Spring Home Improvement 2013

HOME

spring improvement MARCH 2013

inside:

n Lawn care ideas n Picking a fence n Fire up the ambience

Page 2

Spring Home Improvement • March 2013

Fenced in?

Know your options

By CRAIG HAUPERT craig.haupert@leaderpub.com

PREMIUM

BARNS & SHEDS STANDARD GAMBREL

LOFTED CASITA

No Credit Check

PORTABLE GARAGE

Rent To FREE Delivery Own & Setup $ nth o m / 5 5 s a w lo s a ts en m ay P

Our quality portable barns, sheds and garages are constructed with the highest quality wood or aluminum hardware and building materials for a beautiful, weatherproof structure guaranteed to stand the test of time.

36 months deposit, 1st payment & taxes required

See Paul HargreaveS aT

DON WEBBER MOTORS

Whether you are looking to corral a family pet or just looking for a little more privacy in the backyard, there are many reasons to invest in installing a fence.

Once you’ve made that decision, how do you go about choosing the best option, while staying within your budget?

Rich Kujawa, owner of Custom Fencing in Niles, has some answers.

AT

New Kommander Zero Turn ...

Starting at $4,499

23-27hp Kohler & Briggs Engines 48" & 54" Fabricated Mower Decks Hands Free Deck Lift

BX Series ... Starting at $9,750 18-26hp Kubota Diesel Engines 4wd Hydrostat Transmissions Cat 1 Three Point Hitch Save $500 w/ two Implements at time of Purchase

RTV's ... Starting at $7,995 16-25hp Gas & Diesel Engines 4WD CVT & Hyrostat Transmissions Hydrostat Dump on Select Models

0% up to 60 months or huge Cash rebates

L Series ... Starting at $11,830 32-60hp Kubota Diesel Engines 2wd or 4wd Gear Drive or Hydrostat Transmissions Factory Cabs Aval.

Save $500 on Tractor Loader combo on

MX5100 ... Starting at $15,575 50hp Kubota Diesel Engine 2wd or 4wd Gear or Hydrostat Transmission Cat 1 & 2 Three Point Hitch

269-591-0586 • 2401 S. 11TH Street, Niles, MI

www.donwebbermotors.com

NILES • 269-683-7272 • 1218 S. 11th Street (across from McDonald’s) BARODA • 269-422-1753 • 1/4 mile N. of Baroda on Stevensville/Baroda Rd.

Spring Home Improvement • March 2013

Chainlink A chainlink fence, he said, is generally going to cost less than other options, such as wood, vinyl or ornamental aluminum or steel fencing.

Chainlink fencing is also durable and easy to repair if a section begins to rust, he said.

“Going that route is really a win-win because you will save money, and it will last forever,” Kujawa said.

Although it is some of the least expensive fencing, it does not offer much privacy. But if you are looking at fencing simply as a barrier, chainlink could be the way to go.

Wood

A wooden fence is another inexpensive fencing material. Pickets can be purchased in various heights — taller for privacy — and can be used as garden border fencing or to mark property lines between homes.

It also comes in a variety of styles to fit individual tastes.

“They are beautiful, but they do require a little bit of maintenance,” Kujawa said.

He recommends power washing the wood every couple years and applying stain or paint to increase its lifespan. One downside, Kujawa said, is the wooden post will eventually rot and need to be replaced.

“In this area, you can get a good 15 years or more out of a wood post,” he said.

Vinyl Although vinyl fencing is one of the more expensive fencing materials at the outset, it does pay for itself rather quickly thanks to minimal maintenance. Unlike some other materials, quality vinyl will not rot, discolor or crack.

Kujawa said the vinyl his company installs comes with a lifetime warranty that is transferrable to future homeowners.

“You will save money in maintenance cost, and the warranty can be a selling point with the house,” he said. “Once it goes in, you really don’t have to do anything except spray it off if it gets dirty.”

Ornamental aluminum or steel This type of fencing has the appearance of old-school rod iron fencing at a much lower cost and comes in a variety of different styles, heights and colors.

Kujawa said the fencing he uses also comes with a lifetime warranty and powder coating designed to protect against chipping.

“It’s similar to a chain link in that it will last forever,” he said.

No matter what style you choose, Kujawa said it is important to purchase from a professional fencing company with a good reputation.

