Spring Home & Garden Special Section by Jason Sethre

Spring

Home & Garden

April 15, 2013 & April 17, 2013 Special Section

One for the birds By K irsten Zoellner kirsten@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Jon and Sharon Johnson enjoy their recently finished new home outside of Fountain, Minn. Photo by Barb Jeffers

A dream complete for the Johnsons By Barb Jeffers barb@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Jon and Sharon Johnson of rural Fountain, Minn. have recently moved into the new home they designed together. Together, along with Joe Hahn, of Hahn Lumber, located in Harmony, Minn., they designed their home and say they would not change a thing about it. The couple, who married in 2012, wanted to build a home of their own with room for their blended family of children and grandchildren when they come to visit. Jon and Sharon planned and designed the home for approximately six months before going ahead with building. When discussing what each of them wanted in a new home, Sharon said they found they “both had the same ideas” which made the decision process easier. The design works wonderfully for the Johnsons and Jon stated “it all goes back to Joe (Hahn) - he took our ideas and did better than we could have even

thought of ” and the exceptional end-product is a credit to Joe and the other creative and dedicated businesses the Johnsons worked with while building the home. The house has an open floor plan which has a natural flow throughout and is large but, at the same time, feels cozy. As the Johnsons are planning for the future and any circumstances that may arise in the coming years, and as they age, the home is set up so a wheelchair can be wheeled from the garage door into the house, throughout the house, and even into the master shower. The total square feet of the home is 3600 square feet with 2800 being living area and 800 square feet of garage space. The focal point of the main living area is an elegant two-sided fireplace with unique stonework. One side includes charcoal gray quartz ledge stone and slate, with the hearth stone and mantel made with Nicolet stone, and the other side surrounded by glass mosaic tile. The impressive stone and tile work was done

by Bryan Ostby, of Fountain, Minn., who is a sub-contractor with New Direction Flooring of Rochester, Minn. The fireplace was purchased from Brekke Fireplace of Rochester, Minn. This outstanding fireplace adds a warmth to the home that only a fireplace can. Brad Fish, co-owner of New Direction Flooring, was immensely helpful in guiding the Johnsons on what materials to use throughout the house. Hahn Lumber provided all the materials for the home except the mechanical and plumbing and Jon said “they were wonderful to work with” and helped greatly in creating the home they have today. New Direction Flooring installed all flooring in the house and was also responsible for the elegant countertops and other tile work throughout the house. Jon described the tile work performed by Bryan Ostby as “awesome” adding Bryan had a lot of “creativity” with the tile patterns which add a disSee JOHNSON Page 8 

For reasons that seem unfathomable, feeders have been made for squirrels. Ask any avid birder and they’ll tell you that there’s always one pesky squirrel, if not a rebel gang, that makes off with a cheek full of prime bird seed, leaving the poor birds to scavenge what’s left. And in this neck of the woods, deer pose just as much opportunity for frustration as they belly up to the bird seed buffet. Many attempts to deter, halt, and even send the intruders flinging through the air have been made, but with little success. All the while, the seed is devoured or scattered and to the buyer, money lost. Rushford native Scott Tarras has felt the ire of backyard intruders. “I was frustrated with feeding the deer and the squirrels in my backyard, other than the birds, not to mention being tired of all the broken chewed up bird feeders.” Those irritations ultimately lead Tar-

ras to work out an idea for a long-lasting feeding system that would actually feed the birds and just the birds. The concept for the Feedsavr began in the fall of 2009 after the Tarras family suffered multiple setbacks, first with Scott’s wife Brandee being laid off in January from her graphic design job and Scott being laid off from his position as a pressman at a small print shop a few months later. With persistence, the family opened WonderInk Printing in Rushford and Scott soon after began tinkering with his pet project. “We thank the Good Lord every day for the blessings we have. As hard as it was at the time when we lost our jobs back in 2009, God had a plan for us,” says Scott. “If not for losing our jobs, we would not have WonderInk Printing and the Feedsavr would have just stayed one of those ‘wouldn’t this be a good idea if ’ thoughts.” See FEEDSAVR Page 6 

Rochester Garden and Flower Club garden tour By K aren Snyder karens@olmstedcountyjournal.com

