DasHaus February/March 2016
Home to FHSU University president’s house has been given a new look.
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CONTENTS
Silent killer.........4 Health risks caused by radon are preventable.
At home6
Keep the comfort...11
Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean the feeling has to end.
The home of the Fort Hays State University president is personal and professional.
Das Haus is published and distributed by The Hays Daily News, 507 Main, Hays, KS 67601. Find it online at www.HDNews.net/DasHaus. Copyright Š 2016 Harris Enterprises. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Das Haus is a registered trademark of The Hays Daily News. Printed by Northwestern Printers, 114 W. Ninth, Hays, KS 67601, northwesternprinters.com. Publisher, Patrick Lowry, plowry@dailynews.net Advertising Director, Mary Karst, maryk_ads@dailynews.net Designer, Nick McQueen, nmcqueen@dailynews.net Account Executives: Joleen Fisher, Ashley Bergman, Eric Rathke Creative Services: Juno Ogle, Mallory Goeke
Welcome home......13 A new twist on an entry-way table.
Health risks from radon are preventable
FOOD FOR THOUGHT Linda Beech is a family and consumer science agent with K-State Research and Extension in Ellis County.
4 DAS HAUS February/March 2016
T
here’s a saying: “What you don’t know can’t hurt you…” Whether you agree or disagree, K-State Research and Extension is urging property owners to test for radon at this time of year. Radon is a naturally occurring element produced from radioactive decay in the soil. Lifetime exposure to the odorless, colorless and tasteless gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the general American population. National radon surveys have shown 6 percent of homes in the U.S. have average concentrations above the recommended maximum level. However, Kansas surveys show one in four homes were high, according to Brian Hanson, coordinator of the Kansas Radon Program at Kansas State University Research and Extension. “Anyone can be vulnerable,” said Hanson, who explained the cancer-causing gas seeps from the soil
National radon surveys have shown 6 percent of homes in the U.S. have average concentrations above the recommended maximum level.
beneath the home through cracks or joints in the foundation. Radon concentrations can vary from house to house, even within the same area or neighborhood. The good news is that it is typically easy to detect and mitigate radon at a moderate cost. Detection is relatively simple. Consumers are advised to start with a home radon test kit, which can be purchased from the Ellis County Extension Office for $6. Other Extension Offices might have slightly different prices; other models of radon test kits might be available at home and hardware stores and on the Internet, usually for $25 or less. Testing is important, because it’s the only way to tell how much of the gas is present. Conduct tests in the lowest lived-in level of the home (such as a basement or main floor bedroom, living room or family room) about 20 to 24 inches above the floor for two to five days. Testing is most accurate during the winter months when the house is closed up and ventilation is at a minimum. The goal is to measure the potential for elevated radon concentrations that come from the soil beneath the home’s foundation. Testing in a kitchen or bathroom, in which more humid air and ventilation typically occurs, is not recommended. It is vital to follow test kit instructions carefully for most accurate results. If the initial test result is high, a follow-up test with a more sensitive long-term detector is recommended. If the initial result is low, further testing would be advised if living patterns change, if you begin occupying a lower level, or a significant change occurs in the foundation, heating/ cooling systems or insulation/air sealing features. If radon modification is needed, hiring a professional contractor to fix your home is recommended. Lists of certified radon measurement and mitigation contractors are available at the Kansas Radon Program website at www.kansasradonprogram. org/contractors. In Kansas, since July 1, 2009, residential real estate contracts must
contain a specific paragraph recommending radon testing in real estate transactions and disclosure of test results. There are, however, currently no laws requiring such tests or mitigation of high levels of radon, if found. Radon awareness is recommended for everyone. An inexpensive test might be all it takes to spare you or a loved one from lung cancer.
To purchase a radon test kit for your home, stop by the Ellis County Extension Office at 601 Main, Ste. A, in downtown Hays, or your own local county Extension office. More information about radon is available at Extension offices throughout the state, online at www. kansasradonprogram.org and by calling the Kansas Radon Program at (800) 693-5343.
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AT HOME
Presidential home at Fort Hays State University
6 DAS HAUS February/March 2016
Personal, p
, professional,
presidential W
hen Fort Hays State University President Mirta M. Martin became the university’s ninth president in 2014, many duties, responsibilities and tasks quickly filled her plate. One of the big to-do list items requiring immediate attention was the remodeling of the house in which she would reside. Traditionally, each time a new president takes over, the home’s layout and style are updated to meet the needs of that particular leader. “Probably, every president has a different set of circumstances in the way they like to operate,” said Dana Cunningham, director of facilities planning. “So, there are usually some renovations involved.” One of the first changes Martin made to the home was simply its title. Instead of being called by its former name, the President’s House, Martin wanted
to rename it the University House, as she feels it is a home that belongs not only to her, but to everyone. “It’s not the President’s House anymore; I feel very strongly it’s not,” Martin said. “This is a place I’m fortunate to sleep, but this house belongs to the university, its faculty, its staff, its students and the community.” The house, which was built in 1954 and has served as a home for five university presidents, is located on the west edge of campus. It is considered to have 8,118 gross square feet. When Martin moved in, the two-kitchen, four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home needed several adjustments in order to fulfill her vision. A few of the basic changes involved simply painting and reflooring.
