AUGUST 2019
Real Estate Guide to Pontotoc County & the surrounding area
FEATURING (Page 8)
NAPA - Service Supply
We work here, Live here, Play here.
We are your neighbors!
PROPERTIES Selecting the right real estate professional to work for you is the most important step in the process.
PONTOTOC RIDGE REALTY, INC. EACH MOSSY OAK PROPERTIES OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED.
BROKER: SUSIE CHAPMAN 419-3265
BROKER: PATTI STARK 296-5301
BROKER: MARILYN SAPPINGTON 488-5477
ASSOC.: ALISHA GALLOWAY 509-2677
BROKER: DAVID ANDERSON 419-5318
BROKER: CAYCE CONTI 396-1967
ASSOC.: LENA CHEWE 297-4079
49 S. Main St., Pontotoc, MS • 662-489-2848 • www.pontotocridgerealty.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 5 5 5 6 8 14 15 15 15 16 18 20 21 22 24 28
Patty Turk Properties, LLC Napa -Service Supply Pickens Pest Control Distinctive Design Crye-Leike Realtors, Beth Walker Napa’s Steve Russell Storage & Display opportunities First Choice Insurance Matthews Real Estate Washington Holcomb Tractor Company Mossy Oak Properties Caring for kitchen countertops Southern Hills Realty & Appraisal, Inc. Hamilton Mortgage Expand living spaces with clever ideas Dennis Cox, Tommy Morgan, Inc. First Choice Bank
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Advertising Consultant: Angie Quarles • Designer: Chelsea Williams Pontotoc Progress • 13 Jefferson Street • P.O. Box 210 • Pontotoc, MS 38863 • 662-489-3511
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Napa’s Steve Russell has provided parts and expertise for 37 years
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Story & Photos by GALEN HOLLEY
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hillip Brown had places to go and work to do, so he’d just as soon not mess around. “Ninety percent of the time, Steve’s got what you need,” Brown said, as he paid for the 18-wheeler battery. “This is about the only place I buy anything, when it comes to parts.” A busted fuel line on a Caterpillar boom-truck was delaying Robert Dillard’s work, but it wouldn’t for much longer. “He’s got it. He’ll fix you up,” Dillard said, smiling, as Steve Russell explained how to crimp and install the new line. On a Tuesday morning, men in overalls and work boots sat on stools along the counter at NAPA Auto Parts Service Supply, like teenagers at a 1950’s soda fountain. They murmured about ole so-and-so, and the rain. Occasionally a burst of laughter erupted with a loud, “Ain’t that the truth!”
Steve Russell takes a customer’s call.
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Alvin Griffin, left, and Tim Long have a casual conversation while waiting to see Steve at NAPA.
Bobby Prewitt works on a leaf-blower.
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James White works on a lawnmower.
One-by-one the men conferred with Steve, then left with a greasy, broken car or tractor part in one hand, and a new one, in a box, in the other. “I’ve been working on things all my life,” said Steve, 68, who opened the business in 1982. His first location was downtown, a supply house he bought from Kenneth Hatcher. The roots of the business go back to Alvis Gooch’s service station, which he turned into a NAPA auto parts store in 1944. Steve relocated to Hwy. 15 in 1987, and his store is packed floor-to-ceiling with the flotsam-and-jetsam of the mechanic’s trade. Most of the items, like Johnny Cash said, could “fit in my lunchbox, like nuts and bolts all four shocks,” and the backroom holds enough parts to assemble, piece-by-piece, that long, black beauty of a car the country crooner dreamed of. Behind the shelves of sprockets and gears, Bobby Prewitt, as he’s done for 40 years, works on weed-eaters, chainsaws, and the like.
“It’s gotten to where ethanol gas is ruining the carburetors in small engines,” said Prewitt, as he tinkered with a leaf-blower. He wiped his hands with a rag. “There’s just something about hearing an engine crank-up and run right, when you’ve fixed it,” Prewitt said. “It’s satisfying. I love it.” Service manager James White had a zero-turn-radius mower up on a lift, fixing the deck. “We replace a lot of blades and belts and common things--we can fix most problems,” said White, as he jostled his coworker and laughed. “This is a great environment, meeting people and just being part of the community,” he said. Steve is an ASE certified parts specialist, meaning he has received extensive training and met the standards of the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence. Over the decades, he’s kept sharp and current by taking classes in everything from paint and body work to electronics, but his encyclopedic knowledge of engines has its roots in farming.
“I’d lay out on the dirt ground mechanicing half the night, I loved it so much,” said Steve, who grew up farming cotton and corn alongside his daddy, Clifford, who he said taught him much of what he knows. “Things have changed,” said Steve. “You spend half the day taking things off just to get to the motor on a lot of equipment, and it takes the fun out of it.” People come to Steve’s store like the tepee of the village medicine man. “I’d preach ole Steve into heaven,” said Alvin Griffin, a long-time maintenance man, who sat talking with Tim Long, who brought in a chainsaw. “Steve is such a good fella, so generous, I don’t know if it’s helped him or hurt him more in business,” Griffin said, with a wry smile. Long has been doing business with Steve since the 70s. “He’s set up not just for your Sunday mechanics, but for professionals to get what they need quick,” said Long. John McCharen kept his 69 Ford
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Lynn Dillard searches for a part.
