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& Garden
September 2012
A special section of the Fillmore County Journal & Olmsted County Journal
Tackling tile, loving a new look By Wendy WilSon
wendy@olmstedcountyjournal.com
Recognizing our
The pride and satisfaction derived from completing a home improvement project is realized each day - just by looking across the room. With a little sweat, hard work and some good design advice, an individual can save 30 to 40 percent of the cost of installing a tile floor if they do it themselves, according to tiling expert Jim Korsmo. Korsmo co-owns the Tile Superstore & More in Rochester with Lorrie Swancutt and Travis Prigge. “Now that summer’s over, I think everybody’s starting to look at the projects they left behind,” Korsmo says. “I think a lot of people are trying to get projects done before the holidays.” One such project is installing bathroom floor tile. Kor-
smo shared the relatively simple instructions to get the job done. The project takes two days. Estimated labor time is about 12 to 16 hours for a 40 to 50 squarefoot bathroom. Installing bathroom floor tile is “well within the realm of a do-it-yourselfer” he says, but he recommends assistance for updating other areas of the bath such as installing a shower. A professional is usually needed in the shower region because a rubber liner must be employed with careful attention to pitch and water-proofing. So, let’s get started. Installing the underlayment Thoroughly clean the area to be tiled. Next, trowel an underlayment thinset mortar to adhere fiberock to the plywood floor. Different adhesive methods may be
ponsE EmErgEncy rEs TEams
Scheevel & Sons, Inc. levels off some dirt in a new housing development underway in Fountain, MN. Photo by Jason Sethre
New construction or remodeling? By Jade Sexton jsexton@fillmorecountyjournal.com
In Fillmore County, the number of new houses being built has gone down a little in 2012. There are still people getting building permits for additions, garages, sheds, or farm buildings, but those numbers are also down slightly in 2012. In 2010, there were 294 building permits issued in Fillmore County, and 54 of those were for brand new homes. In 2011, 335 building permits were issued, and 49 were for brand new homes. So far in 2012, there have been 181 building permits issued. At this
time last year, the number was 240. There have been 20 new homes built in Fillmore County so far this year. The trend seems to be that more and more people are remodeling or adding on instead of constructing a new home. Many garages were put up, both attached and detached, and there are new sheds and farm buildings being built. The struggles with the economy have affected everyone, even the smaller communities, and people are being more cautious with their money. The U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development report
that new home construction was up in July about 15 percent from July of 2011. Many reports say this is a sign that the economy is stabilizing, and things are looking up. Property costs have gone down, and record-low interest rates are helping to stimulate the economy in all areas of the country. Although things may have slowed down some this year for Minnesota, and other parts of the country, the hope is that next year there is some improvement, and that things will pick up in the construction industry, which will affect many other areas economically as well.
R&R Construction, LLC prepares to pour the foundation of a new home under construction in Fountain, MN. Photo by Jason Sethre
POSTAL PATRON
See TILE Page 6
Heat up Minnesota helping people stay warm this winter By Jade Sexton jsexton@fillmorecountyjournal.com
Lennox Industries is teaming together with the businesses that sell their products to give away 100 free furnaces throughout Minnesota. VIS Plumbing and Heating in Lanesboro and Harmony is part of that giveaway. Mike Willford, son of owner John Willford, explained the dealerships are donating the materials to install the furnaces, and the installers are donating their time to put them in. “They are looking for somebody less fortunate, someone who has had a bad break, a military family, something that will pick them up and put them on the right track,” said Willford. This is the first year of the Heat up Minnesota program. According to Willford, the program was started in Wisconsin, where it was very successful. VIS Plumbing and Heating services heating and air conditioning in homes throughout
Fillmore and Houston counties. Willford said they would be putting one furnace in Fillmore County for sure. “The entry fees are due by September 15, and then on Heat up Minnesota day, all of the furnaces will be installed on October 6,” said Willford. “I talked to Lennox, and as of right now, there are 160 people that have entered in Minnesota,” said Willford. The new furnace is a really good deal for someone who needs proper and efficient heating this winter. The cost of the furnace depends on the size and the efficiency, but the more efficient furnaces will also decrease energy bills, as the cold Minnesota winters can also be a financial burden on homeowners. To nominate someone you feel is deserving of a new furnace for his or her home, go to www.heatupmn.org and fill out an entry form. A committee from Lennox will be going over the entries and picking 100 deserving people.