“Gardening is an art form,” says Connie Parrett who co-chairs a garden tour that proves her point. The flowerful jaunt, Rochester Garden and Flower Club’s (RGFC) Annual Garden Tour, will take place July 18. “It will be festive and fun,” Parrett says. She and her fellow co-chair, Barbara Muenkel, invite you to come see. The tour, which highlights flower gardens and landscaping, is a popular event that each year draws and dazzles a crowd of several hundred visitors to five or six Rochester-area gardens. The gardens’ addresses? RGFC keeps them confidential until you buy your ticket. The exception to the secret gardens rule is the tour’s first stop, the S.M.A.R.T. Gardens at Rochester Community and Technical College’s Heintz Center. An

outdoor laboratory for RCTC’s Horticulture Technology program, the S.M.A.R.T. (sustainable, medicinal, artistic, resourceful and thematic) Gardens are gorgeous, Parrett says, and offer something new every year. Heintz Center is also the place to buy tour tickets, register for door prizes, browse educational displays and sample Cold Stone ice cream (while supplies last). From there, the tour is selfguided. “Take your map and off you go.” Off to explore colorful and fragrant gardens, such as the one that dresses up a corner lot on a hillside. Flowers bloom in profusion and there’s a water feature and– “She’s got more in that corner lot than people with an acre,” Parrett says, “and her neighbors on both sides of the corner love the view.” Another treat on the itinerary is See GARDEN CLUB Page 7 

fillmorecountyjournal.com • olmstedcountyjournal.com

Page 2

FCJ/OCJ Spring Home & Garden Special Section

April 15-17, 2013

Spring Home & Garden

Gardening as a passion, not just a business By Kirsten Zoellner For more than 60 years, Alpine Nursery in Houston has been a well-kept secret. The expansive nursery offers a dizzying array of plant materials, garden and gift items all amid quaint buildings, greenhouses, and enchanting spots, like the Hosta glen. Its biggest offering though, is the friendly, one on one attention provided to customers from owners Ben and Linda Lind. “We get people in every year who say, ‘I didn’t realize it was this big. I’ve just driven by!’”

Just two miles south of Houston, on Highway 76, the nursery sits cozily nestled just off the road, near the Historic Norwegian Stone Church. The seven Nordic-themed greenhouses, log cabin, potting shed, and garden shed might be missed by the masses, but according to Linda, they’ve chosen to not vie after the appeal of the big box retail garden centers. “Our focus is on teaching. If we’re too busy, we aren’t available to help them. We want to be a visible presence to our customers, not someone

A view of the greenhouses and plant selection available at Alpine Nursery Photo submitted

“We put the ‘Curb’ in Curb Appeal”

behind a cash register.” Teaching is the background of both Ben and Linda. The nursery was started in 1950 by Ben’s parents, Judith and Alvie Lind and Ben followed suit earning a Bachelor and Master’s degree in horticulture from the University of Minnesota. Early on, he worked with Dr. Leon Snyder at the university’s landscape arboretum, but the bulk of his early career was spent teaching horticulture at Chaska High School for 20 years. Linda is a University of Minnesota Extension Service Master Gardener and teaches related classes to interested groups and through community education. The couple purchased the nursery in 1985 and have grown it every year since into the flourishing nursery it is today. Flowing paths and carefully organized areas make looking for the right plant or item simple for the customer and the designed aesthetic of it all makes it enjoyable. Each year, the nursery offers a staggering diversity of plant material: specialty annuals, more than 500 varieties of perennials, wildflowers, more See ALPINE Page 3 

