Spring
Home & Garden
April 21, 2014 Special Section
Chatfield couple brings home back to life By Barb Jeffers barb@fillmorecountyjournal.com
Every day Melissa Wood drove by the house at 25 Fillmore Street in Chatfield, Minn. She fell in love with the large home on a corner lot and saw its potential. The majority of the population would most likely have looked at the home that was for sale and saw a house built in 1870 in need of such repair that it would have been torn down. But not Melissa Wood. Melissa saw what the home had been and could be again. In her vision she saw a beautiful Victorian home in its glory days. After talking with her husband Tony the couple decided to purchase the home and begin a monumental restoration project. Melissa states that she “just loves old things” and has always wanted to restore a house. She also owns Adourn in Chatfield which is a shop featuring re-furbished vintage and antique furniture and accessories as well as handmade and vintage items, jewelry, and gifts. Tony, an electrician, favors the new aspect of the restoration project. So the couple with two different tastes will blend the new with the old in their home. After purchasing the home in October of 2013 Melissa
and Tony began the project immediately by replacing the roof as the existing roof was over 85 years old and was leaking. Then began demolition inside, which included gutting the house. Tony stated that the home still had the old knob wiring and cast iron plumbing so that was all replaced. Floors and ceilings needed to be straightened as they were sagging and walls needed to be furred out in order to make them straight. Tony also made sure the walls were well insulated for energy efficiency. The couple began with the upstairs and kitchen so they will have living space while completing the restoration on the remaining parts of the home. Luckily the house has two staircases so the unfinished part of the house can be sealed off while work continues. Melissa and Tony do not want to remodel the house per say; they look to restore the home to its original condition as much as possible. All of the original woodwork and trim was still in the home so that has been carefully removed and labeled. Melissa will spend the hours to sand and repaint the woodwork so it can be re-installed. All of the original radiators
in the home still work which will adds to the home’s charm. A new boiler was installed which is very high in efficiency leaving the two chimneys in the house obsolete. One has been torn down with a second to be removed in the future. Receiving help from many family members and friends Melissa and Tony have been able to do the majority of the work themselves. Tony used to build houses so in addition to his electrical expertise he has the construction knowledge as well. The kitchen and full bathroom have in-floor heat and a new energy efficient water heater was also put in. Although Melissa would have wanted to save and restore as much as possible from the home, she says they have also been able to save a lot of money by re-using everything from old hardware on the windows and the windows themselves. Any windows that were broken the couple will search to find glass at a salvage yard because “it’s the old wavy glass” stated Melissa. Melissa said, “I love all the little details” that keep the character of the house. The home will have modern amenities such as new stainless steel appliances, outdoor lightSee CHATFIELD Page 6
Tony and Melissa Wood are renovating their home in Chatfield that was originally built in 1870. Photo by Barb Jeffers
Area farmers’ markets promote local in Southeast Minnesota/Northeast Iowa By K irsten Zoellner kirsten@fillmorecountyjournal.com
Shop local. Dine local. Buy local. The energy behind the movement of supporting what’s in our own backyards is massive and it doesn’t appear to be slowing any time soon. Americans are tired of not knowing what’s in a product or where it comes from, the high costs of transporting goods, and what they’re doing to our bodies, economy, and communities. Small farms, direct-marketing, craft and farmers’ markets have sprung up all over the country, filling the need. In southeastern Minnesota and northeastern Iowa, the markets are wide open. Tables and booths, tents and
pickup trucks all filled with attractive displays now fill our towns, both big and small. Offering items such as vegetables, fruits, herbs, wild edibles, mushrooms, nuts, honey, maple syrup, grains, eggs, canned and baked goods, and availability to direct-market meats and dairy, these markets literally have something for everyone. Many have extended beyond food items and include crafts of all sorts, fine arts, jewelry, garden and home décor, personal care items, pet goods, fiber and yarn, knitted, crocheted, and sewn items, clothing, and more. There are only a handful of communities within the area that don’t have their own market, but some communities have
amazing markets that are just undiscovered by residents and tourists. The Houston Farmers’ Market has seen some growth over the last eight years since its founding. Market manager Twaila Thorson is thrilled and thinks small town markets like Houston’s are a great thing in the community, supporting local growers and keeping the economy thriving and the money right in our own towns. “So many people come too,” enthuses Thorson. “It’s great! They don’t have to drive to the big towns to get great, fresh produce and they know they’re getting a good quality product.” Markets can also be an opportunity for unique food and art items that might otherwise get