Page 3

A Custom Fence employee installs an 8-foot white vinyl solid privacy fence in Coloma last year.

Custom Fence installer, Aaron Foust, works on a 6-foot commercial ornamental aluminum fence in New Buffalo Township at the new water park last fall.

Page 4

Spring Home Improvement • March 2013

1

Shelton’s expands selection of foodproducing plants

By CRAIG HAUPERT craig.haupert @leaderpub.com

Trends in food: Grow your own

Jim Shelton, owner of Shelton’s Farm Market and Garden Center in Niles, said he believes more and more people are beginning to grow and consume their own food.

So what’s driving this trend?

Shelton said there are three things.

First, people have more time on their hands to grow their own food. Second, people are looking for ways to save money, and, third, more young people are interested in getting back to local, fresh, out-of-theirgarden produce.

“These young people aren’t driven necessarily by economics or anything else other than, ‘hey, I want to do this,’” he said.

To satisfy this growing demand for homegrown produce, Shelton’s Farm Market and Garden Center is expanding the number of food-producing plants it offers this spring.

Right now, Shelton said they’ve ordered 153 food-producing plants.

“I added all that I could think of to add,” he said. “It used to be, if I had raspberries, I may have one variety — now I have six or seven. If I had blueberries, I’d have two varieties — now I have 11.”

Shelton’s Farm Market and Garden Center has also broadened its base of apples to around 25 varieties, while offering several varieties of cherries, cabbage, grapes, pears, peppers, pecans, walnuts, squash, potatoes and plums.

Shelton expects it to be a hit.

“I have no question about it,” he said.

Shelton’s Farm Market is located at 1832 S. 11th St. in Niles. Call the store at (269) 6843230. Go online to sheltonfarms.com or on Facebook at facebook. com/SheltonFarms.

Page 5

Spring Home Improvement • March 2013

Lawn challenged?

Understanding the situation is key; solution may follow

By JOHN EBY john.eby@leaderpub.com

When Teri Frantz joined Dowagiac’s community garden, it signaled her surrender to shade and sandy soil at her home on Main Street.

“Another thing about the hard, sandy soil in town, I don’t know of any other town that has as many people who have kidney stones and gall stones as people here,” the semi-retired teacher said.

Many homeowners aim for a picture-perfect lawn with an expanse of soft, green grass.

Mother Nature may have other things in mind, providing homeowners with less-thanstellar growing conditions for lawns, plants and other foliage.

Frustration can mount when a yard is muddy, is especially shady or has soil that doesn’t seem to grow anything.

In such instances, homeowners may have to go the extra mile to get desired results.

Hallie Jessup, who has lived on Colby Street in Dowagiac since 1979 and a perenni-

Air Conditioning & Furnace

SALE!!!

Limited Time Offer. Call for your appointment today. Good on all furnace brands. Experienced Factory-trained Technicians

Special

Clip & Save

Call Now to Schedule a Furnace Clean & Saftey Check and Save!

79

$

Within limite service area d

• Install gauge and check operating pressure • Check voltage and amperage on all motors with meter • Check air temperature drop across evaporator • Check evaporator superheat • Lubricate all moving parts • Check belt and adjust tension • Check filters • Check all wiring and connections • Check and adjust thermostat • Check that condensation drain opens

Dowagiac H eating & Air Conditioning

A/C Check-Ups Begin In April.

EXPERIENCED, FACTORY TRAINED TECHNICIANS FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED • EMERGENCY SERVICE

55070 M-51 North • Dowagiac, MI

269-782-3810

FInanCInG avaILabLE

al placer in Town and Country Garden Club’s beautification contest, said her challenge isn’t dirt.

“My soil’s very good, no problem at all,” said Jessup, who has experimented with compost from the city site to manure from her son’s horses.

Jessup’s challenge was she had no back yard. The Casey family of Sandy Acres Farm and Feed Service built her home in 1964 and planted the big tree that shades her urban “hideaway.”

Jessup, who cooked at Round Oak Restaurant, extensively developed the front and side yards of her corner lot. She calls her fencedin patio her “garden room,” where she sips coffee while listening to birds and watching squirrels at her feeders.

Every yard has its challenges. Here are a few situations you may be working to overcome.

Irrigation issues

Improper drainage or low-lying areas in a yard may contribute to a muddy mess. Soil See LAWN, page 6

Page 6

LAWN

Continued from page 5 inhospitable for grass also may end up causing muddy patches because grass simply does not grow.