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April 15-17, 2013

FCJ/OCJ Spring Home & Garden Special Section

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ALPINE

Continued from Page 2

than 200 varieties of hostas, cactus and succulents, herbs, vegetables, bulbs, shrubs, evergreens, roses, fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, grapes, currants, and gooseberries, shade, fruit, evergreen, and ornamental trees, hanging baskets and container plantings “We try to carry as many interesting, high quality plants as possible. Each year, we bring in those old favorites and search for new and rare varieties we hope will inspire you,” adds Linda. Inspiration is easy to find among the multiple planting areas, enchanting buildings and arbors, and the replica Nordic porches that welcome customers into each greenhouse. Based on that of artist Carl Larsson’s Swedish home, the porches display intricate detail and beckon browsers inside. The idea was so well received that all of the greenhouses now boast the differing designs, including old Norwegian, Swedish, and Finnish homes, Larsson’s formal entry, and a Norwegian Stabbur (storehouse). A little, red, potting shed serves as a home for seed potatoes, onion sets, and garden seeds. A log cabin is home to a gift shop featuring countless gift ideas including Swedish tea, dolls, Isabel Bloom figures, Marimekko picnic dishes, purses and scarves, and jewelry from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and America. New this season to the nursery is the Garden Shed, which houses bird feeders, containers, garden décor, garden art, and water fountains. “There simply wasn’t enough space in the log cabin,” enthuses Linda. In a definite difference from other nurseries, Alpine Nursery only selects and offers plants that are locally grown and recommended for our climate and they’ll be sure you have all the detailed information about a plant before you choose it. “We can’t in good conscience recommend something that won’t do well here. We make it very easy for the customer,” she adds. Another offering by Alpine and no other area nurseries is the availability of bare root trees each early spring. These less expensive, more convenient trees are not the colossal 100 pound potted trees available elsewhere commercially, but can be easily carried in one hand. Available only in April through mid-May, these trees, like all others at the nursery, are guaranteed for a full year. Early spring is also a great time to pick up perennials. Priced at only $2.50 or $2.00 a piece when 12 are purchased, it’s an opportune time for customers to purchase any number See ALPINE Page 10 

A view of the nursery from the little, red potting shed down past the Nordic-themed greenhouses. Photo submitted

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April 15-17, 2013

FCJ/OCJ Spring Home & Garden Special Section

Spring Home & Garden

Elder: International Herb Association’s Herb of the Year 2013 By Sandra Manion, Owner, Oak Spring Herb Farm, Member International Herb Association Since 1995, the International Herb Association has chosen an Herb of the Year. The Horticultural Committee evaluates possible choices based on the herb’s outstanding characteristics in at least two of the three major categories: culinary, medicinal, or decorative. Many other herb organizations support the Herb of the Year selection and work together to educate the public. This year, Elder has been chosen, and is used in all three areas. Elder is an easy to grow shrub. It can be considered a nuisance because it grows fast in an

extremely wide climate range all throughout North America, is able to adapt to many soil conditions, and can grow in either sun or partial shade. It propagates by seed and suckers. Size is variable, usually 5-12’ or taller, depending upon habitat and species. There are several species within the elderberry genus (Sambucus). Nigra is the main species and produces edible fruit. Subspecies of Nigra are caerulea and cerula. They have numerous cultivars that are selected for edible fruit and/or ornamental uses. European elder (racemosa), and it’s subspecies (pubens) produce fruit that is only edible by birds and wildlife. Only blue or purple

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minutes. Strain before drinking. A popular decorative elder is Sambucus nigra Black Lace. It has feathery purple leaves and pink flowers. Within the nigra species, there are also variegated

