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February / March 2016
T H E H E A R T L A N D ’ S L E A D I N G R E A L E S TAT E & H O M E LI V I N G M A G A Z I N E
multiple updates Three bedroom, 1801 sq.ft., fenced backyard, metal shop with rollup doors. LEARN MORE, PAGE 12
INSIDE THIS MONTH’S EDITION: n Spring Cleaning Expert tips for a thorough clean, 2 n Cracking up! Should driveway repair be DIY? 5
MISSION:
n Bug Out! 7
See article on page 9
C H E C K O U T L I S T I N G S & I N F O R M AT I O N F R O M T H E S E G R E AT A D V E R T I S E R S : cold w ell B anker , M ark C am p bell & A ssociates , M C C L U S K E Y & A S S O C I AT E S , T E X A S B A N K , T E X A S R E A LT Y, M I L L S C O U N T Y S TAT E B A N K , T E X A S G O L D S TA R R E A L E S TAT E , T O O T I E K E L LY R E A L E S TAT E , A C M E B R I C K & T I L E
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Heartland Your Home
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Home sales down 13%
Table of Contents REAL ESTATE McCluskey & Associates Texas Goldstar Real Estate Texas Realty Tootie Kelly Real Estate
8 4 6 12
LENDING INSTITUTIONS Mills County State Bank TexasBank
11 2
MISC SERVICES ACME Brick & Tile
10 A publication of the
Brownwood BULLETIn Your Community u Your Story u Delivered Your Way
Serving the Heart of Texas Since 1886
Notice All Rental and Real Estate Ads are subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, or family status or national origin.
Heartland Association of Realtors release real estate stats for December 2015
Brown County home sales decreased 13 percent to 20 sales in December. Home prices, however, increased 64% over last year, according to the December 2015 Brown County housing market report released today by the Heartland Association of REALTORS®. According to the report, 20 homes were sold in Brown County in December 2015, a 13 percent decrease from the year prior. The median price for Brown County homes increased 64 percent year-over-year to $147,500 during the same time frame. Brown County’s monthly housing inventory* was 9.0 months in Dec 2015, a decrease of 3.4 months from December 2014. The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University cites that 6.5 months of inventory represents a market in which supply and demand for homes is balanced. Homes spent an average of 132 days on the market in December 2015, 12 days less than December 2014. Additionally, active listings were down to 302, a decrease of 5% from the same time last year.
December Statistics At-A-Glance 20 – Homes sold in December 2015, 13 percent less than December 2014. $147,500 – Median price in December 2015, 64 percent more than December 2014. 9.0 – Monthly housing inventory in December 2015, 3.4 months less than December 2014. 132 – Average number of days homes spent on the market in December 2015, 12 days less than December 2014. 302 – Active listings in December 2015, down 5% from December 2014. and do business. As such, the demand for Texas real estate remains strong and enduring. Texas REALTORS® continue to work daily to protect the rights of private-property owners, keep homeownership affordable, and promote public policies that benefit homeowners. * The inventory of homes for a market can be measured in months, which is defined as the number of active listings divided by the average sales per month of the prior 12 months.
— Heartland As-
With a growing economy, booming population and high quality of life, Texas is a great place to live, work
Brownwood BULLETIn Your Community u Your Story u Delivered Your Way
Serving the Heart of Texas Since 1886
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Heartland Your Home
HOME&GARDEN SPRING 2015
Expert tips for a thorough clean Contact Us Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXX Fax: XXX-XXX-XXXX Editorial xxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.com
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Home&Garden is created seasonally by GateHouse Media LLC, XXXXXX parent ompany, and is distributed with various GateHouse papers across the country. Reproduction in whole or in art without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the thors and do not necessarily present those of publication management. Cover: XXXXXXphoto
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By Melissa Erickson More Content Now
“Spring cleaning is a kind of rite of passage, and many of us look upon it as the perfect motivator to give our homes a thorough clean,” said Julie Edelman, better known as The Accidental Housewife. “But, as someone who is all about doing just enough to maintain a clean and healthy-enough home, there are certain tips and tricks that will help you do just that while saving you time, money and your sanity.” The author and social media personality offers these tips from her cleaning arsenal for WIKIPEDIA those undertaking a thorough spring cleaning: Washing windows: Contrary to what you may think, the best kind of weather to clean your windows in is not on a sunny day but on a cloudy day. The sun causes the liquid you’re
cleaning with to dry faster and leave streaks. Real plants: We may not think that our plants need cleaning but they become landing grounds for dust and other debris that can worsen allergies, particularly after a long winter of closed windows. Here’s a simple solution: Take a banana peel, remove the stringy residue inside and wipe the leaves with the peel to clean. The natural oils in bananas will also shine the leaves. If you notice white mold dust, fill a spray bottle with a three-to-one ratio of white vinegar to water and spray away to kill the mold. Non-diluted white vinegar will also do the trick. Showerheads: Over time, mold, mildew and other minerals can build up. To remove, wrap the showerhead in a cloth drenched with white vinegar, which is a natural sanitizer. Place a plastic bag around it and secure it with butterfly hair clips or a scrunchie. Leave overnight. Note: Disinfectants need to remain wet on any surface for at least 20 minutes.
