Siouxland Life Magazine - Spring 2018

Insurance is a must for any kind of home

About those neighborhoods

What trees work best in your yard?

A GUIDE FOR LIVING IN SIOUXLAND

ALL ABOUT HOMES WE’VE GOT PLENTY OF IDEAS

TURNING A MAP INTO A TABLE

SPRING 2018

SIOUXLAND LIFE IS ON THE WEB! VISIT WWW.SIOUXCITYJOURNAL.COM/SIOUXLANDLIFE

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SPRING 2018

SIOUXLAND LIFE

CONTENTS Spring

2018

With the long, unpredictable winter we’ve had, thoughts of home – and home improvement – may have been put on a back burner. Now, it’s time to make those changes you’ve always been considering. We’ve got several homes for you to peruse and some new ideas to consider. Ready for some changes? We’ve got you covered.

23 HOW THEY STARTED

Ever wonder how Sioux City’s neighborhoods got their start? We’ve got the details – and some clues about those names.

16

39 YOUTH MOVEMENT

A 27-year-old electrician is making big things happen in a small town. Find out what he has planned.

ON THE COVER Architect Nathan Kalaher said the Dakota Dunes home he shares with his architect wife Lisa Kalaher combines elements of both of their personalities. Take a peek inside their home and how they make modern lines work. Photograph by Justin Wan 4 16 18 20 23 26 29 32

HOME where there’s bliss HOME modern taste HOME get the lead out HOME senior advantage HOME neighborhoods HOME trees make a difference BUSINESS banking on changes INSURANCE it’s a must

34 36 39 42 44 47

DÉCOR makes a statement THEATER repurposing for art HOME youth movement HOME garage impression HEALTH medical answers PARTING SHOT

PUBLISHER Cynthia Donovan EDITOR Bruce Miller EDITORIAL Dolly A. Butz, Tim Gallagher, Earl Horlyk, Mason Dockter PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Hynds, Justin Wan DESIGN April Burford, Deborah Hile ADVERTISING SALES Kaylee Betterton ADVERTISING DESIGN Kayla Fleming

42 FIRST IMPRESSION

©2018 The Sioux City Journal. Siouxland Life is published quarterly by The Sioux City Journal.

For advertising information, please call (712) 224-6279. For editorial information, please call (712) 293-4218.

Make a great first impression with your front door – and your garage. They act as the welcome mat for the home that lies within.

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HOME where

there’s bliss

Nate and Krista Welch are shown in the living room of their new home in Vermillion, South Dakota’s Bliss Pointe development.

The living room follows an open concept, connecting seamlessly with the dining room and kitchen on the main floor.

YOUNG FAMILY

FINDS ‘BLISS’

v

IN VERMILLION HOME, NEIGHBORHOOD Text by Tim Gallagher | Photographs by Tim Hynds

VERMILLION, S.D. | A secret door in the kitchen of Nate and Krista Welch at Vermillion leads to quite a surprise.

Namely, a full pantry.

That’s right. The portion of a wall that looks to contain several cabinet doors has no cabinets at all. Push the section just slightly and you find yourself standing in a pantry boasting

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shelves, supplies and more. It’s literally tucked inches past the refrigerator/ freezer, unseen to the untrained eye.

It’s part Scooby-Doo, part Batman.

And yet oh-so useful.

“We’d done a parade of homes and saw this secret door idea,” Nate Welch said. “I loved that all the materials could be accessible here, rather than

SIOUXLAND LIFE

being stored in our garage or basement.”

Nobody that has visited the Welch home on the west side of Vermillion has known that this section of cabinetry is actually a door. The general contractor for the home even brought his wife to see the home, just to show her this design wrinkle, one that

The Nate and Krista Welch home in Vermillion, South Dakota’s Bliss Pointe development is shown in February.

You are cordially invited to attend The Sioux City Journal Fall Bridal Show

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With a spectacular bridal runway fashion show and displays from the area’s most trusted wedding professionals, you will find everything to make your wedding day magical. Save time, gas, energy, confusion and money by attending the Sioux City Journal Fall Bridal Show.

Sunday, October 7th, 2018 at the Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center located at 300 3rd Street, Sioux City, IA. Gowns, Jewelry, Photographers, Bakeries & More!

We will showcase the newest and best styles in gowns, hairstyles, rings, photography and more for you to complete the perfect look for your special day!

SIOUXLAND LIFE

SPRING 2018

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Nate and Krista Welch talk in a “hidden” pantry in their home in Vermillion, South Dakota’s Bliss Pointe development.

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SPRING 2018

SIOUXLAND LIFE

A kitchen nook is shown at the Nate and Krista Welch home in Vermillion, South Dakota’s Bliss Pointe development.

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“We’d done a parade of homes and saw this secret door idea. I loved that all the materials could be accessible here, rather than being stored in our garage or basement.”

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allows the couple to keep clutter from their kitchen.

The area is a hit, of course, with the two older Welch children (ages 8 and 5) and other kids who have a natural “hide-and-seek” spot.

“The cabinet isn’t a cabinet, it’s a door,” Krista Welch said with a laugh, referencing the hidden Bat Cave from “Batman and Robin” superhero lore.

“Nate couldn’t just put in a bat pole.”

While that’s it for the secret compartments portion of the Welch’s home at Bliss Pointe, a housing development helping create growth in Vermillion, there are other fun components to a home built by Peterson Construction of Viborg, South Dakota, a home that measures 2,100 square feet on both levels.

800-515-5691 or 712-540-5691 Locally owned since 1994 Northwest Iowa Dealer BIBS (Blow In Blanket System)

FOR SALE The home BuIlDerS ASSoCIATIon of GreATer SIouxlAnD’S ProjeCT home, 736 BrenTwooD St. (Woodbury HeigHts) is nearing completion.

This home will feature 1588 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms, a master bedroom with master bath and large walk-in closet, living room with vaulted ceiling, safe room in the basement, and a 2 stall garage.

Contact the Home Builder’s Association if you’re interested in purchasing this home. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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www.siouxlandhba.com for a complete list of members or e-mail us at hbasooland@siouxlan.net

3900 Stadium Dr., • Sioux City, IA

712-255-3852

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Nate and Krista Welch talk in a “hidden” pantry in their home in Vermillion, South Dakota’s Bliss Pointe development.

May is NatioNal HoMe ReModeliNg MoNtH Families remodel their homes for Darrel Bullock many different President Sioux City Building Inspections reasons. It may be to save money on utility bills, to redesign the space to better suit the family’s current lifestyle, or to be better stewards of our natural resources.

percentage of remodelers who expect to sustainable remodeling is due largely be doing more than 60% of their projects to the availability of more affordable products of higher quality as well as green will double.

“Many remodelers are seeing increased the integration of green features into interest in sustainable home features standard construction practice.

But as the home building and remodeling industry celebrates National Home Remodeling Month in May, one thing is for sure—whether we call it energy efficient or green, remodeling that includes sustainable features is growing in popularity like never before.

from home owners,” said [insert name], president of the [insert name of HBA or remodelers council]. “Remodeling your home can not only fulfill your family’s dream of a more comfortable and stylish home, but depending on the upgrades you choose, you can realize savings on utility costs, improve air quality for better health, and strengthen the longterm value of your home.”

Some of the top upgrades that can make a home more energy efficient include putting in high-efficiency windows and low-flow water fixtures, replacing appliances and water heaters with ENERGY STAR®-rated models, increasing or upgrading the quality of insulation, and installing a high-efficiency HVAC system that is appropriately sized for the area that is to be heated or cooled.

Home owners will find more options when they search for a professional remodeler with experience in green remodeling. Over the next five years the

Green remodeling incorporates sustainable, durable, and healthier design into the renovation of existing homes. The increased interest in

To learn more about remodeling or to find a remodeler in your area, visit siouxlandhba.com/members or go to nahb.org/remodel.

712-255-3852 | siouxlandhba.com 8

SPRING 2018

SIOUXLAND LIFE

A room being used as a nursery is shown at the Nate and Krista Welch home in Vermillion, South Dakota’s Bliss Pointe development.

“My favorite room would be the master closet,” said Krista, again offering a smile. She walked in and stood, surrounded on all sides by neatly hanging and folded clothing items, ensembles she maybe had trouble keeping track of in their previous residence.

“I do some work for a clothing company. Now, I can see what I’ve got.”

Additional fun features include a children’s bedroom that the two older Welch children helped design themselves. There’s also future plans, or at least the possibility, for a covered porch on the west/southwest side of the home that will allow the family even more access to an incredible vista that stretches out toward the Vermillion River and the Missouri River, which winds its way three miles from this tract.

“We chose to build here because we always liked this area,” Krista said, remembering walks or drives through Bliss Pointe as the neighborhood sprouted. “Even in winter colors, the sunsets are amazing.”

The Welches also rave about a garage that has separate doors facing two different directions. One of the doors, when opened, allows the couple to keep an eye on the kids when they’re

Sheer beauty with little effort!

