, pearl milk tea--also known as bubble milk tea or boba--is a NT$300 billion industry.
24 of the city’s top outlets have signed on to this event, and from today until the 28th people can vote for their favourite teas and boba-inspired dishes.
People can cast their votes at participating shops, at a large pearl milk tea art installation in the plaza in front of Taichung Railway Station and on the official Website.
On August 3 the winners of the votes will be announced, and a themed marketplace will be held at the Taichung Train Station on August 10 and 11.
English
Ørsted Supports Taiwan's Offshore Wind
Lee Chi to boost capital expenditure, production
Taichung files new metro logo patent
Taichung holding Pearl Milk Tea Festival until July
Taichung MRT Green Line nears completion, test runs start
Taichung clash prompts warning against vigilantism
Taiwan's economics ministry approves three firms' investments
CIP inks deal with Royal Boskalis, Hwa chi
School at altitude touts stargazing, seeks more visitors - Taipei Times
Global forum on modern direct democracy to take place in Taichung
More direct routes link Shandong and Taiwan
Taichung MRT's Green Line close to completion
Taichung Shopping Festival offers grand prizes to attract summer tourists
Housing transactions in 6 major cities down month-on-month
Taiwan confirms new cases of avian flu on 3 farms
Taiwan's economics ministry approves three firms' investments
Taiwan's StarLux gains CAA approval to operate on Japan, Thailand routes
Boskalis Cracks Asian Offshore Wind Market
Mandarin Airlines to launch Taichung-Tottori flight
Weather blamed for Taiwan's spike in avian flu cases
CIP, Boskalis and Hwa Chi Construction ink agreement
Nature writer Liu Ka-shiang wins UDN Grand Literary Award
Taichung City iBike Personal Injury Insurance Effective on July 1 – Highest Claim of NT$1 Million
Brave Taiwanese 8th Army soldier, Paiwan warrior helps subdue knife attacker on train
Taiwanese balloon artist wins first place in US design competition
Taiwan railway police now have pepper spray, bulletproof vests
Amazing time-lapse video shows awesome beauty of Taiwan
Eight areas in Taiwan under heat hazard alert
S. Korea sends 22 telecom fraud suspects to Taiwan, not China
Housing transactions in 6 major cities down month-on-month
First Taiwan Listening Day to put human-environment relationship in spotlight
July 3, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Taichung City Govt Again Demands Taipower Cuts
For the seventh year running the national Environmental Protection Agency has released PM2.5 air pollution numbers for the first half of the year that show improvement over the year before.
According to the EPA, the average concentration through the end of June was 18.7 micrograms per square meter, an improvement of 2.2 over last year and less than half the 38 measured in 2011.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, however, poured cold water over the supposed good news by commenting that the most important thing is that Taichung residents feel an improvement.
In Taichung public perception is very much at odds with the picture of continual improvement painted by annual EPA numbers--with many residents convinced that the air quality is in fact getting worse.
Regardless of the fact of the matter, the issue was the main campaign plank in the mayor’s successful run for mayor last year.
Once again, the mayor is targeting the nation’s--and one of the world’s--largest stationary source of air pollution: the massive Taichung Power Plant run by state-owned Taipower.
The mayor is making two new demands.
First, she is calling on the Taichung Power Plant to only operate five of their ten units during the peak pollution period of October to April.
Second, she wants a cap on coal burned set at 11 million tons for 2020, or 40% less than the amount burned in 2014.
Taipower Chairman Yang Wei-fu (楊偉甫), however, wasn’t impressed with the proposals.
He noted that they were inconsistent with previous city pronouncements on the issue.
He also noted that the city keeps demanding cuts without providing detailed proposals.
He predicted that the Taichung City Government would harm the nation’s economic development.
Minister of Economic Affairs Shen Jung-jin (沈榮津) was also not optimistic, saying that the cuts would impact supply, but said Taipower would be asked to come up with estimates.
A spokesperson for Taipower announced that national reserves would be cut by 9% and impact their ability to provide steady power supplies if the plans were enacted.
【有影／2019空污論壇12-11】王義川：轉換綠色運具 台中抗空污奏效 台中市府加碼要求中火 經長：勢必衝擊供電 台中空品持續改善 盧秀燕：市民有感最重要 台中上半年PM2.5平均值創新低 盧秀燕：持續要求中火減媒4成 台中市府下重手明年中火「生煤」砍4成 台中市府出重手要中火空汙季期間減半發電 台中大砍中火生煤量再祭出7個月空汙季管制 台中市府加碼要求中火經長：勢必衝擊供電 打空汙！台中市府出重手要中火空汙季期間減半發電 中市府砍中火5機組台電：備轉容量率恐大減9％ 空汙季中火機組被砍半台電批台中市損害台灣經濟
Lu, Su Cross Swords over Subsidies
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen took aim and fired at Premier Su Tseng-chang, accusing him of not providing even 10 cents of central government budget towards Taichung under his watch.
She claimed that Taichung sends NT$140 billion annually to the central government in taxes, but only receives NT$100 billion in return.
To sweeten her appeal to Su she brought a fruit basket--of local Taichung produce of course--to Su’s office, but he wasn’t present at the time.
Su responded by providing a list of subsidies being sent to Taichung--though Lu claimed many were approved under previous premiers and didn’t count, but did accept some were recently approved.
Coincidentally, right after this disagreement the national EPA announced NT$346 million in funding for stage three of the Lyuchuan Canal revitalization plan.
The latest phase will extend the popular, and attractive, revitalization of the Japanese era canal further into the South District.
It will also continue to improve water quality and cut direct access to groundwater to preserve that resource.
盧秀燕質疑中央不補助台中 蘇貞昌：誤會 盧秀燕質疑不給台中補助 蘇貞昌：誤會了 盧秀燕怨中央沒給台中錢 蘇揆打臉了 她上任後中央沒給過台中一毛錢 盧秀燕直衝蘇貞昌辦公室「送水果」 屏燈會3億台中3千萬 盧秀燕送水果爭錢 整治台中綠川 環保署將再投入3.46億元 綠川整治第三期工程開工 打造台中新好生活 鴿子、夜鷺「千糞齊攻」！台中公園到處都鳥屎 鴿子、夜鷺「千糞齊攻」！台中公園到處都鳥屎 綠川整治第三期工程順利開工打造台中新好生活 守護水資源 台中綠川將禁抽地下水
iBike Insurance Hits the Streets
Starting on July first, long planned insurance covering Taichung iBike riders went into effect.
Taichung’s bike sharing system--similar to the systems called “Youbike” in other cities--has docking stations around the city, which after registering, people can rent inexpensively using stored value cash cards.
Previously riders were uninsured by the system, however.
Now, riders who are crippled or seriously hurt to the point of death can receive compensation of up to NT$1 million.
For those requiring hospitalization, payouts of up to NT$1000 a day will be offered.
台中iBike傷害險7/1上路 最高理賠100萬元 公共自行車傷害險台中也跟進 最高可理賠100萬
Noodle Shop Explodes
Sometime after 4 pm last Saturday on HanKou Road in the North District a noodle shop exploded.
The explosion sent six to hospital.
Fortunately, there were no fatalities.
It is suspected that a leaking gas canister may be to blame.
Another accident in 2017 injured 15 and left one dead in the Fengchia night market area.
台中市一家小吃攤氣爆 6人受傷送醫 台中市小吃攤突氣爆 6人受傷送醫 快訊／台中麵攤傳氣爆 3男3女送醫 台中住宅疑似氣爆3人受傷送醫
Nantou Takes on Gas Station Bathrooms
Travellers in Nantou will be relieved that the county’s Environmental Protection Bureau is having a go at improving one of the least liked places in all of human existence: Gas station bathrooms.
At 24 gas stations across the county, once one has done their duty, they will have the opportunity to do future users a solid.
As part of the “stop for petrol, patrol the bathroom” initiative, your feedback on the quality of the experience and environment can be deposited.
This will help gas station owners and staff make your next Nantou pit stop a little less crappy.
提升加油站公廁品質南投首度辦評比 提升加油站公廁品質南投首度辦評比(圖)
English
Local university denies abuse of Indonesian students
Mayor wants bigger snake, beehive budget - Taipei Times
Changhua police test jammer devices used to disable drones
Police seeking man suspected of dragging dog to death
China Eastern Airlines launches Taichung-Kunming flight route
China Eastern celebrates Kunming to Taichung service
Taiwan: More dengue, Japanese encephalitis and enterovirus
Angry crowd runs amok in Taichung 涉虐嬰保母神隱 鄉民包圍她家喊抓人
MUSE Design Awards recognizes Taiwanese architects
Taiwan Business Quick Take - Taipei Times
Taiwanese hip hop star an activist on mic
Experience in wonder of Nantou, Taiwan at Central Plaza Grand ...
Church documents reveal Puli history
Ningbo, Zhejiang and Taiwan Launch Cultural Tourism Exchange
Four firms boost total Taiwan investment pledges to over NT$400 billion
Bike makers return amid tensions - Taipei Times
Taiwan sees returnee investment exceed NT$400 billion
Central Taiwan’s Dongshi Forestry Culture Park open every day until September
CPC to Offer Lower Sulfur MGO in Taichung
Early alerts help save lives in quake-prone areas
Treasure Hunt in Taichung Shopping Festival Download APP for the Presidential Suite in lucky draw
Taichung Hot spring COSPLAY Photography Competition Immediate Open Call
Taiwan-France Cultural Awards presented
Sustainable Finance Helps to Launch Taiwan's Offshore Wind Adventure
June 26, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Emergency repairs cut water across Taichung
According to the water company right now over 103,000 households are without water about 60,000 have reduced water pressure.
The short notice outage started yesterday at 2 pm for emergency repairs on a major water pipeline leak at the Liyu reservoir.
It is expected to be completed by 1 pm this afternoon.
Water outages are in effect in limited neighborhoods across 12 Taichung districts, with some hard hit and others only with very small neighborhoods impacted.
The Xitun District is by far the worst hit by outages, but other districts with partial outages include Shengang, Tanzi, Fengyuan, Daya, Beitun, Nantun, Wuri, Shalu, Wuqi, Longjing and Dajia.
Qingshui has significant areas impacted with low water pressure, though eight other districts also have some low pressure neighborhoods.
台中突停水23小時 16萬戶受影響 快訊／台中大停水23小時！16萬戶受影響 快訊／台中大停水 12區16萬戶快儲水備用 鯉魚潭管線漏水 台中16萬3000戶停水或減壓23小時 台中部分地區停水或減壓23小時影響16萬戶
Han Kuo-yu rally raises hopes, stink
Daniel Han Kuo-yu arrived in Taichung with a big, media-eating splash and an enthusiastic rally last Saturday.
While crowd size estimates ranged from 40,000 to the organizer estimate of 200,000--there is no doubting the size, scale and enthusiasm of the rally was a significant success for the KMT presidential primary candidate.
The party started long before the Kaohsiung mayor arrived, and featured Nantou legislator Hsu Shu-hua as a motivating MC and ex-Taichung Mayor Jason Hu and his wife Shirley.
The start of evening, Han himself, led the crowd for a short while, accusing the DPP administration
“Power intoxication” and promoting his new business growth slogans to his adoring crowd decked out in patriotic ROC clothes and flags.
While it didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of Han’s supporters, many took note at the wide range of local political heavyweights in the KMT who turned down appearing on stage.
The list included almost everyone, from the current mayor, Nantou and Changhua commissioners and the heads of the local red and black patronage factions.
Han did, however, join many of them--including the mayor--over dinner later in the evening.
The morning after the party, however, also drew considerable attention.
The organizers clearly had not prepared well for the huge quantities of garbage generated by such a crowd, and considerable amounts of garbage--including human feces--were found in the park next door, which contains an important archaeological site.
台中挺韓造勢更勝雲林花蓮 中和受理報名已逾13輛車 韓國瑜22日台中造勢 藍營議員力挺：吃人一口、報人一斗 韓台中造勢缺重量級咖 顏莉敏：以行程為主 韓台中造勢缺重量級咖 顏莉敏：以行程為主 韓國瑜6/22台中造勢 中市藍營議員全力相挺 缺席韓國瑜台中造勢 藍營：盧秀燕會與韓共進晚餐 韓國瑜週末台中造勢歡樂向前行 議會國民黨團力挺 客人進不來？韓國瑜台中造勢交通管制達14小時 韓台中造勢缺重量級咖顏莉敏：以行程為主 韓國瑜22日台中造勢彰化縣長王惠美不參加 韓國瑜22日造勢南投縣長林明溱不參與 韓國瑜台中造勢 議員疑施壓捐血車進駐？ 韓國瑜台中造勢逼表態？王金平：縣市長會有人情壓力 閃遠遠？韓國瑜台中造勢讓他們好尷尬 韓台中造勢 洪慈庸：請帶實質政見來 韓國瑜台中造勢 周邊「管車、不管人」交通管制 住宅區交管10小時挨批 韓國瑜台中造勢惹民怨 住宅區交管10小時挨批 韓國瑜台中造勢惹民怨 選總統比登革熱重要？韓國瑜明去台中 韓國瑜622台中造勢 警方漸進式擴大管制 韓國瑜台中造勢 洪慈庸提問：發大財以外還什麼願景？ 韓台中造勢交管10小時 交通恐大打結 獨／高雄有「台中幫」 胡志強明將出席韓國瑜台中造勢 韓國瑜造勢前先請益顏清標 顏：說的話要做的到 | 韓國瑜話題不斷 | 要聞 | 聯合新聞網 韓國瑜台中造勢 盧秀燕不上台僅參加會後聚餐 | 韓國瑜話題不斷 | 要聞 | 聯合新聞網 韓國瑜台中造勢 蘇貞昌再嗆這八字 韓國瑜台中造勢 主辦單位下午5時宣布逾8萬人到場 登革熱仍未解！韓國瑜台中造勢再挨批 韓國瑜台中造勢 交通大打結、攤商爆亂象 韓國瑜來台中求支持 顏清標要他「說的話要做到」 台中挺韓大會可領500元？主辦單位駁斥：假消息 韓國瑜台中造勢號召20萬人 旗海飄飄韓粉嗨翻天 韓台中造勢！他精算椅子數：別再誇大 【盧秀燕選前中立】不出席韓國瑜台中造勢 韓粉連日出征她的臉書 囧！ 韓國瑜今晚台中造勢 竟無大咖同台 【報答韓流】台中紅黑派大動員 派系要角：這次挺韓才有情有義 估湧20萬人！韓國瑜台中造勢 182攤販卡位 韓台中造勢 紅黑派要角聚餐不上台 韓國瑜台中造勢前先拜會地方人士搏感情 顏、張兩家說法兩樣情 酸韓台中造勢？蘇「不該為自己事到處跑」 韓國瑜台中造勢主辦單位下午5時宣布逾8萬人到場 https://udn.com/news/story/120536/3887149?fbclid=IwAR3Rs6UGUEsygwv64JvHEBZqCBBoJ1Hg-ycFp5C3EK4cWLB2q8aOV9fUoxs 台中20萬人挺韓國瑜穩贏？ 他分析：715前4大變數 韓國瑜台中造勢讓考古遺跡成垃圾山！現場驚見「人體排泄物」 韓國瑜台中造勢讓考古遺跡成垃圾山！現場驚見「人體排泄物」 台中紅黑派挺韓？王金平：顏清標下週跟我包水餃 台中紅黑派挺韓？王金平：顏清標下週跟我包水餃 台中造勢破20萬人？數學老師打臉韓 韓國瑜台中造勢人氣爆棚 孫大千：庶民力量代言人 韓國瑜台中造勢 王金平：多少人不必在乎 台中造勢垃圾滿地？韓家軍不平指離場10分鐘神清理 韓國瑜台中造勢留垃圾 環保局：不清除可開罰 顏清標點菜！提醒韓台中國際機場問題 高雄花50萬元辦「光頭日」 主角韓國瑜卻到台中造勢 高雄花50萬元辦「光頭日」 主角韓國瑜卻到台中造勢 韓國瑜台中造勢 喊挺韓不只"同溫層" 韓國瑜台中造勢後…遺址公園現場「慘不忍睹」 網怒：這就是韓粉水準？ 韓國瑜台中造勢大會 喊出「拉進來、打出去」新口號 拉進來、打出去 韓挺中小企業 拉進來打出去 幫貿易戰度危機 登革熱仍未解！韓國瑜台中造勢再挨批 台中造勢轟中央！韓國瑜：看我鬧笑話 韓台中造勢 痛罵民進黨得「權力中毒症」 【選戰觀察】韓民調止跌回穩 台中造勢後「西瓜效應」逐漸形成 台中造勢 韓砲火攻綠營「把民進黨拉下台」 台中場造勢宣稱20萬人到場 韓國瑜批民進黨得「權力中毒症」 台中造勢「沒大咖站台」 韓會紅黑派聚餐 韓國瑜台中造勢前拜會顏清標家族！顏莉敏不說挺不挺 韓國瑜台中造勢前拜會顏清標家族！顏莉敏不說挺不挺 20萬人齊聚台中喊凍蒜 韓國瑜痛批民進黨患「權力中毒症」 韓國瑜轟民進黨得了「權力中毒症」 主辦方：台中場造勢20萬人 韓國瑜台中造勢 七期人潮湧入惹民怨 韓國瑜來台中求支持 顏清標要他「說的話要做到」 韓國瑜台中造勢 交通大打結、攤商爆亂象 盧秀燕未出席台中造勢韓粉「出征」怒嗆：不去台中市了！ 韓國瑜台中拜訪顏清標顏清標說話內容曝光 噁！韓國瑜台中造勢後遺址公園清垃扱、驚見… 韓國瑜台中造勢後 遺址公園滿地垃圾 韓國瑜台中造勢遺址遭殃 綠議員籲訂管理辦法 韓國瑜台中造勢殃遺址 綠議員籲訂管理辦法 這款素質？！兩場萬人活動後...台中七期飄臭酸味，凱道一小時恢復原貌 台中20萬人挺韓國瑜穩贏？ 他分析：715前4大變數 韓粉外溢遺址公園綠議員要求台中市文化局長下台
Elderly Subsidies Restored...and Cut
One of Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen’s campaign promises is set to be delivered starting July 1 with the restoration of elderly subsidies and breaks.
The biggest element is the restoration of a subsidy for health insurance subsidies of up to NT$749 a month for residents aged 65 or older, or 55 and older for indigenous residents.
The plan is expended to be available to 220,000 residents at a cost of NT$728 million.
However, the subsidy by the previous mayor of free taxi fares and other transportation of up to NT$1000 a month per person will be cut back to a maximum of NT$50 per trip.
台中市恢復老人健保補助7月1日上路 中市7月恢復老人健保補助22萬長輩受惠 7月1日恢復老人健保補助 台中市估22萬人受惠 7月1日恢復老人健保補助 台中市估22萬人受惠
City Councillor Election Nullified
A court has ordered the election of independent city councillor You Bi-ling (尤碧鈴) nullified.
The court ruled that a person surnamed Tsai stumped on behalf of You, engaging in vote buying of NT$500 per vote.
The charges were brought following accusations levied by her opponent in last November’s election.
You has vowed to launch an appeal to clear her name.
樁腳涉賄選遭判當選無效 台中議員尤碧鈴：一定會上訴 台中市議員尤碧鈴樁腳涉賄選台中地院判當選無效 台中市議員尤碧鈴涉買票被起訴遭判當選無效 涉賄選地院判當選無效中市議員尤碧玲：一定上訴爭取清白
Offshore Wind Taking Steps Toward Materializing
The Tsai administration’s goal of 5.5 GW of capacity in offshore wind by 2025--and possibly over 10 GW by 2030--is starting to materialize, but not without setbacks.
Several big steps have taken place already, with major infrastructure agreements for a construction supply chain through Taichung Harbour.
The latest is a firm agreement from Danish energy giant Orsted with Siemens Gamesa for 900 MW of capacity in two lots off of Changhua--or about enough power for 1 million homes by 2022.
Orsted recently also secured an NT$25 billion loan deal with 15 of Taiwan’s banks, which is important for both the firm and for establishing experience and precedent for future financing in a new field for Taiwan.
However, Swancor Holding is now looking to offload their significant offshore wind investments in Taiwan after its bid to invest in a 2-gigawatt project off the coast of Changhua County in April last year failed to gain approval from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Over 1000 apply to be legal street artists
Over 1000 showed up to apply and test to receive their street artist license.
One of the most common types is saxophone players, which is appropriate considering Taichung’s Houli is one of the world’s top saxophone production centres.
Others include mimes, actors, dancers and acrobats.
Most age groups are represented, including one 64-year-old who puts on silver makeup and does a flying robot routine to make extra money on weekends and holidays.
English
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June 18, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Kaohsiung Mayor Han to Rally in Taichung Saturday
Following three large and successful rallies in Taipei, Hualien and Yunlin, KMT presidential primary candidate and Kaohsiung Mayor Daniel Han Kuo-yu is bringing his roadshow to Taichung this Saturday.
Organizers say they hope to attract 200,000 Han fans to the Han Supporter Fun Festival, along with 200 vendor booths.
They have a large paved area next to the Tiger City Mall at HeNan Road Section 3 and ShiZheng North 2nd Road in the Qiqi area.
Traffic in the area will under police direction, and residents and shoppers in the area can expect disruptions from early in the afternoon until between 9 and 10 in the evening.
Local KMT city councillors and legislators from across the region will be there, including Nantou County legislator Hsu Shu-hua (許淑華), who will also double as an MC.
However, much to the surprise--and anger--of Han supporters, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen announced she would not be taking the stage at the rally.
Han supporters took to her Facebook page to angrily accuse the mayor of betraying Han after he had helped her considerably in campaigning with her in her run for mayor.
Mayor Lu, however, stood firm--saying that in the primary she needs to remain neutral, but will support whole-heartedly whoever the nominee will be.
Han took to Facebook to quell some of the anger, calling Lu a good friend and saying he supported her decision.
It is unclear if the two will meet face-to-face while he is in Taichung.
傅崐萁昨密會台中藍營要角挺韓？藍營：討論造勢場地 獨家》小英勝出傅崐萁昨晚密會台中藍營要角挺韓？ 初選玩真的 傅崐萁動員台中派系挺韓國瑜 初選玩真的 傅崐萁動員台中派系挺韓國瑜 搶救「韓」流聲勢？ 傳傅焜萁密會台中民代 韓國瑜明天雲林造勢 傅崐萁遭目擊動員台中派系 盧秀燕不幫韓國瑜站台 中市：基於黨內初選公平原則 韓國瑜6/22台中造勢 盧秀燕不出席 韓國瑜622台中造勢 盧秀燕不出席遭韓粉罵翻 韓國瑜週末台中場定調歡樂向前行 預估20萬人到場 盧秀燕不出席台中造勢 韓粉灌爆臉書：忘恩負義 盧不出席韓台中造勢被罵 議會黨團：韓市長會體諒 盧秀燕不出席韓國瑜台中造勢挨批「忘恩負義」 林濁水出聲打抱不平 盧秀燕不出席韓國瑜台中造勢 韓粉灌爆臉書：不友韓必罷免 盧不出席韓台中造勢被罵忘恩負義 議會黨轉：韓市長會體諒 不出席韓國瑜台中造勢 韓粉灌爆盧秀燕FB：忘恩負義！ 韓國瑜622台中造勢國民黨議員揚言：上看20萬人 韓國瑜週末台中場預估20萬人到場 出席台中622造勢挺韓？ 盧秀燕：與市政無關！ 盧秀燕不出席台中造勢是「忘恩負義」？韓國瑜說話了 不管登革熱？韓台中造勢貼心做這件事 張棋龍／盧秀燕不參加韓造勢 台中天空又飄來異味
Hon Hai Chairman Terry Gou on the Go
While Han is planning to come to town, but bring everyone to him in one location, fellow KMT presidential hopeful Terry Gou (郭台銘) has been visiting the public in Taichung and Nantou.
Gou has mostly been attending smaller events, like industry and business conferences and local activities and speaking on business and economic topics.
While in Taichung, he took in the Fengchia Night Market--even signing a tea shop sign.
He also spent time visiting Nantou, and especially his wife’s home town of Chunghsing New Village.
While there, after being pressed on whether he supported moving the capital to the town--which is home to a now much reduced Taiwan Provincial Government--Gou spoke about considering decentralization of government and that Chunghsing would once again live up to its name of “restoration”.
Gou also attended the opening of a baseball field that was in large part funded by his charitable efforts.
造訪台中精密機械園區 郭台銘：要幫台灣人全面加薪 逛逢甲夜市粉絲簇擁 郭台銘：台中有希望 南投女婿郭台銘17日「回娘家」 鄉親掛紅布條力挺選總統 脫口「把年輕人票騙到再說」郭台銘忙道歉滅火 - Yahoo奇摩新聞 郭台銘來南投看郭董棒球場夫人曾馨瑩感動哭了 回到南投故鄉曾馨瑩首次表態支持郭台銘選總統 郭台銘南投談「遷都中部」 允讓中興新村重新中興 郭台銘與南投工商界座談議長：皇帝不當卻要當奴才 郭訪自己捐贈南投棒球場 出資興建南投棒球場郭台銘夫婦盼球員勇於追夢 郭台銘夫婦訪南投縣立棒球場球員感謝郭董蓋球場 郭台銘南投談「遷都中部」 允讓中興新村重新中興 "南投女婿"回娘家! 郭台銘"夫人牌"搶票郭董出資5千萬偕妻參觀南投縣立 ...
BRT Signs of Life?
Taichung’s Bus Rapid Transit (or BRT) Blue Line along Taiwan Boulevard was launched with much fanfare back in July of 2014.
The BRT was based on highly efficient models overseas, and was billed as being Taiwan’s first.
There was only one problem--it was never completed, only the stations and the lanes were prepared, but the entire command-and-control system that differentiates a properly traffic controlled end-to-end BRT system was unfinished.
Incoming Mayor Lin Chia-lung killed the project, turning the existing lanes into dedicated express bus lanes--which they remain today.
