MNA - Your Next Home - October 2022

At Carter Lumber in Ludington, we make the transition into a new home as painless as possible. We have years of experience helping new residents turn their new homes into the permanent home of their dreams.

From kitchen and bath designs to decking, we make the remodeling and building process easy. We’ve been rooted in the community for decades and are proud to welcome you to our beautiful lakeside community.

For more information on how we can help you, visit us in-store or online.

Welcome to the neighborhood!

Healthy

for

Halloween is a festive day for children and adults alike. However, the abundance of candy and chocolate offered on and around Halloween can compromise diets designed to keep people healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity prevalence in the United States was 20.7 percent among children between the ages of six and 11 and 22.2 percent among 12- to 19-year-olds from 2017 to 2020. That’s a significant concern for parents, even during a time of year when candy and other sugary foods take center stage.

Everyone can do their part to keep kids on a healthy track this Halloween by offering more nutritious fare to trick-or-treaters. While homemade treats used to reign supreme, concerns about contam ination and/or food allergies have convinced most people to offer pre-packaged items. Here are some ideas.

• Fruit juice boxes that are 100 percent juice

• Sugar-free gum

• Fruit cups with fruit juice rather than light or heavy syrups

• Packaged sliced apples

• Bags of air-popped popcorn (light or free of butter)

• Bags of baked chips or pretzels

• Whole grain granola bars or trail mixes

• Boxes of raisins or dried cranberries

• Snack packs featuring crackers or sliced vegetables and dips, like hummus

Non-food giveaways can make trick-or-treaters smile as well. Individu als can find options that fit their budgets. Stores or online retailers that sell party favors or trinkets or stores with wholesale or bulk options may provide the best bang for your buck.

• Stickers

Pencils (including scented varieties)

Marker sets

Bouncy balls

Fidget toys

Spooky accessories,

Silly string cans

• Modeling clay, play doughs

kinetic

Halloween doesn’t have to be bogged down by extra sugar and unhealthy options. While those treats can be eaten in moderation, trick-or-treaters can enjoy a variety of nutritious fare as well.

FOREST HILLS

Business Directory

Benchmark Storage 231-794-2553 www.benchmarkstorage.com

Caliber Home Loans: Mindy Sedelmaier 231-233-0963

Carter Lumber 231-757-9000 www.carterlumber.com

Century 21: Kari King 231-651-0923 www.C21Northland.com

Century 21: Gini Pelton 231-690-0852 gini@c21boardwalk.com

Coldwell Banker: Jamie Gray 231-499-1430

Dwelling Realty www.dwellingrealty.com

Essential Real Estate 231-942-9334

Therran Ferguson, Broker/Owner 231-510-1790

Michael Kruse 231-690-8882 Jenna Mahoney 231-942-9334

Lighthouse Realty Manistee

231-398-3800

www.goLighthouseRealty.com

Heather Barker 231-510-5505

Shirley Barker 903-681-6102

Cathy French 231-233-3268

Leah Gannon 517-607-5347

Jeremy “Ox” Glenn 812-929-9289

John Hanson 231-510-5543

Bill LaBelle 239-887-1037

Holden’s Home Emporium, Inc 231-757-8733

www.holdenshomeemporium.com

Mason Oceana Manistee Board of Realtors www.momboard.com

Metro Mortgage 231-425-5555 www.metromtg.com

Pamela’s Interior Design 231-723-8688

PamelasInteriors.net

Real Estate One: Kathy Neveu 231-342-0921

Redeemed 231-887-4222

Shelby State Bank www.shelbybank.com

State Farm Insurance Agency Mary Studevant 231-723-9905

West Michigan Forest Products www.wmkitchenstudio.com Ludington 231-480-1200 Byron Center 616-281-6684 Muskegon 231-246-7184 Forest Hills 616-727-0909

Leanne LaBelle 239-887-0998

Kerri Mackey 231-510-8380

Emily Pomeroy 231-510-1303

Dale Smith 231-794-9122

Cheryl Staszczak 248-805-3802

Casey Tennant 231-233-7613

How to cut costs on home renovations

Do you still have an avocado green kitch en? Is your living room dank and dark? Perhaps there is only one bathroom for a family of six? Answering yes to any of these questions could serve as the catalyst for a home renovation project.