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2515 Murray St • Sioux City, Iowa

712-255-5319

SIOUXLAND LIFE

SPRING 2018

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Luxury Homes 862 E. Sawgrass, Dakota Dunes

$1,850,000 4BR, 5BA

$1,500,000

This Pacific Northwest architectural style home is a real treat! Chef’s kitchen complete with steam oven, espresso machine, & large pantry.

The home also boasts 3 fireplaces, 2 laundry rooms, storm room, 3 stall garage, & a lower level walk-out with a concrete covered porch.

This custom designed home has spectacular views! This one of a kind home sits on 12.73 acres and has an eat-in chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances. With 3 levels of living area, the home has a circular room, a music room, a dark room, and an amazing lower level walk-out with covered patio.

Barb Maxon 712-253-3647 619 Lakeshore Drive, McCook Lake

$499,950 4BR, 4BA

Enjoy this home with a large lot on McCook Lake with awesome views and

Barb Maxon 712-253-3647 627 Tumbleweed Trail, Dakota Dunes

$650,000 4BR, 5BA Fantastic Sandy Mead Addition estate on a beautiful 2.5 acre tree lines

round views from the floor to ceiling

property; featuring an inground pool

windows in the four season room.

and 5 garage stalls.

241 Westshore Dr., McCook Lake

$579,000 4BD, 3BA

This beautiful raised ranch lake home sits on 50’ of sandy lakefront property.

The kitchen boasts granite counter tops & hickory cabinets. The property is located a half block from Adams Nature Preserve & has a dock on the lake.

Dennis Johnson 712-898-9706 SPRING 2018

6BR, 6BA

a private sand beach area. Enjoy year-

Joe Krage 712-251-4030

10

701 Buckwalter Dr.

SIOUXLAND LIFE

Joe Krage 712-251-4030 3655 Maplewood St.

$282,500 4BD, 3BA

A multi-level home on a quiet, northside cul-de-sac. This home has a large kitchen with access to a covered deck, family room with fireplace on the walk-out level, and a game room with sliders to gorgeous pool in the well landscaped backyard.

Eric Banks 712-898-8605

Luxury Homes 141 Rottunda Way, South Sioux City

592 Oxbow Trail, Dakota Dunes

$385,750

$300,950

3BD, 2BA

5BD, 4BA

This home will have you at hello. “The Windsor” by Wegher, a gorgeous home, newly constructed with premium quality finishes in every corner. With a covered concrete patio & a serene backyard, this home is a dream.

Pamela J. Kavanaugh Edwards 712-259-4074

This home will have you at the entry!

With an open concept layout, the living room with beautiful fireplace opens to the high-end custom kitchen. A second family room with wet bar in on the lower level & this home has more than enough space for your toys with a 5+ car garage.

Cheri Bracht 712-259-0134 3824 Park Place, South Sioux City

491 Bay Hill Circle, Dakota Dunes

$280,000

$749,000

3BD, 3BA

3BR, 4BA

A beautiful townhome with all of the extras: granite countertops, top of the line appliances & cabinetry, hardwoods, crown molding, fireplace, & so much more. With a wonderfully finished basement with wet bar & a 3 car garage, this home has so much to give!

NEW home located in the most desirable part of the Dunes, with unobstructed views of the Dakota Dunes Golf Course & the Missouri River! 3 car garage & state of the art elevator just the beginning of this amazing property.

Tim Swanson 712-253-9117

Cheri Bracht 712-259-0134

25 Quail Court

Bings Court

$449,000

$63,000-78,000

4BD, 3.5BA

This beautiful, custom built home has quality amenities throughout! Spacious living spaces, 3 car garage, a kitchen with built-ins & eating bar, & a dining room with gorgeous bay windows overlooking the private, landscaped backyard & deck. This home is a must-see.

Amy Kakacek 712-333-1111

Imagine your dream home in Sioux City’s Northside! There are 10 lots available in this gorgeous part of the Northside near Indian Hills Drive & Outer Drive. Bings Court is

Picture your dream home here!

calling you home!

Amy Kakacek 712-333-1111 SIOUXLAND LIFE

SPRING 2018

11

Luxury Homes 4724 Grayhawk Ridge Dr.

$469,000 5BD, 7BA

Beautiful ranch home with a .52 acre property. The rare floorplan gives each bedroom its own full bath, spacious living room with built-ins & gas fireplace, & a large deck off of the eatin kitchen, over-looking the amazing in-ground pool.

Christine Stultz 712-898-8230

in the next

33255 Hickory Avenue

$639,000 5BD, 5BA

Stately brick home on approx. 9 acres of gorgeous nature & a private setting.

This spacious home is beautifully put together from the hardwoods, to the floor to ceiling log fireplace, to the eat-in space with a large bay window.

Complete with a U-shaped driveway, this home is a must see.

Lisa Wagner 712-251-5214

siouxland life,

Contact Emilee Hardy

EHardy@SiouxCityJournal.com • (712) 293-4237 12

SPRING 2018

SIOUXLAND LIFE

A display in the living room is shown at the Nate and Krista Welch home in Vermillion, South Dakota’s Bliss Pointe development.

“Living downtown as a family was a great experience. We walked and ate downtown. We had great coffee and every Saturday we’d go have breakfast at Cafe Brule. It was fun, something I’d always wanted to do, live in an urban, but small-town setting like Vermillion.”

Nate Welch in the adjacent lot playing on playground equipment set in place for the Bliss Pointe neighborhood.

Nate and Krista Welch bought this lot not long after Nate began his employment with the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company, at a time when Gov. Dennis Daugaard named Vermillion the state’s Community of the Year. A site called CollegeRanker.com has also hailed the home of the University of South Dakota as one of the top 45 college towns to live in forever.

The Welches agree with the assessment.

After purchasing the lot at Bliss Pointe, for example, they sold their

home and relocated into an apartment – with two kids, mind you – in downtown Vermillion.

“Living downtown as a family was a great experience,” said Nate, who disclosed their apartment was above the popular Red Steakhouse in Vermillion.

“We walked and ate downtown. We had great coffee and every Saturday we’d go have breakfast at Cafe Brule. It was fun, something I’d always wanted to do, live in an urban, but small-town setting like Vermillion.”

That living arrangement came to a close when the couple, expecting their third child, saw their home completed at Bliss Pointe last September. It took Peterson Contracting less than four

months to complete the 3-bedroom structure. The basement, while unfinished at this point (it will be someday), has a workout room to suit the couple’s needs.

“The basement eventually will have two bedrooms and a nice, big family space,” Nate said.

A “nice, big family space” is what the main floor boasts now, per the couple’s wishes. The kitchen blends seamlessly into the dining room, which follows the open-air concept all the way through to the far side of the living room.

“No. 1, family is our center, our purpose,” Nate said. “We wanted an open floor-plan. We didn’t want someone

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SIOUXLAND LIFE

Above: Family photos are shown on display at the Nate and Krista Welch home in Vermillion, South Dakota’s Bliss Pointe neighborhood. The couple moved into their new 3-bedroom home on Sept. 21, 2017. Left: Nate and Krista Welch are shown in a walk-in clothes closet. Krista said this room is her favorite in the house, while Nate’s favorite is the “hidden” pantry just off the kitchen.

stuck in the kitchen while other family members were out in the living room.”

The room they saved on bedroom space was devoted to this open space on the main floor.

“Our bedrooms are small,” Nate continued, “because we don’t spend a ton of time in there. The bulk of our time is out here, in this big room.”

A family enjoying the view, the blissfulness, and one another, together, growing in Vermillion, the college-town community they’ve adopted as their own.

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HOME modern

taste

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN Modern interior brings warmth to architect’s Dakota Dunes home

D

Text by Earl Horlyk Photographs by Justin Wan

DAKOTA DUNES – ARCHITECT Nathan Kalaher has always considered himself as a pragmatic problem solver.

But it was only after designing a Dakota Dunes home with his wife (and fellow architect) Lisa Kalaher that he learned to embrace all elements of interior design.

“Lisa’s design sense is a bit bolder than mine,” Kalaher suggested. “I do think she’s opened my eyes to different concepts.”

A sitting area is the most tranquil place in the Dakota Dunes home of architects Lisa and Nathan Kalaher.

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SIOUXLAND LIFE

Architect Nathan Kalaher took everything from the light switches to electrical outlets into consideration when designing a home.

Indeed, the Kalahers’ home mixes modern, industrial elements in a very rustic setting.

“We have a home with big windows and wonderful views,” Kalaher said, showing off a sitting area. “We’d be foolish if we didn’t try to combine outside elements to the interior of our home.”

That’s why Kalaher added green plants and a dark cedar feature wall to add warmth and sophistication.

“This is the most peaceful place to sit down and read a book,” he said on an early February afternoon. “Looking out the window, you’ll see birds, deer, all forms of wildlife. It’s very relaxing.”

Other parts of the home combine playful elements with a stylistic panache.

Giving a tour of the master bedroom, Kalaher points to 1950s Atomic Age art pieces that counterbalance an otherwise contemporary space.

“When designing our home, we deliberately took away every element that could be considered superfluous,” he said. “That means there are no crown moldings, railings, even traditional door frames.”