However, the new government of Mayor Lu Shiow-yen is studying, and taking some small steps, towards completing some of the originally unfinished aspects.
The card-reading machines originally intended to process fares like an MRT are being switched on--though initially only to allow users to check how much value remains on the cards.
Other ideas are being pursued, including completing some or all of the originally planned command-and-control system and even new ideas like considering a possible role for self-driving vehicles in the existing lanes.
In related news, the city is working on plans to improve bus access into the new bus transfer station next to the new Taichung Train Station.
Currently passengers wishing to transfer to many bus lines have to walk some distance to a neighborhood stop--something the bus transfer station was supposed to improve.
暑假添利多 台中-澎湖海上航線藍鵲輪622首航 台中BRT復活了！ 餘額查詢機率先重啟 改善台中車站轉乘問題 市府規劃多條公車路線分流入站
Local Initiatives to Fight Fall Armyworm
While the rapid spread of the Fall Armyworm and moth over the last week is a national problem and the battle is being fought by the national government, some initiatives spearheaded by local governments are also coming into action.
In lucky Nantou, for now they are simply keeping an eye out for the invasive, non-indigenous crop-destroying pest--Nantou is one of the few places so far not to have any reported cases.
Changhua, however, has been especially active.
After initial efforts failed to stop the spread, including burning and burying affected plants, they are now adding pesticide spraying drones to the mix.
Taichung City was the first to establish an oversight and management committee, and has been quick to disseminate materials helping residents identify the pest.
台中彰化交界出現疑似秋行軍蟲 中市農業局：如確認作物掩埋銷毀 彰化恐淪陷？ 兩處玉米田疑現秋行軍幼蟲 彰化淪為秋行軍蟲疫區 縣長籲鄉親滅蟲總動員 秋行軍蟲疑侵彰化農業處通報採樣確認 秋行軍蟲疑彰化現蹤採樣送驗加強監控 慎入！中彰也疑似被秋行軍蟲攻占「發現數百條」 農民：火燒噴藥都沒用 展現預防決心！ 台中市府預先成立秋行軍蟲監控處理小組 秋行軍蟲攻陷彰化？改用顯微鏡觀察逆轉驚見「4個點」 秋行軍蟲彰化今再增加二例火攻蟲蟲防災情再擴大 秋行軍蟲早有藥劑可治台中農改場籲農民勿恐慌 秋行軍蟲彰化今再增加二例火攻蟲蟲防災情再擴大 秋行軍蟲成蟲現蹤 彰化縣出動無人機空中噴藥 秋行軍蟲成蟲現蹤 彰化縣出動無人機空中噴藥
One Symbolic Way to Celebrate a Primary Victory
Supporters of incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen were enthusiastic about her winning the DPP primary last week--but not many were more excited than Taichung City Councillor Lai Chia-wei (賴佳微) of the DPP.
To celebrate Tsai’s defeat of challenger William Lai, she bought 500 people a free deep fried hot dog on a stick--if they said the correct password.
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Pingtung confirms its first crop-devouring caterpillar case
36 arrested for working illegally, overstaying visas in Taiwan
Chengte Charity Foundation organizes fun fair to help the needy
Taiwan Lottery jackpot reaches NT$580 million ahead of Monday night draw
More sightings of fall armyworm in Taiwan: COA
World’s Top Bike Maker Says Era of ‘Made in China’ Is Over - Bloomberg
Ørsted Picks Communication Tech for Two Changhua Projects
Jan De Nul Scores OWF Contract in Taiwan
Pesticide-spraying to be introduced to combat fall armyworms
June 12, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Tragedy on Freeway One Leaves 3 Dead
On the very same stretch of Freeway One in Changhua that was recently made famous worldwide for being used as a test runway for fighter jets, tragedy struck on Monday night.
At 10:05 in the evening, an Aloha Transport intercity passenger bus travelling from Taipei to Kaohsiung smashed through the guard rail at 206 kilometer mark of Freeway One in Xiushui Township, tumbled down an embankment and came to a crashing halt on its side on a parallel country road.
A total of 16 were rushed to hospital by emergency rescue personnel, but two were declared dead on arrival followed by a third who succumbed the next morning making the final toll three dead, 13 injured.
An accident involving an Aloha bus in 2017 left six dead and eleven injured.
The directorate general of highways and the ministry of transport are currently reviewing the company's operating procedures, as it is the second such fatal incident in two years.
不斷更新／阿羅哈遊覽車衝破國道護欄掉橋下馬路累計造成3死11傷2無恙 國道1號彰化戰備道再傳死亡車禍阿羅哈客運衝出邊坡釀3死13輕重傷 影／驚！阿羅哈客運彰化戰備道衝出邊坡釀3死13輕重傷 中山高大客車翻覆彰化啟動緊急醫療搶救降低傷亡 阿羅哈客運國道翻覆釀重大傷亡彰化慈濟志工助念關懷家屬
William Lai Makes Bold Bawan Statement in Changhua
On Monday, William Lai Ching-teh’s primary campaign motorcade passed through Changhua County.
However, all eyes were on the key decision he had to make in Changhua City: Which bawan--or rouyuan--dumpling establishment would he stop and eat at?
This is a tricky decision, as the one chosen in the last two elections by the winning candidate--both Ma and Tsai--was Ah Zhang Rouyuan--which has earned the nickname of “presidential rouyuan”.
Lai decided to gamble, however, and chose the classic Changhua Rouyuan restaurant.
In related news, Premier Su Tseng-chang was in Taichung meeting with hundreds of doctors and medical professionals who support President Tsai in the DPP primary.
At the meeting he slammed his predecessor Lai as being the “wrong premier”.
賴清德專訪五》賴清德提出國政藍圖 立法院、行政院本部遷都台中 賴清德還沒到彰化吃肉圓先引爆小英吃「總統肉圓」話題 賴清德「壯大台灣」車掃抵彰化肉圓選吃這家 未來總統要吃哪家肉圓？大家議論紛紛 〈中部〉賴清德拚初選今彰化車隊拜票 台中醫界連署挺蔡 蘇嘉全：小英錯在「用了不對的行政院長」 蘇嘉全批賴 是不對的行政院長
Shifting Political Tides in Taichung
Right on the heels of the Commonwealth Magazine local government polling putting the heads of Changhua and Taichung in the third and second lowest spots in terms of popularity, a new poll on presidential candidate preferences seems to suggest a party shift may have occurred.
A Formosa poll of Taichung residents found some striking differences from the national polling, and also the strong shift to the KMT in the last poll.
In two way matchups pitting both the major DPP candidates incumbent President Tsai or ex-Premier Lai against the top KMT candidates Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu or Foxconn founder Terry Gou showed the DPP candidates coming out ahead in every matchup.
But the news was by no means all good for the DPP.
The poll also tested out a range of three way races pitting the top two DPP and KMT candidates against independent Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je.
Ko came out ahead in every matchup--beating both the KMT and DPP candidates, suggesting that the DPP lead in the two way races may have indicated a drop in support for the KMT, rather than a rise in support for the DPP.
美麗島電子報民調》韓國瑜在台中民調慘輸 藍綠對決敗給蔡英文或賴清德 最新民調！台中市「三腳督」 柯文哲稱霸藍綠 美麗島電子報民調》韓國瑜在台中民調慘輸藍綠對決敗給蔡英文或賴清德 最新民調！韓國瑜在台中民調慘輸
Waiting for Matsu
Initiated during the era of Mayor Jason Hu, the NT$600 million Daan Matsu Cultural Park is completed and ready to begin to search for a qualified company to take over operations: But there may be one rather large problem with this plan.
The original plan was for an NT$1.2 billion project, half of which would go towards building the grounds and an imposing building and foundation pedestal for a giant, NT$600 million statue of Matsu rising over the coast and facing toward Fujian.
Planned as the largest statue of Matsu ever, it was intended to be a major, year-round tourist attraction--tying together the famous Dajia Jenn Lann Matsu temple to the north with the cruise ship harbour to the south serving tourists from China, who in past would simply go straight into the city, bypassing the coast.
This statue and park, plus the temple--and the position of the statue to rise over start of the largest annual Matsu pilgrimage in the world--was intended to make Taichung the world centre for Matsu followers year-round.
There was only one problem: the city council refused to fund the statue due to opposition from other religious groups, though the rest of the project was approved.
Mayor Hu then began a project to raise private funds for the statue, but soon was replaced by a new mayor.
So today there is a giant pedestal and park, finished and awaiting the world’s largest Matsu statue.
There is talk of trying to raise funds again, possibly including from China, where a large number of the faithful are located.
太陽餅沒太陽不稀奇！台中市砸6億蓋媽祖園區沒媽祖... 大安媽祖園區有底座沒神像台中市府：神像朝民間勸募 又見蚊子館？中市府砸6億建媽祖園區竟沒媽祖
Two Mass Food Poisoning Cases in Six Weeks
Nantou County’s reputation for safe food is on a bad run.
Starting on the evening of the sixth, and continuing on to the morning of the seventh, hospitals saw a steady stream of people flowing in.
In total they found food poisoning struck 33 patrons of a Nantou City streetside goose stand, and in the end all were safely discharged.
That case was number two, and followed on 189 food poisoning cases in late April involving a small restaurant in Zhongxing New Village that served their patrons stinky tofu.
189人上吐下瀉 臭豆腐名店食物中毒 - Yahoo奇摩新聞 韓喊國道通花蓮…遭同黨縣長重打臉！ - Yahoo奇摩新聞 南投臭豆腐名店爆189人食物中毒 老闆說都是因為它...網轟卸責 | ETtoday生活 | ETtoday新聞雲 疑鵝肉不鮮南投33人出現食物中毒症狀 疑南投某攤販鵝肉有問題30多名民眾食物中毒 南投鵝肉攤群聚感染衛生局勒令停業 疑鵝肉保存不當南投33人食物中毒症狀 吃了鵝肉腹瀉送醫南投33人疑似食物中毒
English
Trade War Brings Orders for 300 Million Pairs of Socks to A Small Township in Taiwan
Experts, pundits critical of Han’s road-building vow - Taipei Times
Formosa Bookstore, a 50-year democracy icon, to close - Taipei Times
Authorities detain nine after Internet love scam tip-off - Taipei Times
Poor Dad Waits 3 Days in Line to Get His Son Yeezys For Doing Well ...
2 Taiwan bus crashes in one day leave 4 dead, 21 injured
Two bus accidents in one day on one freeway leave 3 dead, 22 injured
Lukang Dragon Boat Festival celebration promises lantern tunnel
c-MYC expression in T (III/IV) stage oral squamous cell carcinoma ...
Taichung asks for event funding - Taipei Times
Nun regains ownership of Biyun Chan Temple
Covestro completes Taiwan TPU expansion
3 additional Taiwan firms pledge to invest NT$37.6 billion at home
Housing transactions in 6 major cities up 15% month-on-month in May
Taichung Tourism Bureau Warns Hikers About A Cobra On The Trail On Dakeng Mountains
Taichung Shopping Festival offers grand prizes to attract summer tourists
Taichung offers grand prizes to attract summer tourists
Taichung Shopping Festival offers grand prizes to attract summer tourists
Five contenders to compete in KMT's presidential primary
Kenda moving US order production out of China
Taichung Shopping Festival opens doors in Taiwan and offers grand prizes
ERSG Ties-up with Taiwan Offshore
Kenda moving US order production out of China
Looking back on the Jinzuan pineapple production season in Taiwan
Taichung offers grand prizes to attract summer tourists
Ørsted Orders Changhua Jackets in South Korea
Covestro completes TPU expansion in Taiwan
June 5, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Snakes in Popular Hiking Area Petrify
The hiking trails in Dakeng in the Beitun District are Taichung’s most popular, and with the Dragon Boat Festival coming up this weekend it would normally be a very popular destination for families looking for a healthy holiday activity: But fear of snakes may dampen enthusiasm.
Video of a cobra shot by a retired police officer on hiking trail 5-1 made the rounds this last week, causing considerable concern and warnings by the Taichung City Tourism Bureau.
In response to questions Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen expressed her concern, noting recent high numbers of captured snakes by the city and noted her suspicions that the snakes were intentionally released into the wild.
The mayor is not the only one with this suspicion, according to the director of the civil administration department reports have surfaced of people dumping bag after bag of snakes into the area--though no one has officially registered their intent to do so.
It is suspected that this may be the work of religious groups or individuals engaging in the act of “releasing” captured animals into the wild for karmic reasons--though in this case with direct negative karmic repercussions in the form of threatening families out for a healthy hike.
According to the city, since the end of March over 1300 snakes have been captured, with over 100 of those poisonous--a significant jump over last year.
In the summer snake appearances are expected to increase further in the warm weather.
The city is asking residents to report anyone releasing animals into the wild by calling 1999.
大坑步道驚傳竄出眼鏡蛇 吐信、昂起嚇壞山友 台中大坑蛇近來大量出沒 盧秀燕質疑有人為因素 有蛇出沒 台中市大坑山區捕獲上千條 有蛇出沒台中市大坑山區捕獲上千條 大坑蛇出沒！台中市府3、4月委外捕捉近600條蛇 大坑步道蛇出沒盧秀燕籲舉報不當放生 大坑5-1號步道發現眼鏡蛇 山友當心
Possible Good News for Hikers
The Executive Yuan has released a draft of an amendment to the State Compensation Act that states that if people engage in risky activities in public places where authorities or groups managing the area have put up warning signs, the responsibility of the state, local authorities or groups to compensate such people would either be waived or reduced.
While still a draft, this could mean big changes for hikers and mountaineers here in central Taiwan.
The government has come under heavy criticism for the excessive regulation of mountainous areas, restricting entry to much of Taiwan for fear of being held financially liable for the actions of hikers in those areas--meaning locally Taichung Heping District and Nantou County.
This could reduce that financial concern, allowing for people to make their own decisions regarding their own risks and safety.
The issue most recently was highlighted following the tragic passing in a hiking accident of famed hiker Gigi Wu in Nantou, whose dramatically posed mountaintop photos inspired many worldwide.
Taichung Asks Central Govt for Lantern Fest Funds
The Taichung City Government has put in a request for subsidies of NT$100 million for next year’s national Lantern Festival.
This decision is controversial, the festival was originally slated to go to Changhua County, but newly elected Commissioner Wang Hui-mei backed off on hosting the high profile event citing financial concerns.
Taichung then swept in, taking the bid on promises of having no such financial problems--so the asking for money now is both a turnaround from what was originally offered to win the bid, and could potentially sour relations with Changhua.
However, the city pointed out that the central government paid an even higher NT$300 million to the Pingtung County Government for this year’s event, and also subsidized the last time Taichung hosted the festival.
So far the central government has only promised NT$30 million in funding.
王惠美要哭了？台中接辦台灣燈會傳缺錢準備用這招... 《政治》2020台灣燈會在台中，市府：相信中央補助不分藍綠 2020台灣燈會在台中市府：相信中央補助不分藍綠 台中接辦台灣燈會傳缺錢林筱淇盼中央比照屏東燈會 台中辦燈會向中央要1億 市府駁「喊窮說」 台中辦燈會向中央要1億 市府駁「喊窮說」
Satisfaction Ratings in For Local Govt Heads
The annual Commonwealth Magazine polling of public support for the local mayors and county commissioners is in, this time registering their support about a half year into the new term.
Newly elected Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen and Changhua County Commissioner Wang Hui-mei are off to a rough start, but their fellow KMT member Nantou County Commissioner Lin Ming-chen is sailing into his second term with solid support.
Taichung Mayor Lu garnered a 42.9% percent approval--the lowest of the big six municipalities and second last in all 22 cities and counties--and a 34.1% disapproval, also the second highest.
Changhua Commissioner Wang was one place higher overall with a 45.7% approval, or 20th of 22, but her disapproval at 24.6% put her at 17th.
Nantou County Commissioner Lin Ming-chen continued the strong popular ratings he’s had for the last few years, boasting a 75% approval--or fourth in the nation--and an 11.9% disapproval, also fourth best.
民調：台中市府施政滿意度達6成2 縣市長民調南投全國第4 林明溱成5星縣長 遠見民調獲5星肯定林明溱:榮耀屬於全體縣民 王惠美滿意度創彰化縣歷史新低綠批：挺「美」變挺「沒」 王惠美施政滿意度敬陪末座挨批彰化縣府：會更努力 〈中部〉《台中》盧秀燕施政滿意度42.9% 六都墊底 - 地方 - 自由時報電子報 六位5星縣市長：鄭文燦、林智堅、林明溱、潘孟安、徐榛蔚、劉增應 | 遠見編輯部 | 遠見雜誌
Han Kuang Exercise Oddities
The recent Han Kuang military exercises drew considerable attention worldwide both due to China’s recent bellicose military moves, and because of the dramatic videos of fighter jets using a stretch of freeway in Changhua as a makeshift airfield.
However, locally in the last week the news was a little different.
On the one hand top military experts were debating just how crucially important to the battle Changhua oyster farmers deployed their bamboo frames--who were mobilised for the first time in these exercises--in the path of oncoming attackers would be.
And on the other, police had to publicly clarify that two sets of what appeared to be speeding ticket citations with photos of fighter jets on the freeway purportedly taken by traffic cameras were, in fact, fake.
English
Taiwan to no longer compensate daredevils who suffer accidents on mountains
Hikers urge local governments to lift hiking restrictions - Taipei Times
Tourism Bureau warns hikers to take care after large cobra spotted in ...
Video shows giant cobra on Taichung, Taiwan hiking trail
Taiwanese township shocked by order for 600 m... | Taiwan News
Ørsted makes FID on Taiwan's Changhua 1 and 2a wind farm
DUI killer gets seven years - Taipei Times
Viral ticket for speeding fighter jet doctored: police - Taipei Times
Drill requisition of oyster frames shows all-out defense: Taiwan scholar
Experts disagree on oyster farmers’ defensive value - Taipei Times
Wuci Old Street sparks students’ win - Taipei Times
Sinon expects slower quarterly growth due to high comparison base last year - Taipei Times
ATTA Taichung International Travel Fair starts Friday in central Taiwan
Hopping down memory lane in Taiwan's Rainbow Village
Willem De Vlamingh readies for Formosa
Watch military planes land on freeway and takeoff in Taiwan drills
Long Chen to add paper factory facilities - Taipei Times
Enjoy Ice Cream at Bank? Come to Taiwan, Taichung
Kinsus, 4 others boost total Taiwan firm pledges to NT$330 billion
Taiwan Wind Farms Fuel PF Boom
Amphetamine trafficker nabbed in Taoyuan
Migrant worker numbers exceed 706,000 in April - Taipei Times
Pro Tip: Landing F-16s on Highways Won't Save Taiwan from a China ...
Nation’s first homegrown drilling vessel unveiled - Taipei Times
Hoshinoya Guguan A Luxury Hot Spring Resort In Taiwan Is Opening ...
Taiwanese township shocked by order for 600 million socks as Trump tariffs kick in
Muslims to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in Taiwan this week
Schedule of Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Taiwan this week
Man drowned while trying to cross swift-flowing river in central Taiwan
May 29, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Central Taiwan Same-Sex Marriages
On Friday last week same-sex couples across central Taiwan became the first to officially tie the knot.
In Taichung 32 couples registered to marry, with handfuls in Changhua and Nantou.
Unlike Taipei and Kaohsiung, both of which got much attention both locally and internationally, the momentous shift barely registered in Taichung.
A contentious issue only recently, Taichung and central Taiwan was notably low-key: no major ceremonies or celebrations, no angry protests, no politicians trying to steal the limelight and very little press.
Though it was a simple process of filling out paperwork at the household registration office, this was a day the happy couples will cherish for a long time to come.
同婚登記首日／配偶欄填名字台中女同志：好不真實 大囍！中市同婚登記女性20對、男性12對 同婚登記首日 台中女同志：得償所願 大家都一樣彰化首對同志新人登記結婚 【同婚首日23】彰化員林兩對新人登記家人祝福結連理 同性結婚南投已3對登記粉紅結婚書約添喜氣 同性結婚南投已5對登記粉紅結婚書約添喜氣 同性結婚南投已5對登記粉紅結婚書約添喜氣
Tomorrow’s Air Raid Drill: Keep off the Roads
From 1:30 to 2 pm tomorrow the defence ministry will be conducting the annual Wan-an drill across central Taiwan to test air defence preparedness.
Air raid sirens will go off, and people should receive message on their cell phones testing the incoming missile alert system.
During the drills, pedestrians are required to get off the streets and seek shelter, while vehicles will have to pull to the side of the road and stop.
Trains and buses will run normally, as will plane arrivals and departures, but passengers getting off the trains, buses or planes are required to stay indoors until the drill is over.
Police and military will be out in large numbers, and failure to follow the instructions will result in a fine of between NT$30,000 and NT$150,000.
漢光演習26至29日操練國1彰化到員林封閉 漢光演習國1彰化-員林封道建議改道這樣走 漢光演習28日彰化戰備道登場東側平台引民眾好奇 用路人注意！漢光演習倒數5天國1彰化戰備道3階段封閉 漢光35號演習彰化戰備道3階段封閉時段及替代道路資訊 1350座紐澤西護欄全部清空！ 彰化戰備道變機場跑道 1350座護欄全清空彰化戰備道寬廣如機場跑道！ 漢光演習今晚彰化段三階段封閉軍事迷高價買VIP位備戰 國道封閉吊護欄今晚10點展開彰化交流道南下塞爆 高速公路變戰機跑道彰化戰備道27日晚再封路 巧合！同架經國號12年前降落彰化戰備道今天還是她 彰化戰備道起降操演F-16V首度亮相吸引目光
Lu’s Honeymoon is Over as Opposition Pounces
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen faced a barrage of attacks from opposition parties this last week over a wide range of issues.
Many of the complaints centered on items cut from the budget, including many of ex-Mayor Lin Chia-lung’s pet projects, that are starting to come to light.
Drawing considerable attention was the cancellation of plans to host the 2020 World Design Capital event by withdrawing the formal application.
The mayor, however, stated that the city’s finances were not in good shape, and the event would cost NT$4 to NT$5 billion to host.
However, she said that after the city’s financial situation has stabilized, they will apply again to host the event.
Another item axed was the budget to build new iBike shared bicycle stations, leaving the number fixed for the year, though many districts are clamoring for more.
Also coming under fire from opposition parties was the mayor’s handling of the Flora Expo and her policy of free entrance for all city residents.
The event lost NT$1.4 billion at the end of the day.
The mayor, however, stated that the 60% approval rating by the public of the event was what really mattered.
The city also released estimates that the infrastructure from the event would provide NT$45 billion in benefits over the next 30 years.
Some DPP city councillors suggested that the city’s public safety had taken a serious downturn in the last few months.
Rather improbably, they attempted to lay blame on the failure of the police to catch the murderers in the recent Shalu District murder case on the mayor and her administration.
各區爭設iBike站台中市府沒編預算 台中2槍手未蒙面行凶 恐掀報復行動 台中茶館殺手逃亡 2嫌變裝短暫現身北車 台中槍擊案首腦曝光 男這句話惹殺機 台中市茶館槍擊命案兇嫌共犯竟是年僅16歲少年 議員憂台中治安 警方：茶館槍擊案將儘速破案 台中接連爆發重大治安事件 綠議員批「市長換新、治安換黑」 台中治安向下沉淪？ 議員批市府無力 議員憂台中治安警方：茶館槍擊案將儘速破案 中市治安平穩刑案發生數六都最低各項專案執行六都第一 台中市政又喊卡！「逢龍必反」又一樁 盧秀燕「逢龍必反」又一樁！網友嘲諷台中回歸罪惡之都 停止申請世界設計之都遭譏逢龍必反盧秀燕：財務狀況不佳 台中停止申辦世界設計之都 議員批錯失接軌國際 盧秀燕：財政改善後再申請設計之都 台中停止申辦世界設計之都議員批錯失接軌國際 台中花博成效檢討 盧秀燕：市民滿意最重要 台中花博效益檢討 盧秀燕：奠定建設基礎 台中花博短收14億 市府：沒花沒吸引力 台中花博虧14億市府檢討報告：未來30年長期效益450億
Han Kuo-yu Coming to Town
After dodging committing for some time, Kaohsiung Mayor and all-but-officially a candidate in the KMT presidential primary Han Kuo-yu will be coming to Taichung.
A supporters rally is slated to be held on Saturday, June 22, and it is hoped it will draw supporters from all over central Taiwan.
The turnout will be watched closely as an indicator of his strength politically in this key battleground region.
韓粉召集令 台中6.15辦挺韓大會 台中辦挺韓大會 韓國瑜答應：會參加 6月22日台中誓師 韓國瑜：我會參加
Police Arrest White Wolf Underling
Police last week arrested a senior member of the Chinese Unity Promotion Party (CUPP) known as Wu Chin-hu (吳金虎).
Changhua County prosecutors allege Wu is a top leader in the Bamboo Union criminal gang’s “Ground Tiger chapter” in Changhua and Taichung who used his CUPP’s registration as a political party to cover up his and his henchmen’s actual operations running criminal activities.
Wu has close ties to CUPP founder and former Bamboo Union leader Chang An-le (張安樂)--widely known as the “White Wolf”--and organized his security detail at the recent Dajia Jenn Lann Matsu pilgrimage.
He faces charges related to blackmail, debt collection, physical assaults and various breaches of the Organized Crime Prevention Act.
Helping Prisoners Bring Power to the People
Hungkuang University is partnering with Taichung prison to teach inmates technical skills related to installing solar power.
The intensive training, if the students successfully pass the tests, could be eligible for well-paying technical jobs in a much in-demand field when their terms are finished and will be reintegrating into society.