Home improvement projects come in all shapes and sizes — some with huge budgets and others that are more cost-conscious. Re gardless of what homeowners hope to achieve with their renovations, a common goal across any price point is a desire to save as much money as possible. Home renovations can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs.

• Assess the merit of the project. Remodel ing magazine annually publishes a “Cost vs. Value Report” that lists the average cost and return on investment homeowners can expect of various types of projects. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, it may be best to focus on repairs and renovations that will generate the most substantial ROI.

• Hire a contractor. Even avid do-it-your

selfers can sometimes benefit from a contractor’s expertise, particularly for complex tasks. Don’t waste money by trying tough jobs yourself; rely on an experienced contractor who can get supplies for less money and will do the job right the first time. Compare bids from several different contractors and figure out the best value.

• Refurbish existing features. Rather than a complete gut and rebuild, figure out where you can revitalize existing fixtures and more. For example, refinishing existing cabinets can save you up to 50 percent compared with the cost of new cabinetry, according to Angi (formerly Angie’s List), a cost comparison and business review resource.

• Choose midgrade materials. Certain ma terials may be all the rage but they come with a higher price tag. Angi reports that granite counters could be $60 to $100 per square foot. However, a composite or laminate that looks like granite and wears well may be $10 to 40 per square foot. Figure out where you can choose middle-of-the-road materials for

maximum value.

• Avoid peak seasons. You’ll pay more to install a deck or a pool right before the outdoor entertaining season. There also may be a premium to get work done right before a major holiday. Therefore, consult the calendar to find an off time for a renovation and book it then to save.

• Do some prep work. You might be able to save by doing some of the demolition and preparatory work yourself. For example, you can tear up old carpeting before the installa tion of new tile floors. Perhaps you can mend and patch up walls before a paint job.

• Buy a display item. Former showroom kitchens and baths often are sourced at a fraction of their recommended retail prices, according to Real Homes, a home remodel guide based in the United Kingdom. Retailers often update their displays and you may score existing showroom items at a discount.

Renovations can be expensive, but there are many different ways to cut costs.

Scare up a haunted house at home

Everyone deserves a good scare come Halloween. Some people sit down to horror movie marathons, while others page through thrilling books from famed horror writers such as Stephen King and Dean Koontz. However, hands-on scares can be just as effective, which probably accounts for the popularity of haunted hay rides and haunted corn mazes.

Homeowners looking to provide their own share of scares to friends and family — or to create a scream-worthy tableau for the visiting public to enjoy — can consider some of these haunted house ideas.

Create a spooky ambiance

The fear of the unknown can be a powerful force. In many horror scenes, suspense is built by what audiences cannot see. Borrow this idea when creating the mood for your haunted house. Dim lighting by way of red or black outside bulbs will help increase the shadows and camouflage any decorations that may not be completely realistic in the light of day. In addition to lighting, create a playlist of creepy sounds. Consider how effective those

grandfather clock bell tolls were at evoking fear in season four of “Stranger Things.” Pick your spooky sounds, whether it’s animals or something more supernatural.

Narrow down a theme

Decide which type of scenes you’ll want to depict and maintain continuity throughout. Graveyards, monstrous realms, insane asylum, or evil fairy tale creatures can serve as inspiration for a theme. Once a theme has been chosen, you can build props, decorations, lighting, and other effects around it.

Enlist some live-action help

Gather a bunch of volunteers who can be on hand to staff your haunted house, particularly if you’re opening up your property to the neighborhood for a night or two, or if you’re hosting a party. Each volunteer should be dressed and acting according to the theme. A mix of stationary decorations with creepy people moving about can really set a haunted house apart.

Create ‘bloody’ candles

Purchase white pillar candles and get one long, red candle as well. Over a protected sur-

face, melt the red candle and drizzle “blood” trickles over the white candles from the tops and down the sides. These candles can be placed around your haunted house.

Spooky silhouettes

Back-lit silhouettes made of cardboard or another thick paper can cause haunted house visitors to take a second look. Prop them up in windows or place them at the end of dark hallways to create the feeling that someone is watching. You’ll be sure to get pulses rising.