Page 5

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Page 6

FCJ/OCJ Spring Home & Garden Special Section

April 15-17, 2013

Spring Home & Garden

ly outweighed the profit,” he plated squirrel deflector tips notes. Tarras partnered with unwanted visitors from the Continued from Page 1 Jenlis, a product development frame. Out of the box, it takes The Feedsavr has gone company that focuses on estab- minutes to assemble and it can through many changes and lishing and building brands in be set up in a yard or mounted challenges. Tarras estimates specialty markets. to a deck and will withstand that over the course of the first The center of the Feedsavr is rugged weather conditions. It two years, he worked through three, sturdy, yet lightweight retails for $129.95. upwards of 20 prototypes. At 14 gauge aluminum pole sec- “Everyone loves the Feedthat time, the initial efforts tions which stand up to 12 feet savr,” Tarras adds. “No deer or were fabricated in his garage in height when fully assembled. squirrels can reach your bird with purchased machinery and A carriage on an ejection mold- feeders. The money you save parts. By the spring of 2011, ed sleeve with brass inserts is on birdseed and bird feeders Tarras was comfortable enough raised or lowered by pulley alone pays for it in less than with the product to patent pend for ease of filling, including one year.” and market test it at Rushford handicap accessibility. Powder For more information about Hardware. coated steel hangers will hold the Feedsavr, see www.feed The market test was highly up to three feeders, but options savr.com or contact Tarras at successful and Tarras proceed- are available for more. A zinc Scott@wonderink.com. ed with manufacturing of the feeding system. Since, it has garnered national attention in master of Chatfield publications like Fur Fish and Game (March 2013 issue) and will be highlighted in the May 2013 issue of Birds and Bloom. The clean you expect Locally, you can now find them at any of the Farmers Eleva- Professional Cleaning ~ tor Co-op locations, Labrador The service you deserve Carpet, Furniture, Floors, Home and Garden Center in Furnace Duct Cleaning, Rushford, and at other small Jeff Hebl, Owner Fire & Water Damage, retail outlets. It is currently on Janitorial Service. 507-467-4798 • Lanesboro, MN the verge of being brought into the larger retail market. Tarras acknowledges there have been particular roadblocks to seeing the product Located in downtown Rushford, by the grain bins to completion. “Finding the Rushford Houston Caledonia right investor to help bring 507-864-7733 507-896-3147 507-725-3306 the product to manufacturing and market was a challenge at first. You need to find the right fit for you and your product.” Initially, Tarras had visions of Flowers • Vegetables • Herbs Our trained sales staff opening a manufacturing plant and agronomy team are in the community. “Unfortu- here to help you select Lawn & Garden nately, the cost to do so great- the right seed and

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April 15-17, 2013

FCJ/OCJ Spring Home & Garden Special Section

Spring Home & Garden GARDEN CLUB Continued from Page 1

A beautiful garden on the 2012 Rochester Garden and Flower Club Garden Tour. Photo submitted

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a sprawling country-style garden a few miles outside Rochester. Parrett hasn’t seen it yet but says club members who have seen it, rate it spectacular! “You’ll get ideas and see ingenious ways to fix common problems,” she says, “and you can talk to Master Gardeners.” The RGFC tour will showcase other art forms, too. At the gardens, area musicians will perform and area artists will display their works. Parrett sums up the tour this way: “It’s lovely to walk through these gardens.” What: Rochester Garden and Flower Club (RGFC) Annual Garden Tour. When: Thursday, July 18, 4 p.m. - dusk, with ticket sales to start at 3:30 p.m. Where: The tour begins at Heintz Center, 1926 College View Road East, which is also the location of the tour’s first visit, the RCTC S.M.A.R.T. Gardens. Admission: $10 for each adult, free for children and students. For more info: See rgfc.org or call 507-254-4368. Of note: Rochester Trolley and Tour Company offers an alterna-

ume Our Vol als equ Buying ings! v a S g i B

tive to the self-guided method. Instead, you can catch a trolley. The Take the Trolley option debuted last summer, garnered great enthusiasm and filled in a hurry. By June 1, more information will be available about the 2013 Garden Tour’s Take the Trolley. Check online at RochesterMNtours.com. Reserve seats online

or by phone at 507-421-0573. One more thing: How long has this been going on? If you know when RGFC’s Annual Garden Tour began, would you please tell RGFC? “The club formed in 1929,” tour co-chair Connie Parrett says, “but the tour history is a bit of a mystery. We’re working on it because an anniversary is coming up, we’re sure.”

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Page 8

FCJ/OCJ Spring Home & Garden Special Section

April 15-17, 2013

Spring Home & Garden JOHNSON

Continued from Page 1

The Johnson home recently built north of Preston off Highway 52. Photo by Barb Jeffers

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tinctive touch throughout the house. The plumbing in the Johnsons new home was done by Richard’s Pump Service of Fountain, Minn. Jon commented that Richard Kujath was “phenomenal” to work with during the process of building and finishing the home. The entire home includes in-floor heat which is a large project in and of itself. Many additional local businesses did excellent work on the Johnsons home including electrical work by Southeast Electric of Chatfield, Minn., shingling by Soland Carpentry of Greenleafton, Minn., dirt work by Scheeval & Sons of Preston, Minn., and cement work by Gjere Construction of Mabel, Minn. Although building a new home is an exciting time it can also be a very stressful experience but Jon and Sharon said “everything went pretty smooth” in their case. Sharon explained “working together” made the process run smooth and added Jon “helped pick things out” so it’s more meaningful to them. See JOHNSON Page 9 

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April 15-17, 2013

FCJ/OCJ Spring Home & Garden Special Section

Spring Home & Garden JOHNSON

Continued from Page 8

The kitchen of the Johnson’s new home.