English
Central Taiwan to conduct air raid drill on M... | Taiwan News
Taiwan railway passenger pays NT$1,000 to make up for skipped fares 24 years ago
Dead body begins to move, causes scare in Taiwanese funeral parlor
DPP Lawmakers Blame Mayor for Worsening Air Pollution in Taichung
Taiwan to hold air raid drills spread over May 27-30
Taichung Wants More iBike Stations, Government Says Not This Year
Private museum celebrating activist Lin Hsien-tang opens in Taichung
Man almost dies after drinking deer and turtle blood - Taipei Times
Public urged to be ready for Wan-an air-raid drills
Cups museum hopes to bring world to Caotun
Man gets 11 years in jail over restaurant robbery
CUPP member detained over alleged gang activities - Taipei Times
Indonesian charged with murder in Taiwan
Defending champion returns for Taiwan Amateur Golf Championship
Air, land traffic to be affected by Han Kuang drills
Innovations from a Pilot Smart Hospital - Taiwan Business TOPICS
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Planes to land, takeoff on freeway Tuesday in Taiwan's military drill
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Planes to land, takeoff on freeway Tuesday in Taiwan's military drill
Freeway section in Changhua County shut today for drill
Taiwan lands aircraft on highway as part of military drills
Taiwan lands warplanes on highway as part of military exercise
Video shows Taiwan fighter jets land on freeway to counter simulated 'Chinese attack'
June 2019 roving dog and cat rabies vaccination and pet microchipping activity
May 22, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Rain Wreaks Havoc Across Central Taiwan
An intense deluge this Monday afternoon pummeled central Taiwan, leaving one dead and wreaking considerable damage.
Starting at around noon, a torrential wall of water cut visibility to mere meters and soon after a government issued emergency alert lit up phones across the area.
In only around 2 hours, the skies unloaded up to 170 mm in Taichung.
Most tragically, a young man riding a scooter--on his 26th birthday--was electrocuted by a downed power line.
A 56-year-old woman nearby was injured, but rescued--but attempts by people in the area to rescue the young man were foiled by the combination of high waters and high voltage.
Canals were flooded to over capacity downtown, causing bridges to be closed.
Several had to be rescued from underpasses as their vehicles sank beneath the water.
Emergency personnel rescued 16 stranded people by boat from a factory in the Wuri District.
In Nantou there were landslides and falling trees closed off the Jiji rail line.
7 Nantou elementary and middle schools cancelled classes.
In Changhua, what had already been a disastrous year for local watermelon farmers turned even worse as the rains split many fruit open.
Changhua County Commissioner Wang Hui-mei promised to do what she could to get aid to the farmers.
雨彈襲台中！林森路地下道多車險滅頂 台中豪雨多處傳災情 地下道一度3車拋錨駕駛受困 暴雨伴雷擊 台中1民眾觸碰掉落電線送醫搶救 雨彈炸彰化中山路「毀容」變這樣… 暴雨雷擊電線掉落 台中一民眾觸電送醫 大雨驟降台中電線掉落 騎士疑遭電擊命危 超驚險！南投山洪狂瀉遊覽車硬闖如駛瀑布上 嚇！南投雨彈狂炸遊覽車硬闖…如在瀑布上 【26歲生日成忌日】台中豪雨傳災情 騎士遭高壓電擊不治 暴雨轟台中 台中市區大淹水 河川暴漲封橋禁行 暴雨轟台中 台中市區大淹水 河川暴漲 封橋禁行 台中麻園頭溪暴漲 封閉街道.橋面 台中路面滾滾黃水⋯網：比颱風還颱風 雷雨狂炸台中烏日16人受困動用橡皮艇救出 暴雨轟台中台中市區大淹水河川暴漲封橋禁行 台中國光林森地下道3車滅頂、司機幸運逃出 快訊／台中環河路水淹胸！ 逾10人受困 警消橡皮艇救 暴雨狂襲中台灣 台中路面淹水、台鐵集集線樹傾中斷 台中苗栗交界暴雨 大甲電線掉落民宅圍牆倒 NOW晚報／暴雨狂襲中台灣 台中路面淹水、台鐵中斷 雨彈襲台中！林森路地下道多車險滅頂 暴雨強降！南投國姓鄉湧現「噴泉」 乾溝村發生土石流 雷雨狂炸南投4國小、2國中停課 間歇性大雷雨！南投多處淹水7所中小學下午停課 台中水淹1人高 警消出動橡皮艇救人 南投多處道路坍方路基掏空 豪雨連炸2小時！台中騎士遭「高壓電擊」 水淹到臀部 台中大雷雨民宅工廠積水 警消橡皮艇救援 大雨一直下彰化西瓜災損擴大 大雨重創彰化縣西瓜農王惠美與柯呈枋偕農糧署到場勘災農損 桃竹最慘！豪雨農損達450萬彰化西瓜田也受災
Shocking Shooting in Shalu
Last Saturday, at a restaurant & tea house on ZhongShan Rd in the Shalu District, two men walked in at noon and fired 26 shots, killing one and injuring two.
The pair--armed with a pistol and an M4A1 rifle--clearly targeted a 30-year-old man surnamed Shih for execution.
Shih, who had been eating lunch with four friends, was shot 10 times, including to the heart--which is suspected to have been the fatal shot.
According to investigators, after shooting Shih at close range, they began shooting randomly inside the premises.
A nearby couple--a 44 year-old-man and a 40-year-old woman--were eating with their 4-year-old child, and both sustained injuries.
The mother sustained a bullet wound in the shoulder, and the father was injured with broken glass and bullet fragments.
The child was uninjured.
Police discovered two torched rental vehicles nearby.
Police suspect one of the shooters is surnamed Chen, and that the execution-style killing was in relation to a dispute over money between members of a telecoms fraud operation.
Though the owner of the establishment had originally posted a notice that the business was closing temporarily, it is now being reported she is to close permanently as a result of the incident.
In other violent crime news, police have formally charged a 28-year-old man named Vicky for homicide in the murder of a man in the Heping District of Taichung on December 25th last year.
He was arrested in January attempting to escape by boat from Budai.
He has admitted to stabbing his victim in the back of the head after being accused of stealing a scooter.
The two, and others on the scene, had been drinking.
The others had called an ambulance in an attempt to rescue the injured man, but it was too late.
歹徒闖台中茶館開10多槍後逃逸 兩人受傷送醫 台中茶館槍擊案 2人受傷送醫搶救 快訊／台中沙鹿茶館傳槍擊 1男1女中多槍送醫 台中茶館歹徒闖入開26槍逃逸 1男喪命、一對夫妻遭波及受傷 台中茶藝館槍殺案 歹徒持長槍狂掃26槍一死兩傷 台中茶藝館槍殺案 歹徒持長槍狂掃26槍一死兩傷 雙煞狂掃26槍 狙殺詐騙犯 1分鐘狂掃26槍！台中槍擊案 警研判4嫌涉案 台中茶館槍擊案1死2傷 歹徒開26槍逃逸 台中茶館槍擊命案 疑因詐騙案引殺機 台中茶館慘遇槍擊案 老闆嚇到不開了
Lin Chia-lung Keeps Post Election Promise
Ex-Taichung Mayor and current Transportation Minister Lin Chia-lung on Saturday headed up a ceremony to launch the charitable Light Foundation.
Following his election loss last November, the former mayor promised to donate his unspent campaign funds of NT$12.39 million to establish a charitable foundation.
On Saturday, that promise came true, with eleven founding members which included the ex-head of China Medical University, an ex-Taichung Vice Mayor and Doris Yeh, bassist of the influential band Chthonic among others.
The foundation is headquartered in Taichung, is working with flyingV, and is dedicated to bringing light to the darkness in times of change: or as the mayor put it, not everything is elections and politics.
林佳龍承諾捐出的1239萬選舉補助款 用途終於曝光！ 【獨家】林佳龍敗選後成立「光合基金會」 中研院士、閃靈團長點頭當董事 選舉補助款全捐了 林佳龍成立基金會 為台灣添正能量！林佳龍拿選舉補助款成立教育基金會 為台灣添正能量！林佳龍拿選舉補助款成立教育基金會 跌倒後爬起也要撿寶物 林佳龍成立基金會以行動為台灣遞光 成立基金會 林佳龍：台灣不只有選舉與政治 台中市光合教育基金會成立（1） (圖) 會再回來台中嗎？林佳龍這回覆超暖心 See More 光合基金會今天成立
Central Taiwan Honoured in Space
Taichung’s National Museum of Natural Science on Saturday held an event to celebrate their presence in space.
The International Astronomical Union has approved naming two asteroids discovered by Nantou County’s Lulin Observatory with the suggested names.
One is named Kerboguan, after the Chinese name of the science museum.
The other was named Sunweihsin, who is the director-general of the museum and who also played an important role in establishing the Lulin Observatory.
The asteroids were discovered in 2006 and 2007 in collaboration with an astronomer at the California Institute of Technology.
Changhua Legislators Working to Save Premier
A group of legislators from around the nation along with concerned government officials have come together in response to a deeply disturbing comment made by Premier Su Tseng-chang earlier this year.
At the Legislative Yuan, they are holding what they are politely calling a Bawan--or Rouyuan--Promotion event and have invited the premier to partake.
However, knowing what the scandalous statement he made, I hope they are prepared for a full on intervention.
The premier said that “the best bawan are in Pingtung”.
The concerned lawmakers and officials have prepared both Changhua and Changhua Beitou bawan, which as we all know are the only two that could possibly be considered the best.
台中大型活動獨缺東南區？ 議員憂成文化沙漠 彰化屏東肉圓誰第一立委叫陣蘇貞昌來PK 蘇揆讚「屏東肉圓」最好吃彰化肉圓、北斗肉圓立院踢館
English
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May 15, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Lu, Lin Clash Over Taichung Airport Plans
Once again current Mayor Lu Shiow-yen and ex-Mayor and now Transportation Minister Lin Chia-lung are clashing over Taichung infrastructure plans.
And, once again, the Taichung Mayor is putting a halt to a big national government budget.
This time the conflict is over development plans for the Taichung International Airport which were approved last June by the Executive Yuan.
The two stage plan envisioned spending NT$2.8 billion on a third air terminal, parking apron and taxiway to boost the capacity of the airport to between 4 and 5 million passengers annually.
Taichung handled 2.63 million passengers last year.
The second stage of the program would bring total spending up to NT$24 billion and annual capacity would reach over 10 million by 2035.
The mayor however, has some objections.
First, she is unhappy that the Taichung Airport is being made home to budget airlines, feeling this indicates that Taichung is being looked down on.
Second, she feels that the 2035 target is too far away, as she notes four presidential terms--and wants a faster upgrade of the airport.
Pan-green politicians raised the alarm, led by NPP legislator Hung Tzu-yung, who stated she was “extremely stunned” at the mayor’s move, and called on her to “not be a stumbling block in the city’s development”.
Answering questions, the vice mayor stated that the plans were on hold, and that the city hoped that the central government would support plans for a “real upgrade” of the airport.
Minister Lin, however, pointed out that there were many long term considerations that made speeding up the plans more difficult--such as ensuring there is backup landing capacity elsewhere on the island in case of emergencies.
林佳龍、盧秀燕再槓！台中國際機場計畫生變 台中國際機場擴建案 新舊市長不同調 盧秀燕「逢龍必反」 洪慈庸籲別成台中發展絆腳石 燕子毀滅台中？盧秀燕決策再遭抨擊 台中機場16年後才真正升格？ 盧秀燕：不公平 中市府暫緩機場發展計畫民進黨團痛批盧秀燕：毀滅台中 和林佳龍不同調盧秀燕：台中機場不做廉航基地 See More 「台中國際機場2035年整體發展計畫」 台中機場發展廉航很廉價？林佳龍回應 台中機場發展廉航很廉價？林佳龍：將帶動周邊發展 盧秀燕不滿台中機場16年後才升格 議員批：盧立委任內毫無關心 盧秀燕不滿台中機場定位「廉價」 林佳龍：市長搞錯了 中市暫緩台中機場發展計畫 林佳龍：中央規劃續推 龍燕又槓林佳龍：停止清泉崗門戶計畫是台中莫大損失 她怒盧曾是台中立委！網諷只會賣泡麵 盧秀燕撤清泉崗機場門戶計畫 林佳龍嘆：台中人莫大損失 楊瓊瓔：機場園區通盤計畫盼中央齊推動 讓台中機場實質升格 台中國際機場建設遭擱置？ 中市府：前市府所送計畫不完善 清泉崗機場作為廉航基地是瞧不起台中人？ 議員批盧秀燕「外行」 - Yahoo奇摩新聞
From Planes to Trains
Mayor Lu got to take an advance ride on the Taichung MRT Green Line from Beitun all the way to the High Speed Rail.
The Green Line is testing the trains and tracks now, and is over 80% complete.
Stations are still being worked on, however, and testing the trains is still ongoing.
The original 18 station Green Line MRT is expected to formally launch to the public late next year.
The already approved additional MRT Green Line extension to Changhua City will come later.
Minister Lin also visited Changhua, and announced the government was speeding up plans to elevate the Taiwan Railways Administration line to an MRT-style rail line similar to what has been done in Taichung.
A feasibility study is due to be completed by the end of June.
According to Minister Lin, there are some technical complexities because in Changhua the mountain and ocean rail lines converge.
盧秀燕：台中捷運綠線明年底前營運通車 盧秀燕試搭台中捷運 大讚「比台北舒適」 林佳龍考察彰化路網與鐵路高架將儘速推動 彰化市鐵路高架化 中央地方合作加速辦理 龍彰化視察承諾速審鐵路高架化
Xiushui’s Battle to Get Freeway Jet Strip Name Ends
With the Han Guang Military exercises coming up on Mar 28, and jets planning to use a stretch of freeway in Changhua County to test its use as a backup runway, locals are getting excited looking forward to the spectacle.
However, the stretch of the Sun Yat-sen Freeway 1 that will accomodate the fighter planes has to the frustration of locals has been designated the “Huatan war preparation road”, when they note it is entirely in the town of Xiushui.
Naturally, wanting to ensure that their stretch of runway that will likely be a target should war break out is correctly named, local citizens and officials fought back.
Finally, the Ministry of Defence announced their final decision on how to handle this crucial issue.
Going forward they will refer to it generically as the “Changhua war preparation road”, thereby putting the entire county on the map as it were.
中山高彰化戰備道正名漢光演習戰機可安心起降操演 花壇戰備道交通部正名為彰化戰備道 花壇秀水爭國道戰機起降正名結果竟是... 秀水民眾爭取戰備道正名國防部：改名為彰化戰備道
Taichung Tops in Pollution Enforcement
This past week provided two pieces of good news for Mayor Lu Shiow-yen and her battle with polluters.
After fining state-owned Taipower NT$20 million over water pollution violations at their Taichung Power Plant, the company decided not to appeal and paid the entire NT$20 million on time.
That fine is the largest ever levied against a state-owned firm.
In other news, Taichung is tops in the nation for motorcycle vehicle emissions testing, reaching 94%.
That is the highest in the nation, and the first to pass the 90% mark.
中火放流水超標被罰台中環保局：已繳清2千萬罰鍰 中市府重罰2000萬台中火力發電廠繳了！ 中火汙染／台中機車定檢率94% 全台唯一破9成縣市 中市機車定檢率94% 對空品提昇大有助益
Unlucky Number Nine for the New Power Party
One of the notable stories in last year’s local elections is the arrival of the New Power Party on the local politics scene.
Though not large in numbers, they won representative seats in city and county councils across the country--but Taichung was conspicuously absent.
One race, in the 7th electoral district in Nantun, was down to the wire, with only 9 votes separating NPP candidate Wu Pei-yun (吳佩芸) and the DPP’s He Wen-hai (何文海)--so Wu contested the race.
The court ruled that some of the votes were indeed invalid, but while their tally improved Wu’s score--it still left her 8 votes behind.
She can still appeal.
差9票落選台中市議員時力吳佩芸當選無效之訴敗訴 9票落選當選無效之訴被駁回何文海：至感欣慰
Nantou Commissioner Lin Has High Hopes for Balloon
Nantou County Commissioner Lin Ming-chen on a trip to China was inspired to prove that Nantou is not full of hot air, and wants to get you high.
He’s now hoping to win approval for a passenger helium balloon, rather than the typical hot air balloon.
Critics note it is significantly more expensive, and there is a world shortage of the light gas.
林明溱訪陸 共商姊妹湖經濟 林明溱赴大陸爭取兩岸姐妹湖交流帶入南投70萬觀光人潮 〈中部〉《南投》九九峰飛氦氣球？ 民批：太燒錢 拚觀光！南投九九峰擬設「氦氣球」 PK熱氣球 南投九九峰規畫花五千萬設「氦氣球」拚觀光民眾批：浪費錢
English
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May 8, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Taipower Knocked by Nantou, Taichung Yet Again
After floating the idea of taking legal action against Taipower over pollution deaths for quite some time, Nantou County Commissioner Lin Ming-chen finally felt the time was right to “ring the bell”, the customary first step in filing a complaint with prosecutors at the Nantou District Prosecutors' Office on Monday last week.
The complaint was filed against Taipower Chairman Yang Wei-fuu (楊偉甫) and Taipower President Chung Bin-li (鍾炳立), as well as the Taichung Power Plant.
Citing information collected by the county government, he is hoping prosecutors will charge Taipower for endangering public safety in accordance with Article 190-1 of the Criminal Code due to a high rate of lung cancer among county residents.
Commissioner Lin and the county government note that Nantou has no significant stationary sources of air pollution, but the county consistently ranks among the worst in the nation for air quality.
Polluted air from the west, including Taichung, Changhua and Yunlin, is trapped up against the Central Mountain Range in Nantou.
The Taipower-owned Taichung Power Plant, until a few years ago the largest coal-fired plant in the world, is the largest stationary polluter in the country.
However, it is not the only one, which may complicate the case: Formosa Plastics subsidiaries have major operations in Changhua City and Mailiao in Yunlin County, China Steel owns the Dragon Steel plant in Taichung and there are other smaller sources.
Another tricky element in the case is that Nantou’s population drain has left a very high elderly population, who are more likely to develop cancer.
Nantou may get some support, however, from Taichung--Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has repeatedly stated her government is not ruling out a similar lawsuit.
Taipower said it would cooperate fully with the prosecutors' investigation.
影／南投縣告中火公共危險台電急派人說明滅火 不滿中火空污南投縣府最快月底告台電 南投指中火危害健康台電：需科學驗證釐清 中火急提空汙改善計畫南投縣府仍要告 日開賣「平成最後空氣罐」 盧秀燕：台中有先見之明 環保署防空污台中市人口密集區新佈建350個空氣盒子 捍衛縣民健康南投縣府告台電中火 「流放毒物罪」 林明溱控告台中火力發電廠 林明溱告台中火力發電廠 「流放毒物罪」 《政治》南投縣向中火提告，盧秀燕：台中不排除跟進 南投縣政府告中火涉公共危險罪台電：配合司法調查 肺癌居台中癌症死因首位！盧秀燕：中央能源政策錯誤 台中空污防制奏效！中市府：今年1至4月PM2.5、空品不良天數都比去年同期減少
Orsted Decides to Stay in Taiwan Offshore Wind
Following the central government’s abrupt move late last year to change the feed-in-tariffs paid to offshore wind suppliers, and the Changhua County Government refusing to sign off on Danish energy giant Orsted’s 900 MW offshore wind project in time to keep the older, higher rates, Orsted decided to reconsider doing business in Taiwan.
The national and Changhua government’s actions and Orsted’s doubts on whether it was worth going forward after the rules changes sent shockwaves throughout the offshore wind industry--which could have seriously undermined the government’s plans to achieve 5.5 GW of capacity by 2025 and over 10 GW by 2030 by scaring off investors.
However, after discussions with local partners and the government, Orsted has committed to going forward with the project, providing the nascent--but potentially huge--Taiwan offshore wind industry with a huge confidence boost.
The project will be built off the coast of Changhua in 2021 and 2022.
The company also announced plans to fund a third party trust fund with NT$60 million to help with training and developing local talent and supply chains.
沃旭決定繼續投資縣府：要先說明對彰化有何幫助 沃旭投資大彰化風場拍板 沃旭台灣首座離岸風場 將動工
Flora Expo Legacy Lives On
The final accounting on the Flora Expo is coming in and its legacy will live on.
Though the city didn’t meet their targeted 8 million visitors, they did draw over 7.2 million.
The event drew praise from all quarters, domestically and abroad at the end of the day, despite some controversies over the new mayor’s free entry policy for city residents.
That free entry policy most likely contributed significantly to the NT$1.3 billion loss the event incurred, which works out to a cost of NT$500 per Taichung resident, which is higher than the initial NT$350 ticket price--though the losses do not include the significant business for the city that the event raised.
Much of the infrastructure will also continue to benefit the city and future events, including an upcoming international orchid show.
But while the numbers are the source of much noise in city council, there is one issue the mayor went out of her way to address personally: the unemployment status of the expo mascots the Leopard Cat Family and their friend Horsiver.
One of the mayor’s campaign promises was to create more employment opportunities, and she has declared that the Leopard Cat Family and Horsiver will now be employed as mascots for the city of Taichung.
網路傳台中花博免費入園導致營收虧損12億 中市府：假議題 網傳台中花博虧損13億中市府出面駁斥 盧秀燕施政報告打造美好富強台中 綠譏空包彈 盧秀燕首度施政報告 盼把台中打造成美好又富強的城市 台中花博4月24日閉幕 頒獎典禮線上直播 台中花博虧損逾12億？盧秀燕澄清：年底才結算，7成市民滿意才重要 台中花博虧損 盧秀燕：感謝各界並「概括承受」 以愛創生、永續美好 台中花博楷模創生館感動落幕 台中花博虧損爭議 中市府：讓數字說話 台中花博落幕144萬張花博卡何去何從？ 花博虧逾12億 中市府：林佳龍市府每張門票僅收回120元，早註定要虧損 破解台中花博虧損真相 中市府製作圖卡說明 台中花博虧損13億！中市府：不應單看門票收入 台中新中心高鐵特區夢幻誠 台中花博閉幕！ 盧秀燕林佳龍同台避談門票爭議 台中花博卡剩144萬多張 國民黨議員批浪費公帑 台中花博閉幕！ 盧秀燕林佳龍同台避談門票爭議 台中花博卡剩144萬多張 國民黨議員批浪費公帑 台中花博圓滿落幕 盧秀燕：躍上國際舞台發光 台中花博虧逾12億 市議員稱免費入園政策所致 台中花博今閉幕 林佳龍、盧秀燕同台互相肯定 花博市民免費政策導致虧損是「假議題」 台中花博閉幕 盧秀燕致感謝林佳龍有期許 【Yahoo論壇】盧秀燕免費政策導致排擠效應 台中世界花博落幕慘虧13億 花博落幕「石虎一家4口全失業」 盧秀燕：轉任台中吉祥物 台中花博閉幕 720萬人參觀賠13億 花博閉幕 盧秀燕林佳龍口不出惡言 強調中央地方合作 影／花博閉幕日火花四射台中市議會藍綠互嗆龍燕道歉 花博圓滿落幕AIPH主席讚賞台中的努力讓世界看見美麗 台中花博吉祥物石虎家族與歐米馬 轉任「城市吉祥物 」 石虎家族與歐米馬求新職 盧秀燕面試後轉任台中城市吉祥物 「面試後超滿意」 盧秀燕：石虎一家4口轉任吉祥物行銷台中 盧秀燕親點「這個」為台中市吉祥物民眾超滿意
Subsidies Increased to Pave Paradise for Parking Lots
The new administration is tackling one of the problems of becoming the nation’s second largest city: parking.
Taichung now has over 1 million privately owned cars, but only 130,000 public and private parking lot spaces available.
To boost the quantity, the city is upping the subsidy from ½ of the construction cost to ⅔ for charged private parking lots.
For those offering free parking for 3 years or more, subsidies of full construction costs of up to 3.5 million are offered.
Subsidies are also now offered for small landowners to accommodate 20 cars or less.
獎勵民間興建停車場台中市將提高補助 台中市「汽車106萬輛車位僅13萬個」 市府獎勵民間建停車場 享有「免費」停收費車格優惠！台中市政府鼓勵購置電動車
Summer Container Market a Mirage
Bolstered by press coverage the Taichung EKI container market to open by the Taichung Train Station for the summer was attracting much interest from potential vendors.
Only problem was that the entire thing was a fraud.
The Taiwan Railways Administration is warning not to give the alleged organizers any money.
台中火車站暑假開貨櫃屋市集 台鐵：假的、遭冒名招攬 台中火車站將有貨櫃市集？ 台鐵：別上當！ 【獨家】台中車站暑假開貨櫃市集 台鐵：假的別受騙！
English
Nantou takes legal action against Taichung coal-fired power plant
Taipower told to build wastewater treatment facility
Taichung City Government rejects plan to cut down on pollution
Gov’t recognizes Chapel in Taichung as national monument
Taichung seeing stink bug infestation
Taichung Prefectural Hall in central Taiwan designated as national historic monument
Ørsted takes final investment decision on Changhua 1 and 2a offshore ...
Ørsted takes FID for 900-MW Changhua wind projects off Taiwan
Orsted takes FID on Changhua 1 and 2a offshore wind
Ørsted takes FID on Taiwan's Changhua 1 and 2a offshore windfarm
Ørsted presses ahead with Changhua 1 and 2a after feed-in tariff spat
Severe Air Pollution: Nantou County Files Charges Against Taipower & Taichung Power Plant
Orsted to create fund for local firms
Ørsted Finally Commits To 900 MW Taiwanese Changhua Offshore ...