In some cases, remedying a muddy yard is easy and inexpensive. Some homeowners find tilling the soil and amending it with a fiber mulch helps to absorb extra water and make conditions better for lawn seeds to sprout.

Spring Home Improvement • March 2013 This also helps aerate compacted soil that can hinder grass growth. Adding soil fill also may help to level puddling in lowlying areas.

Some homeowners find they need to do a little more work and spend some more money to fix irrigation issues. Installing a draining system or having the property sloped to draw water away can sometimes be done by a homeowner, but is often best left to a professional.

You may need to dig trenches, and the property

may need to be regraded to make a difference.

Sandy soil Grass and other plants may not grow well with sandy or clay soil. Again, amending the soil is one remedy. Although it will take some work at the outset, amending the soil can improve conditions and reduce how much maintenance the lawn needs.

Digging down several inches and adding nutrientrich filler soil can help cre-

Spas • Pools • Equipment • A Full Service Company

ate conditions better for growing.

Those interested in planting vegetables could opt for raised garden beds above the challenging soil — thwarting critters which snack on tender plants.

Shade Sometimes a yard is problematic because of the amount of sunshine it receives.

Too much sunshine can scald certain grasses, while inadequate sunshine may

result in bare patches where grass won’t grow.

If cost is no object, removing or planting trees to establish better growing conditions could be an option.

However, today there are many grass blends tailored toward specific sunlight scenarios. Homeowners may find low-light blends will grow better in shady areas.

Lisa Thorne, who moved to Dowagiac from Kalamazoo and is active with the community garden, said her previous locations har-

bored the strangest soil she’d ever seen.

“It looked rich, but was like black dust. It didn’t hold water.”

She surmised it had been part of a celery flat and was depleted of essential minerals. She had a positive experience dealing with MSU Extension to have her soil extensively analyzed.

Some plants don’t mind sandy soil, such as tomatoes, said Thorne, who personally combines a small vegetable garden with flowers.

MR. MAINTENANCE

“No job too big or too small” STEVE DEMING - Owner

Specializing in summer fun since 1990 • Pool & Spa Chemicals • Holland & Big Green Egg Grills • Expert Service Technicians 160 N paw paw st. coloma , mi

1.800.779.0909

• Replacement pool liners, safety covers & spa covers • Motor and pump repair 620 Phillips St. South Haven MI

www.spaandpoolservices.com

Licensed and Insured 269.591.1403

(Answering Service 269.683.3516)

• New Construction • Remodeling • Concrete • Decks • Siding • Windows • Roofing • Sun Porch • Basement

15% Off With Signed Contract Offer Expires: May 31, 2013

Spring Home Improvement • March 2013

For those finding no luck with grass blends, it may be necessary to think creatively. Plant shade-loving plants, such as ferns or

ground cover, where grass won’t take.

Design the landscape so it looks intentional. Flagstone and slate placed in

certain areas may mask temperamental growing areas. There are different options for managing various situations in the yard that

Page 7

can make growing lawn or other plants challenging.

If projects prove too difficult, consult a professional.

Eco-conscious methods for tending a lawn Many homeowners are constantly on the lookout for ways to make their homes more environmentally friendly. Such a pursuit is both noble because it helps the environment and practical because it often saves money.

While there are many eco-friendly improvements homeowners make inside their homes, it’s important to note that there are several ways for men and women to be more environmentally conscious outside of their homes as well. Lawn care can be done in a way that’s conscious of the environment, and the results

can be just as appealing as if the lawn were tended to without regard for the planet. The following are just a few of the many ways homeowners can adopt more eco-friendly practices when tending to their lawns. n Be conscientious when watering. Overwatering a lawn is pretty common, especially during the dog days of summer, when homeowners try to overcompensate for hot days with excessive watering. The growth of moss on sidewalks or the driveway is a telltale sign that

more eco-friendly option than their gas-powered counterparts.