Gather old dolls

Dolls can be creepy characters, and older dolls may appear even more haunted and spooky. Set up an old baby bassinet with a bunch of worn dolls found at various antique stores or garage sales. Work them into your theme or let them be scary all on their own.

Once your haunted house is complete, set up a clearly marked path so visitors know where to walk. Create different scenes along the path to have a scare around every corner. The haunted house will receive rave reviews in no time.

Airport

17850 Caberface Hwy Wellston

3 beds

baths

River St Manistee

Lot A Alice Lake Dr Irons

This 1.26 ac lot overlooks quiet 16ac Alice Lake. There are few owners on this lake which ensure it is a quiet place to enjoy the water Rolling hills through the parcel make it the ideal spot to build your dream home with a walk out base ment down to your future dock to watch the wildlife or cast your pole. This lot is on Alice lake, close to Loon lake and the dozens of other small lovable lakes in the area. Alice Lake is a private no wake lake and offers wonderful fishing.

Potter Rd Bear Lake

15016 Peters Farm Rd Irons

This is one of the biggest lots in Norman township,

for your hunting get away or constructing your dream home. Two parcels=236 acres of lush wooded land with numerous cleared spots for building or farm ing, accessed by easement from Peters farm road with a nice clear driveway back to your gated oasis. Berry bushes galore with an abundance of wildlife ensure you will have plenty to watch as you sip your morning coffee from the cozy rustic cabin in place. There are several deer blinds and planted food plots for the upcoming season. Build, hunt, or develop this gem in the heart of the areas most loved trails and the worlds best salmon and steelhead fishing- not to mention

of acres of national forest!

ac zoned

zoned

Signs of electrical problems in a home

is overburdened, most likely by large appliances sharing the circuit with the lights. If dimming and flickering lights are a problem, homeowners can speak to an electrician about moving the fixtures to another circuit or installing a new line specifically for major appliances.

• Odors: Odor emanating from an outlet, fuse box or breaker panel should be reported to an electrician immediately. The odor, which some homeowners indicate smells like fish, could be a result of an overheated circuit. Odor coming from an outlet, fuse box or breaker panel could indicate a significant electrical issue, so homeowners should not hesitate to report this problem to an electrician. Odors can sometimes travel through HVAC systems as well, so homeowners should take note and call an electrician even if their outlets do not smell.

• Hot outlets/switch plates: Outlets and/or switch plates that are hot to the touch are another indicator of an electrical issue. UL notes that outlets that become hot even when nothing is plugged into them could be wired incorrectly. In such instances, an electrician will need to fix the issue, and in the meantime it may be best for homeowners to flip the breaker or remove the fuse for the outlet.

Homeowners know that all sorts of issues can affect a home. Issues can run the gamut from the merely annoying to the unsafe. Electrical issues fall into the latter category, posing a significant safety hazard if left unchecked.

According to the home safety experts at UL (formerly known as Underwriters Laboratories), learning to recognize warning signs of electrical wiring issues can greatly lower the risk of house fires. House fires pose a significant threat, as the Electrical Safety Foundation International notes that electrical

malfunctions cause more than 50,000 house fires each year. UL indicates that the majority of those house fires can be prevented, and learning to recognize signs of a electrical problems in a home is a key component of home fire prevention.

• Dimming or flickering lights: The UL notes that light fixtures do not typically draw a substantial amount of power, so dimming or flickering lights is not often indicative of an issue with a fixture. Dimming or flickering lights could indicate that the circuit the lights are on

• Frequently blown fuses or tripped breakers: According to UL, circuit breakers and fuses have a built-in fail-safe that is designed to prevent overloading. Sometimes a tripped breaker is a result of an aging appliance. One way to detect that is to plug in the product to more than one outlet in the house. If each breaker trips, then the appliance is likely to blame. However, if using the same outlet continues to trip the breaker regardless of what’s plugged into it, then the circuit requires the attention of an electrician.

Electrical issues increase the risk for home fires. Fortunately, such issues are generally preventable and often easily remedied by a qualified electrician.