Ørsted takes FID on Taiwan's Changhua 1 and 2a offshore windfarm
Orsted primed for Changhua onshore start
Orsted primed for Changhua onshore start
Introducing Taiwan's Taichung Metropolitan Park: a place suitable for stargazing
Taichung Metro Green Line will open by end of 2020
Video shows helmet-less joy rider ram into pillar in Nantou, Taiwan
Taichung spends NT$20 million on 5 street sweepers that aren't street legal
May 2019 roving dog and cat rabies vaccination and pet microchipping activity
Talent deficit Taiwan's biggest problem for returnee investors: MOEA
First Lady of Honduras visits Taiwan's Providence University
Student jumps from school building in western Taiwan after incessant bullying
Netherlands top source of foreign direct investment in Taiwan: envoy
Egg-eating snakes live longer if there are no eggs to eat
Taiwan Loans Get Lift From Wind Power, Economy-Boosting Measure
Illegal migrant workers arrested in Taiwan | MENAFN.COM
Picking or peeling mangoes can cause rash: dermatologist - Taipei Times
University students turn trash into household items - News - RTI Radio Taiwan International
Leopard cat rescued from reservoir
Student jumps from school building in western Taiwan after incessant bullying
Talent deficit Taiwan's biggest problem for returnee investors: MOEA
Taichung Discovery Pavilion champions biodiversity in new “Half ...
Taichung tomb relocation plans in limbo
Smart card users make more rail than automobile transits: MOTC
Video introduces Pakua Tea Garden in Nantou County
Link-up between two long-lost friends achieve... | Taiwan News
Tanya Shen Gang Green Bikeway in central Taiwan provides relaxing biking experience
TPU elastomers demand remains concentrated in APEJ, fuelling ...
《TAIPEI TIMES》 Video introduces Pakua Tea Garden in Nantou County
Assets committee to publish findings - Taipei Times
Taiwan records first case of Chikungunya this year
Indigenous Taiwanese man tracks down father’s grave after 66 years
Thai Vietjet to increase services to Taichung in Taiwan
Thai Vietjet Air to increase Taichung-Bangkok flights in summer
Cambodia Airways cancels flight route between Phnom Penh and central Taiwan
New ferry between Penghu and Western Taiwan welcomes free passengers
StarLux Airlines will not consider operations from Kaohsiung/Taichung ...
Vietnamese visa overstayer hoping for new life under amnesty plan
Taiwan's infrastructure plan implementation ahead of schedule in Q1
Taiwan's 'Green Waterfall' shut down after tourists trample farmer's crops
Two face charges for sharing photo said to cause 'public panic'
MOEA urged to take extra fee from big water users - Taipei Times
2018 Taichung World Flora Exposition -Blossom Pavilion / MAYU ...
Taiwan fugitive wanted for fraud arrested in the Philippines
Actress Charlene Choi holidays in Taiwan with grandmother
Tire fire paints skies over Central Taiwan district black
April 24, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Pressure on Taipower Continues
The central government, rather than central Taiwan governments as has been the case in recent years, has taken the initiative to control water pollution from the Taichung Power Plant.
This follows the disclosure by the Taichung City Government of three failed water pollution tests in a row, which resulted in issuing a record fine of NT$20 million against a state-owned enterprise.
The national Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has responded by ordering Taipower--the owner of the power plant--to build a new waste treatment facility to further add to treatment capacity.
The Deputy Economic Affairs Minister announced that the new treatment facility is expected to be done within two years, and that Taipower is also expected to be able to pass Taichung water tests and maintain a stable supply of power by May.
In related news, Taipower dispatched a representative to Nantou County to try an dissuade the county from launching a lawsuit against the state-owned utility.
Though welcomed cordially, the county announced that the lawsuit will be proceeding at the end of this month at the earliest.
Last week Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen stated that she wasn’t ruling out Taichung joining in the lawsuit. 影／南投縣告中火公共危險台電急派人說明滅火 不滿中火空污南投縣府最快月底告台電 南投指中火危害健康台電：需科學驗證釐清 中火急提空汙改善計畫南投縣府仍要告 日開賣「平成最後空氣罐」 盧秀燕：台中有先見之明 環保署防空污台中市人口密集區新佈建350個空氣盒子
New Moves Against Drunk Drivers
Repeat drunk driving offenders are being targeted with some new moves.
The Ministry of Justice’s Administrative Enforcement Agency publicized their repossession of a Changhua County man’s home.
According to the agency, a Changhua man surnamed Lin had accumulated NT$900,000 in unpaid fines.
He had been repeatedly pulled over for erratic traffic behaviour on his scooter, but every time he refused to take the test, leading to the issuance of 11 “failure to cooperate” tickets since 2015: eight at NT$90,000 and three worth NT$60,000.
Sending agency officials to his home, they discovered he had few possessions to repossess, but found he had inherited a large house.
They sent officials to repossess the house, but Lin--claiming illness and a lack of income--asked they not do so.
Officials reportedly told him that they needed to abide by the law and continued with repossession procedures.
The agency went on to tout their having repossessed 67 homes in the last month in Central Taiwan.
Meanwhile in Taichung, city officials took a different approach: They forced repeat drunk drivers to have classes in a funeral parlour.
The classes took place in a room with the normal funeral accoutrements and refrigerator for corpses present, and while real funerals were being held at the home in other rooms, ensuring an absolutely real atmosphere of death, loss and lament.
A banner across the back of the stage lamented 87 deaths to drunk driving, referring to the number lost in the last five years. 遺體冰櫃近在咫尺！酒駕累犯殯儀館上課 到殯儀館上道安講習！ 台中43名酒駕累犯「震撼教育」
Flora Expo to Close Today
After a long and quite successful run, today is the last day and closing ceremony for the Taichung Flora Expo.
While the event winds down, performances including the Chio Tian Folk Drums and Arts Troupe's performance of King of Middag, meet and greets with the mascots Leopard Cat family and Hosiver and a traditional Haka Maori dance performance today at 4 pm by New Zealand’s Maimoa Music─Te Wehi Haka.
Though some controversy arrived with the new mayor’s free entry policy for residents, overall the expo has been praised for being extremely well done.
It has attracted politicians, stars and over 7 million people during its run. 網路傳台中花博免費入園導致營收虧損12億 中市府：假議題 網傳台中花博虧損13億中市府出面駁斥 台中花博4月24日閉幕 頒獎典禮線上直播 台中花博虧損逾12億？盧秀燕澄清：年底才結算，7成市民滿意才重要 拗消防員支援花博？台中市府回應了… 台中花博24日閉幕 早鳥入園遊客贈限量專輯
Exercises to Shut Freeway in Changhua
The Han Kuang military exercises have kicked off, but the highlight is the live fire exercises in late May.
On May 28 from 6:15 to 7:45 am, the Huatan stretch of Freeway 1 is to closed so a takeoff and landing exercise featuring the nation's three main fighter aircraft -- the F-16 A/Bs, Mirage 2000-5s and Indigenous Defensive Fighters (IDFs) -- as well as E-2K airborne early warning aircraft can take place.
Though plans could change, watching jets land and take off on the local freeway is expected to draw crowds.
However, the name of the stretch of freeway--the Huatan Reserve Runway--is also drawing complaints.
Although the section connects Huatan Township (花壇) in the north of the county with Dacun Township (大村) in the south, its entire length lies within Xiushui Township.
The mayor and newly elected KMT lawmaker Ko Cheng-fang have been trying to get the name changed to properly acknowledge the town.
Street Sweeping to the Future
Taichung has purchased five electric street sweeping vehicles at the cost of NT$20 million apiece.
Charged from a standard outlet, they can run for eight hours and are each expected to cut 74 tons of carbon emissions and save 4000 liters of diesel compared to their traditional counterparts.
They are also smaller, allowing them to fit into smaller roads and lanes, and they weigh only ¼ the amount of the traditional yellow behemoths and are very quiet.
However, it is unlikely that the liters of diesel, the tons of carbon or the price is why they got so much press coverage: It is probably because they’re quite cute. 抗空汙新利器 電動小型掃街車開進台中 中市購置抗空汙新利器 電動小型掃街車 中市購置抗空汙新利器 電動小型掃街車 〈中部〉減碳抗空污台中市環局引進電動小型掃街車 台中首創電動掃街車 5月環保啟用! 抗空汙 電動綠能掃街車清淨上路 啟動後巷強制接管作業 台中汙水接管效應浮現
English
Broker, councilman allegedly drugs, rapes Indonesian woman in W. Taiwan
Taiwan joins Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines police in busting fraud ring
Fraud ring busted in cross-border operation: CIB
Chung Lien Transportation to lay off 1,000 workers
Migrant worker allegedly drugged, assaulted
Township official suspected of sexual assault on Indonesian caregiver
Multiple DUI offender’s house repossessed - Taipei Times
Girl has tooth near eye removed - Taipei Times
Deadly accident on Taiwan highway leaves driver dismembered
Taichung Power Plant ordered to build new waste treatment facility
Taichung Power Plant ordered to build new waste treatment facility
Han Kuang military drill kicks off with computer-aided war games
Han Kuang drill kicks off with computer-aided war games (update)
Clean and green: Taichung’s electric street sweepers
Car careens into hotpot shop in W. Taiwan
Bus driver narrowly escapes death after trailer flies through windshield in W. Taiwan
Interview: Huang Shou-da – Daybreak Project
'Rainbow track' in Taiwan’s Taichung attracts attention
Photo of the Day: Taichung Sports Formosa Kit
A-State sophomore Pornpawee Pramethong earns All-SBC Tennis ...
Man charged with illegally importing and selling ants
A modest achievement in Nantou - Taipei Times
Shen says Orsted working on localization problems - Taipei Times
mayu architects designs flower exhibition pavilion and orchid ...
Setting sun alignment photo-ops forecast for Taipei
Taiwan Loans Get Wind Power Boost Amid Best Start Since 2012
1Countdown, 9 days until the Floral Expo The 7,000,000th Guest will win an iPhone X2019-04-15
https://newbloommag.net/2019/04/19/li-yi-deportation/
Taiwan in Time: The devout and determined poet - Taipei Times
Five overseas Taiwanese firms pledge NT$15.4 billion investment
'Shen Yun Is Rich in Educational Significance' Honorary Chairman of ...
Historical child sale pacts announce pain of poverty - Taipei Times
New Zealand group to perform war dance for Taiwan Flora Expo finale
Incident: FAT AT72 at Taichung on Apr 20th 2019, temporary runway ...
Largan proposes cash dividend per share of NT$68 on 2018 earnings
College fees to rise 2.17%: education ministry
Developer Drafts Lagerfeld in Appeal to Taiwan's Ultra-Wealthy - Bloomberg
April 17, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Lu Goes on Full Bore Offensive Against Taipower
Following a tough few weeks politically, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has come out full guns blazing against Taipower, the owner of the massive Taichung Power Plant--issuing the largest fine ever levied against a state-owned enterprise in the nation’s history.
That NT$20 million fine--due on May 15 unless it is overturned--is not for violations of air pollution, but rather water pollution.
After three failing tests earlier this year for excessive levels of nitrate nitrogen--the latest on March 21--Taipower was requested to come up with a plan to rectify the problem.
That plan was submitted, but rejected by the city government last week, saying the three page proposal “lacked sincerity”.
This was followed by the issuance of the fine this Monday, plus a demand for a new proposal due by April 30.
Taipower issued a statement saying Taipower that high nitrate nitrogen levels were mainly caused by the plant’s focus on preventing air pollution, resulting in a lack of capacity to manage water pollution.
They said they will reduce power output in the coal fired units 1 through 4 in the short term, as temperatures are expected to remain moderate.
But That was Only the Opening
It turns out Mayor Lu has another plan of attack on table, the very next day stating that her government hadn’t ruled out joining a long proposed lawsuit against Taipower by Nantou County Commissioner Lin Ming-chen on behalf of lung cancer sufferers.
Commissioner Lin has for some time been floating the idea, noting that while Nantou has no major fixed sources of air pollution, like incinerators or heavy industry, the air quality is among the worst in the country.
Air from Taichung and Changhua frequently becomes trapped against the mountains in Nantou.
Mayor Lu’s government is now assessing this line of attack, and calling for unity, saying “it’s not just Taichung residents that are unable to bear it, people in Nantou and Changhua also find it unbearable”.
台中火力發電廠「海空兩棲」污染 環保局不排除勒令停工 短短三頁？台中市退回中火「改善計畫書」 短短三頁？台中市退回中火「改善計畫書」 台電提中火改善計畫「誠意不足」遭退回中市府15日公布裁罰，不排除勒令 ... 停機影響供電？中市：怎能供電、汙染都推給台中人承擔 中火廢水超標 台中市議會國民黨團籲勒令停工 中火廢水超標台中市議會國民黨團籲勒令停工 忍無可忍❗祭出國營事業史上最高2000萬罰單 南投將告中火盧秀燕：台中不排除跟進 林明溱提告中火求償盧秀燕：不排除跟進 中火遭台中市罰2千萬南投也喊告 台中市府罰中火2000萬台電：三大方向改善 中火遭台中市罰2千萬南投也喊告 中市空污聯合防制營建工地Line在一起 台電應變升級 台中電廠三路並進降污染 中火若停機用電吃緊 吳皇昇：錯誤能源政策非由台中人承擔 中火放流廢水污染超標 台中市政府重罰2000萬！創國營事業挨罰金額紀錄 台中火力發電廠水污染重罰2千萬 創國營事業史上遭罰最高紀錄 中火水汙！台中環保局開罰兩千萬 創新高 空污害人命？南投縣要告中火 中市擬跟進 空污害人命？ 南投縣要告中火 中市擬跟進 痛批綠營執政釀中部空污盧秀燕擬跟進林明溱控告中火 南投將告中火盧市長：台中不排除跟進 南投縣長籲中部7縣市聯合向中火提告求償 中部4+3治理平台成立盧秀燕：總統參選人不得不重視690萬人
Taichung Approves Pro-China Rally, They Cancel
While Mayor Lu this week has been very much on the offensive, last week she was very much on the defensive after an outpouring of shock after it was revealed that the Taichung City Govt had approved official approval for a forum and march through the heart of Taichung to pro-China unification groups such as Chang An-le’s China Unification Promotion Party and known Chinese Communist Party United Front supported organizations.
The marketing materials prominently displayed Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Tiananmen Square and touted a speech by a known advocate of a Chinese military invasion of Taiwan, Li Yi.
Li Yi was eventually found by authorities at a guesthouse in Nantou, and was deported--his tourism visa did not include permission to give political speeches.
Both the president and premier praised the deportation on national security concerns.
The organizers eventually decided to cancel their event, citing safety concerns--though some pro-Taiwan protesters showed up at the site anyway.
Much of focus locally in Taichung, however, was on why the city would grant permission for this event, which included an illegal speech by a person who has advocated for sending over 25 million people from China to “solve the independence issue” following an armed invasion, plus a march from the train station down Taiwan Blvd towards Tunghai.
The mayor and police defended the decision on legal and free speech grounds.
This did little to calm the tempers of some, including one who edited the Wikipedia page on the mayor to read “traitor”. 裝聾作啞正是台中市府失職的關鍵！ 中市府核准統一遊行 她：羞辱台中人 和平統促會台中辦遊行 警局否認將開道 裝聾作啞正是台中市府失職的關鍵！ 台中統一遊行 竟請中國武統學者演說 統促會將在台中遊行 王浩宇怒批盧秀燕：若不撤銷許可就是公然叛國！ 警車為統戰遊行開道？ 中市：烏龍謠言 台中將辦「和平統一」遊行 中市警核准：無叛國，合法合憲 台中將為統促黨遊行開道？ 王浩宇痛批盧秀燕：不撤銷就是公然叛國 紓壓！蔡政府驅逐武統學者兼打臉台中 移民署限令李毅出境 台中專勤隊動員找尋 台中市連兩年蟬聯房地合一繳稅王去年年增1.3倍 核准「支持統一」遊行反民主 「盧市長會守護台中嗎？」 反制促統會13日台中遊行 民間號召「413護台抗中」 台中和平統一遊行 內政籲自律勿危害國安 統促護台台中交鋒 盧秀燕：不能妨礙公安治安 台中辦統一遊行 洪慈庸嗆盧秀燕：喊九二共識後怎換來遊行？ 台中辦統一大遊行 館長怒嗆盧秀燕 促統及護台同時上場盧秀燕：不能妨害公安 台中市府核准「支持和平統一」遊行遭批：荒謬至極！(組圖) 台中統、獨遊行明對戰中市警：不允許違法 「統一遊行」突取消 他：台中人勝利 盧秀燕一夜突變「賣國賊」 台中市政府：涉及人身攻擊，保留法律追訴權 台中促統遊行突喊卡 民進黨團痛批盧秀燕助中宣傳 台中促統遊行突喊卡 民進黨團痛批盧秀燕助中宣傳 李毅違法演講遭驅逐出境 抵港後還嗆：兩岸必須統一 不容統戰侵門踏戶 綠營呼籲維護台中人的尊嚴 統促會台中遊行引發爭議 下午遊行臨時喊卡 台中和平統一大遊行不辦了！統促會：顧及社會秩序 統促會取消遊行 台中市警局證實：確定取消 統促會台中大遊行喊卡 臨時發聲明宣布取消 台中市警局證實 統促會下午車隊遊行取消 最新！台中市政府警局證實統促會下午車隊遊行取消 核准統促會台中辦遊行 盧秀燕這樣回引論戰 台中辦統一遊行！館長火大嗆盧秀燕：是腦袋有問題？ 盧秀燕一夜突變「賣國賊」 台中市政府：涉及人身攻擊，保留法律追訴權 盧秀燕維基百科被註賣國賊市府：保留追訴權 盧秀燕維基百科被冠「賣國賊」 中市府保留法律追訴權 維基百科被加註「賣國賊」 盧秀燕：保留法律追訴權 被惡意中傷盧秀燕的維基百科列「半保護狀態」 統派不遊行中市公民團體依舊「護台抗中」 抗議濫用言論自由本土社團台中市府嗆聲「反併吞救台灣」 台中「和平統一」大遊行喊卡，台灣統促會和中共是什麼關係？ 議員踢爆台中還有統戰活動 文化局：沒繳租金已拒借 被指為賣國賊盧秀燕：因對立被遷怒會予以包容 議員踢爆台中還有統戰活動文化局：沒繳租金已拒借 盧秀燕稱台灣最可貴的是言論自由 以文化為名行統戰之實侵門踏戶於台中市府辦活動
Matsu’s More Mellow Return
The Dajia Jenn Lann Matsu pilgrimage wound its way back towards home in Taichung, and this time made it through Changhua with only a few incidents--most notably a very drunk man trying to drive past the police cordon.
As expected some melees broke out in Changhua City, but police got them quickly under control.
The police presence was increased in all of Changhua County from over 1280 to over 1730, with the force in Changhua city bolstered from 320 to around 800. 白沙屯媽祖遶境台中 駐駕警局並進入國小 大甲媽遶彰化警遭打傷方仰寧嗆黑道：相堵ㄟ丟 大甲媽回鑾彰化「不准打架」 方仰寧霸氣嗆黑道「相堵ㄟ丟」 中市社會局長李允傑被爆料要求公務員去參加宮廟遶 大甲媽回鑾好膽再打看看？彰化共部署2千警力等著 遇黑道不手軟！彰化部署2千警力大甲媽回鑾重兵戒備 大甲媽回鑾彰化部署逾千名警力警局長親自坐鎮 快訊／大甲媽回鑾彰化市 警力部署增至1731人 影／快訊／遲到3小時！大甲媽沒到彰化大埔路2車硬闖警戒線被抓走 大甲媽回鑾經彰化佈署近2千警嚴守 大甲媽回鑾彰化2000警力護駕 〈中部〉大甲媽回鑾彰化醉漢硬闖禁區被逮 大甲媽回鑾警方嚴陣以待彰化仍爆衝突 大甲媽回鑾台中大肚區 陣頭炸寒單迎接 大甲媽回鑾進彰化市！民眾搶鑽轎底 延遲3小時 大甲媽回鑾進彰化市 民眾搶鑽轎底 延遲3hr 大甲媽祖清晨平和離境彰化警方鬆口氣
Changhua Commissioner in NTC, Embraces Light Rail
Changhua County Commissioner Wang Hui-mei on Monday visited her New Taipei counterpart Hou You-yi.
Her visit in part was to thank New Taipei for exceeding expectations and selling 20 tons of Changhua guava in just two days--a much needed boost to farmers struggling with significant oversupply.
She also, however, expressed interest in the Danshui light rail line--suggesting she planned to connect north and south Changhua with a similar line.
Commissioner Wang had campaigned on extending the Taichung MRT Green Line to south Changhua.
Since taking office, however, she discovered that Changhua’s finances aren’t as solid as she hoped.
新北彰化合作推銷農產品2天團購芭樂20噸 新北、彰化合作銷農產2天賣出20公噸芭樂 新北取經王惠美：推動彰化南北輕軌 王惠美赴新北拜會侯友宜參訪取經淡海輕軌
Nuns Reclaim Communist Temple
After a long running legal battle, nuns in Ershui Township in Changhua County have regained rights to the temple they were evicted from in 2012.
The contractor that scammed them out of the property then rose to fame by turning it into a shrine to the Chinese Communists called the "Patriotic Education Base of Socialist National Thought in Taiwan Province of the People's Republic of China."
He was finally evicted in 2018 over his expansions that violated building codes.
彰化碧雲禪寺法拍比丘尼得標拿回所有權 比丘尼法拍買回彰化碧雲禪寺還給佛門清靜
English
Taichung Power Plant could be ordered to partially suspend operations
Taichung Power Plant fined NT$20m
Taipower faces large fine, looks to reduce output and emissions
Power plant given record fine over pollution in Taiwan
Power plant given record fine over pollution in central Taiwan
Taichung Power Plant fails third checkup this year, fined NT$20 million
Taichung mulls legal action against coal-fired power plant
Taipower faces large fine, looks to reduce output and emissions
Taichung Power Plant Fined NT$20m by Taichung City Gov’t
I’m very disappointed with the 台中 mayor, how tf is this legal?
Taiwan to expel Chinese academic who advocates military unification
Taiwan to deport Chinese scholar for violation of entry permit rules
Chinese academic to be deported for illegal entry
Taiwan to expel Chinese academic who advocates military unification
Taiwan to deport Chinese scholar for violation of entry permit rules
Taiwan deports mainland Chinese scholar Li Yi over planned pro ...
Chinese academic deported for breaching entry permit rules in Taiwan
Groups to protest pro-unification rally
Unificationist Li Yi put on plane after deportation
Group propagating military annexation by China expected in Taiwan
Pro-China party cancels rally, citing security concerns
CUPP backs out as independence advocates rally
EDITORIAL: Handling deportation transparently - Taipei Times
Deporting Li Yi justified, he advocated war: MAC - Taipei Times
Chinese academic deported for breaching entry permit rules in Taiwan
Clashes break out in Changhua County during religious procession
Over 100,000 people flock to worship Matsu at Chiayi temple
Matsu pilgrimages spotlight Taiwan’s rich religious traditions
Sea goddess inspires devotion, generosity along procession route
Students’ innovative light system receives top prize - Taipei Times
Town wants road renamed ahead of exercise - Taipei Times
Taiwan leopard cat kitten mauled to death by dogs
Councilor pans Taiping trash collection services - Taipei Times
Firm’s cut-backs on radiation detectors fatal: legislator - Taipei Times
Man indicted for selling imported ants online
Minister defends spring travel subsidy program - Taipei Times
4 more Chinese pork products, 1 more dead pig detected with ASF
Police arrest man after he allegedly licked child's feet
S.U.P.E.R. Teacher winners in Taiwan's Nantou County advance to national
Police arrest man after he allegedly licked child’s feet
Taiwan firms pledge to invest over NT$120 billion so far this year
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Taiwan's Charming Small Towns ...
A trip to the Rainbow Village of Taiwan
Formosa 1 Turbine Parts Start Arriving in Taiwan | Offshore Wind
April 10, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Dajia Matsu Procession Off and Running
The annual procession of parading pilgrims has set off from the Taichung Dajia Jenn Lann Matsu temple and once again it features plenty of fireworks, politics, punches, piety and public support.
The politics was especially high profile this year as the president, all the major presidential candidates and presumptive candidates like Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je showed up.
In spite of all the talk of meeting or not meeting between the KMT candidates--especially the not declared Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu--and KMT Chair Wu Den-yih, all showed up that day, and all were carefully scheduled so none would be there at the same time.
The situation was similar between President Tsai Ing-wen and primary challenger William Lai Ching-teh.
Taipei Mayor Ko, when asked at the temple if he was running for president, rather cryptically commented “Frankly speaking, I have the answer in my head, but I have to convince myself that the decision would be best for Taiwan — if not, I do not necessarily have to do it.”
Violence Follows the Procession, White Wolf Melee
The procession hadn’t even left Taichung before fights began to break out, with police recording at least three.
While the vast majority of the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims are peaceful, conflicts do break out--usually involving groups of young men associated with specific temples, and also often organized crime.
Getting close to, passing under and especially carrying the palanquin holding the venerated statue of Matsu is considered very fortunate--but sometimes the gangs of young men will come in conflict with each other for the honour.
In past there have been cases when the palanquin and statue were effectively kidnapped.
This year temple Chairman Yen Ching-piao--previously jailed multiple times over connections to organized crime and firearms--made a strong appeal against fighting, commenting that “the bill always falls on me”.
Tensions were high Monday night as the palanquin reached the area around the Minsheng underpass in Changhua City, where the most violent incidents usually happen.
Chairman Yen personally helped carry the palanquin through part of this area, then passed it on to Chang An-lo, aka the “White Wolf”.
Chang also has served jail time over organized crime connections, and is the founder of the pro-Chinese Communist political party the Chinese Unification Promotion Party.
Just after the handover to Chang, violence broke out--in spite of 320 police officers forming a human wall.
Reported injuries requiring hospitalization included three police, a police captain and a CtiTV journalist whose attack was caught on camera.
When asked about the violence, Chang commented that the crowd was very passionate.
Police arrested over 20 Tuesday morning.
The procession is to continue down into Yunlin County, then return--when once again Changhua’s Minsheng underpass will be in the spotlight--finally reaching Dajia after 10 days.
In related news, for only the fourth time in history, the Dajia Matsu pilgrimage will cross paths with the similar--though smaller--Baishatun Matsu pilgrimage that originates from a temple in Miaoli.