Along those same lines, leaf blowers are a far less friendly way to rake leaves in the fall or clean the yard after a long winter. While there’s no denying their effectiveness, leaf blowers

you’re watering too much, as is a standing pool of water on the grass. Homeowners who find it difficult to determine when their lawns have gotten enough See METHODS, page 8 water can purchase an intelligent irrigation control system that adapts your watering to a lawn’s needs as well as the weather. n Turn back the clock on your tools. Before gas mowers became the standard, man-powered push mowers were used to cut the grass. Such mowers still exist, and they require no fuel, making them a

START SAVING ENERGY & MONEY WITH REBATES THROUGH $400 REBATE

Bryant 987M

95% EFFICIENT NATURAL GAS FURNACE ECM BLOWERMOTOR

$100 REBATE

Control Your Thermostat with your Smart Phone!

Honeywell WiFi Thermostat

SET - BACK THERMOSTAT

$20

REBATE

AIR - SOURCE HEAT PUMP

$200 REBATE

*Select Models Bryant 215B or Above

Rebates As Easy As 1 - 2 - 3!

1. Determine Eligibility 2. Install Program Defined Measures 3. Complete & Submit Rebate Application

269-683-8549 CALL TODAY Additional Bryant Rebates Available up to $1,200

1445 S. 3rd St. • Niles, MI • www.robertsservice.com

Page 8

Spring Home Improvement • March 2013

METHODS Continued from page 7

MIDWEST ROOFING Family Owned Since 1984

Lifetime Warranty Shingles, Flat Roofs & Gutter Covers Call (269) 684-7199

need gas to operate, while a rake just requires some elbow grease and a little extra time out in the yard.

native to your region will require more maintenance and often more watering.

That added maintenance might prove to be a headache, and that excessive watering will not be beneficial to the environment.

Native plants, flowers and grasses have already adapted to your climate, and they can be provide just as much aesthetic appeal as more exotic alternatives.

n Stay local. If you need to plant new grass or you’re beginning a garden, then stick with local plants, flowers and grasses rather than more exotic n Avoid pesticides whenoptions that are not native ever possible. Many hometo your area. Plants, flow- owners treat their lawns ers and grasses that aren’t with pesticides, which can

make a lawn look beautiful.

But that beauty typically comes at a steep price, impacting local wildlife and perhaps even the local water supply. When pesticides are applied to a lawn, the chemicals within may run off into your local water supply. Do your best to minimize how often you use them. n Don’t let rain water go to waste. Rain barrels are a great way to make good use of rain.

— Metro Creative Connection

CASS OUTDOOR POWER Serving the Cassopolis Area Since 1989 – 24 Years!

• Superior Service • Expert Technicians • Largest Showroom in the Area

MK CONSTRUCTION

Get your mowers in early before the spring rush

CASS OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT 62101 M-62 SOUTH, CASSOPOLIS, MI (269) 445-2231

OPEN ALL YEAR!!

Come to Dussel’s for all your Spring Landscaping Needs.

Call or Stop in for Expert Landscaping Designs.

n! e p O w o N

BuIlD A

HYDROPONIC GARDEN IN YOuR HOmE ... tODAY

We carry a full line of Proven Winners® annuals and perennials plus 1000’s of custom made hanging baskets all grown in our greenhouses. www.provenwinners.com

organic soils & nutrients • indoor horticulture lighting • hydroponic systems & equipment • natural pest & disease control • greenhouse controllers • growing accessories

15% OFF your purchase over $50

445-8715 • M-60, Cassopolis MON-SAT 8-6pm • SUN 9-5pm www.DusselsFarmMarket.com We take EBT & Project Fresh

269.414.4385 68991 M-62, suite q, edwardsburg www.MygroMart.coM

ExPIRES 4.30.2013

We carry all landscape needs, stone, screened topsoil, full selection of mulch-bagged or bulk.

Delivery available.

VISIt GROmARt tO GEt A jumP StARt ON YOuR GARDENING PROjECtS

Page 9

Spring Home Improvement • March 2013

Globe of life

By TERRI GORDON Special to Leader Publicatons

Globe gardens are suspended, potless arrangements that seemingly defy gravity.

Fernwood Botanical Gardens and Nature Preserve recently hosted a class led by horticulturalist Ben Futa on this Japanese art form called kokedama.

The roots of a plant, or of a small grouping, are

tightly packed into a ball of soil, then wrapped in moss, tied with string and hung to amaze and perplex admirers as the orbs grow — seemingly floating in midair.

In actuality, the project is a bit trickier than it looks, if only for the want of an extra hand or two.

Choosing the plant, or plants, is the first step.