Grandma’s Favorite Comfort Foods

BLUEBERRY COBBLER

2-1/4 cups of fresh blueberries

2 tsps. lemon juice

1/3 cup sugar

1Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

mix

1/2

Preheat oven to temperature 400oF. Combine blueberries, lemon juice and 1/4 cup sugar in a baking dish. Sprinkle on butter pieces. Place dish in oven to heat for 5 minutes while preparing topping. Combine next 2 ingredients in a bowl and mix until a soft dough forms. Spoon dough in rounded tablespoons onto blueberries, spacing them about 1/2” apart. Sprinkle with remaining sugar and bake 13-18 minutes or until topping is golden brown.

Manistee News Advocate

Recorded Sales for the Month of: August 2022

4570 MARY ST

$3,500

RICE RD $5,000

18915 W BIGGIE RD $10,000

12832 W SAARI RD $10,000

V/L LAVERNE RD $12,000

V/L WINDING CREEK DR $13,500

JOUPPI RD $15,000

THIRTEEN MILE RD $15,000

V/L ELLIOT DR $16,000

4969 HIGH BRIDGH RD $18,400

FOX FARM RD $20,000

17050 STATE ST $20,000

RENAISSANCE DR $21,000

1205 T WENT Y-SIX ST $21,000

19136 MARK ST $23,500

13374 CEDAR CREEK RD $25,000

8368 PORTAGE POINTE DR $28,000

2507 NELSON RD $29,000

14206 POT TER RD $29,500

V/L PUUSTINEN RD $30,000

22195 HULLS RD $30,000

V/L SWITALSKI RD $32,000

17880 OLD HOUSE RD $32,481

56 MARINA DR $34,000

58 MARINA DR $35,000

6499 THREE PINES RD $37,600

WINDING CREEK DR $39,000

11201 MARILLA RD $39,900

12273 LYNN ST $44,000

V/L KERRY RD $45,000

11 FILER ST $45,500

538 T WELFTH ST $50,000

CHURCHILL RD $55,000

2603 US-31 S $60,000

16928 TOMASEK RD $62,600

STEINBERG RD $63,000

4692 SWIHART RD $65,000

9286 Nor thwood Hw y $65,000

V/L BOSSCHEM RD $65,000

14214 CHIEF RD $65,000

MARILLA RD $65,000

1022 ENGELMAN ST $69,830

V/L ZIEHM RD $70,000

12826 HEALY LAKE RD $70,000

9126 AURA ST $70,000

10825 NINE MILE RD $72,500

2306 MANISTEE ST $72,930

3420 OAK ST $74,500

12297 MILKS RD $75,000

V/L MARILLA RD $79,900

2368 MAIN ST $80,000

3601 PINE CREEK RD $80,000

V/L JOUPPI RD $82,500

516 DAVIS ST $83,000

218 RIVER ST $84,000

374 THIRD ST $85,000

V/L NIEMI RD $89,900

16262 CABERFAE HWY $90,000 610 HOPKIS ST $90,500

5325 ARCHER RD $92,000

17019 PINE LAKE RD $95,000

513 FIRST ST $98,190

262 FOURTH ST $99,000 16899 SIXTH ST $100,000

1764 PARKDALE AVE $100,000

4570 GREGORY ST $101,000

435 THIRD ST $102,000

7488 PINE CREEK RD $102,900 17055 BUT WELL RD $103,000 318 THIRD ST $105,000 11 BRIDGE AVE $107,000 5833 OUTBACK RIDGE $110,000 V/L DZUIBANEK RD $110,000 8931 AURA ST $110,000 814 ENGLEMAN ST $116,000 19566 HOXEY VILLE RD $120,000 524 DAVIS ST $130,000 15030 9 MILE RD $130,000 712 ENGELMAN ST $131,000 V/L VALENCOURT RD $135,000 V/L MARILLA RD $135,000 11160 BELLEFLEUUR DR $139,000 17380 HANNA ST $139,000 V/L WILDWOOD TRL $150,000 9069 WALTA ST $150,000 505 PINE $152,100 5357 NELSON RD $152,500 12089 WISE ST $155,000 20591 FAYLOR RD $155,000 9087 TAVI ST $155,000 305 SECOND AVE $162,000 1056 PARKDALE AVE $168,000 1506 VINE ST $169,000 1304 MANISTEE ST $170,000 V/L WINDING CREEK DR $171,000 159 QUINCY ST $173,000