Instead, the couple wanted spaces that were both open and inviting.

“There’s always a fine line you walk when creating a modern space,” Kalaher said. “If you go too modern, then you live in an art gallery, not a home.”

Which is why the couple utilizes furnishings as if they were works of art.

Indeed, the sitting room boasts a built-in bookshelf that added visual interest on an otherwise white wall.

“You’re juxtaposing different types of elements that ultimately work well together,” he said.

Moving further into the house, Kalaher shows off a state-of-the-art kitchen that has a smaller, kid-sized replica in the corner. Wait, is this a deliberate

Comfortable furniture and green plants make a modern space look more inviting, said architect Nathan Kalaher.

Describing himself as a bit of an “architectural foodie,” architect Nathan Kalaher prefers woods and metals over more processed elements.

“I’ve always said to design with purpose. Don’t be afraid to take chances and, most important, don’t be afraid to mix elements.”

NATHAN KALAHER

choice for design?

“Nah, the toy kitchen actually belongs to our kids,” he said. “It’s just a coincidence that a toy kitchen is located inside a real kitchen.”

Actually, this may be one of the few

instances of unintentional design featured inside the home.

“I’ve always said to design with purpose,” Kalaher said. “Don’t be afraid to take chances and, most important, don’t be afraid to mix elements.”

For instance, if you have you have a modern aesthetic, add something rustic as contrast.

“Modern doesn’t have to be cold,” Kalaher said. “You just need to add something from nature to warm a space up.”

Because he considers himself a bit of an “architectural foodie,” Kalaher tends to like strong, heavy woods over more processed material.

“Minimalism and modernity never seem dated or will go out of style,” he said. “It will look good year after year.”

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HOME

get the lead out

Alicia Sanders, an environmental specialist for Siouxland District Health Department, talks about lead paint and how homes are tested for the health hazard at the health department’s offices in Sioux City. In the background is Michelle Clausen Rosendahl, the department’s director of environmental health.

LEAD IS A HEALTH HAZARD

s

FOUND IN OLDER SIOUX CITY HOMES Text by Dolly A. Butz | Photographs by Tim Hynds

SIOUX CITY | Lead-based paints were banned for use in housing in 1978, but if you own a home that was built before then, Alicia Sanders, an environmental specialist for Siouxland District Health Department, said the toxic substance could be found on your windows, walls, baseboards and almost anywhere.

If you decide to update your home, Sanders recommends taking all the precautions that you can during the renovation process.

“I get a lot of people who ask me, ‘Is lead-based paint still a problem?’” she said. “As long as we still have homes that were built before 1978, lead-based paint will still be an issue in our area.”

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A coat of lead-based paint on a wall, if it’s in good condition, is OK. It’s when that paint begins to deteriorate that it poses a health hazard.

Michelle Clausen Rosendahl, director of environmental health for Siouxland District Health Department, said it’s not uncommon for children to develop lead poisoning by ingesting lead dust that has built up on surfaces or eating sweet tasting lead paint chips that peel from windowsills and frames. The majority of poisonings are chronic in nature, occurring over a long period of time.

“There are kids who will pick at deteriorating paint and put the chips in their mouth, but more kids are actually found

SIOUXLAND LIFE

to be lead poisoned because of the dust that just builds up in the environment,” she said. “If you’ve got a surface like a door in a door frame or a window in a window frame, where surfaces are rubbing against each other, then that dust just builds up in the house and gets on hands and toys and other surfaces that end up in a child’s mouth.”

Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. Exposure can affect a young child’s physical and mental development, and at very high levels, lead can cause kidney problems, anemia, coma and even death. Many leadpoisoned adults don’t have any symptoms. Adults are more likely to have the

Michelle Clausen Rosendahl, director of environmental health at the Siouxland District Health Department, talks about resources available to homeowners whose homes test positive for lead paint at the health department’s offices in Sioux City.

Alicia Sanders, an environmental specialist for Siouxland District Health Department, talks about lead paint and how homes are tested for the health hazard.

IS MY HOME SAFE? Some interior walls in pre-1960s homes were painted with lead-based paint.

Houses built between 1960 and 1978 may also contain lead-based paint.

Look for paint, stain or other coatings that are loose, cracked or chipping, peeling or flaking, rubbing off or deteriorating in any way. These hazards could cause lead poisoning.

following symptoms if their lead levels are high for a long time: trouble remembering and concentrating, unable to sleep, weakness or loss of feeling in their arms and legs, headaches, irritability, depression or high blood pressure.

Sanders said most cases of lead poisoning aren’t detected until children start school. In children, excitability, inability to sit still and stomach aches are recognizable symptoms of lead poisoning, which can also negatively affect IQ. In Iowa, if a child has a blood lead level of 20 micrograms per deciliter or higher, or two blood lead levels of 15 to 19 micrograms per deciliter, then the local health or housing agency or the state health department will come to the home to conduct an environmental inspection.

Clausen Rosendahl said environmental specialists use a handheld XRF (X-ray fluorescence) machine, which somewhat resembles a handgun, to detect lead in

homes under multiple layers of paint.

“It shoots out radiation. If there’s lead in the paint, it will bounce the radiation back,” she said. “The amount that bounces back is measured and that will tell how much lead is in the paint.”

Sanders said families can continue to reside in a home that has lead paint, but she said they’ll want to take some precautions when cleaning before lead abatement begins. She advises cleaning walls with a spray bottle and wash cloth and then using a wet mop or vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove any lead dust that may have fallen to the floor.

“Don’t panic. You can live in an older home, but you do want to take those precautions,” she said. “Lead paint isn’t an issue unless it’s deteriorating.”

Siouxland District Health Department environmental specialists urge landlords and homeowners to hire contractors who are trained and certified in the removal of lead-based paint. While anyone can legally remove lead from their own home, contractors must know how to safely eliminate this health hazard.

Before beginning work involving lead paint inside or outside the home,

Clausen Rosendahl said plastic sheeting should be placed on the ground to collect lead paint chips that might fall. She said the room where the lead is being removed should be sealed off from others rooms in the house with plastic to contain lead dust.

Don’t use heat guns to remove lead paint, because high temperatures will make the lead volatile, according to Clausen Rosendahl. Lead-based paint shouldn’t be scraped or sanded while dry, either. Clausen Rosendahl advises spraying the surface with water before scraping so that the paint chips stick together.

“Then there’s also the worker protecting themselves from lead paint. It kind of depends on what they’re actually doing, but there are respirators that are recommended,” she said. “Your clothes might be contaminated, so then be careful.

Don’t go home and pick up your child or go sit on the furniture. You want to make sure you change out of those clothes and take a shower. We recommend laundering your clothes separately to help protect your family and the people that you’re around.”

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HOME senior

advantages

Roger and Glendy Nichols talk about the benefits of independent living inside their apartment at The Pointe at Sunrise, on the campus of Sunrise Retirement Community.

Roger, a longtime East High School guidance counselor, said he enjoys not having to mow a lawn or shovel snow anymore. Glendy, a retired teacher and school librarian, still gives private violin lessons inside the couple’s apartment.

DECLARATION OF

INDEPENDENCE

s

Seniors enjoy amenities in independent living complex Text by Earl Horlyk | Photographs by Tim Hynds

SIOUX CITY | Living in a two-story house in Morningside suited Roger Nichols’ needs when he and his wife Glendy were raising their son and daughter.

However, home upkeep stopped being practical once the couple reached retirement age.

“We loved our house but it got to be too much,” Roger, a retired East High School guidance counselor, admitted.

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“The shower was on the second floor, the laundry room was in the basement, and the garage was detached from the home.”

“It was time to move on,” Glendy, a former school librarian and Roger’s wife of 57 years, explained. “We both knew it.”

More than nine years ago, the Nichols moved into one of the 62 apartments at The Pointe at Sunrise, an independent

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living complex on the campus of Sunrise Retirement Community.

“I no longer have to shovel snow, mow the lawn or have home maintenance projects to do,” Roger said with a relieved sigh. “That was a load off my mind.”

The move also allowed the Nicholses to visit their children and grandchildren whenever they wanted.

Glendy and Roger Nichols talk in the library at the independent living apartments at Sunrise Retirement Community. The two serve as the community’s volunteer librarians, and were among the first to move into the senior apartment complex.

“We were even able to travel to England for an extended visit,” Roger said. “A long trip like that would’ve been difficult otherwise.”

Plus Glendy still needed to have time to give private violin lessons.

“That was important to me,” she said.

“There were certain things I retired from.

I’ll never retire from music.”

Sunrise Retirement Marketing Director Char Hesse said independent living is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative for active seniors.

“We offer our residents a number of different living options,” she said. “As their needs change, residents can easily transfer into assisted living and nursing care on the same campus.”

The Nicholses are happy about the amenities.

In addition to receiving housekeeping and meal services, they also have access to the community room, game room and a hair salon.

For a three-miles-a-day walker like Roger, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces in which to stroll.

Glendy is ecstatic about an amenity she thought she’d never have.