missed. In Houston, Staven Family Farm gets the chance to offer up homegrown oats, wheat, rye, and buckwheat. The family, farming for over 30 years, used to grow the conventional corn, soybean, alfalfa rotation, along with operating a dairy farm, but downsized. Looking for a something different, the Staven’s opted to grow a variety of grains, sweet corn, and vegetables. “My daughter sort of pushed me along,” says Mark Staven. “Now, we’re in our fourth year at the market. The area needs something like that.” Growing all of it naturally, the Stavens take their grains to Schechs’ Mill for grinding, but some is ground on-site, during the farmers’ market, an educational and enter-
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taining draw for market customers. While one-of-a-kind products and abundant selection are key, largely, it’s the people that make a market great. The producer-consumer relationship sets the stage for more than just the exchange of product and cash, but rather the friendly neighborly banter between producers and customers and camaraderie between vendors. The season for markets is at the mercy of the growing season, so the markets must have reliable, committed vendors. In years like 2013, with a dismal spring and less than stellar summer, the weather can dampen a market both in offerings and See MARKETS Page 4
Page 2
Fillmore County Journal Spring Home & Garden
April 21, 2014
Spring Home & Garden “Little changes add up to big savings” in summertime home cooling By Mitchell Walbridge As we all look forward to warmer days and the May flowers, there is no doubt that we will probably go from one extreme to another in the coming months of our Minnesota climate. Late April snow will morph into warm, sunny days. While it might be a curse to say that some of these days may be too warm for our liking, it is probably true nonetheless. Those days are when we sit poolside or drift down the Root River. However, we are also prone to crank the A/C, an act that robs the bank account as much as the furnace does. Touchstone Energy Cooperatives offers some great tips in order to increase home energy efficiency while decreasing your payout. Their website says it best, “Little changes add up to big savings.”
•Run your thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. While 78 may not be the coolest, it is a tolerable comfort level. Also, remember this fact: you will gain 1-3 percent of savings during the summer for every degree you boost your thermostat. •Automate your home’s cooling system with a programmable thermostat. In addition, don’t forget to turn the thermostat to 78 degrees or above if you are leaving your home. It’s pointless to cool the house if no one is there. •Checking and changing your air filters are important to do every few months in order to maintain efficiency. •Close your blinds during the summer months. Radiation increases as the sun grows stronger during the spring and summer, heating the interior
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of your home. If you find your home getting warmer than you are accustomed to, close your blinds and window shades in the morning and open them in the evening. •Utilize ceiling fans and increase air flow within your home. This tactic takes the edge off of humid, heavy summer air. However, don’t forget to turn them off when leaving for the day. •Turn off your appliances when they are not in use. Running TV’s, video game consoles, and computer systems generates undesirable excess heat. •Replace your incandescent light bulbs if you still use them with compact fluorescent bulbs. They use about 25 percent less electricity, give off less heat and last anywhere from 7-10 times longer. •Wait to use your dishwasher until the evening hours. This
Farmers’ Market season just weeks away It may be hard to tell, given the dismal start to spring and winter’s icy grip on our area, but local farmers’ markets are just weeks away from opening. Market organizers are working to bring in vendors of all sorts and customers are equally as eager. Rushford Peterson Valley Farmers’ Market currently has a lineup of 12 vendors and has been contacted by many who are “on the fence.” The market is slated to open May 7 and runs through October 1 and is held each Wednesday, from 4-7 p.m., at Creekside Park in Rushford, along the Rush Creek Trail. Spaces are still spaces open for those wanting to participate as either a full or half-season vendor. Items for the 2013 market included, but were not limited to vegetables, fruit, herbs, honey, maple syrup, poultry, eggs, canned and baked food items, perennials, annuals, goat soap, personal care items, garden and home décor, crafts, and fine arts. The market is producers-only, so only items personally produced by vendors, within a 35-mile radius of Rushford Peterson Valley, may be sold. Interested persons are encouraged to contact the market for more information. Additionally, the market is seeking a number of musical, drama, or speech/poetry participants to perform during the market season, as entertainment. Participants may include musical soloists or ensembles, skits See R-P MARKET Page 6
will ensure that any heat generated isn’t contributing to an increase in room temperature, which in turn would make your air conditioner run more. If possible, you may also want to only use the air drying feature rather than the heat feature. •If you are replacing your dishwasher or similar appliances, look for the EnergyStar label. These products are tested to be energy efficient. •Landscaping can play a significant role in your home energy efficiency in both the winter and summer months. During the warm months of the year, it is important to have shade cast on your outside air conditioning unit so it doesn’t work as hard. Also, large trees on the east and west sides of your home will help ward off the sun’s rays by casting shade upon your home. As we all look forward to the long days of summer, try some these tips and see how
much you can save! For more information on energy saving tips and instructions on how to complete a home energy efficiency assessment, visit TriCounty Electric’s Energy Efficiency/Conservation menu available at www.tec.coop.