Story by Maggie Gebhardt • Photos by Jolie Green
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“The main changes to (the main) floor included all the walls getting a facelift,” Martin said. “I like the pastels — everything is very light and open.” The carpet also was ripped up and hardwood flooring was placed throughout the main level, which features a dining area, living room, guest bedroom, full bathroom, office, family room, full kitchen and sun room. A hallway in the middle of the main level displays the photos of all the FHSU presidents who have lived at the residence. “I call this ‘the hall of presidents’ because we put up all the presidents who have lived in the house since it was built,” Martin said. “Dr. Cunningham built the house in the 1950s; he was followed by Dr. Gustad, followed by Dr. Tomanek, followed by Dr. Hammond, and then of course, my family.” The second floor includes Martin’s bedroom, two full baths, a guest bedroom and a sitting room. “This is what we consider to be the private part of the house, although if need be, we use one of the bedrooms to host parents or guests of the university,” Martin said of the upper level. Most of Martin’s personal possessions are displayed on the second floor, including family photos and heirlooms, such as sketches drawn with an old-fashioned ink pen by Martin’s grandmother in 1929. The most extensive renovations took place in the basement of the home, which was completely redone and now serves as an apartment designed to accommodate new members of the FHSU family as they search for living quarters upon arrival. “We went ahead and made it an apartment so we could attract faculty and staff that we wanted to have here. It would provide
“The purpose of the University House is to highlight the talent of our faculty, our staff and our students.” Mirta Martin, FHSU president
them with a transient place where they could live comfortably as they found apartments or homes,” Martin said. “It’s a win-win for everyone; I can get them here immediately, and they can stay as long as it takes at no cost.” The basement underwent a complete makeover, according to the president. “I hate to say it, but it was like a man cave down here,” she said as she laughed. “There was a shuffleboard painted on the floor.”
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Now, the basement offers a full kitchen, family area with an electric fireplace, full facilities, full bathroom and new outdoor, private entrance. Throughout the entire home, especially on the main level, the talent of FHSU’s former and present staff and students can be seen from wall-to-wall, taken from the collection of the FHSU foundation, according to Martin. Artwork, sculptures and books make up only a few of these pieces, exposing the talent of many tied to the university, including Joel Dugan, Michael Knutson,
Tobias Flores and Linda Ganstrom, to name a few. “The purpose of the University House is to highlight the talent of our faculty, our staff and our students,” Martin said. “The talent of the staff is displayed in the house itself, but additionally, the house was renovated solely by staff and the construction crew of Fort Hays.” Martin said she believes the facilities staff, construction workers and custodial staff do not receive enough credit, but she wanted them to know how very
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grateful she is. “They’re the ones who make everything shine,” she said. “This house is their masterpiece and their showcase.” Currently, outdoor updates and landscaping are underway, and Martin believes the house is coming together nicely, as it is pieced together to expose her vision — one that embodies staff and student appreciation, family and togetherness. “I want it to be more than a house; I want it to feel warm,” Martin said. “I want it to be embracing — this is our home.”
Living smart How to keep that holiday sparkle
TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
The comfort doesn’t have to end at the new year
W
e’ve spent the past several weeks (dare I say, months?) celebrating the holidays with friends and family amongst twinkling lights, glittering ornaments and beautifully wrapped packages. But now that the parties are over, how can we maintain that bright decor and warm feeling without using Santa and snowmen? Check out these ideas to make your home sparkle this winter:
11 DAS HAUS February/March 2015
Bring on the bulbs There’s no hard-and-fast rule that says you have to tuck away every piece of tinsel before the ink on your New Year’s resolution dries. Gather some of your most glittery bulbs and place them in a glass container displayed on your coffee table, kitchen island or tabletop. “The light will bounce off the bulbs and create some sparkle and shine to your room,” says Vicki Dye, owner of Vicki Dye at Home in Champlin, Minn. “Use white and silver bulbs to complement any home’s color scheme without saying ‘Christmas.’” Embrace winter white and metallic The snow, the ice, the crisp blue sky — for some, there’s no avoiding winter’s palette. Why not introduce those tones inside? Don’t pack away the holiday china, the sparkling white cake stands and platters, but rather find a way to display them throughout your home. Keep the silver candlesticks with white taper candles on the mantel, and buy some shiny metallic picture frames to showcase your most recent vacation adventures. Rearrange the furniture After you’ve packed up all the holiday decorations, it’s a great time to freshen up a space by moving the furniture around and re-evaluating your accessories.