Manistee News Advocate

Sales for the

V/L CHIEF $175,000

14757 PINE LAKE RD $175,000

8967 CHIEF RD $176,600

12228 GRIFFITH RD $179,900

V/L MAXEY RD $180,000

131 WARFIELD RD $182,500

17594 PLEASANTON HWY $185,000

271 THIRD ST $185,000

101 SIBBEN ST $189,000

9090 NOR THWOOD HWY $189,000

V/L BEECH TRL KNOLLS $189,900

3099 S MAPLE RD $195,000

SIMPSON RD $200,000

152 QUINCY ST $208,800

8329 FIRST AVE $210,000

15560 BIG FOUR RD $215,000

615 MAPLE ST $215,000

7235 LYMAN RD $225,000

6587 S SHORE DR $239,000

August 2022

23414 RICE RD $239,900

10025 WIITALA RD $250,000

275 HUGHES ST $251,000

20366 POLE RD $259,900

8260 LEECREST BLVD $270,000

7 E PINEY RD $289,000

1581 ARBOR LN $290,000

232 LIGHTHOUSE WAY $350,000

3623 RAKONIE WSKI RD $360,000

9052 LYMAN RD $365,000

2750 SCHOEDEL RD $370,000

486 N SKOCELAS RD $385,000

293 LAKESHORE DR $387,500

14261 NINE MILE RD $465,000

11475 NURNBERGER RD $520,000

3162 CRESCENT BEACH RD $750,000

4670 LAKESHORE RD $780,000

1560 US 31 S $1,000,000

How to spot mold in your home

Homes are safe havens and relaxing spaces for their residents. No one wants to imag ine the place they call home putting their health in jeopardy, but that’s precisely the case for people who live in homes where mold is present.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency notes that molds are not usually a problem indoors. However, when they are, molds produce allergens, irritants and potentially toxic substances. Molds can become problematic when spores land on wet or damp surfaces and begin growing. If inhaled, those spores can cause allergic reactions in people with asthma who have mold allergies. Even people without such allergies may suffer from irritated eyes, skin, nose, throat, or lungs due to exposure to mold. Mold also can affect the home itself, as the EPA notes that mold gradually destroys the things it grows on, potentially leading to costly remediation and renovation expenses.

Mold is sometimes visible in parts of a home. For

example, mold problems in a bathroom may be recognizable when tiny black spots are present on surfaces that frequently get wet. Those areas may gradually expand from small spots and cover larger areas, such as windowsills and areas around the bathtub. Other signs indicating the presence of mold may be less recognizable though potentially just as harmful. That’s one reason why it makes sense for everyone to learn how to spot mold in a home.

• Learn what mold looks like. Not all molds are black. Some are white and look like thread, but they also can have a gray-brown or gray-green tint. When peeling old wallpaper, some people may notice orange, pink or purple growth on the newly exposed walls, and that’s likely mold.

• Identify problems with paint. If paint is peel ing, bubbling or cracking, it’s likely indicative of a mold issue. In such instances, contact a mold remediation specialist rather than simply

painting over the affected areas with a fresh coat of paint.

• Conduct a smell test. Most molds will emit a damp, musty odor. However, a lack of this distinct and unpleasant smell should not lead individuals to conclude they don’t have a mold issue, as some molds do not produce an odor. In addition, the EPA notes that the smell of indoor molds can differ depending on the type of mold present in the home. Homeowners who have experienced mold issues in the past should not ignore a foul odor simply because it smells different from a previous infestation. Contact a mold remediation professional if you suspect an unpleasant smell could be a byproduct of mold.

Mold can be harmful to homes and humans. Any one who suspects their home has a mold problem is urged to contact a remediation specialist as soon as possible.

Poisonous plants to avoid around the house

Homeowners must consider various factors when choosing plants to display in and around their homes. That’s because, despite their beauty, various plants are toxic to humans and animals.

Avoiding potentially poisonous plants can prevent injuries and even deaths. Here’s a list of some plants homeowners may want to avoid.

• Rhododendron: Rhododendrons produce flower clusters that bloom in the spring. They also produce thick, glossy leaves that thrive in the fall and winter in many areas. If any part of the plant is swallowed it can cause vomiting and potentially slow the pulse.