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Fillmore County Journal Spring Home & Garden
April 21, 2014
Spring Home & Garden MARKETS
Continued from Page 1
spirit. Still, some markets, and their loyal customers persevere. Virginia Karlsbroten, of the Simple Living Farmers’ Market in Mabel agrees. Now in its third year, the market is growing by leaps and bounds. “Last year was so uncooperative, but the vendors were there. People had a good attitude. They were on board and cooperative,” she notes. “We’re doing really well, working hard together.” Sometimes though, it takes more than just great vendors and their products. Many local consumers are discovering that fam-
ers’ markets have gone beyond hay bales, tents, and bushel baskets to truly community-wide events. “We try to have something extra every week; music, educational things, presentations.” says Karlsbroten. “We try to keep it up. Keep it as current as we can.” This community-event thinking was the basis for the new Rushford Peterson Valley Farmers’ Market, held in Rushford. The market started halfway through the year in 2013, but quickly found there was a need for fun community events and no better way to help support the local growers and artisans. This year, the market is plan-
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ning something for each day, including special themed days, live music and entertainment, demonstrations, and as many activities it can find to get the community outdoors and interacting. “We have this phenomenal location in Creekside Park, along the Rush Creek Trail and the Root River, and a community who supported and encouraged us more than we could have imagined,” says writer of this piece and market manager Kirsten Zoellner. “We want to make the market an event that people can’t wait to get to each week, an event that will get people into our downtown businesses and that encourages community involvement.” Rushford Peterson Valley Farmers’ Market vendor Emily Hanson-Funke, of Crooked Pine Soap, knows markets offer distinct marketing and selling opportunities for small businesses and hobbyists, along with customer and community investment. “Customers benefit in a huge way from markets. It gives them the insight the work these vendors put into their product to get it here, rather than it coming off of a big truck and going on a shelf. The relationships you are able to build with your customers is what makes markets so unique.” As these markets continue to grow, people are not only taking notice, but taking hold of the opportunity within their own towns. “The fact that small towns are jumping on the band wagon should say something to our society. We have become so detached on how and where things are grown and made. Farmers’ markets are now giving families an opportunity to get back to simple and wholesome.”
Finding and reporting Minnesota’s noxious weeds
As preparations begin for this year’s growing season, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) encourages people to learn about, look for, and report Minnesota’s noxious weeds. The MDA, as the regulatory agency for managing noxious weeds, helps local governments with weed management and enforcement of the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law. A noxious weed is defined by the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law as an annual, biennial, or perennial plant that the Commissioner of Agriculture designates to be injurious to public health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock, or other property. Noxious weeds are categorized into four lists: Prohibited Eradicate, Prohibited Control, Restricted, and Specially Regulated. The worst of the weeds are on the Prohibited Eradicate list. The law requires weeds on this list to have all above and below
ground plant parts destroyed. Collaboration with multiple agencies and organizations throughout the state helps the MDA successfully detect noxious weeds on the eradicate list and confirm unrecognized species. Here’s how the process works. A report is made of a listed or unknown weed. The report must then be positively identified. Once the plant has been identified, the treatment plan can be determined. A multi-agency group of plant scientists can be tapped for species identification. This group can also turn to expert botanists such as herbarium curators and the state botanist to aid with identification. Digital photos help to correctly identify the species, and a visit to the site of the report may also be necessary for additional data collection. See WEEDS Page 5
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April 21, 2014
Fillmore County Journal Spring Home & Garden
Page 5
Spring Home & Garden WEEDS
Continued from Page 4 There are several ways to report a noxious weed on the eradicate list to the MDA. A landowner can contact their County Agriculture Inspector to verify the presence of a noxious weed. The noxious weed can be reported to the Arrest the Pest voicemail at 888-545-6684 or email Arrest.The.Pest@state. mn.us. Noxious weeds can also be reported to the Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (www.eddmaps.org). Location information is necessary for reporting. We encourage landowners to take action by contacting the MDA when they suspect they found an eradicate list noxious weed. Together, we can reduce future economic and environmental costs by finding and controlling eradicate list species before they spread and become severely damaging. For more information on Minnesota noxious weeds, visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s website at http:// www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/ badplants/noxiouslist.aspx.