And another related news item, an American Public Broadcasting TV show has been nominated for a Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Award for an episode on the Matsu pilgrimage, Matsu Island and Matsuism. 10年編撰 《媽祖文化志》在台首發 大甲媽將起轎出巡 「阿督仔」嘛「瘋媽祖」 台中媽祖文化節登場 4/7、4/16免費接駁車前往鎮瀾宮 兩岸共編媽祖文化志 在台首發 大甲媽起駕大咖雲集 台中十個分局總動員 大甲媽起駕 大咖到 台中十分局全動員 大甲媽北巡 打卡拿壓轎金 去年大甲媽遶彰化煙火大減9成！今年..... 大甲媽今起駕彰化布重兵警估北彰化遇白沙屯媽 不回答「彰化都黑道」搶轎問題柯文哲說要為台灣努力 大甲媽還沒跨出台中 已發生三場打架衝突 大甲媽還沒跨出台中 已發生三場打架衝突 大甲媽鑾轎抵彰化爆堆擠顏清標：「打架帳是算在我身上」 大甲媽遶境彰化接轎爆推擠顏清標怒：不是講好了？ 大甲媽到彰化險失控王惠美還被推到外圍讓標哥怒了 破紀錄！ 大甲媽延遲5小時進入彰化 往死裡踹！白狼彰化接大甲媽鑾轎 《中天》記者、警察遭圍毆送急診｜蘋果新聞網｜蘋果日報 白沙屯媽停駕台中 信眾為妹祈求病癒 白沙屯媽祖是否進入彰化市信眾期待「粉紅超跑」到來 白沙屯拱天宮媽祖抵彰化王惠美縣長獻花祈福 「粉紅超跑」下午現身彰化！ 信徒設補給站款待 大甲媽彰化爆衝突電視台記者、警察都被打 大甲媽祖遶境彰化爆發衝突事件彰警迅速帶回3名犯嫌究辦 大甲媽祖抵達彰化縣長接駕祈求國泰民安、風調雨順 大甲媽遶境發生推擠彰化警：顏清標沒被巴頭 大甲媽遶境到彰化民生地下道就開打原因竟是如此 彰化地方角頭邀白狼接轎網友驚「大甲媽染紅」 彰化縣長接轎初體驗爆衝突標哥出手救美hold全場 往死裡踹！白狼彰化接大甲媽鑾轎《中天》記者、警察遭圍毆送急診 信徒打架媽祖會生氣學者:白狼接駕外界觀感也不好 揮別暗夜群架陰影彰化人今喜迎白沙屯媽祖 差一點強碰彰化上午送走大甲媽下午迎來白沙媽 「粉紅超跑」名不虛傳3小時內通過彰化市
Ba La(ts) of Guava to Save Changhua Farmers
Over the last few weeks prices per catty of guava have plunged to between NT$3 and NT$5.
In part this was due to a 70% rise in national supply this year over last, in part in expectation that newly elected Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu would increase Chinese demand for Taiwanese produce.
Kaohsiung and Changhua are the major producers of the fruit.
Mayor Han failed to get anything more substantial than an MOU on his last trip to China, leaving local farmers with fruit prices below the production cost--and as a spokesperson in Changhua noted, even the pigs were getting tired of eating them.
The news brightened over the last week, as orders from Canada came in for upwards of 150 tonnes.
Then, Changhua County Commissioner Wang Hui-mei working with New Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi has arranged for a partnership between the New Taipei Agriculture Bureau and the New Taipei Fruit & Vegetable Marketing Company and their Changhua counterparts which they hope will bring in sales of over 10 tonnes a week.
Commissioner Wang also expressed hopes for expansion into the United States and Taipei City.
貨出不去！彰化芭樂每台斤剩3元「餵豬豬都吃膩了」 彰化芭樂價狂掉90%每台斤剩3元！農民嘆：太信他話 彰化芭樂「每台斤剩3元」 農民：拿去餵豬豬都吃膩了 淒慘！彰化芭樂「每台斤剩3元」 老農嘆：餵豬都吃膩了 〈中部〉（彰化）芭樂產量大增賣價跌破成本 全台芭樂暴量增產七成彰化芭樂今再裝櫃外銷加拿大 影／彰化珍珠芭樂受加拿大歡迎王惠美視察運銷狀況 力挺在地產業彰化芭樂年外銷破100公噸 瞄準北美市場彰化芭樂外銷加拿大150公噸 珍珠芭樂受加拿大歡迎王惠美視察運銷狀況 新北彰化交流合作發動團購呷芭樂 新北揪團購要幫彰化芭樂下架
US Air Force Stationed at CCK to Have Reunion
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the U.S. Taiwan Defense Command leaving Taiwan, a reunion is being held for US personnel stationed at Ching Chuan Kang--or CCK--air base in Taichung.
Stars and Stripes--an American military publication, quoted reunion organizer and former Air Force C-130 mechanic Bob Keller as saying “There were about 5,000 people stationed at CCK when it was an active U.S. military base,”.
Keller commented on his many fond memories of Taichung in the report.
The report says “More than 100 people plan to attend the CCK reunion, which will take place July 9-12 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dayton, Ohio, about 20 minutes’ drive from the National Museum of the United States Air Force.”
English
Matsu takes a stroll 大甲媽祖遶境 熱鬧登場
Taiwan Matsu Festival & Islands of Joseph Rosendo's Travelscope Nominated for Emmy Awards | Benzinga
Taiwan's annual Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage begins with over 50,000 people
Mazu procession takes off with 10,000 people
5 injured in melee after pro-China gangster 'White Wolf' shows up at Taiwan's Dajia Matsu Pilgrimage
Video shows chaos when 'White Wolf' crashes Taiwan's Dajia Matsu Pilgrimage
U.S. travel show about Taiwan’s Matsu nominated for Emmy
Doctor gives safety tips for Matsu pilgrimages - Taipei Times
Ko Wen-je mum about prospects of a presidential run
NHK environmental documentary at Taichung museum
Central Taiwan Science Park sales up over 20% in first two months
Taichung high school honor guards put on flash mob performances
Coast guard members catch rare surprise on Taichung coast - News - RTI Radio Taiwan International
Former airmen who served on Taiwan to reunite 40 years after US forces departed - News - Stripes
Taboos teach children manners: folklorist - Taipei Times
Highways and Byways: The Cingshueiyan circuit - Taipei Times
Truck guard held over ATM thefts - Taipei Times
70% of claw machine stores surveyed in major Taiwanese cities are illegal
Miaoli County Councilor says 'too many Leopard cats' cause highway deaths
Bubble Tea Got Me Through College, So I Went to Where It All Started
Gold Card an effective foreign-talent lure in knowledge economy
Landing fee waivers, cuts extended to boost air traffic: CAA
CIP2A overexpression in Taiwanese oral cancer patients
FEATURE: Taokas advocate fights for recognition of heritage - Taipei Times
MECO in Taiwan reminds registered Filipino voters to bring IDs to vote
Tigerair Taiwan to launch flights to Palawan in June
Bus driver to face small fine after dangerous overtaking maneuver
Parkxper's Intelligent Technology Meets Natural Science in Taichung ...
Formosa 1 foundations sail to Taiwan
Formosa Phase 2 foundations shipped
New Taipei promotes group purchases to resolve a glut of guavas
EDITORIAL: Toe-licking is sexual harassment
April 3, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
New Shopping Mall Announced for Downtown
Now Taiwan’s second largest city at 2.8 million people, and another one to two million nearby who come to the city to work and play, major retail outlets are finally starting to invest seriously in the market.
When it comes to major malls, however, they have up to now been focused on the city’s periphery.
The first, Lihbao, opened in Houli near Miaoli--far from downtown.
The second, the newly opened Mitsui Outlet Mall chose the harbour.
A third planned mall, ATT 4 FUN is slated to open in two or three years in the Wuri District, and is planned to include a ferris wheel and hot air balloons.
Now Taiwan Sugar and Japan’s Mitsui have announced plans to develop and over 15 hectare site behind the train station and build what it tentatively named Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport.
The two building complex is to be located about a six minute walk from the train station, and with convenient access to the approximately one million people living within 5 kilometers.
It is expected to host 250 stores, create 2000 jobs and open in 2023.
台糖與日商三井不動產簽約 日商三井再投資台中 台糖湖濱園區設商場 三井投資台糖台中廠區今簽約 打造LaLaport親子商場 翻轉經濟 富強台中系列3－麗寶樂園渡假區副董事長陳志鴻：麗寶集團投資渡假區 打造城市觀光亮點 日本三井LaLaport親子商場進駐台中 預計2023年完工 「2021完工？！」烏日ATT 4 FUN冰宮 距離車站超近日本三井在台中市開LaLaport，吸250品牌進駐 三井再蓋全新購物中心2023年台中市區開幕
“Smile” Portion of Yamanote Line Linked
Access to that projected new mall is slated to get a lot easier for residents of the coastal districts of Taichung.
Ex-Mayor and Transport Minister Lin Chia-lung was on hand to witness the linkage of the southern bound portion of the so-called “smile” section of the nicknamed Yamanote Rail Line project.
The project links up the coastal and mountain rail lines--so far only for southbound passengers--by linking the Chenggong and Zhuifen stations.
The northbound portion is expected to be done by the beginning of next year.
The project will significantly ease and speed up connections between the coast and downtown.
The northern portion of Lin’s plan--linking up the coastal and mountain lines in the northern districts of Dajia and Houli--was previously approved by both the central government and Taichung when Lin was mayor.
However, the original split city/national funding plan has been rejected by new Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, who is demanding the national government pay for the entire project.
As Transport Minister, Lin has said they’ll re-address the funding issue after the feasibility plans have been finalized.
夜視成功追分工程 網：林佳龍愛台中 「成功追分路段」徹夜換軌完成！林佳龍到場視察發加菜金
Central Park Finished
After four years of construction, the entire Taichung Central Park is complete and open to the public.
Called the “lungs of the city”, the 67 hectare park is sited on land previously occupied by the Shuinan Airport.
The park, designed by Catherine Mosbach and Philippe Rahm Architects, features waterways and winding paths, and artificial hills rising over enclosed spaces.
Currently the many newly planted trees are a bit small and spare to look at, but as they grow it is easy to see how the park will blossom into a beautiful oasis.
「台中之肺」中央公園完工 開放部分區域體驗 「台中之肺」水湳中央公園完工 開放部分區域體驗
Mixed Poll News for Mayor Lu
A TVBS poll on the “big six” metropolis mayors is overall not good news for Taichung Mayor Lu--but the numbers are being spun to paint different pictures.
The pan-green headline is her approval rating is dead last in the big six at only 33%, not even half of the Taoyuan mayor’s stunning 70% and fairly far behind number five finisher Ko Wen-je’s 38%.
On the other hand, her disapproval rating at 24% put her in the number four position, ahead of Daniel Han Kuo-yu’s 28% and Ko’s 40%.
Her low approval rating is in part due to the high 43% who chose “I don’t know”, which was second highest and suggests she has considerable room to improve.
盧秀燕六都滿意度最低 綠營議員憂台中未來四年發展 執政100天 43%台中市民無法評斷盧秀燕
Top Wedding Pic Spot Winner Announced
The Taichung City Tourism Department has announced the winners of “best wedding photo scenic spot” contest.
The winner was the Gaomei wetlands, including the wind turbines along the coast.
The runner up was the baseball “mini-egg stadium”, which is designed to look like a very large half buried baseball.
台中百大婚紗拍攝景點票選 高美濕地奪冠 【台語新聞】台中夢幻婚紗景點 "磺溪書院"奪冠 台中市百大婚紗景點票選 高美濕地獲生態景觀第一名 台中夢幻婚紗景點 "磺溪書院"奪冠 台中百大婚攝景點票選 心之芳庭高美濕地入榜 百大婚紗拍攝景點票選公布 歡迎新人台中婚攝小旅行
Two Taichung National Historical Sites
Tunghai University’s Luce Memorial Chapel and Taichung City Hall are--according to the Taichung City Government--to be designated historical sites by the national Ministry of Culture.
The Luce Chapel, named after the missionary in China and father of Time Magazine publisher and prominent Chiang Kai-shek supporter Henry Luce, was designed by famed architect I.M. Pei.
The Taichung City Hall was originally the Taichung Prefectural Hall built during the Japanese era.
They will be Taichung’s third and fourth national historical sites after the Wufeng Lin Family gardens and the old Taichung Train Station.
Taichung Map Makers Don’t Know F-CK
Local citizens were outraged when they discovered that the airplanes meant to represent the local AIDC F-CK 1 fighter jets on the map of the Tan-Ya-Shen Green Bikeway that goes by CCK Air Force base most definitely weren’t.
Initially residents thought they were Chinese Chengdu J-10s, but it turns out the planes pictured were actually Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripens.
The signs have been fixed to correctly show F-CK 1 fighters.
台中導覽地圖糗出包！拿瑞典獅鷲戰機當經國號 台中導覽地圖糗出包！拿瑞典獅鷲戰機當經國號 台中導覽地圖出包 誤植瑞典獅鷲戰機當經國號
English
Taichung sites to get national status
Taichung sites to get national status
Taiwan Coast Guard seize Chinese fishing boat 10 km from Taichung
Two parents killed in fire at family home in central Taiwan
Taoyuan mayor Cheng Wen-tsan tops public satisfaction polls in Taiwan
Taiwanese foreign language cram school ANL suddenly shuts its doors
Taiwan’s Dajia Matsu Pilgrimage Procession to take place April 7 -16
Two charged with growing cannabis worth NT$10m - Taipei Times
Woman, local man arrested over illegal logging
St Jude Hospital Staff For Training In Taiwan
Total of 24 Taiwanese companies returning home to invest
Changhua resident, 80, found to have extrapulmonary TB
Customised solution helps Vestas win 43 MW order with first 20-year ...
Foundation provides a home away from home
Vestas books 42MW Vietnam tour
Vestas bags 85 MW of orders in Asia
Customised solution helps Vestas win 43 MW order with first 20-year ...
Two parents killed in fire at family home in central Taiwan
Taiwan Cycle: Plastic road pedals, dynamo hubs, new e-gravel bike – VeloNews.com
Taiwan, Japan MOU inked for wind power safety training
Vietnamese illegal in Taiwan surrenders
Lady Saints extend their winning streak to six
Natalie Uy is the next big thing in athletics
March 27, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Han Isn’t the Only One Fishing in China
While Kaohsiung Mayor Daniel Han dominates the news with his China trip, two central Taiwan delegations are more quietly signing deals.
Like Han’s trip, Nantou County Commissioner Lin Ming-chen’s China trip strongly emphasizes agricultural products and tourism.
Targeting seven cities that have a sister lake relationship with Sun Moon Lake, Lin is hoping that each city will contribute 100,000 tourists each, for a total of 700,000 annual visitors spending at least two evenings in the mountainous county.
While in each city, the commissioner also met with major food importers, and has signed over NT$1 billion so far in deals for Nantou agricultural products.
Meanwhile, a Taichung delegation led by Vice Mayor Bruce Linghu is taking a different approach.
His delegation is working on building longer term relationships and presence in China, rather than signing big deals.
So far they have come to preliminary agreement on setting up a Taichung City Products Exhibition Centre in the Quanzhou Duty Free zone to promote exports to China.
They also are working on establishing long term cooperation mechanisms with the cities of Ningbo and Hangzhou and paid a call at Chinese giant corporation Alibaba.
南投縣長訪劉結一 爭取1年70萬陸客 林明溱登陸 拜會劉結一 南投縣長林明溱赴北京拜會國台辦主任劉結一談觀光 林明溱拜會劉結一希望中國每年「送」70萬人到南投觀光 南投經貿團訪魯拿下5億訂單 〈中部〉南投赴中攬觀光客網友憂「拿什麼換」 南投經貿團抵浙江台州大麥嶼港華東最快速的口岸 浙江大麥嶼港當對接港口？ 林明溱也賣出10億元南投農產品 南投銷陸農產再下一城 林明溱赴彼岸拚經濟大陸採購南投農產逾9億元 中市爭取泉州設商展中心 台中副市長訪泉州爭取設商品展售中心「讓貨進去大陸」 杭州、寧波兩市政府盼與台中強化長期合作機制 台中副市長赴杭州訪阿里巴巴推台浙經貿合作 台中市府拚經濟參訪阿里巴巴
Businesses Re-investing in Central Taiwan
With China becoming a less attractive country to base operations in due to rising costs and worries over trade relations between China and other major economies like the United States, some Taiwanese companies are eyeing returning or increasing investments here in Central Taiwan.
Announced recently is one big returnee: the aptly named bicycle giant, Giant, with an NT$5 billion investment.
Long Chen Paper meanwhile is investing NT$7 billion in a three-year expansion of its production in Erlin, Changhua County.
Another is Unicon, which is planning to add eight contact lens production lines in the Taichung Precision Machinery Park.
Taichung is working hard to attract these companies, with a one-stop-shop mechanism in place to welcome qualifying companies handle all their bureaucratic needs in one location.
This week Taichung announced plans for further perks to be offered to companies creating new investments of over NT$50 million and employing over 30 employees, including free classes and tax subsidies.
巨大機械投資台中50億 中市府：攜手共創經濟繁榮 台商回流！巨大投資台中50億市府將協助排除投資障礙 巨大機械投資台中50億中市府：攜手共創經濟繁榮 企業台中設立營運總部 市府擴大獎勵新投資5,000萬以上企業
Local Business Infrastructure Improvements
After 20 years of trying and planning, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen attended a ground-breaking ceremony initiating construction of a massive new exposition centre at Shuinan.
A previous attempt at building an exposition centre under ex-Mayor Jason Hu ended with a giant hole on Taiwan Blvd, an initial embarrassment that the mayor--in a lemons-to-lemonade move--turned into a flood control reservoir and park.
The now under construction Shuinan centre was planned and designed under ex-Mayor Lin Chia-lung, but the final piece of the puzzle was finally solved under current Mayor Lu when her administration finally got a contractor for the project--which had eluded the city for some time.
This futuristic over NT$5.8 billion project will be able to host 2360 exhibitors and the multi-function meeting halls will be able to handle 2400 attendees.
After years of lamenting the lack of a modern expo centre in the city, local businesses are expected to be able to begin showing their wares in 2022.
Another lemons-to-lemonade plan is now underway that could be more good news for new investors.
At a planned industrial park in the Dali District, the city is now planning to push through a chunk of land through an environmental impact assessment--one that should likely pass.
The land has been ruined for agricultural use by toxic heavy metal pollution, but could be easily repurposed as industrial land without worry of damaging the environment--it’s already too late for that.
台中水湳會展中心動工 盼帶動經濟發展 台中水湳會展中心動工 盧秀燕盼帶動經濟 台中拚經濟 水湳國際會展中心動工 收割「水湳國際會展中心」政績？台中市政府：數次流標期程延宕、盧秀燕上任後才克服困難 水湳會展等20年動工了中市府澄清謠言 等了20年台中市水湳國際會展中心動工
農地污染難救，直接變工業區？台中大里夏田產業園區闖環評 農地汙染救不了只能變工業區？ 台中大里產業園區闖環評
Another Fight, Another Nightclub Shuts
The crackdown ordered under Premier Su Tseng-chang’s “zero tolerance” policy against nightlife continues, and was delivered a public setback after a mass brawl broke out in Taichung nightclub Muse.
Eight were arrested for the violence, and the nightclub has become the second Taichung nightclub to suspend operations after X-Cube shut a couple of weeks ago.
【獨家】警察緊盯 台中夜店板塊轉移酒吧 台中市夜店MUSE今晨又大亂鬥 警押回8人 台中夜店大亂鬥 快打部隊強力壓制! 台中夜店又鬥毆! 快打部隊出動壓制 台中夜店拚特色！裝潢成本數千萬 台中夜店再次鬥毆 所長上台霸氣嗆聲 台中夜店鬥毆頻傳 警宣示無限期臨檢 台中夜店鬥毆 警方帶回8人偵辦 【獨家】台中不夜城！青海南街夜店、KTV林立
Roadside Parking Charges Expand, Assailed
The Taichung City Transport Dept on Sunday defended a March 1st and upcoming April 16th large scale expansion of roadside parking fees--most notably along the entire stretch of WenXin Road.
Slammed as a “surprise attack” and a revenue grab, the city said that the new parking fees were intended to cut down on people leaving their cars parked in the previously free spots for extended periods.
They also noted that there are 12 new parking lots in the pipeline accommodating over 3000 cars.
打擊停車亂象台中市文心路等處開始收費 台中路邊停車格擬收費中市府：不是要搶錢，是為避免遭長期占用 台中熱區停車位收費被批搶錢交通局：免費被占公平？
Baseball Season Starts
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has signed an agreement for joint promotion between the city and the Chinatrust Brothers baseball team, headquartered here in Taichung.
Last night was opening night, and the visibly excited mayor attended with her sister.
The tense game extended to 12 innings, but finally the visiting Lamigo team clinched a 4-3 win.
中信兄弟台中主場開幕戰 盧秀燕開球揭序幕 影／中信兄弟台中開打 盧秀燕邀妹妹盧秀芳看球賽 中信兄弟台中開幕戰 盧秀燕臉書號召球迷觀賽
English
New ferry between Penghu and Western Taiwan welcomes free passengers
Army base in central Taiwan open to civilians on March 30 with performances
Driver dies after car crushed in 5-vehicle pileup on Taiwan's Freeway 1
Police investigating luxury car dealer over fraud claims - Taipei Times
Four overseas Taiwanese firms to invest NT$17 billion in Taiwan
Taiwanese teen commits suicide after father shuts off computer game
Wartime tunnel in Taichung opens in April
Qingjing Farm rewards clean-up with free lodging
13 suspects charged in cross-border telecom fraud
Cambodia Airways cancels flight route between Phnom Penh and central Taiwan
Cambodia Airways suspends Phnom Penh-Taichung service
StarLux Airlines will not consider operations from Kaohsiung/Taichung ...
Vietnamese visa overstayer hoping for new life under amnesty plan
What Do Legislative By-Election Results Tell Us Ahead of 2020 ...
Highways and Byways: Bamboo Mountain’s botanical treasure house - Taipei Times
Winnipeg mayor pursuing business in Taiwan | Lacombe Globe
First Kimpton hotel in Asia opens in Taipei
JDR Cables to supply cables for Kriegers Flak offshore wind farm
Bowman Travelling to Taiwan to Tout Winnipeg's Advantages to Sister ...
TIPM Establishes CTV Crew Training Co-Op with NOS
Soil liquefaction database updated - Taipei Times
Three sites you need to visit before Taichung Flora Expo ends
Couple killed while fixing car on Taiwan road
March 20, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Seven Districts, Eight Airborne Carcinogens
Attendees at a hearing on Saturday held by the Taichung Environmental Protection Bureau at a local Medical University were presented with a report that has caused considerable alarm.
The professor presenting the report stated that seven Taichung districts located near the Taichung Power Plant, the Dragon Steel Plant and the Science Park are being exposed to higher concentrations of eight first-level carcinogenic air pollutants.
Those include arsenic, dioxin, cadmium and nickel.
The research showed the districts having the high concentrations of airborne carcinogens as being Longjing (龍井), Xitun (西屯), Dadu (大肚), Daya (大雅), Qingshui (清水), Houli (后里) and Wuqi (梧棲).
The professor went on to say that people who inhale such pollutants, regardless of the amount, face certain health risks.
He also added that he thought the government should be treating the city’s pollution as a national security crisis.
(article links below next segment)
The Politics of Pollution
That Saturday airborne pollution bombshell fell right in the middle of an ongoing political crisis in the city over air pollution.
The air in recent days has been rated mostly in the “orange” and “red” categories for much of the city, with smog lowering visibility significantly.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, whose winning campaign last year largely focussed on fixing air pollution and using the slogan “replace the mayor, refresh the air”, has been taking considerable heat over the issue.
Angry citizens that apparently don’t understand the complexity of the issue have been flooding her Facebook page and complaining loudly that she hasn’t fixed the air pollution problem already.
The mayor, who has few tools at her disposal to tackle the issue, has focussed her guns at the central government, where most of the power over the issue lies.
She has been calling for the Tsai administration to order the removal of coal-fired unit 4 of the Taichung Power Plant, and to stop sending power to northern Taiwan.
She also threatened to have the city government not cooperate in traffic control when the president visits, a comment the local officials quickly wrote off as an “analogy”.
Tensions calmed, however, when the mayor took no actions and the president joked about how good Taichung’s traffic was during her visit.
This was well received by the mayor, who posted on Facebook how much she appreciated resolving the tensions with humour.
台中空汙推給蔡英文？樂團怒了：投盧秀燕的82萬人是北七 盧秀燕推卸空汙…台中人：想林佳龍了 若總統不解決台中空污！盧秀燕嗆：不見得要配合交管 蔡英文若來台中不配合交管？ 盧秀燕幕僚：只是比喻 台中空氣品質不良 中火3部機組停機 盧秀燕發言惹議中市警局：總統維安依規定辦理 擴散條件差！台中豐原爆紅害、13測站亮橘警 【專欄】盧秀燕恐嚇蔡英文，台中市乾脆獨立？ 綠營批盧秀燕空污政策「賴推凹罵」 還拿總統維安威脅 空污報告：台中7地方一級致癌物超高 台中空污調查后里、西屯、大雅及港區暴露致癌物風險高 空污報告：台中7地方一級致癌物超高 台中7地區一級致癌濃度高！盧秀燕：中火部分機組應拆除 台中7地區一級致癌濃度高！盧秀燕：中火部分機組應拆除 中市官網建置每日空品預報影片專區提早預報未來48小時空品趨勢 台中限定！出門要看市府建置未來48小時空品預測 台中空汙7個區致癌物濃度高 「市長交管不錯喔」 蔡英文赴台中幽默回盧 總統說：今天交管很棒棒 台中致癌風險 龍井等七區最毒 台中空污續惡化市府再祭減煤手段 台中市空氣品質不佳 盧秀燕盼電廠降載地方一致 捍衛空品硬起來台中市府堅持中火4號機組除役
Lu Again Wants to Punt Costs to Central Govt
After already demanding that the central government cover the entire cost of the already approved Yamanote circle rail line, Taichung Mayor Lu is calling for more central government money for the MRT Green Line extension into Changhua County.