“Where Fillmore County News Comes First” Weekly Edition
A Special Section of the Fillmore County Journal
Look for these sections in today’s Journal
The Road to the White House page
Monday, September 10, 2012
Rachael Reader
4
page
9
Volume 27 Issue 51
Athlete of the Week page
Fun Shoot day
11
page
20
Canton l Chatfield l Fountain l Harmony l Lanesboro l Mabel l Ostrander l Peterson l Preston l Rushford l Rushford Village l Spring Valley l Whalan l Wykoff
A new dining experience in Smoky River BBQ
Preston City Council sets preliminary budget and levy By Jade Sexton jsexton@fillmorecountyjournal.com
Smoky River BBQ adds a new flavor to the city of Lanesboro at 101 Rivers Edge Road. The menu includes a wide variety of meats which are delicious bjeffers@fillmorecountyjournal.com and tender. Homemade salads If you are not hungry when and beans include more than your you walk in the door of Smoky average fresh ingredients, such as River BBQ, you will be when the broccoli bacon wild rice salad the aroma hits you. The smell of and smoked chicken salad. GarBBQ brings to mind summer pic- lic roasted potatoes are another nics and family gatherings. The choice of a side dish. The meal placement of the business next to includes a generous portion of the river in a quiet spot also sparks meat, cornbread and two sides at these memories. a reasonable price. Gene Lawston, Julie Meyer, and Smoky River BBQ has held Brett Stecher opened the busi- seafood boils in the past which ness in September of 2011 after were well received and occasionremodeling the building which ally hold prime rib nights. used to warehouse supplies and Smoky River BBQ owners have trucks belonging to the lumber- expansive plans for the future yard in Lanesboro years ago. which include a stage for bands By Barb Jeffers
to play, with thoughts of using the stage area as an outdoor movie theatre for “family nights” at some point. The upstairs of the restaurant is currently being remodeled with hopes to rent it out on a daily basis in the future. This area would be perfect for family reunions, birthday parties and such as it will have a full bathroom, kitchenette, and a deck overlooking the river. According to owner Gene Lawston, there are plans for horseshoe courts, a possible bocce ball area, as well as many other options for growth. Smoky River BBQ is also available for catering year-round and
Sun-Thurs 11am - 9pm • Late Night Bar Menu 9-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-9pm • Late Night Bar Menu 9-11pm 109 S. Parkway, Lanesboro, MN 55949 www.riversideontheroot.com
During a short meeting on September 4, 2012, the Preston City Council approved the preliminary levy for 2013 at $672,725. This comes out to an increase of 2.9 percent. It was noted that at that increase, a person with a home that is worth $100,000 would pay $20 more per year in property taxes. Mayor Kurt Reicks reminded the council that they couldn’t increase the levy or budget before it is finalized, but they can decrease it. The final will be set in December. The council approved a new five-year contract with S&S Sanitation. Owner Tony Severson went over a few changes from the previous contract. The cost will increase 0.5 percent each year. The senior citizens discount for people over 65 was $1.00 off and will now be $2.00 off. There is also a change from the 30-day notice to a 10-day notice. Photo by Barb Jeffers City Administrator Joe Hoffman explained that if S&S Sanitation will smoke any meat you bring stops their services, the city won’t them. Gene Lawston commented have to wait 30 days to find a that he has smoked wild turkeys replacement. He doesn’t foresee for people and thought that it any issues with this. would “be a good Thanksgiving Preston Public Works Director meal.” They have also smoked Jim Bakken explained the city’s trout and other types of fish at need to replace the civil defense customer request. sirens in order to be compliant Summer hours are Thursday with state narrow band requirethrough Sunday with expanded ments. They need to have two of hours coming next year. The busi- their four receivers upgraded. ness will close the week before A bid was approved from WhiteChristmas and will re-open the water Wireless to do the needed beginning of April 2013. work for $5,500. There is $2,500 Smoky River BBQ is locat- budgeted for 2012, and another ed at 101 Rivers Edge Road in $2,500 for 2013. Hoffman said Lanesboro, Minn. The number they may be able to budget less to call for Smoky River BBQ is (507) 467-RIBS (7427). See PRESTON Page 2
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