Minnesota Department of Commerce urges consumers to review flood insurance needs SAINT PAUL, Minn. — After the “polar vortex” winter of 2014, it seemed to many that the winter would never end, but the recent warmer temperature reminds us all that spring is around the corner. The Minnesota Department of Commerce is reminding Minnesota homeowners to use this time to decide if they may need to purchase flood insurance coverage. Flood damage is not covered under a standard homeowner’s policy and flood insurance policies need to be purchased 30 days prior to its use. “Homeowners should closely monitor the spring flood forecasts to protect themselves in the event Minnesota’s deep freeze and snow pack may impact the spring thaw,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. “We are reminding Minnesotans that now is the time to review the updated flood maps to assess whether to purchase flood insurance. Homeowners should act soon – flood insurance takes 30 days to go into effect.” The Commerce Department
provides information for consumers who are considering flood insurance to safeguard their homes: •The standard homeowners’ insurance policy does NOT cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a special policy that is backed by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Check with your insurance company to see if they offer coverage. •Check with area floodplain maps to figure out if your property falls on a 100-year floodplain, a 500-year floodplain or neither. •However you do not have to be in a floodplain to purchase flood insurance. •Anyone can buy flood insurance as long as their community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. •Flood insurance becomes effective 30 days after it is purchased. It is never a good idea to wait to purchase insurance until you absolutely need it. The rule of thumb in situations such as flooding is it is bet-
ter to be safe than sorry. There are recent examples of property flooding on the 29th day after purchasing insurance. Floodplains are not the only areas at risk for flooding. Twenty to 25 percent of all Minnesota flood claims come from outside areas designated as high risk. •In the majority of floods, uninsured victims may have to use their own resources to rebuild or recover. Until the President declares a flood a disaster, disaster assistance is unavailable. Less than 50 percent of all floods are declared disasters. Disaster assistance is typically offered in
the form of a loan which must be paid back. •The average flood insurance premium is $400 per year depending on where you live and the coverage you choose. It could be higher, but in lowto moderate-risk areas, coverage can be purchased for just over $100. •Homeowners can buy up to $250,000 worth of structural coverage. Businesses can buy up to $500,000 of coverage. There is separate coverage for contents: up to $100,000 for residential and $500,000 for non-residential, so renters can purchase flood insurance too. Standard flood insurance does NOT typically cover baseSee INSURANCE Page 8
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Fillmore County Journal Spring Home & Garden
April 21, 2014
Spring Home & Garden have been re-used and additional boards will be used for the top of the kitchen island. The biggest challenge for the couple has been finding time to work on the house. With Melissa spending the majority of her time at Adourn and Tony working as an electrician, extra time would be hard to find for anyone. Then add the fact that the couple was blessed with a daughter, Emma, just four short months ago and one can understand that “extra” time is very hard to find, leaving Tony working all day and spending his nights doing work on the house. Tony and Melissa hope to be able to move into the house in approximately a month and spent last weekend painting in preparation. The paint colors
CHATFIELD
Continued from Page 1
ing, and speakers outside, but the couple will also use many materials appropriate to the period for the house. Melissa plans on finding tile to replace the old tile in the kitchen as it could not be salvaged. The Woods say their favorite part of the project so far has been tearing things apart and finding how the house was originally. When the demolition work began on the upstairs, they found the upstairs was probably one big room at one point in time with vaulted ceilings and had been changed over the years. Tony kept the vaulted ceiling in one bedroom to keep the house as it was originally. Many of the 2x4’s
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for the inside of the home will be neutral. The home will have three bedrooms and one and a half baths. Once the inside of the home has been restored the Woods’ will begin on the outside of the house where the color palette will be more colorful. Melissa thinks she will use five colors on the outside of the home, which will highlight the wonderful aspects of the architecture including the beautiful porches that are prominent on Victorian homes. The home also has a carriage house that the couple plans to restore as well. Tony actually spent time in the home as a child when visiting the Gjellstad family who owned the home for many years and when she finds the time Melissa plans on doing additional research on the home to find out more history and any old photos of the house she can possibly find. Melissa states that she is not a “cookie-cutter type house” person and sees the beauty in old things while Tony says, “Anything can be fixed,” which makes the Woods’ the perfect family to bring the house full of character back to its beginnings while they themselves begin their family.