“We actually have an attached parking garage,” she said with a smile. “We

“We loved our house but it got to be too much. The shower was on the second floor, the laundry room was in the basement, and the garage was detached from the home.”

Roger Nichols

don’t have to start our car in the cold.”

Still, the Nicholses have taken a leadership role in one of The Pointe’s most popular amenities: an expanding library.

“We have books to suit every interest,” Glendy said. “Even better, all have been donated to us by fellow residents or their families.”

“Even if we don’t need a particular book, we’ll donate it to the city library’s book sales,” Roger said. “Nothing will go to waste.”

You can easily tell that the Nichols are avid readers. Their comfortable apartment teems with books.

However, they prefer to be with their neighbors than holed up in their home.

“I think Roger considers the entire complex to be his personal playroom,” Hesse said with a smile.

Roger agreed with that assessment.

“When Glendy and I were living at home, we didn’t spend much time with our neighbors,” he explained. “In independent living, our neighbors are much closer in proximity and it becomes like a very nice and friendly community.”

Glendy nodded her head in agreement.

“It’s even more than that,” she said.

“We’re like family. That’s a nice feeling.”

When the Nicholses decided to downsize, Glendy said her husband was more excited about independent living than she was.

“I was a bit hesitant because we both like to keep active,” Glendy said. “I didn’t want that to change.”

After maintaining all of her past interests, Glendy said, moving into The Pointe was the right decision for the couple.

“Too many people hold onto their houses too long,” Roger said. “They kick themselves when they realize that independent living is such a nice alternative.”

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HOME neighborhood

beginnings In this 1894 photo, Sioux Street Railway Co. streetcars are shown on Center Street near W. 15th Street. Streetcars were key for people living in far-flung neighborhoods, like the West Side, to access the downtown area.

IN THE ‘HOOD

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Sioux City neighborhoods made possible by streetcar lines

SIOUX CITY – A lot of Sioux City folks take great pride in being residents of specific neighborhoods.

It wasn’t always that way. In the early days, Sioux City was a small town, somewhat more than a mile square – roughly the region where downtown is now, according to Tom Munson, archives director at the Sioux City Public Museum.

In those mid-19th century years, there weren’t really neighborhoods.

“Up until the 1870s, a very high percentage of the population lived in that small downtown area, because it was close to the commercial district – churches were there, homes were there,” MUNSON Munson said. “It wasn’t until the arrival of the railroad, which happened in March of 1868, that you see Sioux City starting to spread out beyond that core area.”

Railroad repair shops began to open in the Floyd River Valley – fairly far from downtown. At the same time, a flour mill opened there.

With these new developments toward the east, new housing (closer to peoples’ workplaces) began to pop up.

These neighborhoods developed in no small part thanks to the city’s long-gone

Text by Mason Dockter | Photographs provided

This photo, taken circa 1891 or 1892, shows Sioux City Engine and Iron Works in the industrial section of Leeds.

The commercial and residential portions of Leeds are in the background. Image is looking to the west from the Great Northern mill at 41st and Arthur.

streetcar lines. In an era when no one had a car and not everybody had a horseand-buggy, streetcars were an affordable way to connect people in the outlying neighborhoods to the city core.

“These people all worked someplace – even the very wealthy worked someplace,” Munson said.

GREENVILLE Among the earliest of these “suburbs,” as Munson calls them, was Greenville.

Greenville, east of downtown near part of today’s Gordon Drive, began to emerge circa 1870, as homes gathered in the area near Thomas Green’s newly built brick plant.

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This photo shows Leeds, looking southeast, circa 1910.

Leeds is the only of Sioux City’s neighborhoods that was once, very briefly, its own town.

Morningside Avenue looking southeast from Indiana Avenue, circa 1919 or 1920. The origins of the name Morningside are unclear, but a “Morning Side Fruit Farm” existed in the area as early as the 1870s.

“Does the ‘Green’ name sound familiar?” Munson asked. “Greenville.”

The name “Greenville” didn’t appear until sometime in the 1880s, roughly around the time that Green’s Steam Brick Works was absorbed into another brick company.

Home construction in Greenville boomed near the turn of the century, when workers started to congregate to work in the flour mills, manufacturing plants, brick and tile manufacturers and other businesses.

These workers needed affordable housing, which they found in Greenville.

Though Greenville residents had less of a need for a streetcar line compared to other neighborhoods, the area was at one time served by the “extraordinarily obscure” Washington Park & Spring Grove Railway Co. MORNINGSIDE The founding father of Morningside was Edwin C. Peters. He bought land in the area and built a home in the 1870s, and others soon followed suit. The neighborhood had become well-established by the 1890s.

Peters also donated land to the University of the Northwest, a college in the Morningside neighborhood. Doesn’t sound familiar? It would later be renamed Morningside College.

Where does the name Morningside come from?

“Morningside gets its name because it’s the first part of Sioux City to see morning – it’s in the east where the sun rises,” Munson said. Who exactly coined the name Morningside is unclear, but a “Morning Side Fruit Farm” existed in the area as early as the 1870s. For virtually 24

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Morningside Days Parade in 1976.

all of its history, Morningside was a somewhat-above-working-class neighborhood.

“You have some very wealthy developers living there” in the 19th century, Munson said.

Back in streetcar days, Morningside was served by the Sioux City Rapid Transit Co., which operated an elevated railroad there.

LEEDS Among Sioux City neighborhoods,

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Leeds holds the distinction of being the only one that was once its own town.

“For about six months, between 1889 and 1890,” Munson said. Its status as an independent community ended when Sioux City expanded and annexed it.

Among the northernmost neighborhoods of Sioux City, Leeds was another working-class neighborhood.

People who lived in Leeds would have ridden the Sioux City & Leeds Electric Railway Co. to their jobs outside the neighborhood.

SMITH VILLA AND WEST SIDE A key figure in the history of the West Side is William R. Smith, whose estate and mansion were, after his death, sold by his widow to become Smith Elementary School (now Liberty Elementary).

While he was still alive, Smith divvied his farm into building lots, onto which other people built houses. Some of the early West Side houses Smith might’ve been familiar with still stand, Munson said.

The area around his former estate became known as “Smith Villa,” extending roughly from West 14th Street to West 21st Street, and from Rebecca Street to West Street. This not-terribly-huge area was, in some ways, Munson says, the heart of the West Side.

“That would have been the 80 acres that William Smith owned,” Munson said.

RIVERSIDE Like Greenville, Riverside owes much of its early development to Sioux City’s once-booming brick industry. In the late 1800s, there were four brickyards in Riverside alone – which would later be consolidated and absorbed into Sioux City Brick and Tile. They continued pumping out bricks for decades.

“Through the 1890s into the early 20th century, these were the successful enterprises, and that’s why Riverside

emerges,” he said. “This is how Riverside kind of emerges as a working-class to lower-middle-class neighborhood.”

Practically everybody in old Riverside made their living through bricks.

“In an 1892-93 directory of the people who are listed as living in Riverside, two out of every three people in Riverside work at one of the brick yards.”

Besides the brick workers, Riverside also hosted employees of the Milwaukee Railroad Shops, which moved there in 1917.

“Those shops at their prime, in the 1920s, employed 400 people,” Munson said.

Both the West Side and Riverside were served by the Sioux City & Highland Park Railway Co., as well as a secondary line called the Riverside Park Railway Co. THE BOTTOMS The South Bottoms – nestled near the Floyd River – was a working-class area that housed a number of immigrant laborers. Unfortunately, the area was very prone to Floyd River-induced flooding.

Named the Bottoms “simply because they were in the Floyd River Bottoms,” the area was a very logical area for housing its early days.

“This is a consequence of manufacturing locating in a flood plain, because it’s close to the river, which is – you can dump all sorts of waste there, sometimes

This photo, taken circa 1905, shows the Norton S. Rowe grocery store, 210 S. Wall St., in the South Bottoms.

you can use it for power. It’s nice, flat building land,” Munson said. “You build a factory, the neighborhood pops up around it.”

But being in a flood plain, the homes were all at the mercy of the Floyd River and its periodic floods.

“The Floyd River flooded to a degree almost every year before it was re-channeled,” Munson said.

Very serious floods occurred in 1892, 1926, 1934 and perhaps most memorably, in 1953. Eventually, the city decided it had had enough of the wild river.

“The manufacturing interests wanted to control the flooding,” Munson said, and a massive re-channelization project was undertaken in the 1960s.

The Bottoms disappeared in the 1950s, with the construction of the Interstate and the re-routing of the Floyd River.

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HOME trees

make a difference

Jerry Kahl, an arborist and owner of Jerry’s Tree Service in Storm Lake, Iowa, looks at a stand of ash trees infested with the emerald ash borer in Alta, Iowa. He recommends people plant other types of disease-resistant trees in lawns.

A NORTHWEST IOWA GUIDE TO

SHADE TREES FOR THE

s

Text by Mason Dockter | Photographs by Tim Hynds & ISU Extension

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STORM LAKE, IOWA – There are so many benefits to having a lawn full of trees.