Photo by Barb Jeffers

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It became “their home,” not just a house, because Jon and Sharon designed it together. As for advice to those who plan on building a new home Sharon stressed the fact to “let the experts help” and they both added that all of the contractors they worked with during the build were quick to offer their expertise and advice to them which they were grateful for. Sharon states one challenge while building a new home can be “working everyone’s schedules to coincide” which is understandable. The home construction took slightly longer than they had anticipated, a total of nine months, but Sharon noted “the quality is great” so any extra time was worth the wait. The best part of building the new home according to Jon was “watching the whole process from start to finish and seeing it become a home at the end” which Sharon agreed with. Jon and Sharon Johnson are completely happy with the end result which is a home designed for them to live in happily ever-after.

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APRIL 27-28 Alpine Nursery has been a family-owned business for 63 years. Our six greenhouses will soon be filled with hanging baskets, flower and vegetable bedding plants and herbs. We have the area's largest selection of perennials, shrubs, fruit trees, ornamental trees and shade trees. The gift shop offers unique gifts for men, women and children.

Black/White

8.5x11......... 25¢ each

Gjere

Construction, Inc. 43506 State Hwy 44, Mabel, MN 507-493-5864

Thanks Jon & Sharon for choosing Gjere Construction for your cement work.

• Concrete Contractor • Concrete Pumping & Conveying • Footing & Floors • Poured Brick Walls • Foundation Waterproofing • Excavating • Dump Truck Service • Backhoe Service

RichaRd’s PumP seRvice, iNc.

FouNtaiN • 507-268-4352

Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, Water Systems, and Sewer Installation Lic. & Bonded Business 36 Years

Husqvarna YT 46LS Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin, 21.5 hp. Hydrostatic with locking differential. Cutting width 46 in. Reinforced cutting deck featuring Rapid Replace™ blade system. Charging port.

• Shindaiwa String trimmers • Tanaka String trimmers • Hysqvarna Mowers, Sting trimmers and Chainsaws

209 STATE ROAD 16, RUSHFORD, MN 507.864.7639

Now Available at Struve’s!

Outdoor Enjoyment TransparEnT WOOd sTain superior protecting for decks, fences, siding, trim, outdoor furniture and all exterior wood.

color

8.5x11......... 50¢ each

Black/White

11x17.......... 35¢ each

color

11x17.......... 70¢ each

www.alpinenursery.com • 507-896-3715 7155 State Hwy. 76, Houston, MN 55943 SPRING HOURS: M-F 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun (through Father’s Day) 1pm-5pm

136 St. anthony Street, Preston P 507.765.2151 • F 507.765.2468

Page 9

www.struvespaint.com Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 7:00- 6:00, Fri. 7:00-5:30, Sat. 8:00-3:00

FCJ/OCJ Spring Home & Garden Special Section

Page 10

April 15-17, 2013

Spring Home & Garden ALPINE

#8223 24

Napa H.D. Lawn & Garden Battery

Continued from Page 3

$34.65

#8221

Napa Lawn & Garden Battery Shop Towels

$1.79

Hours: M-F 7am-7pm; Sat 7am-4pm

Price Shown With Exchange

$25.99

Napa auto parts of spriNg valley

• Carpeting • Windows • Doors • Cabinets • Toilets • Sinks • Light Fixtures • Table & Cha

Spring Cleaning Time! Your donation of gently used and excess building materials, appliances and furniture.