or plays, or speakers, including storytelling, monologues, poetry, and more. The market board is also open to small competitions of original works, such as a live poetry slam. Presenters for demonstrations and classes to be held during the market are also being sought. hours. These may cover a range of topics, but they are particularly interested in topics regarding community safety, the environ-
ment, sustainability, conservation, health, and those related to “urban homesteading.” A listing of suggested demonstrations or classes is available online at: rushfordpetersonvalleymarket.weebly. com. If any of these areas are of interest to you, or if you have any questions or comments, please contact the market at rushfordpetersonvalleymarket@gmail. com or by phone at (507) 4582547. More information about the market is available online or on Facebook at www.facebook. com/RushfordFarmersMarket.
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R-P MARKET
Continued from Page 2
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April 21, 2014
Fillmore County Journal Spring Home & Garden
Page 7
Spring Home & Garden Recycling 101: Fillmore County gears up for spring Household Hazardous Waste Day By LaVerne C. Paulson Recycling Education Coordinator This past January, I shared some information with you concerning Household Hazard Waste and mentioned there would be another article appearing a few weeks prior to the 2014 spring collection date. Here it is. As usual, Spring H o u s e h o l d LaVerne C. Paulson Hazardous Waste Day is scheduled for the first Tuesday in May, this year on the 6th. If you miss this one, the next one will be held on October 7, 2014. Household Hazardous Waste Day is your opportunity to clear out that unwanted, unused, and most likely, not needed stuff that is lurking about in your basement, garage, storage area, or under one of your sinks. At one time, many of us thought that containers with the “skull and crossbones symbol”, or the word “poison,” or a drawing of
“Mr. Yuk” on the labels were the only items that we had to handle carefully. Things have changed. Some labels today warn us to “wear gloves”, “do not store near heat or open flame”, “use only in a well ventilated area”, “keep in original container”, or “do not mix with other products.” These substances are indeed hazardous one way or another, and if you have no need for them in the near future, it will benefit you greatly to get rid of them.... the sooner, the better. Aerosol cans, oven cleaners, drain cleaners, antifreeze, lawn care products, bug killers, weed killers, all forms of rodent poison, motor oil, outdated fuel (gasoline and diesel) adhesives, paint, stain, paint thinner, and tar are just a few of the household hazardous wastes that you don’t want stored in your house or garage. Do not pour these down the drain, down the toilet, into a sewer system, or down a gopher hole on the back forty. We want your hearing aid batteries, watch batteries, button batteries, NiCad batteries,
and all rechargeable batteries. Please remember, if they are rechargeable, they are recyclable. We are still getting mercury thermometers at each of our HHW days. We want your mercury thermometers. Yes, we still have a few of those wonderful, brand new, never been used digital thermometers, and will gladly make a trade as long as our supply holds out. We do not want empty paint cans, empty aerosol cans, and alkaline (regular) batteries. We cannot accept agricultural chemicals, explosives, medical waste, business waste, or radioactive waste. The only items we are allowed to collect are normal household products. As always, if you have a neighbor or two who are unable to attend this event, check with
them to see if they have any items that need disposing and bring those items along with yours. They need to get that “not so nice stuff” out of their house. That is why we call these materials hazardous.
There will be the usual charge for tube lights, CFLs, ballast, oil filters, tires, appliances, and e-waste, but this may be a good day to get rid of these things, as well. I am looking forward to seeing you on the 6th.
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Hd’s 1999 JD 445 60 2004 JD X475 62 2003 JD X485 62 2003 JD X485 62 2004 JD X485 54 2005 JD X485 54 2005 JD X485 54 2006 JD X720 62 2008 JD X720 54 2008 JD X720 54 2010 JD X720 54 2011 JD X720 54 2007 JD X724 54 2007 JD X724 54 2008 JD X724 62 2009 JD X724 54 2010 JD X724 62 2011 JD X724 62 2010 JD X729 62 2011 JD X729 62 2007 JD X740 62 2007 JD X740 60 7IRON 2012 JD X740 54 2005 JD 737 54 2005 JD 757 60 2007 JD Z225 42 2012 JD Z925 60
it’s Lawn and Garden time!