Light plays a big role. Futa recommends keeping the globes out of direct sun-

Leader photos/TERRI GORDON

Caring for globe gardens is as easy as misting them regularly or taking them down for a good soaking from time to time. “The outside will dry before the inside,” said Ben Futa, a horticulturist.

light and away from heat sources, so plants that like bright indirect light, or even low light, work best.

For the project, Futa supplied an array of houseplants and ferns.

Other plants Futa suggested were herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, and succulents, particularly sedums.

More experienced growers might experiment with using orchids and even practice bonsai in the hanging gardens.

Once plants are chosen, moist soil is packed around the roots to form a ball. The ball needs to be big enough for the plant to be able to grow, and tight so the soil doesn’t fall away.

The next step is to wrap sheet moss, presoaked in water, around the ball, making sure all bare spots are covered, and no soil exposed.

“What we’re doing at this stage is creating a ‘pot,’” Futa said. “The biggest thing is to make sure there’s no soil leaking out.”

Flaws will show themselves during the watering phase.

When the soil ball is completely encased in moss, which can take more than one layer of moss, it is time to tie off the “equator.”

Fishing line serves as the “invisible” ties that bind, the first tie a line wrapped snugly around the middle of the ball, tied in a knot and trimmed of excess.

Now the person takes more line and begins to wrap it around the soil-andmoss ball, using the line to shape the ball. It’s important to use enough line to keep the ball together, but not so much it shows.

To make the globe hang, it may help to recall old macramé classes.

There are two ways to hang the garden.

One way involves tying a series of lines to the “equator,” then bringing them to a meeting point above the plant.

The other uses a single line tied to one of the lines wrapping the ball. The line must be able to bear the weight of the globe.

“When you have multiple [ties], it spreads the weight out,” Futa said.

When the globe is complete, it can be soaked in water until saturated, then let to drain so it won’t drip when hung.

We will take

20% OFF any spring cleaning service. Offer good thru 4-30-13

Serving our Customers since 1983

Carpet, Upholstery & Tile Cleaning

Free s ate Estim

269-782-9446

Indiana Customers dial 574-213-3060 Serving the following areas:

Dowagiac, Cassopolis, Niles, Edwardsburg, Berrien Springs, Granger, Mishawaka, South Bend, Buchanan, Eau Claire, Sodus, Decatur, St. Joesph, Benton Harbor, & Stevensville.

QUALITY GARAGE DOOR COMPANY

Formerly

Niles Overhead Door

Thank you for business.

Steve Baxter email: xtralucky1@aol.com

269-683-9000 269-213-0475

$

15.00 OFF

$

15.00 OFF

SERVICE CALL

NEW OPENER

Expires 05/01/13

Expires 05/01/13

Quality Garage Door Co.

Quality Garage Door Co.

25.00 OFF (SINGLE CAR DOOR)

(DOUBLE CAR DOOR)

Expires 05/01/13

Expires 05/01/13

$

Quality Garage Door Co.

SPRING TIME IS FINALLY HERE

50.00 OFF

$

Quality Garage Door Co.

FINANCING AVAILABLE!

RZT Zero Turn

22-25hp Kohler & Kaw Engines 42”-54” Heavy Duty Mower Decks Steering Wheel or Lap Bar Controls Dual Hydrostatic Transmissions

Starting at $2,499.00

2000-2100 Series 20-23hp Kohler Command Engines

• 42”-54” Heavy Duty Stamped & Fabricated Mower Decks • Shaft Drive Transmission • Electric Lift and Power Steering Available

Starting at

Troybilt TB30 420cc Troybilt Engine • 30” Mower Deck • 6 Speed Transmission

Starting at

$999.00

$3,999.00

LTX1000 Series 18-27hp Kohler & Kaw Engines

• 42”-54” Heavy Duty Mower Desks • Hydrostatic & CVT Transmissions • Power Steering Available • $100 off Select Models

Starting at

$1,399.00 Cub Cadet Tillers 208cc Cub Cadet Engines

Cub Cadet Walk Mowers 159-344cc Cub Cadet Engines

Starting at

Starting at

• Counter Rotating or Dual Direction tines • Electric Start Available

$699.00

• 19” - 33” Cut • Push & Self Propelled

$249.00

NILES • 269-683-7272 • 1218 S. 11th Street (across from McDonald’s) BARODA • 269-422-1753 • 1/4 mile N. of Baroda on Stevensville/Baroda Rd.

w/ $100 off

Page 10

Spring Home Improvement • March 2013

FIRE PITS:

anytime — anywhere

By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak@leaderpub.com

Sitting around an open fire used to be something people did when they were camping. But portable fire pits allow just about anyone who wants to gather friends and family around a warm blaze whenever desirable.