“Move things from room to room,” suggests Barbara Greene, owner of Redesign Today in Jacksonville, Fla. “Change your artwork. Just because something’s been hanging in the same spot for five years doesn’t mean it has to go back there. It’s a cleaning and a purging.” Invest in some greenery While the dead of winter might not sound like the ideal time to go plant shopping, it might just lift your spirits. Bringing potted plants into your house can help clear stale winter air (literally), while offering a gentle reminder that spring isn’t too far away. And if live plants aren’t your thing, feel free to repurpose your artificial holiday greens. Trim them with gold bulbs and handmade paper snowflakes for a warm, wintry effect. Let in the light It might sound like a no-brainer, but make it a habit that as soon as your feet hit the floor in the morning, you walk around and open your shutters, drapes and blinds. “Keep your home bright by letting in as much light as possible,” says Mary Jo Cooper, owner of CC Design Atlanta/Cooper’s Creations in Marietta, Ga. “Which will help you and the plants.” It’s also a good time to buy new lampshades if your current ones are looking old and dingy. And take note if the room needs additional lighting. A bit of brightness can be as simple as adding a tiny Tiffany-esque lamp on the bookshelf. Pick up a paintbrush Who doesn’t like a little new year’s project? You don’t have to paint your entire house, but you can choose a room and give it a fresh coat of paint. It could even be the same hue, if you don’t want the task of selecting the perfect paint color. “The winter months are a great time to start painting,” says Beth Goetting, owner of Second Glance Design in Spring, Texas. “If you need to hire painters, grab them now before the spring rush starts.”
Berry Berry Quite Contrary Kayla Berry is a stay-at-home mom who enjoys creating, decorating and re-purposing old furniture and decor.
Not your typical entry-way table O 10 DAS HAUS February/March 2016
ne of my favorite things to do is take something old, dingy and dirty and turn it into something fantastic. Older pieces of furniture
typically are made better and have more character to them, and in my opinion, the more character the better.
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Just because a piece of furniture is made for a certain purpose, doesn’t mean you necessarily have to use it for what it was intended. We just moved to a new house, and one of the things I was most excited about was now having an entry-way. And I knew I didn’t want your typical entry-way table. After months of searching I found an old dresser for sale. I brought it home and after a little re-vamping it was exactly what I pictured and fits perfectly in our entry-way. Every entry-way table needs a light or two and a few knick-knacks. Candle-holders candle holders cost me less than $3, and after a quick 5-minute paint job, they were perfect. Another bonus of using the dresser for my entry-way table is the storage. Any more storage I can get, I will take. Now I have drawers to hide clutter or a few of the 1,291 toys my daughters own, games, blankets, hats, gloves, etc. I still have more work to do on my entry-way but the dresser is a great start. For more home ideas, visit my blog: berryberryquitecontrary.wordpress.com.
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Express your style
Your place Winter-time tips to keep your home as warm as it can be
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Fans can be a friend in the winter
H
12 DAS HAUS February/March 2015
ere’s a piece of advice that you might wish to acknowledge: Freeze-proof faucets must not have hoses attached this time of the year. Otherwise, they freeze, as a veteran home builder once told me, based on complaints he had received from recent buyers. Remove the hose, drain the water from it, and store it in the garage or basement. To be on the safe side, shut off the water to the faucet if you can. Now to the meat and potatoes of today’s column: some winterizing tips, via Sears Home Services. Much of this, of course, is what I’ve told you through the years, but just in case you don’t believe me: Insulate your pipes, which will reduce heat loss and can raise water temperature 2 to 4 degrees, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. This allows you to lower your water-temperature setting and decreases the wait time for hot water when you turn on a faucet or showerhead, which also helps conserve water. It also can decrease the chance of pipes freezing, especially the ones in the
basement that are against the walls. Check to see whether your pipes are warm to the touch. If they are, be ready to insulate. You can get pre-slit pipe foam at most hardware stores. You will want to cut it to size and fasten it in place with duct tape. Block those drafts. Throughout the winter, cold air can trickle in underneath your doors while warm air escapes. The solution: a draft snake, one of the easiest ways to save on energy. By rolling up a towel or buying one of these snakes, you can keep the cold air out. Run your fans, one of the most controversial bits of advice in my years of writing this column. Ceiling fans are a staple when trying to cool down in the summer, but they also can provide comfort in the winter. In colder months, switch the direction of the fans, so the blades rotate clockwise and run at a low speed. This will cause the room air to rise gently toward the ceiling, forcing warm air down and throughout the room. Or, as some of you have argued in the past, maybe not. Tribune News Service
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