Page 8
Fillmore County Journal Spring Home & Garden
April 21, 2014
Spring Home & Garden INSURANCE
Continued from Page 5
ment improvements or personal contents in basements. It does, however, cover the structural elements and essential equipment normally located in basements, such as a furnace, water heater, washer and dryer. Talk to your insurance agent about specific coverage available for basements. •Flood insurance is available in all communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. Most Minnesota communities participate. To find out if your community participates in the program, visit the FEMA website. •All claims and expenses of the NFIP program are funded
by insurance premiums, not tax dollars. •Purchasing flood insurance: contact your local insurance agent or insurance company to find out what types of offers they have for purchasing flood insurance. For more information about flood insurance, contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Federal Insurance Administration, Washington DC. 20472. Information is also available on the National Flood Insurance Programs website at www.FloodSmart.gov. For information about filing claims, or to report trouble applying for flood insurance, call the national information line at 1-888-3799531.
Up to $12,000 cash rebate to build a home in Harmony HARMONY, Minn. - In order to spur new construction and community growth, the Harmony Economic Development Authority (EDA) was authorized by the city council to provide a cash rebate incenting new homes in Harmony. The EDA will provide those building a new home a cash rebate ranging from $5,000 to $12,000. Rebate amounts will be based on the final estimated market value of the new home and in most instances will be paid to the property owner once 100 percent of the exterior features are complete (roof, siding, soffits, windows, doors, etc…). Regarding the new incentive program, EDA President Christopher Skaalen stated, “The EDA has recently been studying and discussing what aspects cause individuals and families to choose living in
Habitat for Humanity’s 20th birthday celebration dinner & auction to be held May 16
Spring Open House
April 26-27 APRIL APRIL 27-28 27-28
Alpine Nursery has been a family-owned business for 64 years. Our sixNursery greenhouses will soon be filled with business hanging baskets, Alpine has been a family-owned for 63 Alpine Nursery has been a family-owned business flower and vegetable bedding plants and herbs. We havefor the63 years. Our six greenhouses will soon be filled with years. Our six greenhouses will soon be filled with area’s largest selection of and perennials, shrubs, fruit trees, ornahanging baskets, flower vegetable bedding plants and hanging baskets, flower and vegetable plants and herbs. have area's largest selection of offer perennials, mental We trees and the shade trees. The two gift bedding shops unique herbs. We have the ornamental area's largest selection of perennials, shrubs, fruit trees, trees and shade trees. The gifts forfruit men,trees, women and children. shrubs, ornamental trees and shade trees. The gift shop offers unique gifts for men, women and children. gift shop offers unique gifts for men, women and children.
www.alpinenursery.com • 507-896-3715 www.alpinenursery.com • 507-896-3715 7155 State Hwy. 76, Houston, MN 55943 7155 State Hwy. 76, Houston, MN 55943
SPRING HOURS: M-F 9am-7pm, SPRING 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm, SunHOURS: (throughM-F Father’s Day) 1pm-5pm Sat 9am-5pm, Sun (through Father’s Day) 1pm-5pm
WINONA, Minn. – Habitat for Humanity Winona-Fillmore Counties will feature its annual dinner on Friday, May 16th, 2014, at Visions Event Center, starting at 6 p.m. This year, Habitat for Humanity is celebrating its 20th anniversary; therefore, the theme of the event is “20th Birthday Party.” Sponsors for Habitat’s 20th Birthday Celebration include: Merchants Bank, Miller Ingenuity, and Winona National Bank. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a social hour and silent auction, followed by a sit-down dinner at 7 p.m. and finishing up with a live auction and dessert at 8 p.m. There will be party games taking place during the event as well as a short program highlighting Habitat’s work in the community. Some of the auction items include: Twins tickets, Wabasha Cabin stay, crab boil, quilts, and many more items. Dinner costs $40/person and individuals must RSVP by May 1, 2014 at the Habitat office located at 108 E. 4th St. in downtown Winona. For any questions regarding the event, please call 507-457-0003.
Estimated Market Value $125,000-$150,000 $150,001-$175,000 $175,001-$200,000 $200,001-$250,000 $250,001
Rebate Amount $5,000 $6,750 $8,250 $10,000 $12,000
surrounding towns when they could live in Harmony. It was evident from our discussions that although people liked what Harmony had to offer in terms of community, they were also interested in purchasing newer homes that Harmony did not offer. The EDA is hopeful that the incentive program will eventually lead to a greater variety of home options for people to choose from, thereby making Harmony the town of choice.” This program will run until program funds are expended or until ended by the City. Applications will be taken on a first-
come, first-serve basis and can be found online at www.harmony. mn.us [1]. The Harmony EDA looks forward to welcoming our new neighbors!