The already approved MRT extension project originally had the central government putting in NT$9.4 billion, Taichung City NT$7.5 billion and Changhua County NT$3.3 billion.
At a legislative finance committee meeting, the mayor announced she wanted the central government to instead cover fully ⅔ of the costs of the project.
The Ministry of Transportation deferred the issue, saying that it is currently in the feasibility stage, and they would discuss the subsidies according to the law when that report was complete.
中捷延彰化盧秀燕盼中央出2/3 交通部允盡力 中央、地方「對談」台中捷運延伸案砲火四射 盧秀燕再向中央討錢要求增加中捷綠線延伸段補助
Is Changhua County Going Broke? Yes. No. Maybe.
Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je caused a stir in Changhua when during a speech in New York on Sunday he stated that Changhua County was likely to be the next administration to go broke because it had reached its debt limit, and that its accounts had been manipulated for years.
A Changhua spokesperson said it was inaccurate that Changhua had reached its debt limit, but added that they would ‘strive to not go broke’.
The national Ministry of Finance chimed in, also stating that Ko’s statement wasn’t factual.
However, Changhua Vice Mayor Hung Jung-chang (洪榮章) said Ko was correct, and that that without adjustments to this year’s budget, next year some social services won’t be able to be paid out, and that continuing to keep raising debt will drive Changhua to bankruptcy.
Changhua County Commissioner Wang Hui-mei recently turned down hosting the 2020 Lantern Festival--a decision that has caused considerable complaint--in part for financial reasons.
柯P點名下個破產縣市 彰化縣政府：努力不破產 債務425.5億元彰化縣快破產 柯文哲點名彰化、高雄快破產財政部否認 柯P點名下個破產的是高雄市、彰化縣財政部：並非事實 柯P說高雄、彰化將破產財政部澄清：非事實 苗栗縣破產後… 柯文哲預言：彰化是下一個 被柯P點名會破產彰化副縣長說：柯市長說的是真的 彰化負債425億！明年預算恐編不出 債務425.5億元彰化縣快破產
KMT Retains Legislative Seat in the Changhua 1
In last week’s by-election to fill the seat vacated by County Commissioner Wang Hui-mei during her election campaign, KMT candidate Ko Cheng-fang was victorious in the normally pan-blue district.
Ko was previously Changhua Vice Commissioner.
彰化立委補選》三顆太陽齊放閃馬吳朱壓境團結挺這「柯」 柯呈枋拿下彰化立委補選允認真打拚 一張圖秒懂！彰化立委補選輸贏關鍵在... 【彰化立委補選】柯呈枋5千多票差距擊敗對手保住國民黨彰化唯一一席 王金平整合派系彰化勝選功臣 〈中部〉彰化立委補選綠得票相較去年成長 柯呈枋勝選彰化縣長期許一起建設美好彰化
Good News for Two Endemic Species
Lovers of endemic Taiwan animal species were no doubt cheered by a couple of news items out of central Taiwan over the last week.
Researchers on Friday announced that Formosan Landlocked Salmon numbers in the Shei-Pa National Park passed 5000, which is not far off the estimated 5800 maximum population for the park.
This endangered species of salmon has survived from the last Ice Age, and is unique in many respects.
Meanwhile, over in Nantou it turns out that the Council of Agriculture has been keeping a secret for nearly 20 years--they’ve been keeping from the public a project to bring the population of wild sambar back up following serious losses in the 921 earthquake in 1999.
Now that this native deer now numbers over 4000 in the area, they feel more confident that their recovery efforts won’t be easily reversed by outside visitors.
English
Taichung air pollution ‘a crisis’
7 districts in Taichung, Taiwan exposed to 8 cancerous air pollutants
First Taichung Port Offshore Wind Wharf Open for Business
Business in Feng Chia Night Market hits 11-year low
No surprise that local governments have no cash - Taipei Times
Doctor races against the clock to save snakebite victim
Auto parts maker Mobiletron to invest NT$2.5 billion - Taipei Times
Returning Taiwan firms bringing investments of NT$39.9 billion: MOEA
Number of Formosan landlocked salmon reaches peak
Ministry to rethink snake antivenom redistribution - Taipei Times
Taiwan legislative by-elections produce mixed results
DPP picks up 2 seats, KMT 1 in legislative by-elections
Deer population back to pre-921 numbers: bureau
Siemens to double funding for R&D center in Taiwan - Taipei Times
Taiwan not ruled by law, Ko tells students in US - Taipei Times
Victim blaming: Landlord evicts woman for being 'too beautiful' after rape attempt in W. Taiwan
CDC dengue fever workshop deepens Taiwan-Indonesia medical cooperation
Taipei at No.84 in the world for quality of living
The 2019 Tour de Taiwan to get underway in Taipei on March 17
U.K., Taiwan sign MOU on offshore wind industry
Nantou County Government offers treasure hunt activity to visitors
Britain and TIPC ink deal on offshore wind power
Two goddesses of the sea visit Lukang on the same day - News - RTI Radio Taiwan International
When a China Airlines plane was almost hijacked by a Taiwanese ...
2Rosalia Kiwanis Taiwan moving into INGO Taichung – Introducing new momentum2019-03-07
Cabinet bill to stop fights would hike fines, jail time - Taipei Times
EnBW readying 2GW for Taiwan offshore wind tender this year
Reverse mortgages becoming more popular, FSC says
Taiwan in Time: The Lost Army’s final retreat - Taipei Times
ABL: Alab battles Formosa for top spot
Councilor urges swift hall restoration - Taipei Times
Taiwan High Speed Rail announces specially priced ‘spring tour’ package
LIVE Nantou - Sun Moon Lake Tour de Taiwan - 20 März 2019
Cabinet draft to open up national parks to hikers - Taipei Times
China woes to improve M&A prospects in Taiwan - Taipei Times
March 13, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Nightlife Crackdown Claims First Victim
A nationwide crackdown on nightlife establishments has forced popular Taichung nightclub X-Cube to announce they were “temporarily” suspending business operations.
The crackdown, spearheaded by Premier Su Tseng-chang, was in part called due to a large brawl that broke out at the establishment, leaving nine injured.
The club was also accused by police of violating sexual morality laws by hiring scantily clad dancers to dance with patrons.
There were also allegations of performers allowing patrons to touch their breasts and of various types of parties with themes like “beautiful buttocks”.
Spurred on by threat issued by the premier that “If more public violence occurs, then the local police chief will have to go”.
Taichung police appear to have taken the warning to heart, raiding nightlife establishments of all kinds including discos, KTVs and bars, with over 60 police officers turning up the lights, stopping the music and conducting searches and ID checks.
Taichung police also took it a step further than their peers around the island by deploying drone surveillance to catch any suspicious persons attempting to leave the area before undergoing an ID check.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen announced her support for improving public order, but regarding the premier’s plan to add 7000 additional police officers, she called on the central government to allocate them to local governments.
Taichung was once known nationally for a vibrant nightlife scene, but it has never fully recovered from a major crackdown following a fire at a local bar that left nine dead.
中央7千警力待撥 盧秀燕喊話調撥地方 【蘇揆下重令發威】警方頻繁臨檢 台中知名夜店X-CUBE暫停營業 縣市警局長注意！台中高雄鬥毆頻傳 蘇揆說重話了 台中夜店辦美尻之夜 短裙辣妹排排站 台中夜店超狂 新梗多、辣妹敢玩敢秀 台中夜店「揉奶+美尻趴」罰不怕 分局長突襲查獲失蹤女 屢爆猥褻、鬥毆爭議台中「最鹹濕」夜店突宣布停業 警方無限期臨檢! 台中知名夜店暫歇業 蘇揆喊聲局長衝衝衝／台中突擊KTV 南投掃蕩特種場所酒駕、通緝犯全都栽了 支持政府政策打擊不法南投縣警局連日強勢擴大臨檢
Changhua By-election Meets Taichung City Council
This Saturday is the by-election to fill the Changhua 1 legislative seat left vacant by the election of Wang Hui-mei to the position of Changhua Commissioner.
Over the last week heavyweights came down to the district, which includes Lukang and Hemei, to support their candidates.
KMT presidential candidate Eric Chu came down to stump with his party’s candidate, ex-Vice Commissioner Ko Cheng-fang.
The DPP really pulled out the stops in this traditionally blue district, bringing down Premier Su Tseng-chang, ex-Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu, entertainer Yu Tian and ex-Taichung Mayor Lin Chia-lung to support their candidate Huang Chen-yan (黃振彥).
Independent candidate Chi Ching-tang (紀慶堂) is also running.
The campaigning, however, took an unusual turn with the Taichung City Council DPP caucus demanding that the KMT’s Ko come to be grilled before the council.
The city council session turned loud and acrimonious as DPP and KMT councillors traded insults.
At issue is Ko Cheng-fang is on the Taichung city payroll and a councillor.
The DPP calls it defrauding Taichung taxpayers while he takes a salary, but is really running for office in Changhua.
Ko and the KMT, including Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen maintain that Ko is legally on leave.
彰化立委補選卓榮泰:積極團結拚勝選 彰化立委補選》主席率隊進駐卓榮泰：民調顯示還要再多出點力 國民黨彰化縣青工總會號召青年挺柯呈枋 影／柯呈枋請假競選 林佳龍批評「腳踏兩隻船」 彰化立委補選》林佳龍批柯呈枋領台中錢選彰立委 對兩地都不公平 黃振彥選彰化立委成立競總游錫堃力挺 彰化立委補選》水牛冒雨相挺黃振彥：以鹿港經驗發展六鄉鎮 影／彰化立委補選民進黨主席卓榮泰進駐宣告輔選起跑 爽缺！柯呈枋台中當官彰化選立委 綠營要求列席議會備詢 任台中參事又參選彰化立委 綠議員要求柯呈枋列席議會備詢 民進黨團要柯呈枋列席市議會備詢台中市府：柯依法請假 綠營要求柯呈枋列席議會備詢批：台中當官真是爽缺 綠營要求柯呈枋列席議會備詢批：台中當官真是爽缺 彰化立委補選柯呈枋走基層黃振彥同鄉會力挺 台中綠營議員批柯呈枋「冗員」參事要求列席備詢 彰化立委補選柯呈枋走基層黃振彥同鄉會力挺 彰化立委補選》挺這柯彰化退休公務員怒嗆：民進黨你夠了！ 彰化立委補選政見會藍綠駁火無黨唱民歌 影／立委補選倒數彰化婦女總動員為黃振彥衝刺選情 台中議會爆口角！ 藍嗆綠議員「噁心的大人」 台中議會爆口角！ 藍嗆綠議員「噁心的大人」 台中議會爆口角！ 藍嗆綠議員「噁心的大人」 柯呈枋拚彰化立委補選昔受助創業婦女今力挺 蘇貞昌、林佳龍接力輔選！余天衝刺立委選情 蘇貞昌、林佳龍接力輔選！余天衝刺立委選情 自認敗選後聲量比較高 林佳龍嘆：已經來不及了 立委補選 民進黨大打同情牌 盧秀燕：誰來同情人民？ 朱立倫南下彰化輔選鄉親高喊：總統好！ 彰化立委補選選前黃金周國民黨團結挺柯呈枋 影／陳菊輔選彰化坦言目前彰化仍有許多亟待興革建設 彰化立委補選藍綠各邀大咖站台助選 〈中部〉《彰化立委補選》綠喊彰化要燈會藍呼凍蒜 彰化立委補選》清晨站路邊、晚上村里座談柯呈枋全力催票 影／彰化立委補選民進黨推出監票Ａpp即時掌握選情 彰化立委補選》民進黨啟用「雲監票」APP 即時回報快且準
Legendary Baseball Team to be Revived in Changhua?
The head of the Chinese Professional Baseball League and the head of the Ting Hsin corporation Wei Ying-chong (魏應充) have announced that plans to revive the legendary Wei Chuan Dragons baseball team are actively underway--with high hopes to finalize the agreement so the team can start recruiting in April.
The Dragons were one of the original four teams in the league in 1989, and until they were disbanded following gambling and gang activities on the team in 1999, they had won four of ten championships to date.
This is a surprising turn of fate on many levels, as the Wei Chuan brand and owner Ting Hsin in recent years suffered a series of adulterated food scandals and tax evasion--which sent Wei and others to prison.
Reportedly they are conducting a feasibility study on basing the team in Changhua, where Ting Hsin in headquartered.
Changhua County is the largest local entity outside of the “big six” metropolises, being home to well over a million people.
If the plan goes forward, the CPBL will become a five team league.
頂新拜會中職味全龍可能落腳彰化 頂新魏應充會吳志揚味全龍有望在彰化復活？ 魏應充拜會吳志揚展現「味全龍」重返職棒決心 中職／味全龍相隔20年復活環境已大不同
Giant Ramps Up Taichung Investment
Giant Manufacturing--one of the biggest bicycle firms in the world--has won approval for NT$5 billion in investment in the company’s hometown of Taichung.
The firm will expand their capacity and add an automated logistics centre in their home district of Dajia, and add a new research and development facility in the Taichung Science Park.
The tariff war between the US and China, and high EU anti-dumping tariffs on electric bicycles exported from China were among the considerations.
Though largely an automated and “smart manufacturing” investment, it is still expected to create 290 jobs.
重量級! 巨大回台 將投資逾50億元 巨大機械在台中投資50億，盧秀燕：全力配合
Taichung Wine Wins Int’l Award
Freed from what was once a monopoly business, Taiwanese are showing once again the creativity and skill that gives Taiwan products a leg up in the alcohol business.
Unimaginable only a few years ago, a Waipu District vinyard has won a prestigious Vinalies Internationales gold medal in France for their Vino Formosa Rosso red wine.
Though one of 430 winners, they saw off thousands of competitors from all over the world.
English
Taichung police use camera drone to assist raids
Beloved pro baseball team Wei Chuan Dragons to be revived - News - RTI Radio Taiwan International
Man sentenced in fake accident, coerced sex case
Taiwan wine wins gold medal at Paris wine tasting competition
Meet Taiwan’s record-breaking “turtle”! - News - RTI Radio Taiwan International
Giant gains approval for investment that should create more than 290 jobs - Taipei Times
Taiwan wine wins gold medal at Paris competition
Su demands action on violence - Taipei Times
Premier denies police remarks - Taipei Times
Taichung red wine wins gold medal in France
Thirty-four injured in bus crash - Taipei Times
Bus flips sideways on Taiwan highway
33 injured after tour bus overturns on freeway
Seven Taiwanese suspects charged with running scams overseas
Taiwan smashes Mercedes S-class without license plates into scrap metal
Taichung police use camera drone to assist raids
Tourism needs more than subsidies: group
Uncovering an Emissions Controversy｜Politics & Society｜2019-03-07｜web only
Smart rules needed for leopard cats - Taipei Times
Taiwanese garlic disaster intensifies
Taiwan mulls tougher control on aggressive pet dogs as attacks rise
Ministry on course to open 154 social welfare centers - Taipei Times
ABL: Injuries on key players hurt Alab-PH
2019 Smartshare (SSP) Global Meetup in Taiwan: Plans to Roll Out ...
Bus flips sideways on Taiwan highway
Restaurant in Taichung run by Singapore chef named One To Watch ...
March 6, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Taichung’s Floral Woes Ending, to Bloom Anew
Taichung’s floral fortunes appear to have turned a corner.
Only just this weekend the long simmering dispute between the International Association of Horticultural Producers (or AIPH) and the new administration of Mayor Lu Shiow-yen appeared to be at the boiling point--but on Monday appears to have receded.
The AIPH is the organization that granted the hosting rights to the Flora Expo, but by late last week was threatening both an international lawsuit and to revoke the hosting rights for the remainder of the expo.
The mayor shot back, saying they would win any lawsuit and that the AIPH would get all their money down to the last penny.
Following a meeting between the AIPH Secretary-General Tim Brierecliffe and Taichung Vice Mayor Bruce Linghu on Monday, however, it appears that tensions have eased and a rough consensus has been reached.
At issue for the AIPH was the campaign promise, later made a reality, of Mayor Lu to allow all Taichung residents to attend the expo for free.
Opposing the idea from the beginning, the AIPH had two issues with the plan: it would “devalue” the event and it would hit their own bottom line hard.
Following the meeting the AIPH stated they would continue to oppose this format going forward, but commented that the hosting rights were safe and that a budget appropriation of NT$1.68 million being sent to the Taichung City Council and the NT$1.8 they estimated to be owed were “not far apart”.
In spite of this dispute, the AIPH has consistently praised the quality of the Taichung Flora Expo.
花博免費入園引爭議 盧秀燕：依約定行事，要訴訟台中也會贏 台中花博免費引爭議 林佳龍：不希望走到訴訟一途，將助中市府協調 連假＋白嘉莉發威！台中花博湧九萬人 「最美麗主持人」白嘉莉任親善大使 228連假首日台中花博湧入近10萬人 花博權利金爭議中市府：兩日內協商 AIPH喊話國際訴訟盧秀燕：維護台中權益 花博免門票權利金喬不攏AIPH秘書長：與中市府會商盼有好結果 台中花博權利金爭議中市府與AIPH達成共識 解決花博契約不完備問題 中市府：已與AIPH達成共識 中市府、AIPH達共識 花博爭議落幕 中市府與AIPH舉行會議 花博票價及權利金獲共識
Next Year to See Another International Floral Event
On the same day as things appeared to be patched up with the AIPH, the same Vice Mayor Bruce Linghu met with a delegation to discuss details on next year’s 23rd triannual World Orchid Conference, to be held in Taichung.
The event will be held at the Waipu site of the Flora Expo over 43,000 square meters with funding of over NT$210 million.
It is expected to draw over 3000 visitors from over 50 countries, and is hoped to draw considerable international attention to Taiwan’s orchid industry.
Taiwan has been vying for the event since 2005.
臺中市政府全球資訊網-世界蘭花會議信託基金會拜訪中市府盛讚市府 ... https://www.taichung.gov.tw/1225496/post 接棒花博 明年辦世界蘭花會議 2020世界蘭展在台中 觸及生態保育
Lantern Festival to Taichung, Changhua Cries
At the closing ceremony of this year’s successful national Lantern Festival the torch was passed to the 2020 host Taichung, represented by--you’ll never guess--Taichung Vice Mayor Bruce Linghu.
Though a cause for celebration for Taichung, it caused an outpouring of criticism against Changhua County Commissioner Wang Hui-mei.
Next year’s festival was originally slated to go to Changhua, but in one of her first decisions, newly elected Commissioner Wang turned down the festival.
Wang defended her decision, however, stating that she had to take into consideration the finances of the county--the repairing of which was one of her campaign themes.
She also stated that the timing was too short, but that she would jump at future opportunities with more time to do it right.
迎台灣燈會 台中組團今晚大鵬灣接燈 台灣燈會今晚落幕台中接辦2020年台灣燈會 屏東大鵬灣燈會畫下句點2020台中主辦要再創榮景 彰化縣府上次自籌6億元！棄辦台灣燈會讓給台中王惠美：考量時間、財政 ... 羨慕屏東燈會？ 他爆彰化人有這個… 彰化放棄主辦「2020台灣燈會」讓給台中網酸：縣長英明真是先知 明年台灣燈會棄權讓給台中辦被罵翻王惠美回應了 彰化縣推掉2020燈會主辦權 同鄉總會批王惠美：丟臉！ 巧婦難為無米炊 台灣燈會彰化棄權讓給台中 田中變台中！業者怒燈會拱手讓台中
Taichung International Airport Expansion
Attended by the Minister of Transportation and Ex-Taichung Mayor Lin Chia-lung, the Taichung International Airport inaugurated seven new flight aprons--bringing the total to 18.
This will increase capacity significantly at an airport that has been growing quickly in passenger traffic in recent years.
Last year the airport handled 2.63 million travellers last year, which included a 16.1% jump in international passengers.
The domestic terminal is seeing capacity jump from 2.9 million to 3.69 million.
More flights will now become available between 7 and 9 am, as more planes can park overnight.
Plans for additional taxiways and other improvements are underway to bring capacity up to 10 million by 2035.
台中機場斥資2億8千萬 打造7處「過夜停機坪」 新增過夜機坪 林佳龍：台中機場更加國際化、更靈活 台中機場斥資2億8千萬！打造7處「過夜停機坪」 台中機場新增過夜機坪啟用 林佳龍：更加國際化 台中機場增過夜機坪 林佳龍到場賀啟用 台中機場增7停機坪 尖峰離場航班提高逾3成
Pollution Pains Mayor Lu Shiow-yen
Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, who campaigned last year on a slogan of “replace the mayor, refresh the air” in a reference to air pollution is coming under increased criticism from impatient citizens who apparently thought the changes would happen simultaneously.
The mayor is now faced with the limited toolbox and leverage over the issue as her predecessor.
With Taipower building two new gas-fired units at the Taichung Power Plant, bringing the total to 12, Mayor Lu has requested that coal-fired unit four be retired early.
Minister of Economic Affairs Shen Jong-chin (沈榮津) replied by simply stating it would exacerbate Taichung’s power shortfall going forward.
The mayor’s entreaties that northern Taiwan power plants were cutting back less than Taichung’s on polluted days, and that it was unfair to power the country on Taichunger’s lungs met with even greater indifference.
台中空品一片紅 市民怒罵：協尋市長 台中空品一片紅市民怒罵：協尋市長 台中火力發電廠室內煤倉遲未完成 中市府開罰30萬 台中火力電廠室內煤倉遲未完成 中市府罰30萬 盧秀燕要求中火4號機提前除役 經部：將導致台中市電力缺口更嚴重 市府要求拆除台中電廠4號機 沈榮津：電力缺口加劇 台中電廠增燃氣機組燃煤轉備用 環評要再審 燃氣機組環評具爭議 環團批台電欠溝通 減煤拆機組電力缺口大？ 市府：台中人用肺發電不公平 中市啟動預警一級防治措施應變午後空汙可望趨緩 中火降載較北部少？ 盧秀燕批：修理台中人
Man Claims to be Bulk Buyer, Not Dealer
As part of a crackdown on suspected drug parties over the holiday, Taichung police stopped a Mercedes-Benz driver, and found him in possession of over 300 grams of various drugs.
When police accused him of being a drug dealer, however, he said that no, in fact he was a bulk buyer visiting from Changhua County because it was cheaper to buy large quantities in Taichung for him to use at his leisure over time.
The police aren’t buying the “out-of-town bulk Costco-style shopper” defence, however, and are trying to find his suspected network.
English
Taichung police beef up presence after street fights
Government to forge mountain climbing rules at national level
Taichung airport expansion to bump up departing flights by 36 percent, CAA says
New aprons at Taichung airport will boost overnight stay capacity: CAA
Over 11 million visitors attend 2019 Taiwan Lantern Festival
Vietnamese visitor repatriated after failing to pay pork fine
Taiwanese outraged after pit bull savagely mauls dog to death
Fight between drinking buddies ends in murder in Nantou, Taiwan
Taiwan CAA inaugurates seven new aprons at Taichung Airport
Taichung Airport records 16% increase in international pax in 2018
Taichung Ching Chuan Kang Airport adds seven additional apron ...
COA ready to help fruit, tea farmers after dry winter - Taipei Times
Research links late snacking to diabetes - Taipei Times
Northland Signs Taiwan Offshore Power Deal
Military to hold emergency aircraft drill on freeway
Eyeing Automotive Machining Applications in Taiwan: Modern Machine Shop
Smartshare (SSP) to Hold Meeting in Taipei and Taichung as the Next ...
Taiwan Rail lists 9 lines, stations with views of cherry blossoms
Taiwan’s top bicycle firms back in gear
Art exhibition 'Beyond Nature' being held at Vital Space Taichung
Cultural festival builds a bridge across the Strait
Largan posts over 20% month-on-month decline in February sales
4 indicted in 'missing' Vietnamese tourists case
February 27, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Progress in Changhua Offshore Wind
Three major offshore wind projects look set to go as Taipower has signed power purchase agreements with two firms for 900 MW in capacity by 2025.
While the biggest potential project investor, Danish giant Orsted, continues to sit on the sidelines mulling their options after Taiwan announced reduced feed-in tariff pricing, fellow Danish operator Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and local firm China Steel Corp decided to go ahead and sign on the dotted line.
Both firms chose one of the less publicised options released at the end of January by the government.
Rather than the flat rate over 20 years of around NT$5.6 per kilowatt hour--a drop of 12% over what was previously on offer when the investors signed their MOUs--these two firms signed up for a two tiered system of NT$6.3 per kilowatt hour for the first ten years and NT$4.1 for the second ten years.
While both prices are considered high in developed markets such as Europe, Taiwan hasn’t undertaken the expensive early process of building up the infrastructure necessary to handle offshore wind.
The Eternal Battle to Beat Two Strokes
Both Taichung and Changhua have upped their game in the battle to phase out two-stroke engine motorcycles and scooters with new subsidies and new awareness campaigns.
Vehicle emissions are one of the biggest sources of air pollution, but not all vehicles were created equally in this regard: Two stroke engines are significantly worse.
Though the sales of new two stroke engines was banned years ago, there are still over 90,000 on the streets of Taichung and around 48,000 in Changhua.
In spite of subsidies being offered for years, reduction in their numbers has been slow--the vehicles are hardy and zippy to ride.
Some two stroke owners, however, may be holding out intentionally as subsidies to switch to electric powered motorcycles and scooters keep rising.
Taichung is currently promoting combined city and central government subsidies of up to NT$35,800 depending on various conditions.
Changhua is promoting a similar subsidy package that can reach NT$25,000--or even NT$30,000 for low income residents.
Some of the subsidies to switching to electric are available to residents with four stroke engines, but are considerably lower.