A fire pit can make your patio a year-round oasis.

According to Randy Hale, general manage at Hale’s True Value in Dowagiac, fire pits are being used spring through fall.

“You can use them in the fall, in the spring or even on those cool summer nights,” Hale said. “It actually is for all seasons now.”

Fire pits originally were used by people who just wanted to relax out in the

SUNDAY, MARCH 24TH THRU SATURDAY, MARCH 30TH, 2013

20

% ALL CRAFTSMAN POWER OFF LAWN & GARDEN SPECIAL PLUS5 5% OR FINANCING ®

UP TO

1699

$

9 Gro-Fine

$ 99

SALE, EA.

SAVE $3 EA.

®

5M Weed & Feed Scotts® 01214624 Turf Builder® with Plus 2® Weed Control 01280544/14718

1

INSTANT SAVINGS

3

2

ON LAWN & GARDEN PURCHASES OVER $299 WITH A QUALIFYING SEARS CARD

(1) Advertised savings range from 5%-20%. Exclusions apply. See below for offer details. Offer good thru 3/30/13. (2) See below for offer details.

Offer good thru 4/4/13. (3) See below for offer details and for Important Special Financing/Deferred Interest Details. Offer good thru 4/4/13.

BURPEE SEED PACKETS ®

124999

$

SAVE $390

40%

Craftsman® 46-in.

21-hpΔ automatic lawn tractor 07128885

OFF

TICKET PRICE Reg. 1.79-2.49 sale 1.06-1.49

$

2199

1199

$

SALE

SAVE $4

Round Up Extended Control Pump N Go Weed & Grass Killer 01212546 ®

$

34399

Craftsman 190cc 22-in. front drive self-propelled mower 07137044

SAVE $86

1399

$

SALE, EA.

SAVE $6 EA.

SALE

SAVE $2

Ortho 1.1-gal.

Weed B Gon Max Plus Crabgrass control 01214557/88226

Miracle-Gro® Shake 'N Feed all purpose plant food 01213619

®

save $90, 279.99 Craftsman universal 42-in. high speed lawn sweeper 07124222

††

BUY MORE SAVE MORE

10%

EXTRA

OFF

WHEN YOU BUY TWO APPLIANCES4

15%

20%

WHEN YOU BUY EXTRA EXTRA OFF OFF APPLIANCES OVER WHEN YOU BUY WHEN YOU BUY FOUR THREE APPLIANCES4 OR MORE APPLIANCES4 $399 EACH 4

APPLIANCE OFFERS VALID THRU 4/4/13

4

$ 99

39999

$

Mulch Assorted varieties.

Reg. 5.99-6.99.

SAVE $120

1 .75 cu. ft. or $ 99

40-lb. top soil

Reg. 2.39 Selection varies by location. Not available at all locations.

BUY 1, GET 1

50%

1 lb. screws and nails

99¢

SALE

SAVE $1

14-pk. pine wood shims 00913668

OFF

Craftsman (208cc) front tine tiller with 13-in. to 24-in. till path 07129934 Not shown: save $184, 735.99, Craftsman dual rotating 208cc rear line tiller 07129932

2

$ 99

SALE, PAIR

SAVE $1 PAIR

Garden gloves 0712025 Reg. 3.99 pair

PLUS

5

EXTRA

%

OFF

OR 12 MONTHS SPECIAL FINANCING6 ALL ALL APPLIANCES OVER $499 WITH A QUALIFYING SEARS CARD APPLIANCES ON Exclusions apply. See below for details. Offer good thru 4/4/13. (5) Exclusions apply. See WITH YOUR 5 (4) below for details. Offer good thru 4/4/13. (6) See below for offer details and Important Special SEARS CARD Financing/Deferred Interest Details. Offer good thru 4/4/13.

yourchoice

2

$ 49

1999

$

SALE, EA.

SAVE $10 EA.