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April 21, 2014
Fillmore County Journal Spring Home & Garden
Page 9
Spring Home & Garden Minnesota Rural Water Association and Minnesota Department of Health present the Source Water Protection Award to the City of Chatfield The MRWA/MDH Source water Protection Award is given annually at the MRWA Technical Conference to recognize the importance and value of source water protection efforts in Minnesota, and to recognize individuals, public water systems and organizations that have shown long term commitment, initiative, leadership, sharing of successes, and initiation or participation in activities which resulted in the protection or improvement of their source water. This year’s recipient is the City of Chatfield. A few of the more noteworthy accomplishments of this year’s award winner include: 1. Identifying and sealing
eight wells in their DWSMA utilizing city funds and cost share grants. Two of these were large diameter unused/unsealed creamery wells utilizing city
funds and SWCD cost share grants; 2. Reaching out to state and local agencies including the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Fillmore and Olmsted SWCDs, MDH Source water Protection and Well Management Units, and MRWA which resulted in a cost share program for well sealing to be created in Olmsted County through the SWCD; and 3. Providing information to the public related to a variety of groundwater protection topics using multiple mediums, including holding a Property Owner’s Septic System Educational Program and nitrate testing clinic event.
Vendors wanted for Habitat for Humanity’s Repurposed Event fundraiser WINONA, Minn. – The Winona ReStore and Habitat for Humanity Winona-Fillmore Counties will be hosting their 2nd annual “Your Home: ReStyled, RePurposed, ReVived” event on Saturday, October 11th, 2014! The show will be a gathering of ideas, skills, product, and vendors
with experience in repurposing, recycling, and restyling various home products. Vendors will be asked to sell products that meet the theme “restyled, repurposed, revived.” Preference will be given to vendors who use home materials such as those available at the Habitat ReStore or that
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are available regionally. Some vendors may also be asked to provide repurposing demonstrations throughout the day. Vendors with an interest in participating in the show should contact Annie Oxborough-Yankus by stopping at the Habitat office located at 108 E. 4th St. in Downtown Winona or by calling 507-4570003. Potential vendors will be asked to provide a short description of their products as well as photos. The deadline to apply to be a vendor is Monday, May 26th, 2014.
Brian Burkholder who also happens to be the city’s Wellhead Protection Manager, accepted the award on behalf of the City of Chatfield from MRWA’s Chairman Steve Burklund (above left). Photo by submitted #8223 24
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Fillmore County Journal Spring Home & Garden
Page 10
April 21, 2014
Spring Home & Garden Department of Commerce, BBB warn of salespeople pitching energy savings efit is primarily in reducing air-conditioning cooling loads in warm or hot climates and in buildings with little or no insulation. A Radiant Barrier Fact Sheet compiled by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy shows that the benefits of radiant barriers decrease significantly as one travels north. In southern cities like Miami, Fla., or Austin, Texas, radiant barriers could reduce one’s utility bill by as much as $150 per year using average residential electricity prices. But by the time you reach colder climate states such as Minnesota, where air-conditioning loads are considerably less, savings drop to only $10 to $40 a year. If there are no ducts or air handlers in the attic, the savings are much less. If the price to install the radiant barrier is $2,500 or more and the consumer only saves $25 per year, it would take at least 100 years to pay back the investment. It’s also important to note that radiant barrier products have negligible benefit in reducing heating costs. It is unlikely that most
SAINT PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources and the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota have issued an alert to consumers who are considering the purchase of radiant barriers in their attics. Both Commerce and the BBB have received numerous reports of salespeople pitching the radiant barrier product at free dinners throughout Minnesota. “We want consumers to know that radiant barriers are not a cost-effective way to reduce heating or cooling loads in Minnesota,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. “Radiant barriers in attics may be valid for homes in southern states, but they save very little energy in Minnesota homes. They are a dubious energy investment—a bad deal for Minnesota homeowners.” Radiant barriers consist of a reflective film, usually aluminum, laid over the top of attic insulation in existing homes. They are sold as an energysaving product, with claims of significant reductions in both heating and cooling costs. However, their potential ben-
Minnesota consumers would realize any measurable energy savings from radiant barriers in attics. Buyers beware, know what you’re getting, “We strongly urge all consumers to be cautious, conduct due diligence, and explore other proven means to make their homes and businesses more energy efficient,” said Rothman. “Don’t be misled by ‘deals’ or ‘pilot programs’ available for a limited time only. Get input and bids from at least three contractors, and make sure those contractors are reputable.” The U.S. Department of Energy and Minnesota Department of Commerce agree that, in Minnesota, implementing air sealing and adding conventional attic insulation would be considerably cheaper and much more effective for saving energy than installing a radiant barrier. In fact, as attic insulation levels increase, the potential benefits from a radiant barrier decrease. Getting a home energy assessment through your gas or electric utility is encouraged as a first step to identifying costeffective energy improvements. Consumers can contact their
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Please send your high resolution photos to info@visitbluffcountry.com with a short explanation of where the photo was taken. If your photo is selected for the 2015 calendar and/or the 2014/2015 Historic Bluff Country Visitor’s Guide, we will pay $25* per photo used in the publication. In addition, your name will be included as a photo credit accompanying your photo(s). *$25 will be provided in the form of a gift certificate from a business of your choice that is advertising in either of the two publications.