“I want to be honest with my customers, and most of all, I want to be here to help my friends and neighbors when they need me…” Steve Russell
Owner of Napa Auto Parts-Service Supply running with parts from Steve’s store, but on this morning, he was thinking less about alternators and water-pumps than peas and okra. “I need a good tiller,” McCharen told Steve, when his turn in the line of stools came. McCharen described the light gardening he planned to do, and Steve said he had just the thing. “I’ll take your word for it,” McCharen said. “You know what you’re talking about.”
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They’d gas it up, check it out, and load it, Steve said. “My employees are so important to the success of this business,” Steve said. “Peggy Rose is our secretary and bookkeeper, my son, Luke, is an MST small engine technician, Lynn Dillard is a small engine and auto parts specialist, and my wife, Sherry, helps keep the books and take care of our three—soon to be four— grandchildren.” “I’ve always tried to run a Christian
business,” Steve said. “I want to be honest with my customers, and most of all, I want to be here to help my friends and neighbors when they need me. I’m not going to sell somebody something they don’t’ need. We value quality over price. We want to give folks something they’ll be pleased with for a long time. It’s a good life.” NAPA Auto Parts Service-Supply is open 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Mon-Fri., 7-5 Sat., closed Sunday.
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Storage & Display OPPORTUNITIES
F
inding more space to store and display all the “stuff” used for day-to-day living, as well as life’s pleasures, can be an adventure that ends with everything in its perfect place. Woodcraft can help you with a few ideas to kick-start your space hunt and then suggestions for tools and supplies to make your storage projects successful. Small tables with enclosed storage underneath, chests and trunks that provide seating, benches with built-in storage, beds with built-in space underneath or in the headboard, and kitchen islands with concealed nooks are all options to manage “stuff.”
In the kitchen, add drawers to the space (toe-kick) beneath lower cabinets to store rarely used items. Shelving and bookcases, either builtin or freestanding/open or enclosed, will transform unused wall areas or sections of large closets into instant storage for a wide range of items. Nooks cut out of the wall and covered by pictures offer one of many concealed storage options that also include nooks or drawers in the sides of enclosed staircases. The ideas for storage and display projects are endless and can be found through Internet searches and on Woodcraft.com in books like “Stanley Built-Ins & Storage” by David Schiff, in the Woodcraft blog, and in free videos and articles.
PLAN FOR PAINTING UP FRONT
machine features a 1 HP, single-stage, two-cylinder motor/pump and a stainless steel reed valve that runs on low RPM for optimum quiet operation. Building drawers is easy with the Kreg Drawer Slide Jig that supports drawer boxes while mounting slides to the drawer. The jig works with ball-bearing, epoxy-coated, and undermount slides for perfect positioning every time. Whether you’re boring shelf pin holes in a new entertainment center or adding adjustable shelving in an existing cabinet, the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig will help you get the job done quickly and accurately. The Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig makes it easy to install knobs and pulls on drawers and doors.
“When choosing where to develop storage and display space, you have the opportunity to rethink the colors in rooms where changes will be made,” Woodcraft Public Relations Manager and blogger Lori Harper said. “By using paint in building, buying or repurposing storage pieces, you can change or supplement an existing color palette.” Woodcraft stocks a wide selection of finishing and paint products, including the versatile General Finishes Milk Paint, General Finishes Flat Out Flat Topcoat, Black Dog Salvage Furniture Paint, and Black Dog Salvage Guard Dog and Show Dog Topcoats.
BUILDING MADE EASY
Pocket-hole joinery is a quick, easy way to join wood pieces for building projects. Kreg makes it simple with a pocket-hole jig for every application to create very strong joints. Check out Festool’s CXS Compact Drill Driver Set for drilling pocket holes and adding pocket screws, as well as handling other day-to-day drilling and driving challenges with comfort. Tight spaces, dark spots, and corners are no match for it. For projects that require using nearly invisible fasteners, the industrial strength Grex 23-gauge Headless Pinner leaves only the tiniest of entry holes, making it ideally suited for finishing work, detailed woodworking, light wood assembly, decorative trim, dowel and joint pinning, and picture frame assembly. To provide air pressure for the pinner, Rolair’s JC10PLUS Compressor is a good choice. The oilless
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SHORTCUTS & SAFETY
To save time when building drawers, check out the Ready-to-Use Prefinished Birch Drawer Sides at Woodcraft. For some really made-to-order storage units, use WoodRiver Cubby Cube Connectors. Available in three configurations — cross-brackets, T-brackets or L-brackets —these handy connectors allow for quick and easy construction of multiple cube storage using 3/4”-thick material in any size you need. Protect your ears while using power tools with ISOtunes Professional Noise Isolating Earbuds — OSHA-approved hearing protection and Bluetooth technology so you can connect to a smartphone and listen to music. If protection is all you need, consider the Pyramex BP 3000 Banded Earplugs.