Visit our new website at

WWW.WinonaReSToRe.oRg for a complete list of items, store location and contact information.

irs • Paint • Sofas • Siding • Hutches • Refrigerators • Stoves • Roof

obs • Cabinet Hardware • Ceramic Tile • Storm Doors • Wallpaper

1010 N. Broadway • Spring Valley, MN 55975 • Phone - 507-346-7326

of plants. An open house, with further specials, will be held April 27 and 28, continuing through the following Friday. “It’s a great time to come visit us,” notes Linda, “Especially for those people who think, ‘I really want that beautiful garden, but can’t afford it.’” Now through Father’s Day, the nursery is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, and Sundays 1pm to 5pm. You can contact Alpine Nursery at 507896-3715 or visit them at 7155 State Highway 76, Houston. More information can be found at www.alpinenursery.com or on Facebook at www.facebook. com/pages/Alpine-Nursery.

nd Ne e d t o s e he J C ome t o t

South Branch

outdoor EquipmEnt 1015 Ridge Road S. • Preston, MN 55965 Ph. 507-765-4979 Jonsered Chain Saws, Trimmers, Pressure Washers & More • Chain & Sharpening Repair • Sales • A1 Service of all Makes. • We Offer Pick UP & Delivery

Opening May 4th Bulbs • Flowers • Culinary Herb Collections

More than 60 varieties of herb plants!

a f a x? fic e !

our n al of

r page x ..........50¢ pe In com ing Fa page pe ...... $1.00 r Ou tg oi ng Fa x

136 St. Anthony Street, Preston P 507.765.2151 • F 507.765.2468

Open by appointment Saturdays at Lanesboro’s Farmer’s Market 9am-12noon 26092 Jade Road, Fountain, MN

507-268-4224

Sandra S. Manion

ng • Plywood • 2x4’s • Washers & Dryers • Sheetrock • Tubs • Shutters • Tools • Door Kn

Heat Wave Forcasted For Summer 2013! Sizzling steaks on the grill and more memories around the fire when you upgrade your patio with a new BBQ or firepit from Energy Products & Design RetaileR of the YeaR 2013 - NoRth ameRica by Hearth & Home Magazine

F i r e p i t s • B B q ’s • Pa t i o Need a quote on a project?

507.289.7496

497 37th St. NE • Rochester, MN EnergyProductsAndDesign.com

Mon. 9-8 p.m. Tues. - Fri. 9-5:30 p.m. Sat. 9-3 p.m. Evenings by appointment

Hearth and Fireplace Showroom

April 15-17, 2013

FCJ/OCJ Spring Home & Garden Special Section

Page 11

Spring Home & Garden

Preparing homes for flooding ST. PAUL, MN - If your home is in a location that is at a high risk for flooding this spring, you need to know how to prepare your home to resist or survive flooding. Flooding can occur in a number of ways. Sub-surface water leaks: These occur when groundwater levels rise enough to enter the house through cracks or open-

ings in foundations, basement slabs, or sumps and foundation drainage systems. You can prepare for this degree of basement flooding by raising the furnace, water heater, appliances, and storage items an adequate distance above the floor using waterproof blocking. Spring run-off and minor surface flooding: During

Scheevel and Sons, Inc. (507) 765-4756

22 Years In The Making

Scheevel & Sons, Inc. Keeps Changing to Meet Your Needs

1960’s Cat 2-6-B First Dozer

Let Us Do A Door Makeover!!!

From the Early Days to 2013

Ron (507-273-9796), Aaron (507-272-3923), Eric, & Nate Scheevel 17057 Kind Rd. • Preston, MN

think Spring

YOUR DOOR...OUR GLASS.

Precision Laser Excavating Specialties: Ponds, Waterways, Terraces, Driveways, Building Sites and More.