Please call Jason Sethre at 507-251-5297 with any questions.
utility to arrange an energy audit. Before purchasing any energy-saving product, the Minnesota Department of Commerce and Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota advise you to: •Always research the business at bbb.org. •Ask for references and proof the company can substantiate their claims. •Do the math and figure out how long it will take to recoup your investment. •Verify a working address, phone number and website to ensure that you can contact the business with any questions or concerns. •If you have an unresolved issue or concerns about a questionable sales pitch regarding energy-saving devices, be proactive and file a formal complaint with the BBB at: the Federal Trade Commission at: ftc.gov, as well as with your state Attorney General’s Office.
•Check energystar.gov to be sure the business or product is Energy Star approved. The BBB also offers the following tips to consider before attending a free luncheon seminar: •Be aware that in most cases presenters will promote their products or services. Typical products sold at these seminars include energy-saving products, self- help materials, investment plans or websites for homebased businesses. •Do not be pressured into signing a contract or making a purchasing decision. Take as much time as you need to evaluate the company’s claims and/ or the promotional materials you receive. •Read and understand all materials carefully before signing anything. Be sure to look for information on guarantees, warranties and refund policies. See ENERGY Page 11
April 21, 2014
Fillmore County Journal Spring Home & Garden
Page 11
Spring Home & Garden ENERGY
Continued from Page 10
•Remember the FTC’s Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel a contract if you sign it in your home or at a location other than the contractor’s permanent place of business, such as a restaurant or hotel/motel room. •Be sure to note any differences between the product at the luncheon and the product received if purchased. For more information on insulation and other energyefficient measures to improve your home, contact the Division of Energy Resources at 800657-3710 or 651-539-1886 or visit mn.gov/commerce/energy. The website offers home energy guides, including the “Home Envelope” consumer guide that includes information on a wide range of energy efficiency topics (including air sealing and insulation) and choosing a contractor.
Minnesota Energy Resources may accept payment arrangements to keep customers’ natural gas service on Arrangement must include a down payment based on amount of arrears. Customers should act soon or making arrangements may be more difficult. ROSEMOUNT, Minn. – Natural gas customers of Minnesota Energy Resources who have fallen behind on their natural gas bills and not made apparent attempts to catch up will soon face disconnection of service, according to company representatives. The company reports a significant rise in the number of customers who are behind on their utility bill, likely due to the harsh winter. “Those customers that have made efforts to pay over the winter or have worked out a payment arrangement with us shouldn’t be concerned,” said Jeff Larson, Minnesota Energy Resources External Affairs Manager. “However, customers who have neglected to make significant payments during
the winter and who expect the company to give them additional time to bring their account current could face disconnection.” Minnesota Energy Resources disconnected service to nearly 10,000 customers in 2013. Larson said that those customers with past-due balances should immediately take steps to pay the bill in full or set-up a payment arrangement. Customers may call our 24-Hour Customer Service at 800-4016402 to use the interactive voice response system, or visit the company website, www. minnesotaenergyresources. com to make a payment or set-up arrangements. Customers who believe they
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the agreement expired on April 15. “Customers will find we offer options for payment; but the larger the balance, the larger those payments need to be,” Larson said. “If there are extenuating circumstances that can be documented, we need to know about them.”
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Fillmore County Journal Spring Home & Garden
April 21, 2014