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CARING FOR
Kitchen Countertops K
itchen remodels are a popular home improvement project that help homeowners recoup large percentages of their initial investments at resale. A kitchen remodel can invigorate a home and make the most popular room in the house more functional. According to HomeAdvisor, a home-improvement informational guide, homeowners spend an average of $22,000 on kitchen remodels. How-
QUARTZ
Engineered quartz countertops are popular. Quartz countertops are nearly maintenance-free and resistant to stains, scratches and even heat. Quartz will not need to be sealed like natural stone and can be cleaned using just a damp cloth with a mild, nonabrasive soap.
GRANITE
Polished or honed granite countertops offer a high-end look that adds instant value to a kitchen. Natural variations in granite give each kitchen a custom look. To keep granite countertops clean, avoid abrasive cleansers that can scratch, and opt for warm, soapy water instead. Stains are possible, but can be remedied with a baking soda paste left to sit for a couple of hours, advises Angie’s List. Wipe up oils, acids and soda promptly to avoid stains, and follow advised sealing routines.
MARBLE
Marble is a natural stone that is porous and will need to be resealed periodically. Because marble has high levels of the mineral calcite, it can be reactive when acids come in contact with it, and etch marks may appear. Promptly wipe away tomato juice, lemon
ever, lavish projects can cost more than $50,000. Protecting such investments is important and requires that homeowners understand how to properly maintain kitchen features so they have the longest life possible. This includes the new countertops that make the kitchen look complete. Countertops come in various materials, not all of which should be treated the same way. Quartz, granite, marble, laminate, and tile countertops require different types of maintenance. juice, perfume, or toothpaste. Marble is softer than granite and will wear at a faster rate. Avoid scratching and exercise caution when using knives or sharp objects around marble.
LAMINATE
One of the more budget-friendly materials, laminate countertops can be fabricated to mimic the look of natural stone, wood or even quartz. Laminate is less resistant to damage than other materials and will need a gentle touch. FormicaÂŽ says to never use abrasive cleansers, scouring pads or steel wool when cleaning laminate countertops. For tough stains, an all-purpose cleaner should suffice when applied with a nylon-bristled brush. Test any cleanser in a discreet area first.
TILE
Cleaning tile countertops requires getting into crevices along the grout lines. A toothbrush and a mildew-fighting cleaner or bleach diluted with water is advised. Also, unglazed tiles need to be sealed yearly. Some soap may leave residue, which can be removed with a solution of vinegar and water. Check with the manufacturer or installer of the countertops to learn more about the ways to clean and maintain new counters.
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EXPAND
Living Spaces WITH CLEVER IDEAS REVAMP A GARAGE OR SHED
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omeowners looking to add more space to their homes do not necessarily need to make major renovations. They simply have to see the possibilities in outdoor living spaces. Outdoor living spaces are coveted niches in a home. The American Home Furnishings Alliance says more than 70 percent of American households have outdoor living spaces, and nearly 70 percent of people use these spaces at least once per week in-season. Furthermore, homeowners are increasingly interested in enhancing these spaces to make them more usable and comfortable. A recent survey from the online home design and remodeling resource Houzz found that more than 4,500 users were planning a landscape update. In addition, 56 percent of homeowners surveyed were making updates to improve their yards for entertaining. While the creation of outdoor living spaces can cost thousands of dollars depending on the renovation, homeowners have more budget-friendly options at their disposal as well. The following are some ways to create inviting spaces no matter how much square-footage is present.
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Rather than turning a storage area into a catch-all for items time forgot, clean out the space and put it to better use. For instance, kids may appreciate their own clubhouse away from the main living area. These spaces also can be handy bonus rooms for when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate and backyard guests need to seek shelter. Wall art, curtains, a pendant light, and some comfortable outdoor-compatible furniture can quickly transform a space.
CREATE A RELAXING NOOK
Whether there’s a ledge, overhang, small terrace, or porch off the house, turn it into a relaxing area for reading a book or sipping a beverage. Use a few outdoor pillows, pull up a small folding table and dress the area with hanging lights and potted plants for a quiet retreat.
ADD PRIVACY TO A PORCH
If it’s privacy you covet, install curtain rods and hang lightweight mesh or another translucent material that obscures neighbors’ views without blocking out natural light. Invest in outdoor sofas and chaises to create an outdoor living room right on the porch. If your budget allows, consider closing in the porch as a true three-season room so it can be used throughout fall, spring and summer. Outdoor living spaces are booming and highly achieveable, and many such spaces need not be expensive.
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