Financially, trees could add hundreds or thousands of dollars in value to a property. Aesthetically, they can improve the look of a home, said Jerry Kahl, proprietor of Jerry’s Tree Service.

“There’s also the shade benefit – if you plant deciduous trees on the south, southwest side of your house, you can

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get shade benefit, which can reduce your cooling costs,” he said.

But not all trees are created equal – the threat of pestilence (like the notorious emerald ash borer and Dutch elm disease) looms large. And not all trees are suited to Iowa’s climate of bitterly cold winters.

With that in mind, here are a few trees that Kahl would recommend Siouxland residents plant:

Honey locust trees can have sinister-looking thorns on their branches, but thorn-less varieties have been developed.

Sugar maple trees are notable for their beautiful fall foliage.

SUGAR MAPLE As its name would suggest, sugar maple has been used to produce maple syrup. In a landscaping context, the tree is noted for its beautiful, red and orange fall foliage and would likely grow to 80 feet tall. The ISU Extension describes the sugar maple as “one of our largest and finest forest trees.”

“They add a lot of color to your landscape,” Kahl said.

GINKGO Ginkgo trees were popular way back when. Way, way back when – like back when dinosaurs still breathed.

“The Ginkgo has grown on this planet for millions of years, and been a very successful tree,” Kahl said. “And it’s a good landscape tree, also.”

Ginkgoes, being flexible in their soil and climate demands, can thrive in Iowa despite being native to China. They have broad, fan-like leaves somewhat reminiscent of geranium leaves.

Norway maple trees can grow to a height of 40 to 60 feet.

NORWAY MAPLE According to the Iowa State Forestry Extension, Norway maples generally grow to be 40 to 60 feet tall, though they could be as tall as 100 feet. The tree is sometimes used in urban landscaping due to its tolerance of pollution.

HACKBERRY The hardy and long-lived hackberry tree is wellsuited to life in an Iowa lawn. Rather majestic-looking in old age, the hackberry gets its name from the chokecherry-sized berries that appear on its foliage in the fall. The ISU Extension notes that the tiny fruits are eaten by birds, including robins, cardinals, brown thrashers and cedar waxwings.

Hackberry trees are willing to put up with a lot – too-dry or wet soils likely won’t overwhelm a hackberry. Expect a hackberry to reach a height of 40 to 60 feet, “without virtually any pest or disease problems,” Kahl said.

HONEY LOCUST The elegant honey locust does well throughout much of Iowa, and could grow to a height of 70 to 80 feet. Its leaves grow in a distinctive, olive branch-like pattern. The honey locust also produces long, dark-brown seed pods.

According to the ISU Extension, honey locust grows fairly quickly and is tolerant of urban environments. Though honey locust in the wild often has sinisterlooking thorns, thorn-less varieties are available.

Honey locust is susceptible to a handful of pests (what tree species isn’t?), including Mimosa webworm, borers and cankers.

KENTUCKY COFFEE Similar to honey locust, Kentucky coffee is a member of the legume family, which also includes peanuts and beans.

The tree grows to a height of some 60 to 75 feet, and grows brown seed pods somewhat similar to the honey locust.

According to the ISU Extension, the seeds of the Kentucky Hackberry coffee tree were used by trees get their early settlers as a substitute name from the for coffee (in a desperate, nosmall berries, similar coffee situation, who wouldn’t in appearance to chokecherries, the turn to ridiculous substitutes?) trees produce.

Though the Kentucky coffee is at home throughout Iowa, in SIOUXLAND LIFE

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Linden trees feature broad leaves and tan-colored flowers that bees enjoy.

The seeds of the Kentucky coffee tree, according to legend, were once used as a coffee substitute by pioneers.

nature it is found largely in the drainage areas of the Mississippi, Big Sioux, Skunk and Des Moines Rivers.

Kentucky coffee is fairly pest-free tree that is willing to tolerate a variety of soils – though its prefers rich, moist soils, it can handle limestone and clay soils and soil prone to drought.

AMERICAN LINDEN Known by several names, including basswood and Tillia, American linden is the only species of its genus native to Iowa, and is native to the entire state.

American linden grows quickly, and sports leaves that are rather broad and round-ish in shape, as well as tancolored flowers that appear in the late spring. These flowers make the tree a favored bee hangout.

DISEASE-PRONE TREES AND FUTURE DISEASES Virtually all trees, Kahl cautioned, can get infected. But certain trees are

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far more susceptible than others.

“I mean they can still have some problems with, oh say, Verticillium wilt, there’s a couple things,” he said.

Though Kahl notes that “they’ve come out with Dutch elm diseaseresistant elm trees now,” most people are wary of planting elms because of the notorious disease, which first arrived in the U.S. around 1930 and spread across the country in the ensuing decades, killing elms.

Some oaks have begun to be impacted by a fungal disease called “oak wilt.”

“That’s increasingly becoming a problem – in areas where the oaks are concentrated, where there’s large populations of oaks, there are problems with oak wilt,” Kahl said. Still, there are a few recommendable oak species, like red oak and swamp white oak.

Conifers are falling victim as well – pine wilt nematode has been killing off Scotch pines and the ISU Extension does not recommend planting them.

“The conifers – there are some very significant problems with the pine trees, a lot of the conifers are having very serious disease problems,” he said.

“Colorado spruce is having major disease problems, even though they’ve been widely planted here, I probably wouldn’t recommend planting Colorado spruce anymore. That’s maybe a bit of a controversial statement.”

Among conifers, Kahl said the larch remains “virtually pest and diseasefree,” and the Douglas fir and Norway spruce are still recommendable.

And then there’s the emerald ash borer, which was spotted in Siouxland last summer.

“That’s present here now, we just discovered that over in Alta here this summer, and that is going to be an enormous issue with the ashes, probably going to take the ash trees,” he said.

“So obviously we don’t want to plant ashes anymore.”

Finally, there is one insidious tree pest that hasn’t arrived here yet but could someday – the Asian long-horned beetle. According to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, several tree species including maples, willows, poplars, birches, ash and elm are vulnerable to the beetle, which has so far spread to Massachusetts, New York and Ohio.

The beetle could cause far more damage than Dutch elm disease – potentially billions of dollars’ worth of trees are at risk.

“That’s still off, but it probably, you know at some point in the future, will probably be a problem here,” Kahl said.

BUSINESS

banking on changes

COFFEE

CornerHaus 101 is located in the heart of downtown Holstein, Iowa, housed in an old bank, complete with a pair of vaults.

PERKS UP LEGENDARY BANK SITE Text and photography:

TIM GALLAGHER

H

HOLSTEIN, IOWA – Jeff Nechkash and Bobbi Jo Clausen live in the only loft in Holstein, the one topping CornerHaus 101, Clausen’s coffee shop that’s breathing life into the 1896 Holstein Savings Bank building in the heart of downtown.

The 101 in the CornerHaus name comes from its street address, 101 South Main. Haus, of course, is German for house.

“We knew the town needed a coffee shop as there wasn’t anyplace to get a good latte or cup of coffee,” said Nechkash, a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Postal Service. “We figured it would work and it’s gone over real well.”

Michael Breyfogle, a Holstein native who now resides in Minnesota, poured a lot of himself into rehabbing the brick bank structure before selling it to Nechkash and Clausen, who went to work in finishing the site.

“It’s a four-brick building, which means it’s four bricks thick,” Nechkash said. “It is self-standing with three slots added for business to the south and

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The old bank vault is still in use at CornerHaus101 in downtown Holstein, Iowa.

Brick and bling keep drinkers and diners company at CornerHaus 101 in downtown Holstein, Iowa.

one slot added for a business to the west.”

In examining documents pertaining to the building, Nechkash learned that the bank kept operating as such until late in the Depression, 1938, when the owner, apparently, skipped town with some of the funds, never to be found.

“I found that out by looking at the abstract and talking to people who had ties to the building and some older farmers who lost money,” Nechkash said. “I’m not aware if he was caught. I do know that it took until 1945 to sell the banks assets and pay off the original bonds that built the building.”

Nechkash said the bank was constructed for $9,000 some 122 years ago.

Clausen operates without a menu, opting instead to make, for example, two different soups on a certain day, each of which will then fill a 10-quart pot. She’ll post the soups, or whatever creation she’s done, on the CornerHaus 101 Facebook page and sell until it’s gone.

Clausen also makes cinnamon rolls, mini muffins and scones, on occasion.

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Bobbi Clausen owns and operates CornerHaus 101 in downtown Holstein, Iowa. The customer enjoying his cup of coffee is Joe Henderson, of Anthon, Iowa.

Additionally, she and Nechkash brew fresh coffee, which comes from Coffee King in Sioux City. “The beans we have are fresh, less than two weeks old,” he said. “We get them fresh roasted because we don’t have room for our own roaster. I went all over Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota and

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tried 18 different roasters of coffee and ended up going back to Coffee King in Sioux City because I liked theirs the best.”

CornerHaus 101 also buys espresso beans from Coffee King, beans they feed to Emily, the espresso machine they’ve named.

The business, which also has a liquor license, opens on special occasions for birthday parties, bridal showers and the like. Otherwise, CornerHaus 101 is open six days per week (not on Sunday).