• Lily-of-the-valley: This popular plant grows close to the ground, blooming bell-shaped, sweet-smelling flowers. If large doses of the toxin in this plant are ingested, it can gradually slow the heart down and potentially prove fatal.

• Dumb cane: The houseplant dieffenbachia, commonly known as Dumb cane, adds tropical appeal indoors. The sap of the plant causes the tongue to burn and

swell, enough to block off air to the throat. It can be fatal if ingested by both pets and humans.

• English ivy: This go-to draping vine looks lovely cascading down from planters or shelving. While its toxins need to be ingested in large amounts to cause problems, English ivy can cause skin irritation, rash and fever, particularly after eating the berries.

• Bittersweet nightshade: Bittersweet nightshade grows as a weed on some properties. It’s particularly problematic for those who have pets or young kids because of the brightly colored berries it produces. The highest level of toxicity comes from these berries.

• Foxglove: According to The Spruce: Decor, foxgloves are among the most toxic specimens commonly grown on landscapes. They are widely coveted for their pink, purple and white bell-shaped flowers that grow in tall spires. They’re also deer- and rabbit-resistant, making them especially popular. However, foxgloves contain po-

tent cardiac glycosides that can be lethal in high doses.

• Philodendron: Philodendron are easy to care for and hearty. While not fatal, a bite of philodendron can irritate the skin and cause nausea and swelling of the mouth, throat and tongue. Similar effects occur with Pothos, anorther common and hearty houseplant.

• Yew shrubs: The needlelike leaves of this shrub are toxic to humans and animals, as are the fleshy, bright red berries that grow toxic seeds. Kids may be tempted to pick and consume these bright berries.

• Palms: Several different palm trees are poisonous to people and pets. Palms are an overlooked source of poisoning tragedies in warmer climates. Formosa palm, Sago palm, Queen Sago, and Cardboard palm are some of the varieties that can cause issues if ingested or allergic skin reactions if touched.

When planning a landscape, work with a skilled garden expert to choose plants that will not be hazardous to family and pets.

How everyone can pitch in to protect water supplies

Water is easily taken for granted, especially in areas of the world where access to clean water is as simple as turning on a faucet. However, the World Health Organization reports that nearly 800 million people across the globe lack a basic water-drinking service.

Access is not the only way water can be taken for granted. Clean water also is a given in many parts of the world, even though keeping water clean requires constant effort. Individuals can do their part to maintain safe local water supplies by heeding these tips.

• Choose water-friendly cleaning products. Consumers’ choice of cleaning products have an effect on water supplies. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, some household cleaners contain hazardous or toxic substances that can contaminate ground or surface waters. Common sense suggests all-natural cleaning products would not contain toxic substances, but packaging can be misleading. For example, various products are purported to be “eco-friendly” or “green,” but that

doesn’t mean they are. “Greenwashing” is a practice employed by manufacturers that’s designed to give consumers the impression a product is non-toxic and eco-friendly, even though that’s not necessarily the case. So what can consumers do? Look for products with third party certifications from organizations like the EPA and Green Seal. Products with these third party certification labels indicate they’ve been vetted and approved by independent organizations.

• Avoid flushing expired medications down the toilet. Few people give a second thought to flushing unused medications down the toilet. However, various organizations urge individuals to contact their local governments about drug take-back events. The EPA notes that one of the risks associated with flushing old medicines down the toilet is that they can ultimately end up in streams and rivers when disposed of in this fashion. That contaminates local water supplies and poses a threat to local wildlife.

• Pick up after pets (and local wildlife, if

necessary). No one wants a yard full of pet waste, but the threat of animal feces is more serious than some people may realize. Pet feces and excrement from local wildlife should be picked up immediately or, in the case of wild animals, the moment homeowners notice it. That’s because pet waste is a contaminant that can carry bacteria into storm drains and adversely affect local water supplies.

• Plant native species. Water scarcity may not affect developed nations on a daily basis, but it’s not as foreign an issue as people may think. During periods of drought, which have increased significantly in many areas over the last 20 years, water restrictions can affect the health of plants around a property. Native species are adapted to withstand local weather, including periods of drought if that’s common to a given area. That means they won’t need as much water when conditions become dry.

Though it’s easy to take water for granted, it’s even easier to take steps to protect and conserve local water supplies.