影／彰化縣淘汰二行程機車補助加倍送 加速淘汰二行程機車彰化補助再加碼 對抗空污公部門帶頭示範學校公務二行程機車汰除 汰換二行程機車中市先公後私 金豬報喜 彰化縣淘汰老機車補助加倍送 汰除老舊機車中市府最高補助3.58萬元 淘汰二行程換購電動車中市最高補助35800元
New Local KMT-lead Govts & Lin Chia-lung
With ex-Taichung Mayor Lin Chia-lung now the national transportation minister, rumours have been rife that he and the DPP may be attempting to curtail spending from the so-called forward looking infrastructure project to the recently elected opposition KMT, including in Taichung.
This allegation is vehemently denied, though ex-Mayor Lin and new Mayor Lu Shiow-yen have sparred in the media over several issues--most notably the co-pay arrangement on the Yamanote Line project initiated under Mayor Lin.
New Mayor Lu wants to go forward with the project--but only if the central government pays the entire amount, which was not the original agreement.
Both Lin and Lu, however, appear to be working toward working together over the last week with appeals on Facebook for cooperation and a joint appearance at a ribbon cutting event on a project to add a new interchange between Freeway 1 and Expressway 74 to improve traffic.
New Changhua County Commissioner Wang Hui-mei has had some similar run ins with Lin.
Lin has reiterated the government’s stance that they support extending the Taichung MRT Green Line to Lukang in Changhua County, but going no further.
Commissioner Wang campaigned on getting the MRT extended deep into the south of Changhua county.
台中山手線 交通部要求一個月內檢討報部 台中交通局長：「綠線捷運延伸」及「山手線」補充修正再陳報 台中市府：山海環線計畫補充修正，再報中央核定 交通部要求山手線1個月內補正？中市府：請中央全額補助 山手線再交鋒！交通部要求1個月內報部中市府：沒問題 山手線「一場兒戲」？王義川酸中市議員「誤隨新市長起舞」 中市議員楊正中批山手線是騙局前交通局長王義川反駁！ 林佳龍盧秀燕「講悄悄話」 到底在說什麼？ 林佳龍、盧秀燕笑容滿面「講悄悄話」 共約拚台中建設 前瞻卡藍？高雄、台中先被盯 彰化也有狀況 前瞻基礎建設計畫「逢藍就卡」？ 林佳龍否認：補充資料後，加速審查 藍執政縣市前瞻計畫卡關？林佳龍駁斥：沒有卡藍 台中更好國1增設銜接台74線系統交流道工程 國道1銜接台74線完善大台中快速公路網 龍燕合體解決台中塞車！國1接台74線拚年底開工 林佳龍「市長→交通部長」1個多月自曝回報給台中市民3件事 擔任交通部長1個多月林佳龍：3件事與台中特別相關 世紀和解？林佳龍、盧秀燕見面就愛的抱抱 台中交通匯集點！國1增設銜接台74計畫 蘇貞昌拍板決定要做 秀燕盼中央地方合作，力促「國1銜接台74線系統交流道」早日完成 他－交通部長 她－台中市長 林佳龍、盧秀燕同台 國道1號銜接台74線拚4年完工 國道一號銜接74線系統交流道工程徵收民地起爭議 沈智慧召開協調會保障台中市民權益 彰化市鐵路高架化 縣府：全力補件 彰化市鐵路高架化 林佳龍：地方應提可行性計畫 王惠美呼籲中央勿卡前瞻 林佳龍：彰化縣政府，加油 傳中央卡彰化鐵路高架化林佳龍：應是誤會 彰化鐵路高架遭中央卡關？交長：應該是誤會
Both Zika and Measles Alerts in Taichung
Authorities are checking to see if either zika or measles have spread in Taichung as people infected with both have been in the city.
A local junior high school student was pulled aside on the 15th due to abnormal temperature at the Taichung Int’l Airport after a trip to Vietnam.
He was diagnosed with zika.
His condition has improved, but he has been under house quarantine.
Authorities are also warning that a 3-year-old tourist infected with measles took the High Speed Rail and visited the Fengchia Night Market on Feb 18th with her parents.
Authorities are reminding people to make sure they have had their MMR vaccine shots.
麻疹再添3例 外籍女童傳染期出沒台北、台中知名觀光地 3歲童染麻疹 逛台北、台中知名夜市
Taichung Gets New Celebrity Ambassador
While the interaction between the ex-mayor and current mayor got a lot of press over the last week, the big story locally was veteran celebrity Betty Pai (白嘉莉) taking up an invitation by Mayor Lu Shiow-yen to act as a goodwill ambassador for the city and the Flora Expo.
Once known as the “most beautiful MC” in Taiwan in the 1960s, she retreated from the limelight and moved to Indonesia after getting married.
Her husband passed away last year.
She expressed gratitude to return to her hometown, and presented Mayor Lu with--appropriately--one of her floral paintings.
The painting will be auctioned off for charity, and reportedly Pai is receiving no pay for representing the city.
白嘉莉是台中新代言人！原因網友跪了 白嘉莉將無償為台中代言 盧秀燕：全民期待 盧秀燕邀請白嘉莉代言 張琍敏慘輸？尬巨星代言 台中爆搶到「超級頭等艙貴婦」 返台代言台中市白嘉莉：回家的感覺真好 「最美麗主持人」白嘉莉回台灣了！ 零酬勞代言家鄉台中 最美主持人亮麗現身 白嘉莉返台代言台中 最美主持人亮麗現身 白嘉莉返台代言台中 無酬「回娘家」代言台中！「最美主持人」白嘉莉贈親筆畫作 盧秀燕捐義賣做公益 最美主持人免費代言台中 盧秀燕曝光原因 「最美主持人」白嘉莉為台中代言 致贈蘭花畫作給市府 「最美主持人」白嘉莉為台中代言 致贈蘭花畫作給市府 無酬當台中代言人 白嘉莉週日晚間返台 無酬當台中代言人 白嘉莉週日晚間返台 返台行銷台中 「最美麗的主持人」白嘉莉：準備了神秘禮物 白嘉莉無酬當台中代言人 背後原因曝 白嘉莉回來了 白嘉莉代言台中花博 「機械花」提前慶生 最美主持人免費代言台中 盧秀燕曝光原因
Bike Ramp Too Fun For Kids
A ramp on the stairs accessing a road overpass built for residents to make it easy for bicyclists to push their bikes along has turned into a problem for local authorities: it turns out it makes a fun steep slide for local children.
The ramp, however, has no safety features, concrete stairs on both sides and ends on a concrete sidewalk.
They plan to add grip improving stick-ons to solve that problem, and help bicyclists push up the steep incline.
自行車牽引道變溜滑梯！台中「沙鹿之翼」藏危機 自行車牽引道變溜滑梯！台中「沙鹿之翼」藏危機 自行車牽引道變溜滑梯！台中「沙鹿之翼」藏危機
English
CIP lands power deals for 900MW in Taiwan - reNews - Renewable Energy News
Taipower signs PPAs with two wind developers - Taipei Times
Three drug trafficking suspects indicted
Cingshuei area top earner over holiday
Hotel in Nantou certified for Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria
Flora expo in Taichung keeps blooming
Veteran Taiwanese celebrity Betty Pai ambassador for Taichung Flora Expo
Taiwanese student tests positive for Zika virus after a trip to Vietnam
Taiwan reports first imported case of Zika fever for 2019
COA to speed up testing, announcements for eggs
Sheep-running festival attracts large crowds - News - RTI Radio Taiwan International
Deaths deemed murder-suicide - Taipei Times
Family of 4 found dead in murder-suicide in western Taiwan
Missing Taiwan teacher 'had to get away,' found safe in Miaoli
Family of four dead in murder-suicide – Taiwan English News
How Taiwan’s Small-town Factories Keep Making the World’s Money｜Industry｜2019-02-20｜web only
Over 32500 chickens culled in Changhua due to avian flu
COA to speed up testing, announcements for eggs
TRA to halt scooter service next month - Taipei Times
“Wanderers of the Abyssal Darkness II: Somber Seas” at Tina Keng ...
Runaway migrants held for illegal logging
March 2019 roving dog and cat rabies vaccination and pet microchipping activity
Could Taichung be Taiwan’s best place to play the lottery?
Runaway migrants held for illegal logging | MENAFN.COM
Google images showing Taiwan's military locations removed: minister
Taiwan’s sports universities provide athletes with top-class degrees, training
Award-winning short film by Taiwan director to screen at MoMA in New York
3D images of Taiwan to be pulled from Google Maps
Taiwanese In the Dark on Organ Donation — The Taiwan Gazette
Hou-Feng Bikeway in Taichung, Taiwan offers nostalgic vistas and unique riding experience
February 20, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Lantern Festival Season is Upon Us
Today marks the mid-point in the Lantern Festival, and the crowds have been out enjoying the sights and sounds of festivals large and small.
The biggest one in this region, the Central Taiwan Lantern Festival held here in Taichung in the Wenxin Forest Park kicked off last Saturday and will continue through this Sunday.
The centerpiece is a 12-meter tall rotating illuminated flying pig, that is accompanied by a 5 minute light and music show on the hour from 7 to 10 pm every evening.
At the festival launch, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) touted the flying pig as a symbol of hard-work at the right time and place.
The small lanterns for the children to carry are also back, and there are plenty of other sights and sounds to experience.
This year’s festival has largely received good reviews, but many were turned off by a brightly white-lit archway at one of the entrances to the park, saying it resembled a funeral arrangement.
The city was also not amused when an enthusiastic visitor barged into the light show area and started dancing--but apparently she was good enough that some thought she was part of the show.
The city warned people against doing that for safety reasons.
In related news, Taichung has been awarded the rights to host the national lantern festival in 2020.
The city plans to raise NT$400 million and will reuse Flora Expo sites for the event.
台中燈會驚見「白燈籠牌坊」 民眾直呼：毛毛的 台中燈會驚見「白燈籠牌坊」 民眾直呼：毛毛的 「御天飛行豬」吸睛！ 台中燈會視覺聽覺饗宴 台中燈會現「白燈籠」 挨批像辦喪事 台中「福滿迎豬」元宵主燈點亮 迎賓門「落雨光廊」也吸睛 台中燈會主燈秀登場 婦人自HIGH亂入起舞 台中燈會主燈秀登場 婦人自HIGH亂入起舞 逐燈祭玩巧思 高麗菜籃變花燈
Taichung’s Mixed Relationship with the Olympics
Taichung has just kicked off its participation in baseball qualifying matches for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics under the aegis of the World Baseball Softball Confederation.
Women’s youth teams from Taiwan, the United States, Japan and South Korea are participating in this round, which won’t directly qualify the teams for the Olympics, though later games played in Taichung later this year will.
國際棒球賽12強分組台中開打 攸關東京奧運參賽資格 一級國際棒球賽事再度落腳台中 台中國際女子壘球邀請賽 10隊競技 「台中國際女子壘球邀請賽」開打！ 台、美、日、韓同台較勁 「台中國際女子壘球邀請賽」開打！ 台、美、日、韓同台較勁 台中國際女壘邀請賽19日起熱情開打美、日、韓隊伍同台較勁
But last summer Beijing successfully convinced the East Asia Olympic Committee (EAOC) at a hastily convened meeting called by the Chinese side to revoke Taichung’s hosting rights for the East Asian Youth Games, scheduled to take place this fall.
Reportedly the reason was a referendum item during last November’s elections recommending the use of the name “Chinese Taipei” in international competitions be changed to “Taiwan”.
The referendum was defeated, and Taichung elected a more China-friendly mayor.
On Monday, vice mayor Bruce Linghu announced the city was continuing its efforts to get the hosting rights reinstated.
Admitting it was a difficult task, he said it was still possible and called on the central government to assist in the city’s efforts. 台中想復辦東亞青運令狐榮達：有難度但不放棄 爭復辦東亞青運中市盼中央協助
Changhua & Chickens...Again
Changhua poultry farms are yet again in the news over safety concerns.
On Saturday the national Council of Agriculture (COA) announced that over 27,000 kg of eggs from a Changhua Farm tainted with the insecticide fipronil had been sold in Taipei and New Taipei City.
Though authorities noted that small quantities of these eggs are likely safe, the World Health Organization notes that prolonged exposure to fipronil is “moderately toxic” and the United States classifies it as a possible carcinogen.
The COA announced they are looking into ways to shorten the testing period in future.
This follows on previous tainted egg scares from Changhua poultry farms, including previous fipronil and dioxin incidents.
A separate Changhua poultry farm saw over 32,500 free-range chickens culled over H5N2 avian influenza virus fears.
影／牧場雞蛋芬普尼超標？ 彰化縣衛生局：複驗後呈陰性 雞蛋複驗沒問題彰化養雞業不滿政府製造恐慌 彰化土雞場染禽流感逾3萬雞遭撲殺 彰化爆第一件禽流感他飼養3萬多隻土雞全遭撲殺 彰化毒蛋風波產業評估應不會衝擊蛋價 今年第五例禽流感！彰化雞場撲殺32540隻土雞
Politics Still Newsworthy Post Local Elections
Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je continued to stoke rumours of a 2020 presidential run by attending a “Central Taiwan Fan Meetup Banquet” that featured over 70 tables seating over 700 fans of the popular politician.
He also was mobbed at the Fengchia Night Market by well wishers, and he toured the Flora Expo with a welcoming Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yan.
黃偉哲、柯P都要來台中！ 盧秀燕：歡迎交流 黃偉哲、柯P都要來台中！ 盧秀燕：歡迎交流 訪台中布局2020?柯文哲閃答6字 柯文哲逛台中逢甲夜市 被民眾包圍搶拍照 超高人氣！柯文哲現身台中 粉絲擠爆逢甲搶合照 影╱「阿伯」台中粉絲會 柯文哲粉絲現場大暴動
Meanwhile in the Changhua legislative by-election campaign big shots converged to support the candidates from their camps.
Wang Jin-pyng of the KMT arrived to help launch KMT candidate Ke Cheng-fang’s campaign headquarters, and Lin Chia-lung arrived to campaign with the DPP’s Huang Zhen-yan (黃振彥).
The NPP’s Huang Kuo-chang’s trip to support their candidate Yang Tse-ming (楊澤民), however, turned out to be in vain as Yang was disqualified for transferring his household registration too late.
He announced he will contest the seat in 2020.
彰化立委補選 ！大咖林佳龍、王金平、邱顯智來輔選 彰化立委補選 ！大咖林佳龍、王金平、邱顯智來輔選 彰化立委補選》陪同黃振彥拜票 林佳龍：支持捷運到鹿港 拚戰彰化立委補選參選人請同黨大咖助陣 影／這柯有力量！彰化立委補選參選人柯呈枋成立競選總部 黃國昌卸任後現身彰化助選！挺楊澤民前進國會 彰化立委補選藍綠大咖假日掃街巷戰 彰化立委補選不符資格時力楊澤民：將挑戰2020立委 彰化立委補選提名人資格不符時力：遺憾 【專訪】為了空氣，挑戰彰化「鐵藍」選區的「理科伯伯」楊澤民
Taichung to Get Long-Awaited Exhibition Centre
Taichung Mayor was given some good news in a report that a long-awaited and long-planned international exhibition centre finally will break ground in March, with an estimated completion date in 2022 and a launch date in 2023.
The dramatic, swooping shiny silver structure is being constructed as part of the Shuinan development zone, and is expected to boast 4500 standard sized exhibition booths at a cost of NT$10 billion.
水湳國際會展中心第一期工程預計3月動土、2022年完工 中市發展會展產業水湳國際會展中心打頭陣 台中水湳會展中心111年完工經費不變攤位卻少了300攤
Viral Vomiting Video of Buddhist Ceremony
A video of a Buddhist master performing a blessing ceremony in Nantou went viral worldwide.
After spinning a remarkable 150 times for four minutes, she ended the ceremony by vomiting.
Fortunately, she has a good sense of humour, posting the video on her Facebook page and commented “grateful, auspicious”.
English
Taiwan: COA warns fruit farmers against stink bugs
COA to launch probe into tainted eggs in Changhua
Taiwan mulls quicker fipronil testing after tainted eggs reach market
Managers sentenced to jail over poisonous emissions - Taipei Times
Taichung and Hsinchu selected as Taiwan Lantern Festival sites for 2020 and 2021, respectively
Central Taiwan Lantern Festival features 'flying pig'
Commissioner’s chat bot replies ‘not bad’ to suicidal resident - Taipei Times
Underwater frogs emerge as Sun Moon Lake water level drops
Search continues for missing teacher in central Taiwan
Bird flu outbreak confirmed in western Taiwan, 32,500 chickens culled
Over 32500 chickens culled in Changhua due to avian flu
Authorities indict alleged telecom fraud ring heads - Taipei Times
Video shows Taiwanese Buddhist master twirl 150 times, vomit
Minister leaves leeway on nuclear policy after talks - Taipei Times
‘Mantou’ lures cyclists to Houfeng Bikeway - Taipei Times
Watch: A Buddhist monk spun 150 times to seek blessings for a temple ...
Buddhist Master Throws Up on Carpet After Spinning for 4 Minutes ...
Buddhist monk twirls 150 times during ritual, becomes dizzy & throws ...
Politics has overridden decisionmaking, Ko says - Taipei Times
New video guide series will share Taiwan’s National Parks with the world
Taiwan's secret military sites, including Patriot missile facilities ...
What's behind a name: Daway Abuk from Taiwan
Photo of the Day: Taiwan blue pheasant
Chongqing fire dragon dance performed in Taiwan to mark Lantern ...
February 13, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Taichung City Govt Debt Crisis
At an administration reporting meeting yesterday, it was revealed by the mayor during the financial report that the city has nearly run out of the ability to borrow money this year.
According to the Taichung City Government, this year--after a projected financial hole has opened up of NT$15.7 billion in the 2019 budget--that the city now only has the legal ability to borrow NT$8.8 billion this year.
This is by far the smallest margin of any of the “big six” municipalities, with even big deficit spending New Taipei and Kaohsiung with between NT$24 and NT$28 billion projected to be available.
Tainan, Taoyuan and Taipei City all have wide margins available.
Big problems that have led to this crisis include the previous administration exploding debt spending and a very low nationally mandated debt margin.
Taichung is capped at borrowing 0.87% of national GDP, which in spite of being a bigger city is less than half of Kaohsiung’s 1.8% and barely a third of Taipei’s 2.47%.
The new mayor was forced to announce that some of her campaign promises will have to be deferred to coming years--she emphasised that they will all still be kept--unless she can find a way to raise the money from this year’s budget.
This includes restoring scrapped elderly medical subsidies that were a big part of her campaign.
台中老人健保補助 盧秀燕：明年上路 今年籌到錢就做 台中錢被「借光光」盧秀燕：努力追錢、政見絕不跳票 「台中錢被借光光，淪千億債俱樂部！」盧秀燕：將嚴整財政，不再亂舉債 過完年叫窮！盧秀燕：台中舉債空間六都之末 過完年叫窮！盧秀燕：台中舉債空間六都之末 台中比高雄窮！ 盧要整頓財政紀律 影／羅仙法：台中市舉債六都最高未來空間有限 前朝債多？盧：台中舉債空間僅88億 台中老人健保補助跳票？綠營：選前政見選後口號
Could Taichung Lose the Flora Expo?
The organization that granted the hosting rights to Taichung for the Flora Expo--International Association of Horticultural Producers (or AIPH)--is growing increasingly angry and threatening toward the city.
Even before the election of Lu Shiow-yen, they AIPH expressed clearly their opposition to her campaign pledge to make the Flora Expo free for all Taichung residents--a campaign promise she has since kept.
The AIPH has been demanding 357,000 Euro in payments--or around NT$12.5 million--but has only received less than ⅕ at 70,000 Euros--or about roughly NT$2.5 million.
The city is saying it will be keeping payments coming, but the AIPH has reiterated again and again their opposition to the free for Taichung residents policy, both stating is “devalues” the event and hits the bottom line hard.
They are concerned that the city in the end won’t make either the expected or contracted payment outlays.
台中花博權利金AIPH嫌錢少中市府「努力衝遊客數」 花博權利金爆爭議傳AIPH連發2信抱怨台中新市府
Illegal “Dust Storms” of Pollution Uncovered
Taipower for a change may be feeling a little vindicated to find out that at least some of the air pollution blamed on their massive Taichung Power Plant was illegally being emitted under the negligent watch of the Taichung Port--operated by Taiwan International Ports Corporation.
An investigative report by Apple Daily, which is seemingly confirmed at least in part by video evidence and Taichung EPA fines, showed that concrete was being transported illegally on ships with open containers, using open crane buckets to load and dump into waiting open trucks.
In the transfer process, the concrete powder blows about in “dust storms” that then create hazy pollution spreading out over the massive Outlet Mall just down the road and then over the city.
This concrete dust is considered especially dangerous because of the high alkali content.
The Port claims to have cut back this problem by as much as 80% and that there were no fines this year, which was disputed by the Taichung EPA who noted they fined the firm in January.
In related news, the Taichung EPA also fined five factories in the same area for pollution violations at the beginning of February.
中市查緝台中港污染源查獲5家違規廠商開罰60萬 台中空汙真凶抓到了？違法卸水泥如塵暴 總覽 熱門 要聞 娛樂 國際 財經 副刊 體育 地產 論壇與專欄 獨家踢爆 台中空污黑洞 違法卸水泥 強鹼粉塵擴散 "Taichung Environmental Protection Agency has turned a blind eye to the dust leaks on January 25 and 26 this year " 長期卸載水泥炸出「塵爆」台中里長怒：村民得癌了！ 長期卸載水泥炸出「塵爆」台中里長怒：村民得癌了！ 台中空污漏洞！水泥違法裝卸粉塵擴散 台中空汙真凶曝光 被抓到就在這！ 台中空汙真凶抓到了？違法卸水泥如塵暴 水泥開放式裝卸導致空污 台中環保局開罰
Fishmonger Fraud at Fish Market
Though the Taichung Port fish market may be more famous with tourists, for many the Taichung Fish Market located in the Nantun District is more accessible and a big source for fresh seafood for much of the city.
In a case of what may turn out to be “the cover up is worse than the crime”, according to reports an employee last year reported alleged collusion between fish suppliers and auctioneers to mix in day old fish with fish marketed as “fresh catch” brought in the same morning--which is both against the law and the rules and procedures of the market.
The company overseeing the market, instead of praising the diligent employee, punished him after conduction and internal investigation.
He then took his case to the city government, providing what appears to be video proof of the allegations.
The city seems to have concurred, and branded the market’s internal investigation as seriously flawed.
The market has offered to undo the punishments to the employee, but they are asking the employee drop a complaint against them.
台中魚市場魚貨插隊拍賣是日常？市府介入調查 台中魚市場魚貨插隊拍賣是日常？市府介入調查 員工檢舉「假現撈」反遭記過 台中魚市場爆疏失 員工檢舉「假現撈」反遭記過 台中魚市場爆疏失 踢爆台中魚市場弊案 員工被記過! 踢爆台中魚市假現撈 員工慘被記大過 吃流水蝦免出國！台中業者打造透明水道現撈現吃 吃流水蝦免出國！台中業者打造透明水道現撈現吃
City Council Contest Controversies
Once again NPP Taichung City Council candidate Wu Pei-yun (吳佩芸) and her DPP rival Ho Wen-hai’s (何文海) political rivalry are in the news.
A recount was approved yesterday in the Nantun District race that the NPP’s Wu lost by 9 votes, or a margin of less than 1/10,000th.
This race made the news last year when Wu sued the DPP’s Ho for sexual harassment.
At the time, at a well-attended banquet Ho asked Wu: “In your campaign poster, you are wearing a swimsuit, so why did you not show your body?” and emphasized his point with hand gestures meant to draw attention to the breasts.
The recount is expected to cost NT$400,000, which has been donated by the public and she says "this shows the public's desire to have a young, female representative in local govt."
English
Could Taichung lose the right to host future flora expos? | TAIWAN News | RTI
Drunk driver kills 2 while driving at high speed on wrong side of road in Taichung City
Free expo access foils Taichung resident ID plan: DPP
Taiwanese woman living with three pigs in her ninth-floor apartment in Taichung
Taiwanese lawmaker works to make drunk driving causing death punishable by death penalty
Taiwan's justice ministry mulling tougher charges in fatal drunk driving cases
Pigs in blankets: the Taiwanese woman and her four porky housemates
Taichung woman captivated by pigs - Taipei Times
Porcine cartoon characters inspire man's new haircut
Drunk driver kills 2 while driving at high speed on wrong side of road ...
Six men in Taichung sentenced to prison for illegal logging
Taichung to host lantern festival in change of plan
Final feed-in tariff set for wind firms
Visiting Hong Kong: Lu Says “1992 Consensus” Stabilizes Cross-Strait Ties
Taichung seal maker mixes tradition with technology
Chin Fong starts wind tower plant - Taipei Times
Permits for wind power projects issued: official
Taiwan cuts 2019 offshore wind FiT by 6%
Offshore wind leader reports stellar year - reaffirms intentions in Taiwan
antonio citterio patricia viel completes residential tower in taiwan
Taiwan's freeway bus fares to hike after March
Taiwanese company breaks ground on wind turbine tower plant
Permit joy for Orsted at Changhua 1&2a
Permits for wind power projects issued: official
Challenges lay ahead for Taiwan | Windpower Monthly
Justice ministry mulling tougher charges in fatal drunk driving cases
Taiwan Control Yuan advocates better mountain education in wake of ‘bikini climber’ death
Tepco Welcomes Orsted to Japan as Taiwan’s Offshore Wind Opportunity Fades
FEATURE: Politicians raise funds with special New Year products - Taipei Times
Largan January sales rebound month-on-month
High-speed railway station with hollow pillars in Changhua by Kris Yao
Military plans to hold aircraft takeoff, landing drill on freeway
Lotus launches oncology drug in central, east Europe
January 30, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Lunar New Year Holiday Starts Saturday
This year’s nine-day Lunar New Year Holiday is being eagerly awaited in Central Taiwan, but there are some things listeners should be aware of.
Starting this Friday, February 1st through midnight Sunday, February 10, taxis in Taichung will have an added NT$50 surcharge.