Craftsman fiberglass handle yard tools 07183512/17/25/ 26/28/29/88/90/91

LIFETIME WARRANTY!7

SALE, EA. Spectrum Plus® motor oil 02813000/1/2/3 Reg. 2.89 ea.

1

$ 99

EA. Windshield washer fluid with antifreeze 02810100/2

(7) See below for details.

20%

OFF

ALL WELLS LAMONT® GLOVES SALE PRICES GOOD MARCH 24 THRU MARCH 30, 2013 • THIS ADVERTISEMENT INCLUDES ITEMS AT SALE PRICES AS WELL AS ITEMS AT OUR EVERYDAY COMPETITIVE PRICES.

Δ As rated by engine manufacturers. ††See craftsman.com for warranty details. LAWN & GARDEN OFFER: (1) Advertised savings range from 5%-20%. Offer excludes Everyday Great Price items, snow throwers and generators. Offer good thru 3/30/13. (2) 5% instant savings offer applies to lawn & garden purchases over $299 and is calculated on purchase price less all coupons, discounts and reward certificates, not including tax, installation or delivery. Offer not valid with Sears Commercial One® accounts and Sears Home Improvement AccountSM. Cannot be combined with other Sears discounts. Excludes Everyday Great Price items. Offer good thru 4/4/13. (3) Offer applies to all lawn & garden purchases over $299 after discounts and coupons when you use a qualifying Sears card. See below for Important Special Financing/Deferred Interest Details. Excludes Outlet Stores. Offer good thru 4/4/13. APPLIANCE OFFER: (4) Buy More Save More offer excludes Whirlpool brands, LG®, GE®, GE Profile™, GE Café™ appliances and Samsung® appliances limited to 10% off. Offer excludes Hot Buys, Jenn-Air®, Dacor, floor care, sewing machines, countertop microwaves, water heaters, water softeners, water filtration, air conditioners, air cleaners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, accessories, closeouts and Everyday Great Price items. Offer good thru 4/4/13. (5) Cannot be combined with other Sears card discounts. Excludes Sears Commercial One® accounts and Outlet Stores. Sears Home Improvement AccountSM applies on installed merchandise only. Offer good thru 4/4/13. (6) Offer applies to appliances over $499 after discounts and coupons when use qualifying Sears card. See below for Important Special Financing/Deferred Interest Details. Excludes Outlet Stores. Offer good thru 4/4/13. CRAFTSMAN HAND TOOL WARRANTY: (7) If any Craftsman hand tool ever fails to provide complete satisfaction, return it to any Sears store or other Craftsman outlet in the United States for free repair or replacement. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state. IMPORTANT SPECIAL FINANCING/DEFERRED INTEREST DETAILS (when offered): Interest will be charged to your account from purchase date if purchase balance not paid in full within promotional period or if you make a late payment. Minimum payments required. With credit approval, for qualifying purchases made on a Sears card (Sears Commercial One® accounts excluded). Sears Home Improvement AccountSM valid on installed sales only. Offer only valid for consumer accounts in good standing; subject to change without notice; details at store. Cannot combine with any other promotional offer. Sears cards: As of 2/4/2013, APR for purchases: VARIABLE 7.24%-27.24% or NONVARIABLE 14.00%-29.99%. MINIMUM INTEREST CHARGE: UP TO $2. See card agreement for details, including the APRs and fees applicable to you. Sears cards issued by Citibank, N.A. Sears Solutions cards issued by Capital One, N.A. Annual Membership Fee up to $59 may apply.

HOMETOWN

56153 M51 SOUTH DOWAGIAC, MI 49047 PHONE: 269.782.1953 HOURS: M-F: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sat: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sun: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM MARCH WK4 AHS 0324 THRU 0330 BW ISH4

back yard or on the patio.

Now, homeowners have realized that adding a fire pit can increase the value of their property.

Once a specialty item, fire pits can be found in all shapes, sizes and costs.

Hale said quality and features have an impact on the cost of a pit.

“We always show them what we have available and point out the different features that are available,” he said. “They have features like ones that allow you to drain the water out of it. The more you spend on a fire pit the better the materials are that it’s made from. You can also get screens that sit on

top of them that keep the hot coals from leaving the pit.”

Hale said the copper bowl-style fire pits are particularly attractive to customers because they are affordable.

“When they are on sale, they go pretty quickly,” he said.