“I’m a sucker for history,” Nechkash continued, noting how the old bank

still has two vaults, one directly atop the other. There’s also a stained glass window looking out from beneath a brick arch to offer a view of Main Street.

“The outside of the building’s foundation, even though it’s brick in the basement, is faced with limestone,” he

said. “The building has a lot of character. It would have been a shame to see it fall apart.”

Thanks to Breyfogle and CornerHaus 101’s current operators, the stately old bank still stands, and stays busy, keeping pace in the heart of downtown Holstein.

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INSURANCE

it’s a must

INSURANCE IS A MUST FOR HOMEOWNERS, RENTERS Text: DOLLY A. BUTZ Photography: Tim Hynds

S

SIOUX CITY – If the stone falls out of your diamond ring while you’re working in the yard and the ring isn’t a scheduled item under your homeowner’s policy, Tim McClintock said, stone replacement won’t be covered.

Homeowners and renters insurance can be confusing. There are different types of coverage and varying deductibles, but one thing is certain: it’s in your best interest to have a policy, according to McClintock, president of McClintock Insurance Inc. in Sioux City.

If you finance your home with a mortgage, most lenders will require you to carry homeowners insurance to protect your home in case of a fire, natural disaster or other event that could cause damage.

Renters will want to have a policy to cover their belongings as well, McClintock said. Still, many people forgo homeowners and renters insurance. They don’t believe anything will happen to their investment, or they think insurance costs too much.

“If they don’t have a mortgage, they don’t have insurance. You’ll see those on the news all the time starting a GoFundMe page because they didn’t have insurance,” said McClintock, who said a renters insurance policy can cost as little as $15 to $20 a month.

Pools, trampolines and certain animals could drive up your rates or cause a carrier to drop your policy, while a good credit score and updates to your home’s heating, electricity, plumbing or roof could save you money, according to McClintock.

Before purchasing a policy, he said, you’ll need to consider which type of insurance coverage is best for you. Before purchasing a home, he encourages clients to ask their realtor about any updates the previous owner made to the home’s roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning systems.

You’ll want to familiarize yourself with the terms “replacement cost” and “actual cash value” and their

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ACTUAL CASH VALUE VS. REPLACEMENT COST Replacement cost is the amount a carrier would have to pay to replace an asset at the present time, according to its current worth.

Actual cash value is a method of valuing insured property that does not equal the replacement cost. Actual cash value is determined by subtracting depreciation from the replacement cost.

meanings, as well as the types of deductibles you’ll be charged. While the standard deductible is $1,000, McClintock said you may also have a percentage deductible in your policy for damage caused by wind or hail.

“You might have a $1,500 deductible for wind and hail, or you can have a percentage applied to the roof or your structure for wind and hail,” he explained. “That has been a big change for a lot of people.”

If your house floods and you don’t have flood insurance, you’re out of luck. McClintock said you have to buy a flood policy to have flood coverage.

A typical homeowners insurance policy also doesn’t cover water line or sewer line backups. McClintock

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recommends that homeowners purchase additional coverage, which many insurance companies are now offering as an option. Through a partnership between the City of Sioux City and HomeServe USA, water line protection is available for $4.49 a month and sewer line protection for $7.99 a month.

“Even some of the newer stuff that they’ve been putting in have had breaks in the water lines and sewer lines,” McClintock said of the city.

“There was one on Jackson Street. On Pierce Street, they had a flood. They’ve had some out in Morningside. Because our infrastructure is old, that’s where the losses are coming from.”

The average claim if the break is on the homeowner’s side of the street can be $5,000 to $6,000, according to McClintock. If the break is across the street from the homeowner, he said the claim could be $8,000 to $10,000.

“It used to be the property owner was responsible from the house to the shutoff and the city code has changed that you’re responsible from your house to the main sewer line and the main water line,” he said. “Most of the expense comes as you have to dig up the street to get to that unless the waterline is one your side of the street.”

Insurance policies also provide limited coverage for jewelry, money, antiques, guns, sporting equipment and artwork. If you have rare, valuable items, you’ll want to protect them with scheduled personal property, optional coverage you can add to your homeowner’s or renter’s policies.

McClintock urges clients to take photos and videos of all of their possessions to store on a USB drive kept in a secure location, such as a safety deposit box. After a disaster strikes, he said it can be difficult to recall all those belongings tucked away in closets and cabinets. Photos make a good record, as do receipts.

Not sure if it’s covered?

McClintock said the best thing to do is read your policy or call your insurance agent.

Tim McClintock, president of McClintock Insurance, is shown during an interview at the insurance company’s Sioux City office.

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DÉCOR

make a statement

STATE OF THE UNION Sioux City sign-maker finds big market for tables shaped like states Text by Mason Dockter Photography by Justin Wan

S

SIOUX CITY – Ashley Sturgis’ tables are many things – a conversation piece, a show of state pride, a functional piece of furniture.

Sturgis, the proprietor of Sturgis Signs, makes tables with wooden tops shaped like states. The Manson, Iowa native is a sign-maker by trade and she recently came upon a novel use for her wooden state maps.

When Sturgis first hung out her shingle as a sign-maker 20 years ago, her work was similar to what she did at a previous job at Sign Pro – more like automotive graphics than folksy decor.

“But now I’ve kind of ventured off into doing more wood signs for the house,” she said.

One type of sign (and furniture) coming out of Sturgis’ basement woodshop has become an especially hot commodity: state- and U.S.-shaped wooden wall maps and tables.

The wood maps Sturgis makes begin life as paper maps. The maps are placed over specially-selected wood (“that has the most grain and the most knots,”) and subjected to a treatment that transfers the map image to the wood.

“Once you pull the paper off, the ink (of) the map stays on the wood,” she said. All told, the process might take five hours, depending on the nature of the project.

Wooden maps were a natural choice for Sturgis, since she has an interest in both.

“I love maps, and I love wood,” she said.

So far, Sturgis has made maps in the

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Ashley Sturgis poses with a wooden map of the United States. Recently, Sturgis found success turning her wooden maps into

shape of the United States, Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

Which states she makes depends on which states customers order.

“I would love to make all of them,” she said.

At first, Sturgis’ maps were only wall decor. She began to ponder other uses

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for the maps, and eventually she decided to try turning them into tables.

Her table-making began modestly – she made only one at first. Soon after she posted her work on Facebook, the tables’ popularity exploded, orders flowed in and she sold dozens.

“It took off in South Dakota first

ps into tables.

– people in South Dakota love their own state,” she said. “They ordered a ton of them during Christmas time. So I was constantly making South Dakota.”

It probably doesn’t hurt that South Dakota is, in reality, shaped more or less like a rectangular table with a couple rough corners.

After finding a following in South Dakota, she posted her work on the Des Moines-area Facebook swap site.

Then, the demand for Iowa tables exploded.

While the Des Moines market rapidly became a leading consumer of tables shaped like Iowa, and South Dakota

was so enamored that her maps have a presence at a boutique in Brookings, Sioux City has never expressed that level of interest.

“Something about this area, they don’t really care,” Sturgis said with a laugh. “I don’t know what it is. It’s kind of weird.”

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THEATER

repurposing for art

Le Mars Community Theatre Board President Danna Schuster talks about the organization’s 49th season inside the intimate performance space.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON Le Mars, Iowa’s historic Postal Playhouse gets makeover

L

Text by Earl Horlyk Photographs by Justin Wan

LE MARS, IOWA – On the small stage of the Postal Playhouse sat a nondescript set that was meant to be the Manhattan apartment of Olive Madison, the lead character in the female version of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple.”

Soon, sloppy Olive’s life is turned upside-down when her best friend, neat freak Florence Unger, moves in after her contentious divorce.

“Obviously, we’ve done the male version of ‘The Odd Couple,’ many times in the past,” Danna Schuster, Le Mars Community Theatre board president, said a few weeks before showtime. “The female version is very unique and just as funny.”

No matter how diverting this classic

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A vintage, early 20th century light fixture is one of the features that give away Le Mars, Iowa’s Postal Playhouse’s former function as a U.S. Post Office.

play is, the real excitement at the Postal Playhouse is happening just beyond the stage of the theater.

Built in 1914, the building at 105 First Street N.E. was the home of Le Mars’ U.S. Post Office for more than 50 years.

When a new, modern post office was built, the City of Le Mars

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purchased the building, which became home to the Le Mars Community Theatre since 1977.

“The Postal Playhouse doesn’t look like any other community theater around,” Schuster, a frequent actor and director in local productions, acknowledged. “We love all of the big windows and light fixtures and tile flooring.”

One thing that Schuster and her troupe of fellow thespians didn’t like was the theater’s cramped quarters.

“We’ve always run into storage issues simply because the building was not built to be a theater,” she said. “While we’ve done a fantastic job in making the space work for us, the problem was never going to get better. It was just getting worse.”

That’s why Schuster and her theater board members contacted Le Mars City Administrator Scott Langel about the

possibility of building an additional 14-by-40-foot space onto the historic building.