Sticker notifications of the surcharge have been prepared in Chinese, English and Japanese by the city government for taxis to display.
From Monday, February 4th through the end of Sunday, February 10th buses will run less regularly, but the first and last buses of the day will continue as normal.
Parking at unfenced public parking lots and all roadside parking spaces will be free from Monday through Friday next week.
Nantou is expecting a rush of tourists during the holiday and is putting a lot of measures in place to handle the traffic, but authorities are still warning visitors to avoid Freeway 6, especially around where it meets Freeway 3 near Wufeng in Taichung.
In Changhua authorities are warning of traffic jams around the Bagua Mountain skywalk.
There will also be plenty of fun activities going on.
In Taichung, famed singer Pai Ping-ping is heading up a nostalgic lineup of acts that will be performing for six days straight every evening at the Dali Art Plaza at the Taichung Software Park.
Performances start at 7 pm and are free to the public.
Starting next Tuesday the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung will kick off a pig-themed exhibit to welcome the lunar year of the pig.
According to the museum, they hope to both teach people about pigs, and dispel common misconceptions, such as that pigs are inherently dirty and unintelligent.
台中沙鹿區間測速年底上路5年釀3死6傷是設置主因 春節新資訊！台中市路邊停車暫停收費 計程車單趟加收50元 | 生活 | 新頭殼 Newtalk 春節連假計程車收費加價中市3國語言宣導 南投春節公運優惠多 春節台中小黃加收50 路邊停車格暫不收費 | 蘋果日報 春節台中市區公車不打烊計程車加成收費2/1實施 年假六天不間斷！台中軟體園區上演寶島懷舊演歌秀 羨慕! 台中印刷廠尾牙 最大獎20萬 白冰冰領銜在台中向資深藝人致敬打造寶島秀場演唱秀 六都比不上！ 彰化市發6千元春節敬老金 年假六天不間斷！台中軟體園區上演寶島懷舊演歌秀 年假六天不間斷！台中軟體園區上演寶島懷舊演歌秀 春節南投走春 回程別走國六 盧秀燕提醒中央春節運輸 林佳龍：充分配合地方
Mayor Lu on Lightening Hong Kong Trip
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) yesterday flew to, and flew back from, Hong Kong in a quick one-day trip.
At their invitation, the mayor attended a leadership handover ceremony at the general assembly of the Hong Kong Chinese Importers’ and Exporters’ Association.
She hoped to promote Taichung products, especially an orange-tangerine hybrid grown locally known as Honey Murcott, automotive and machinery products and to promote tourism.
Also promoted were sun and pineapple cakes, and she also hoped to attract investment.
盧秀燕臉書直播 行銷台中砲管椪柑汁 台中市府拚經濟外銷花卉到香港 盧秀燕28日訪香港 台中糕餅豐原漆器作伴手禮 台中市補助資材、運費及農友促百合再外銷香港 台中市府拚經濟 外銷花卉到香港 燕赴港拚經濟 豐原漆器當伴手禮 燕訪港1日來回 拚經濟有成績 台中三箭齊發 赴港拚農業、商業、觀光 台中市長盧秀燕旋風式訪港 備受當地商界、媒體重視 台中發了？盧秀燕上任滿月訪港做這事 一日訪港行銷台中盧秀燕「把政治放下、不設限」 《政治》盧秀燕訪港強調勿設限，讓台中與世界各城交流 搶過年商機台中柑橘外銷星馬、加拿大 「燕子」拚經濟不設限 台中願走出世界接單 「不帶行李」一日出訪香港！ 盧秀燕行銷台中 盧秀燕訪港 茂谷柑相隨
KMT Holds Seat in Legislative By-election
In the by-election held to fill the Taichung 5 district seat left vacant by Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, Shen Jhih-hwei (沈智慧) of the KMT won the seat handily.
She defeated Wang Yi-chuan (王義川) of the DPP, garnering 57.8% of the vote compared to only 38.6% for Wang.
That the KMT retained the traditionally pan-blue seat wasn’t news, but the record low voter turnout at only 25.3% was.
台中立委補選》沈智慧擊敗王義川 台中是否容不下龍系人馬？ 台中立委補選》沈智慧擊敗王義川 台中是否容不下龍系人馬？ 立委補選韓流發威 北市小輸台中大贏 立委補選投票率低 台北30.39% 台中只有25.34% 立委補選保住台北、搶台中失敗 民進黨：春節後進行黨人事調整 中華婦女黨 挺沈智慧重返立院 台中補選／沈智慧得票近6成確定勝選 立委補選韓流發威 北市小輸台中大贏 台中立委投票率25.34% 創補選新低 國民黨贏得台中立委補選 吳敦義：陳炳甫未能當選深感扼腕 王義川台中立委補選失利 盼沈智慧守護山手線
Pressure on Govt Continues Over Wind Tariff
Today is the day the Ministry of Economic Affairs is to announce their decision on the feed-in tariffs, or rate per kilowatt hour, paid to offshore wind suppliers--the bulk of which are to be located off Changhua County.
The ministry controversially proposed cutting the rate by 12%, angering investors and causing Danish giant Orsted to suspend their investment plans--and making that announcement the same week as they announced plans to invest in Japan.
At a forum on offshore wind yesterday, a ministry official defended the plan, saying the rate paid is only one factor.
However, speaking at the same forum an executive vice president of China Steel Corp.--a major investor--slammed that assertion.
While agreeing that it wasn’t the only factor, he noted it was the decisive factor and went on, citing examples from the other major markets in the field, to state that the ministry is significantly underestimating the costs associated with building an offshore wind farm.
In Changhua, meanwhile, around 100 mostly young activists signed a declaration calling on the government to continue to support wind energy.
100位彰化青年的聯名呼籲：不要卡住彰化未來，理性面對離岸風電 觀點投書：讓離岸風電開發走上正軌——彰化能源青年觀點
Dude, Want to Buy Some Popcorn?
The Taichung District Prosecutors’ Office on Saturday indicted three men for trafficking in cannabis products, two brothers and their friend--all surnamed Lin and aged between 36 and 41.
According to the prosecutors, the younger brother--a Canadian national--on a family visit in August brought up the idea of smuggling in cannabis products.
Marijuana was legalized for recreational use in Canada in July of last year, so is readily available for purchase.
In October, customs discovered that package being sent to the older brother and labelled as containing “10 packages of popcorn” actually contained 12g of marijuana buds.
Prosecutors say their investigation shows that 30g of buds were sent in September, and cannabis lotion, cannabis sweets and cannabis oil for e-cigarettes were sent in October.
They estimate that the trio made NT$3.82 million from their illicit sales.
That they thought sending “popcorn” through the mail would appear normal to customs--in spite of it being an excellent munchy snack--suggests that there may have been some experimentation with the product involved.
English
DPP, KMT candidates win in by-elections
KMT's Shen wins Taichung legislative by-election amid low turnout
KMT, DPP split legislative by-elections in Taichung, Taipei
Taiwan News: DPP's Ho Takes Taipei By-Election, KMT's Shen Wins in Taichung
DPP wins in Taipei, KMT in Taichung in legislative by-election
Taipei 2 and Taichung 5 by-elections
Legislative by-elections: DPP wins in Taipei, KMT wins in Taichung
Rubber-stamp your way through Taiwan
Council promises to reinstate Thao territory
Taichung mayor travels to Hong Kong assembly
Taichung museum holds exhibit for Year of the Pig
MOEA defends wind-power policy, but suppliers remain critical
Wind developers expect better offer
FIT plan to ruin offshore wind industry: local firm
Legislative By-Elections Results in Taipei & Taichung
Longest slide in Taichung opens after remodeling
Highways and Byways: Tramping around central Taichung
Three men charged with smuggling Canadian cannabis
Google announces first Asia green energy project in Taiwan
Taiwan Changed Energy Rules to Greenlight Google's First ...
Google chooses Taiwan for first green energy project in Asia
Body of Taiwanese ‘bikini climber’ retrieved following perilous rescue attempts
Sculptor explores reality of history
Taichung mayor visits Hong Kong to promote city economy
Places in Taiwan most likely see traffic jams during Lunar New Year
Taiwan should open more mountain trails to protect climbers: former rescue team leader
2019 Taiwan International Percussion Convention to kick off May 24
Deploying surface-to-air missiles top defense priority: Tsai
Taichung mayor visits Hong Kong to promote city economy
JDR thumbs up for Changhua offshore demo
Hartlepool firm wins major deal to supply power cables for wind farm ...
Google to purchase 10MW of solar power in Taiwan, its first in Asia
January 23, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Orsted Suspends Offshore Wind Projects
What were once plans to turn Changhua County into the so-called “Saudi Arabia of wind power” are running into serious headwinds.
After just announcing a major new investment in Japan, offshore wind giant Orsted has been laying the groundwork for a potential withdrawal or downsizing of their Taiwan operation.
According to a company spokesperson on Saturday confirmed to CNA that Orsted has informed its supply chain that it has suspended the execution of ongoing contracts to install wind-power facilities off the western coast of Taiwan.
The problems started last fall when the central government abruptly announced they were considering dropping the feed-in tariff, or amount paid per kilowatt hour, by 12% starting this year.
The companies involved naturally complained, but according to analysis done by industry group Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), they predict the proposed changes would cut project revenues by about 20% making the projects "non-investable, thwarting growth in the sector".
In a bid to soothe tensions, the government fast-tracked approval for 1.4 GW worth of projects by Orsted, Northland and others under the old tariff scheme.
This was running smoothly until it reached the final hurdle, newly elected Changhua County Commissioner Wang Hui-mei of the opposition KMT, which refused to sign off.
According to industry publication Wind Power Offshore, the situation “has caused an uproar in the industry”.
The coast off of Changhua is considered one of the best sites in the world for offshore wind development.
At stake in this dispute are deals worth over NT$1 trillion intended to reach a capacity of 5.5 GW by 2025--which if operating at max capacity would be roughly the equivalent of another Taichung Power Plant.
However, according to the Director-general of the Bureau of Energy, a 60-day preview period for the government’s renewable energy purchasing price for the next 20 years is to end on Jan. 29, and the review committee could come to a decision on it as soon as Jan. 30.
風場還沒蓋，外商就替彰化做了十件事—— 國民黨新縣長王惠美為何趕 ...
Erlin Precision Machinery Park Expansion Questioned
An EPA environmental assessment task force has decided to recommend against starting development on a planned Erlin precision machinery industrial park in Changhua County.
The task force stated that the plans underestimated the environmental impact and questioned the need for the project.
The Changhua County government called the evaluation “unexpected”, and emphasised that over 300 companies had already expressed interest in moving into the park.
Changhua is currently home to over 3000 illegally zoned factories.
彰化二林精密機械園區 環評初審：不應開發 - Yahoo奇摩新聞 彰化縣長哭哭！環評認定二林精機園區「不應開發」 | 蘋果日報
By-elections in Taichung and Changhua
This Sunday is the by-election for the legislative seat vacated by new mayor Lu Shiow-yen.
On the ballot with the number one is independent candidate Chiu Yu-shan (邱于珊) and number two is United Party chair Lin Chung-sheng (林忠勝).
Of the major parties, holding the number three on the ballot is former Taichung Transportation Bureau chief Wang Yi-chuan (王義川) of the DPP and holding number four is former lawmaker Shen Chih-hui (沈智慧) of the KMT.
Changhua will be holding a by-election on March 16 to fill the seat vacated by newly elected commissioner Wang Hui-mei.
Candidates running include former vice commissioner Ko Cheng-fang (柯呈枋) of the KMT, former Lukang mayor Huang Chen-yen (黃振彥) of the DPP and environmental activist Yang Tze-ming (楊澤民) of the NPP.
盧秀燕站台呼籲「不要報仇立委」！王義川：感謝打臉沈智慧 台中市立委補選抽籤王義川3號沈智慧4號 台中立委補選27日投票王義川拚守護捷運沈智慧爭國會制衡 快訊／藍彰化立委補選將提名前副縣長柯呈枋 快訊／彰化立委補選國民黨推派前副縣長柯呈枋出戰 拚彰化立委補選藍營柯呈枋：盡快拜會黨內人士尋求支持 民進黨立委補選提名》新北余天彰化黃振彥 台中市立委補選號次抽中3號 王義川：給林佳龍團隊繼續服務的機會 台中立委補選抽籤 王義川3號、沈智慧4號 時代力量推楊澤民角逐彰化立委補選 台中立委選舉／王義川連掃18間土地公廟 台中立委補選》選前黃金週團結誓師 沈智慧：制衡蔡政府 卓榮泰再赴台中輔選王義川：立委補選目標保3搶2 擔心「化為烏有」 王義川堅持守護台中軌道建設 - Yahoo奇摩新聞 台中立委選舉／沈智慧掃街拜票 呼籲出來投票 - Yahoo奇摩新聞
“Bikini Hiker” Passes Tragically
Taiwanese internet star Gigi Wu, nicknamed “bikini hiker” for her theme of taking photos of herself in a bikini at the highpoints of her many daring hikes, passed tragically after falling into a ravine in Nantou.
Rescue efforts were hampered by poor weather and rough terrain.
The story drew considerable attention in the international press.
女子單獨登山墜谷南投消防局派員搜救 比基尼登山客墜谷南投消防局：搜救隊腳程飛快挺進 比基尼登山客魂斷盆駒山南投消防局「不會開罰和求償」 第一現場曝光！比基尼G哥「蓋棉被」待援 卻不敵山區大雨… 比基尼登山客凍死南投消防局不開罰 找到了！比基尼登山客墜谷2天 疑失溫無生命跡象 - Yahoo奇摩新聞 曾偶遇比基尼登山客 台中警這樣說… 比基尼登山客魂斷盆駒山 南投消防局「不會開罰和求償」 | ETtoday社會 | ETtoday新聞雲
US Presidential Candidate Studied in Taichung
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who just threw her name into the hat to run as the Democratic candidate for president of the United States, studied in Taichung in 1986 according to a 2009 interview with the New York Times.
Among her adventures, she rode on a motorcycle without a helmet--which was common then--and tried stinky tofu.
曾旅居台灣 「反川大將軍」陸天娜宣布角逐2020美國總統！ - 國際 - 自由時報電子報
January 9, Donovan’s Central Taiwan News ICRT report
Wind Energy Giant Orsted to Rethink Investment
Last week’s deadline to approve six major offshore wind projects at a higher feed-in-tariff rate passed without the Changhua County Government signing off on the projects.
The central government, already faced with upset investors after they announced they would be dropping the tariffs--which is the amount paid per kilowatt hour to the investors--from NT$5.85 to NT$5.1, had tried to--as a show of good faith--rush through several of the big projects in before the deadline.
The last hurdle was for the Changhua County Government to sign off.
New County Commissioner Wang Hui-mei, however, refused to do so.
As a result one of the biggest investors, Danish giant Orstead has put their projects on hold.
The firm issued a statement saying "We will now pause and revisit all our project activities, the timeline of the projects, and our supply chain commitments and contracts as we had assumed signing of the PPA in 2018".
Commissioner Wang, meanwhile, put battling her County’s NT$40 billion in debt center stage.
By not signing off on the projects at the higher rate, Changhua will be getting taxes from the offshore wind farms at the lower rate--a big cost to the county.
Wang was unrepentant, however, saying that if she was banking on that money, by waiting until 2021 when the money is estimated to start coming in Changhua in the meantime would “starve to death”.
離岸風電爭議彰化縣府：未卡關、因沒有同意函可發 彰化縣府回應能源局離岸風電應符合縣府7要求 搶籌設許可，風電商趕送件爭取彰化縣府同意函 最終簽約日！彰化縣府稱來不及回覆離岸風電5.8元費率確定告吹 彰化卡離岸風電四家開發商將改適用5.1元費率 風電商拿不到5.8元費率台大醫：請彰化縣府撐到過年後 彰化縣長王惠美不認帳蔡政府離岸風電面臨十級逆風 彰化不指望離岸風電稅收？ 王惠美：等2021年要餓死嗎 彰化縣負債多王惠美：將重新檢討財政分配 彰化負債逾400億王惠美：營養午餐、社福、人事通盤檢討 彰化財政赤字今年總預算編500億王惠美：開源節流 彰化立委補選國、民兩黨預計10日公佈人選 〈中部〉負債逾400億彰化縣長：施政要改變 彰化財政困難校園保全可能廢除 彰化校安一億經費未編列新縣長忙收爛攤子
Taxi Driver Murder Over Love Triangle Gone Wrong
Nantou police have arrested a man surnamed Tsou on suspicion of murdered a fellow taxi driver in the same association surnamed Wang.
Wang was reported missing by his wife on January 2, saying he hadn’t been home since December 30.
Wang, originally from Nantou, but residing in Taichung, was traced to the Ninth Public Cemetery in Nantou.
Using drones, the police quickly discovered a freshly dug mound, and found the deceased body one meter down.
Details of what allegedly happened vary.
Some reports have the victim dead of a blow to the back of the head, others claim he was strangled to death.
They all agree that the alleged murder Mr Zou and Wang were both having extramarital affairs with the same woman.
Some reports claim that the murder wasn’t over the woman, but over an NT$300,000 “breakup fee” Wang didn’t pay.
Others claim it was over the woman herself.
台中男子失蹤埋屍南投公墓 警鎖定犯嫌追緝 疑債務糾紛被擄走撕票！台中救難隊員遭埋屍公墓 台中傳擄人撕票！救難隊員遭埋屍公墓 台中沙鹿驚擄人撕票 救難隊人員在公墓尋獲男子屍體 台中男子失聯 遺體遭發現埋南投公墓 台中男子遭擄走 被發現陳屍南投公墓 51歲沙鹿運將遇害南投公墓發現遺體 台中治安怎麼了？半月連三起重大刑案 不給分手費30萬 台中運將遭勒斃埋南投公墓 不給分手費30萬 台中運將遭勒斃埋南投公墓 救援協會元老 疑捲入婚外情 南投埋屍案偵破! 情殺勒斃救災英雄 救難隊員被棄屍南投案偵破2已婚男搶小三釀禍 男遭埋屍南投公墓犯嫌坦承下手勒斃 南投埋屍案偵破…三角畸戀已婚男搶小三勒斃情敵
Suspect Arrested over Indonesian Murder
Police tracked down and arrested a suspect in Chiayi, identified only as “Vicky”, in the December 26 murder of an Indonesian man in Taichung’s Heping District.
According to police, the two men and some others were drinking late at night, and the two got into a fight.
Vicky then allegedly stabbed the victim in the back of the head.
Other people on the scene called an ambulance, but the victim died on route.
They found Vicky at the port in Budai, and suspect he was planning to try and leave the country by boat.
He was handed over to Taichung District Prosecutors Office on charges of homicide.
Vietnamese Man Sentenced over Death of Compatriot
A Vietnamese man was sentenced to 7 years and 2 months over the death of compatriot by the Changhua District Court.
The man, surnamed Ninh, was charged for causing the death, but not for homicide as he did not attack the victim with weapons, so it doesn’t appear the attack was intended to kill.
The incident happened at a dormitory in April of 2017, when the two apparently got into a fight over cleaning duties.
The beating with fists and kicks were enough to cause central nervous system shock and respiratory failure caused by severe brain injuries, which led to his death.
Arrests Over Bank Heist, but Police Got One Wrong
Last Friday a man wearing a mask, dark jacket and red baseball cap charged into a Yuanta Commercial Bank in Taichung’s Shalu District.
Brandishing a knife he jumped over the counter and announced he was robbing the bank.
He made off with NT$200,000 on a bicycle.
Police one hour later announced they had arrested the suspect only 500 meters from the bank.
The police had to release him, and retract their report, when they realized that the only similarity between him and the man in the surveillance footage was a red baseball cap.
Later that evening, however, they did make another arrest of a man surnamed Tsai, who was in possession of NT$185,000.
The original man arrested reportedly wants to sue the bank because the security guard there alleged that he was the culprit.
There was no word on whether the red baseball caps had “Make America Great Again” on them or not.
台中沙鹿銀行搶案男嫌1小時後落網 台中元大銀行搶案警帶回男子初步排除犯案 台中元大銀行搶案 警帶回男子初步排除犯案 搶台中元大銀20萬 警1小時閃電逮人...抓錯了！ 台中元大銀行搶案 單車搶匪已被逮捕 台中沙鹿銀行搶案 單車男持菜刀搶走20萬 警衝摩鐵逮人！台中元大銀行搶匪落網 台中元大銀行搶匪落網 追回大部分贓款 一度抓錯人 台中元大銀行搶案逮捕1嫌犯 台中元大銀行搶案 搶匪在汽車旅館落網
Chicken Thief Nabbed
In our final crime story today, officials locked up a suspect in the disappearance of 54 chickens in the Lugu Township in Nantou County.
It turns out the culprit was an endemic endangered leopard cat, of which there are only an estimated 500 of the animals left.
The cat was unharmed.
English
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Offshore Wind Developers Nervously Eye Changhua
All eyes in offshore wind will be on what Changhua County Commissioner Wang Hui-mei decides today.
Late last year the central government announced that they planned to reduce the feed in tariff (FIT), which is the amount paid to offshore wind power suppliers per kilowatt hour, from NT$5.85 to NT$5.1 starting tomorrow.
The move caused considerable outcry from the huge investors in offshore wind and the surprise move.
The government defended the move, saying that costs for producers were coming down, and future bids had already been won at an even lower rate of under NT$3.
However, the government worked to expedite a series of projects in the works to approve them under deadline so they could be paid at the old rate.
But they face one last approval to get in under the wire, they need the government of newly elected Changhua County Commissioner Wang Hui-mei to sign off.
The county government hasn’t said exactly what it will do, but reports suggest that Commissioner Wang’s attitude has been if we can save Taiwan NT$178 billion (or NT$120 billion in other reports), why not?
During the campaign she told fishermen that she would look out for their interests, so this may also be a sticking point--or a reason she could be playing hard ball.
As the developers point out, most of their taxes are being paid to Changhua County, and being paid at the lower rate would cost Changhua significantly.
The developers have also jointly offered the county government full oversight in allocating incentive funds among local fishers’ associations and township agencies.
The stakes are significant both financially and in terms of Taiwan’s reputation as a place to do business, so whatever Commissioner Wang chooses will have huge, long term implications.
彰化縣府不放行離岸風電4業者搶5.8元費率卡關 離岸風電籌設許可彰化縣府：屬中央職權 彰縣立場：全民省千億為何不省 若彰化縣長多放假一天他說台灣可多省1738億元 拒發離岸風電許可！彰化縣長這天休假可替台灣省1738億 彰化縣府認為離岸開發商只放話威嚇難認同 爭取5.8元費率風電業喊話：要在彰化繳稅
Air Pollution Significantly Down According to Govt
The national EPA has released their air pollution statistics for 2018, and they show some good news for us here in Taichung.
It is noteworthy that now that particulate matter “purple” days--rated as “extremely unhealthy”--are pretty rare, this year they focussed on the number of “red days”, or days rated as “unhealthy”.
No doubt much to the chagrin of outgoing Mayor Lin Chia-lung, Taichung showed the biggest improvement nationally, cutting the number of “red” days by 75%--though from a high base.
Nantou County, whose air pollution is largely from Taichung and Changhua, came in second: Reducing AQI by 64%.
That compares to a national average reduction of 36%.
However, in the “orange” category, rated as “unhealthy to sensitive people”, central Taiwan remained near the top of the list, with Changhua being the fourth worst in the nation, Taichung fifth and Nantou seventh.
Only a few years ago, central Taiwan dominated the top rankings for poor air in all categories, and though significantly improved, remains fairly high on the list.
107年空氣品質紅害次數減少比率台中市奪冠 去年PM2.5排名苗栗大退步台中改善最多環署揭2大關鍵 年空氣品質紅害次數減少比率台中市奪冠 盧秀燕新年心願改善台中空汙
Micron Ups the Stakes
American firm Micron, Taiwan’s largest foreign investor, has announced further plans to expand it’s already 7000 strong workforce by another 1000.
The electronics manufacturer intends to hire the workers for it’s Taichung operations, where the bulk of their operations are located.
The electronics manufacturer will be offering NT$46,000 to NT$50,000 to newly graduated engineers, depending on degree type.
美光找千名生力軍 起薪46K | 產業熱點 | 產業 | 經濟日報
Alleged Coffee Shop Killers Caught
Police have apprehended the top suspects in a roadside killing in Hemei Township, Changhua County, outside of a coffee shop.
A 31-year-old man had arranged to meet at a coffee shop, but after stepping out of his car after parking three men jumped out of another car and attacked him.
Two used motorcycle helmets to beat him, and possibly used a foldable knife, while another stabbed him several times with a Japanese sword--which the press dramatically portrayed as a katana, or the large style samurai swords, but in reality at only 36 centimeters was likely a wakizashi.
The man’s girlfriend witnessed the attack from inside the car.
Reportedly one of the suspects said that they had intended to “teach him a lesson” after a dispute, but had not intended to kill him.
In another murder case in Taichung’s Heping District, a man was left by the side of the road and the police called.
The man, a migrant worker from Indonesia, is suspected of having gotten into a dispute with another man while drinking with compatriots late at night.
He had a large laceration behind his left ear, and died on route to the hospital.
Police are searching for witnesses who may help identify the killer.
彰化咖啡店傳兇殺案男遭人刺殺身亡 彰化咖啡店外凶殺案主嫌落網遭羈押 彰化咖啡店兇殺！36cm武士刀「刺穿背後」捅2刀斃命狠男羈押禁見 彰化和美武士刀砍人案！男遭尋仇橫死街頭 快訊／彰化咖啡店驚爆兇殺男「腹部被捅」送醫身亡
Leopard Cats on Display
The National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung has launched a display entitled Realm of the Leopard Cat.
Once common, there are today only an estimated 500 of the endemic cat species left.
Today they only inhabit lowland mountainous areas of central Taiwan, and are frequently victim to traps, pesticides or car accidents.
The three cats on display were sadly roadkill, but today they are helping to raise awareness.
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