While the pit protects the ground from the open flame, people need to be careful when and where they set them up.

Hale noted it helps to have a prepped area for the pit to sit.

Here are some tips to consider when using a fire pit: n Keep the fire pit away from the home and objects that can burn. Maintain a safe distance from the fire pit at all times.

n The best place to have the fire pit is on hard stone, cement or tile. Portable fire pits can be placed on patio stones in the lawn. n Use a screen to keep embers and sparks from escaping during use. n Keep children a good distance away from the fire pit and always supervise when the pit is in use. n Make sure the fire is extinguished before going in for the night. n Do not use any accelerants to make the fire bigger or light faster. n Buy a vinyl cover to protect the fire pit from the elements when not in use.

Page 11

Spring Home Improvement • March 2013

ROHDY’S

On the cover

Home fires burn brightly

By CRAIG HAUPERT craig.haupert @leaderpub.com Owning a home was a dream that seemed out of reach for the Beechler family a year ago.

With the help of NilesBuchanan Habitat for Humanity, the dream became a reality this year.

“It is so exciting,” said Heather Beechler during a dedication ceremony for their new home at 903 Ferry St. in Niles. “We are just so thankful they are giving us this opportunity. Without it, we might not have been able to get a mortgage for two or three years.”

The Beechler’s home is the 27th constructed through Niles-Buchanan

Habitat for Humanity, which is celebrating its 25th year in existence.

President Joan Schmidt thanked the countless people and organizations that helped make the building of the Beechler’s home — and the 26 that came before it — possible.

“We are changing an empty lot into a house, and eventually a home, for this family,” she said.

Heather’s husband, Josh, works at Michiana Recycling and Disposal Services in Niles.

Heather has been taking nursing classes at Southwestern Michigan College.

She said she is taking time off from class to take care of her 4-year-old son Adam, who has spina bifi-

da — a birth defect in which the backbone and the spinal canal do not close before birth.

Adam attends school half day at Northside Child Development Center in Niles.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that provides low-income families the means to become homeowners.

In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor into building their habitat house and the houses of others.

It is largely supported through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials.

Leader photo/CRAIG HAUPERT

Josh, Heather and Adam Beechler participate in the lighting of the candles during a dedication ceremony at their new Habitat for Humanity home

Heating & Cooling Residential & Commercial Service & Installation Licensed • Insured 29575 M-62 West • Dowagiac, MI 49047

Phone: (269) 783-0440 Fax: (269) 782-5552

Niles

204 S. 11th Street, (269)684-4050

St. Joseph 4025 M-139 (269)429-1707

South Haven On Phoenix St., (269)-639-7788

Portage

We provide both 8800 Shaver Rd. the design expertise (269)323-0660 & Sturgis can arrange your 1111 W. Chicago Rd. expert installation.

(269)651-5388

Dowagiac M-51 South (269)782-7788

Kalamazoo 370 N. 9th St. (269)372-0340

www.hannapel.com

The Granite Shop Call today for your FREE! Consultation & estimate

Breathe New Life into your Kitchen or Bathroom with Gorgeous Custom Countertops!

296-1113

574 1740 Markle ave., elkhart, IN

www.graniteshop.biz

• Free Estimates • Fireplace Service • Custom Mantels • BroilKing Gas Grills • Fireplace Accessories

• Gas Log Installation • Custom Doors • Grill Servicing • Fireplace Installation (Gas, Wood-burning, Pellet)

3500 Niles Road • St. Joseph, Michigan Phone: 269-408-8174 • Fax: 269-408-8642 Email: info@allseasonsfireplaceshop.com

www.allseasonsfireplaceshop.com

Page 12

Spring Home Improvement • March 2013

Upgrade your bulbs and SAVE BIG! Think beyond incandescents. For every light in your home—floodlights, chandeliers, sconces, 3-ways, globes, dimmables—there’s an energy-saving CFL or LED. Receive instant in-store savings on CFL and LED bulbs at participating retailers. Visit michigan-energy.org/RetailersSearch to locate the participating retailer nearest you.

ENERGY TIP: ENERGY STAR® bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescents and last 6 times longer.

ONLINE: michigan-energy.org PHONE: 877.296.4319 Energy Optimization programs and incentives are applicable to Michigan service locations only. Other restrictions may apply. For a complete list of participating utilities, visit michigan-energy.org.