“Scott and the city were on board right away,” she added. “They’ve been very good to us, helping out any way they could.”

Schuster said Langel and Le Mars Mayor Dick Kirchoff recommended working with the Le Mars Community Betterment Foundation (LCBF) as a way to secure funding.

Shortly thereafter, LCBF chairman Michael Donlin applied for a grant through the Gilchrist Foundation in Sioux City, which funded $100,000 to the project.

“We estimated the project at around $130,000,” Schuster said. “When the City of Le Mars agreed to match the $15,000 that the Le Mars Community Theatre raised, we were on our way.”

Last fall, a loading dock was demolished while an enclosed addition was built in its place.

The new space, likely to be completed this spring, will allow for a larger work space for building sets and more room for storage.

“Quite frankly, we’ve needed more room for a very long time,” Schuster said, showing off cubby holes that doubled as dressing rooms, and storage areas teeming with decades worth of costuming and props.

In fact, she personally loves to rummage through the plastic bins that now house the hat collection of Le Mars Community Theatre founding member Bonnie Dull, who died in 2016.

“Bonnie was one of the people who started the theater group in 1968 and ended up devoting the next 50 years of her life to the arts,” Schuster said, looking through chapeaus fitting every occasion.

“I don’t know if we used hats as props any more but if we do, it will come from Bonnie’s collection.”

Schuster said she loves it when longtime Le Mars residents tell her about the Postal Playhouse’s former history. She’s also pleased knowing that the building will continue to have a future.

“The Gilchrist grant is a great deal for us because we’re enhancing our performance and work space,” she explained. “It’s also good for Le Mars, because they own the building and are able to enhance it without using tax dollars to do it.”

Perhaps of equal importance, the theater gives local actors and stage crews a nice place to practice their craft.

Audiences are anxious to witness the humorous exploits of Olive Madison and Florence Unger, after all.

“The show must go on,” Schuster said. “And theater will continue to live in Le Mars for many years to come.”

Costumes and props from decades-worth of productions fill every space inside of the Postal Playhouse, longtime home of the Le Mars Community Theatre.

A veteran actor and director with the Le Mars Community Theatre, Danna Schuster shows off the set that will be used in the female version of Neil Simon’s classic “The Odd Couple.”

An old, original door of the Postal Playhouse is seen at Le Mars Community Theatre in Le Mars, Iowa. The theater was formerly a post office.

With its high ceilings, big windows and tile flooring, the Postal Playhouse looks like no other community theater you’d ever see, according to Le Mars Community Playhouse’s Danna Schuster. That’s because the building was formerly home to a U.S. Post Office.

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Here Comes

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HOME youth

movement

YOUTH MOVEMENT

Taylor Nees, 27, stands outside one of the three homes he owns in his hometown of Holstein, Iowa. Nees, who works for Holstein Electric, spends his time away from work renovating the older home in which he resides.

This home is immediately west of Ridge View High School.

27-year-old electrician flips, moves Holstein market

H

Text and photography by Tim Gallagher

HOLSTEIN, IOWA — Taylor Nees is at the center of a youth movement in Holstein, his hometown.

Nees, 27, left home after his 2009 graduation from Galva-Holstein High School. Following a period of study (and playing basketball) at Central College in Pella, Iowa, Nees went to work pouring concrete in Carroll, Iowa. He then found work raising cows at

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Unique light fixtures in the kitchen show the creative side of house flipper Taylor Nees, of Holstein, Iowa.

This is the first home Taylor Nees bought and remodeled in Holstein, Iowa. The home, which has two bedrooms, has been rented the past few years by workers helping to build a wind farm and expand Highway 20 near Holstein.

Maple River in Carroll County.

“And then I moved back home to become an electrician as my mom and stepdad, Mike and Nancy Johnson, needed the help,” said Nees, a licensed journeyman electrician at Holstein Electric, a firm that’s grown from eight employees to 14 in the five years since Nees has been back. Nees takes a test in May to become a master electrician.

Along the way, he has purchased and refurbished three homes near his old high school, which now goes by the name of Ridge View High School.

The first, on the 100 block of Davenport Street, is a 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom home that nobody had lived in for a long time.

“It’s wasn’t in very good shape,” said Nees, who disclosed buying the property for $17,000. “I moved in and lived there for a couple of years while I was fixing it up. I still own it.”

Nees joined his buddy, Elijah Miller, in erecting a two-car garage adjacent to the 40

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Frosted glass on these double doors separate the master bath from the master bedroom in an older home being remodeled – and lived in – by Taylor Nees, 27, of Holstein, Iowa.

The shower is made of concrete.

home. Using a loan, he worked to refurbish the interior and eventually rented it out to a firm whose workers were building the 4-lane Highway 20 and a windmill farm around Holstein.

“That house holds two guys,” he said.

Nees then purchased a three-bedroom home around the corner. This twobathroom structure featured a single-car garage. Nees didn’t live in that house, however, as it only need a few cosmetic touches before he began renting it out.

Again, he rents it to workers who are doing Highway 20 construction.

About 19 months ago, he bought his third home, a three-bedroom, two-andone-half-bathroom house across the street from the high school. Again, it’s within a baseball toss of the other two structures. Nees lives in this site while renovating the interior, a project he started by taking out a wall that separated the kitchen from the living room. That step created an open concept on the

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first floor, a level that also includes the master bedroom, master bathroom, a full laundry area and another half-bath.

“I probably have $10,000 in the kitchen materials alone,” he said, explaining how he built a form for which he poured a sink while standing in his living room.

The counter features three separate pieces of concrete, all of which Nees did himself.

The modern look is touched off by a corrugated steel roof, new cabinets and appliances and laminate flooring.

“There’s Rebar throughout the concrete counters,” he said, running his hand across the sealant’s smooth finish.

“I also poured the concrete for the counter last winter right here in the living room and then we lifted the pieces in place.”

Additionally, the shower he built for the master bathroom is all concrete, a fortress of sorts for Nees, who stands 6-feet 6-inches and weighs 300 pounds.

Taylor Nees, of Holstein, Iowa, began renovating his current residence by taking out a wall that separated the living room from the kitchen. Nees put in all new kitchen cabinets, appliances, flooring, ceiling, light fixtures and more. The counters are made of concrete, which he poured himself.

“It was the first shower I’ve built,” he said, moments after walking through the wooden double doors he kept to separate bedroom from bath.

There are also two bedrooms upstairs and another full bathroom, areas that continue to receive Nees’ attention when he’s not at work, serving as project manager for Holstein Electric, a firm playing a key role as Holstein expands eastward on Benning Drive, adjacent to the No. 7 hole at Holstein Country Club.

“We built two new duplexes,” Nees said, offering a tour of the one that hadn’t yet been rented.

“I love doing all this because Holstein is going to grow,” said Nees. “I’m doing what I can because I want to see young people in their 20s and 30s living here.

Holstein offers pretty cheap living, plus it’s a fun place to be.”

How fun? Well, Nees also shows that side while unveiling a set of custommade overalls he’s working to mass

VIDEO Taylor Nees, of Holstein Electric in Holstein, Iowa, shows off a new duplex on the east side of the Holstein Country Club at siouxcityjournal.com produce. The overalls contain special pockets and holders, allowing the wearer to store up to eight or 10 cans of beer or pop. The zipper has a bottle opener, of course.

There’s also a drone business directory Nees is getting, ahem, off the ground.

Twelve businesses have signed on with Nees, who has flown one of his three drones throughout his hometown in his effort to scan and film the rooftops, seeking ways to promote the community and his business partners back on the ground.

“I want to get a drone directory,” he said.

Finally, Nees, through Holstein Electric, also has dipped his hand into a certified-apprenticeship program, the kind of program he completed a few years ago. Currently, there are two students working for Holstein Electric while going through the program.

“They work for us full time and we pay for their schooling,” said Nees, a worker and thinker, a mover and shaker who’s bullish about all sorts of things young people can accomplish in his – and for his – hometown.

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HOME garages

make impression

Chadd Goosmann of Overhead Door Company talks about trends in garage doors.

SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME WITH A MODERN-LOOKING

GARAGE DOOR Text by Dolly Butz Photography by Tim Hynds

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SIOUX CITY – Homeowners used to wait up to 30 years to purchase a new garage door.

Today, Chadd Goosmann, president of the Overhead Door Company of Sioux City, said customers are opting to replace their garage doors that may only be a decade old and in perfectly good working order with modern-looking steel doors that resemble wood to add curb appeal and value to their homes.

“It used to be where you waited until it was in rough shape and you bought a new one,” Goosmann said.

“I think people drive around and they see all these great garage doors and they’re like, ‘I think I want to update the look of my house.’”

Chadd Goosmann of says there are many new options in doors, which can help spruce up a home.

Goosmann said selecting a new double garage door, which can cost anywhere from $800 to $8,000, is an easy way to update a home. He said garage doors with vertical windows and smooth finishes, rather than panels, in dark colors, such as brown and black, are trending.

You can add a garage door to an older home or a newer home for a more than 98 percent return on investment, according Remodeling Magazine’s 2018 Cost vs. Value Report.