spring run-off or surface water flood zone. Before the home Flood Information Line is a flooding events, the amount of is flooded, shut off the water, resource for questions about water in foundation drainage gas and electricity. After flood- water, crops, horticulture and systems increases the demand ing clean-up and repairs, your climatology issues. Extension’s on the sump pump system. utility company may require AnswerLine provides answers Check the ejection pipe, sump that service be restored only by to household and family-oriented questions, such as cleanand sump pump to be sure trained utility representatives. ing, mildew, and food safety Additional Resources that they are functioning properly. If prolonged flooding or a Citizens can access the most issues. power outage is possible, con- up-to-date information on Source: Richard Stone, houssider keeping a spare sump flood preparation by visiting ing technology educator, Unipump and a gas powered elec- Extension’s website at www. versity of Minnesota Extension tric generator available. Store e x t e n s i o n . u m n . e d u / f l o o d . For more news from U of generator fuel safely and oper- Information about recovering M Extension, visit www.extenate the generator in a safe loca- from floods will be added as it sion.umn.edu/news or contact Extension Communications at tion where exhaust fumes can- becomes relevant. Also available are Extension’s extnews@umn.edu. University not enter the home. Sewer back-ups: These can toll free phone services, the of Minnesota Extension is an occur even if the blockage Flood Information Line (1-800- equal opportunity educator or flooding is some distance 232-9077) and the AnswerLine and employer. from your home. To protect (1-800-854-1678). Extension’s your home, consider having a valve or one-way check valve installed where the sewer main leaves the house. A plumbing professional can help you determine the best method and location. If you do not have a valve installed to block the sewer main, temporary compression plugs can be inserted in floor drains and plumbing drain openings. Remember that a sewer system blockage could forceNEWSPAPER water higher up REPRODUCTION NOTE: in the home’s drainage system 133LPI minimum required, 150LPI recommended. than expected. Major surface flooding: When streams and rivers overflow their banks, major surface floods present the greatest threat of structural damage to the home. If the home is outside of areas protected by dikes, and the foundation has been AFTER strengthened or braced and sealed sufficiently to withstand From boring to beautiful the external water pressure, it in 60 minutes. We take may be possible to keep the your existing door...add decorative glass...making it basement dry using gas powthe impressive entry system ered pumps. If the basement you have always wanted! has not been reinforced and is incapable of withstanding 1515 Hwy 14 East • 507-281-4645 • www.northstates.com the force of floodwaters, allowing the basement to fill with water may protect the foundation from structural damage by keeping the pressure similar on both sides of the foundation walls and floor. If there is still time before the flooding, move stored items, furniture, and appliances to a safe upper level of the home or Prairiefire Crab • Honeycrisp Apple to a safe location outside the

EASY TO HANDLE • READY TO PLANT

OPEN DAILY! sPriNg is right arouNd thE cornEr… will you be ready to impress the neighborhood?

Marzolf IMpleMent Co. 1221 Highway 63 South, Spring Valley, Mn 507-346-7227 www.marzolfimp.com www.simplicitymfg.com

130032 B

Potted Plants, Hanging Baskets, Bedding Plants & Onion Plants Apples, Seed Potatoes, Onion Sets, & Garden Seed

Baked Goods Available!

Honey, Maple Syrup, Jams, Popcorn, Watkins Products! Place Dealer Imprint Here OPEN 7 Days a

GREAT SAVINGS!

4 DAYS ONLY. Planting instructions provided. Bring a tarp or enclosed trailer for transport.

On Container Trees - One Week Only! APRIL 26th - MAY 3rd Hwy. 43 & Sievers Dr. 5 miles so. of I-90 or 2 miles no. of Rushford, MN

(Place your dealer information here) Week 9am-6pm

507- 765-4486 Hwy 52, Preston www.prestonappleberryfarm.com

www.labradorhomeandgarden.com

Thanks to the Economic Recovery Act, there’s now a 30% “renewable energy” tax credit for homeowners who install a qualifying WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system. WaterFurnace geothermal units use the clean, renewable energy found in your own backyard to save up to 70% on heating, cooling, and hot water. They don’t burn expensive fossil fuels, they reduce our dependence on foreign oil and also happen to be great for the environment. Call your local dealer and discover for yourself the benefits that only WaterFurnace can provide.

Experience You Can Trust

Johnson Comfort Systems Inc. (563)566-2346 Lime Springs, Iowa www.johnsongeothermal.com

waterfurnace.com | (800) GEO-SAVE WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc. Consult your tax professional for advice on tax credit.

Over 1075 units installed and over 36 years combined experience. waterfurnace.com | (800) GEO-SAVE WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc. Consult your tax professional for advice on tax credit.