Goosmann said some customers arrive at his business with an idea of what type of garage door they want after browsing images on Pinterest or touring new housing developments. Others, he said, are open to suggestions. A home’s age and style, Goosmann said doesn’t necessarily dictate the type of garage door a customer must purchase.

“More and more, you can kind of do what you want. Some would say a glass and aluminum modernlooking door needs a modern house.

We started putting those on a lot of ranch-style houses and people just like the look of it,” he said. “That type of door a lot of people have an interest in. You don’t have to live in a concrete house to have a cool door.”

Overhead Door Company sells steel garage doors from the Thermacore Collection. These garage doors feature premium insulation construction and design to maximize thermal efficiency and reduce air infiltration in the garage space. The doors are durable and don’t require much maintenance.

“The steel door are pretty lowmaintenance,” Goosmann said. “People often ask, ‘What’s the best way to clean my garage door?’ and we tell them to do just like you would a car.”

Goosmann said upgrading to a garage door with a wood-like finish

A double garage door can range from $800 to $8,000 depending on the extras a homeowner might want.

and windows won’t break the bank, either. Expect to spend $300 to $400 more than a standard garage door.

If you want your garage door to be a dark color, he said, it won’t cost extra.

“You could do a black door or a terra bronze and pay the exact same amount as a white door costs,” Goosmann said. “I had someone powder coat a gray (door) to look like concrete because they were putting some concrete columns in. Really, the sky is the limit.”

Goosmann said customers can choose any Sherwin-Williams color and have their garage doors painted to match before installation, which

takes no more than a day.

“Usually they take them out and put them in and it’s all done when you come home from work,” he said.

Another feature that is fairly new to garage doors, Goosmann said, is a smart device enabled controller, which allows homeowners to monitor and operate their garage doors from anywhere through an app on their smartphones or tablets. Goosmann said a special kit can make almost any existing garage door WiFi-compatible.

“Some of the new openers, you can set a timer and after 30 minutes it will go ahead and close the door,” he said.

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HEALTHMedical

Answers

‘DOC, I’VE GOT A QUESTION …’ answers to your medical questions

MEET THE DOC Dr. Katie Savio is a resident at the Siouxland Medical Education Foundation. She is a Fremont, Nebraska, native who attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania. Katie enjoys playing volleyball, softball, cooking and spending time with her family.

My child has lice. But what does that mean for the rest of the family? What do we need to do? How long does it last?

Help!

First and foremost, your child needs to get treated for lice. As for the other people in the house, they need to be examined to see if they also have an active infection. General recommendations include washing clothing and linens used by the infested child if they have been used within the two days prior to starting treatment. They need to be washed in hot water and dried on a high heat cycle. For things that can’t be washed, they should be dry cleaned or stored in a sealed plastic bag for up to two weeks. The risk of transmission of lice from carpet or furniture is low but you can vacuum these things if you would like. It is very unlikely that a louse will still be alive after being off the scalp for 48 hours.

Most topical treatments are designed to only require one application for adequate treatment and are repeated only if there are still live lice seen seven to 10 days later.

What can you tell me about the HPV vaccination? What age do you have to be? What if you’re older, do you ignore it?

This is a great question! Especially because there have been some changes with the HPV vaccine recommendations within the last year. HPV stands for human papillomavirus and it is a very common virus. About 1 in 4 people in the United States has HPV. Most HPV infections, about 90 percent, resolve on their own within two years.

But, the problems can arise when the infections last longer because infections with certain subtypes of HPV can cause genital warts and cancers.

In women, it can cause cancers of the cervix, vagina and vulva. In men, penile cancers can occur because of HPV. 44

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And in both men and women, cancers of the anus, throat, tongue and tonsils can be seen due to HPV. Of the approximately 30,700 cancers due to HPV that are diagnosed each year in the United

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States, about 28,000 of them could be prevented by vaccination.

Now that the reason for vaccination is a little clearer, let’s go over the recommendations. For children who are

11 or 12 years old, it is recommended that they get the two-shot HPV vaccination series, with each dose being given 6-12 months apart. If your child is 14 years old or over, he or she will need to get the three-shot vaccine series given over six months. The HPV vaccine is recommended for women through age 26 and men through age 21. The earliest you can start the HPV vaccine series for your child is age 9. If you have additional questions or concerns about the vaccine, you should talk with your doctor. There is also a lot of great information on the CDC website about every vaccine that is recommended for children and adults.

Are sandals bad for your feet? How long should they be worn?

Generally speaking, sandals are OK footwear for most people. As with most things, depending on your individual feet, activity level, etc., there are going to be certain types that will probably work better for you. All types of shoes will eventually wear out. A good rule of thumb for all shoes is that if they are starting to hurt your feet, cause callouses or skin breakdown, it’s time to trade them in for a different pair. If you have specific questions about your footwear and what would work best for your body type, mobility

issues or activity level, you should speak with your doctor or a podiatrist.

I’m having trouble seeing at night.

What could the problem be?

There are many things that could be contributing to or causing an issue like this. The most common of these includes things like glaucoma, eye complications of diabetes, vitamin deficiencies and a general worsening of your vision. A good first step is to be sure you’ve seen the eye doctor for an exam and make sure you don’t simply need a new glasses or contact prescription. If you are diabetic, be sure you are up to date on your screening retinopathy exam. Diabetics need to have a dilated eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist at least once a year. If your eye doctor does not find anything to explain this issue, and the problem persists, you should make an appointment to see your doctor for further evaluation.

If I had chicken pox as a child, do I need a shingles shot as an adult?

Whether you have had chicken pox, you need to get the shingles vaccine. The shingles vaccine is recommended for all adults. Zostavax is the original shingles vaccine and has been used since 2006. Zostavax is given as a one-time injection and is

recommended for ages 60 and over.

The FDA approved a new shingles vaccine, Shingrix, in 2017. Shingrix is now the preferred vaccine as studies have shown better protection from shingles and the most common complication of shingles, known as postherpetic neuralgia. Shingrix is recommended for adults age 50 and older and is given as a two-dose series with the second shot being given two to six months after the first one. There is no maximum age for getting the shingles vaccine.

Even if you have had shingles, you can get the shingles vaccine. If you get shingles after you are vaccinated, the severity of the shingles is typically lessened. As with any vaccine, there are certain medical conditions that affect recommendations for or against vaccination. Always speak with your doctor about any vaccines you are getting. And again, the CDC website has a wealth of information about all vaccines that are recommended.

WHAT KINDS OF HEALTH QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE? Submit your questions and they may be used in this regular feature. Write to Siouxland Life at 515 Pavonia St., Sioux City, Iowa 51102.

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Home Healthcare Available.

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To advertise on this page call Kaylee Betterton at 712-224-6279 or email KayleeBetterton@SiouxCityJournal.com

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PARTING SHOT By

Bruce Miller

FRIENDSHIP IS FOREVER I realize it’s a part of aging, but I’ve had far too many friends die in the last year.

Some have dealt with diseases that have no answers. Others have gone without a hint of illness. Both ways have been hard to reconcile.

While I’d like to think I let them know how much I cared about them, I still feel that nagging desire to have a conversation where I can lay it all on the line and tell them what their friendship meant.

With a friend as high-maintenance as me, I know I’ve appreciated their ability to listen and comfort. I’ve also loved their willingness to hear my complaints, laugh at my jokes and accept me at my worst.

True friends know they can talk to you any time of the day. They can come to your messy house, accept it for what it’s worth and always give a nudge where it’s needed the most.

Friends don’t get mad at you. They get mad with you.

When they feel like venting, they vent.

When they feel like bragging, they brag.

No one keeps score. No one cares who did what. That’s why you’re together for the long haul.

Yes, you talk about mutual friends. Yes, you hear their familial complaints. Yes, you sometimes sit in silence.

Always, though, you can feel like they’re there.

And then, sadly, they’re not.

Several times in the last year, I’ve picked up the phone thinking I might call one of those friends just to chat. I start to dial and

realize how stupid I am. Oh, sure, you might get the friend’s voicemail and hear the voice you’ve been missing, but it’s not like those times when you talk about everything and nothing.

Holidays pass and you see things they should have seen. You try to sustain traditions, but you know they’re not the same without them.

In the last six months, I’ve looked at pictures and wondered if I’ll ever be able to have those moments again with others.

And, yes, I know I will.

But there’s something about a friend who comes into your life and helps define who you are. Friends educate us, even when it’s something as simple as paint color.

They broaden our palates, fill our worlds and make our houses feel like homes.

Spouses, parents, siblings and children can do the same thing. But you know you can say things to friends you wouldn’t dare say to your mother.

Friends accept the weight gain, understand the work woes and know what you mean when a certain loved one isn’t all that loving.

Friends are chosen, not given.

Even though they’re not physically with you forever, they’re always there – ready to lift you up with a laugh, a remembered moment, a familiar place.

“Don’t say goodbye,” one of those friends told me when the end was near. I didn’t – because I knew what she meant. Friendship is forever. Even death can’t take that away.

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