Coldwell Banker, Mark Campbell & Associates completed 338 transactions in 2015 with a total sales volume of over $55 million dollars! A sincere THANK YOU to all of our customers & clients that made 2015 the Best Year yet in the 19 year history of Coldwell Banker, Mark Campbell & Associates!
HALF PAGE AD
Please contact any of the following agents for your real estate needs: Brad Wells ........... 325-642-2489 Don Holland ......... 325-998-2058 Donna Howey ...... 325-998-0488 Gary Twiford ........ 325-642-1179 Jeff Hibbs............. 325-642-3559 Jennifer Newton .. 325-642-2100 Kimon Faubion .... 325-998-0227
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Office: 325-646-1547 1900 Austin Avenue • Brownwood, TX 76801
SPRING CLEANING
Otherwise, they cannot disinfect. Edelman teamed up with the Libman Co., an American manufacturer of cleaning products, in a contest where Libman customers shared their favorite tips, too. They include: • For scratches on your wood furniture, take the meat of a walnut or pecan and rub it into the scratch. The oils in the nut will cover the scratch. • When washing your shower curtain in the washer, throw in a couple of old towels. The friction of the towels scrubs the soap scum from the curtain. • When cleaning your fireplace, spread newspapers on the hearth and mist them with water. • To remove tar from vinyl floors, rub some peanut butter on the spot. The peanut butter will dissolve the tar. • To remove caked-on hairspray from the door or wall behind where you stand in the bathroom, mix fabric softener with some water. It will dissolve the hairspray. • To keep brightly colored clothes from fading, add 1/2 cup salt to the rinse cycle when washing.
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Heartland Your Home
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Sunday, February 21, 2016 6 FALL 2015 HOME&GARDEN
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Heartland Your Home
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THEDRIVEWAY
FALL 2015 HOME&GARDEN
BIGSTOCK.COM BIGSTOCK.COM
THEDRIVEWAY
By Melissa Erickson
WHEN TO REPAIR YOUR DRIVEWAY YOURSELF AND WHEN TO GET HELP WHEN TO REPAIR YOUR DRIVEWAY YOURSELF AND WHEN TO GET HELP
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riveway cracks are unattractive and give an unwelcoming appearance to your home By Melissa Erickson exterior. Left unattended, cracks can grow and More Content Now cause the driveway to crumble. Luckily, repairing driveway cracks can be a rivewayexperience. cracks are unattractive and give relatively simple an unwelcoming your home “Repairing small drivewayappearance cracks is antoinexpensive exterior. Left unattended, cracks can grow and and DIY-friendly project – just be sure you have the right cause the driveway to crumble. materials on hand and follow instructions,” said remodelLuckily, cracks can a s ing contractor Dannyrepairing Lipford, driveway host of television andberadio’ relatively experience. “Today’ssimple Homeowner.” “Repairing smallcan driveway cracks an inexpensive Not all cracks be handled byishomeowners, though. and“If DIY-friendly – justone be sure have uneven the right you have a project crack where side you becomes materials handthen andyou follow instructions,” remodel-to from theon other, need to contact a said professional ing contractor Lipford, of television radio’s evaluate it. AnDanny uneven crack ishost a likely sign thatand moisture “Today’ s Homeowner.” has seeped underneath the driveway and compromised the integrity of the can foundation (soil),” said. though. Not all cracks be handled by Lipford homeowners, “If you have a crack where one side becomes uneven Crack from thecauses other, then you need to contact a professional to From do-it-yourself point-of-view, thethat bestmoisture way to deal evaluate it.a An uneven crack is a likely sign with driveway cracks isthe to driveway avoid them incompromised the first place.the Seal has seeped underneath and your driveway every few years. you seesaid. cracks forming, fill integrity of the foundation (soil),”IfLipford them in immediately before the condition is worsened. “It’scauses difficult to keep any type of driveway crack-free. The Crack key is to crackspoint-of-view, as soon as theythe become visible,” From a address do-it-yourself best way to deal Lipford said. with driveway cracks is to avoid them in the first place. Seal most common cracksforming, are “expanyourThe driveway every fewcauses years.of If driveway you see cracks fill sion and contraction with the changing temperatures,” them in immediately before the condition is worsened. Lipford said. “In addition, having an improper base or inva“It’s difficult to keep any type of driveway crack-free. The sion of roots can be causes.” key If is to address cracks soon asstill theysmall, become visible,” caught early whenasthey are most cracks in Lipford said. either asphalt or concrete driveways can take less than a The most common causes of driveway cracks areexpect “expancouple of hours to repair, Lipford said. You could to sion and contraction with the changing temperatures,” spend $25 or less on materials. Lipford said. “Intoaddition, having cracks, an improper base or “coninvaIf you want avoid driveway Lipford said, sion of with rootsproper can beexpansion/control causes.” crete points is your best bet.” If caughtdriveways early whenrequire they are small, most cracks in Concrete lessstill maintenance. either asphalt or concrete driveways can take less than a couple of hours to repair, Lipford said. You could expect to spend $25 or less on materials. If you want to avoid driveway cracks, Lipford said, “concrete with proper expansion/control points is your best bet.” Concrete driveways require less maintenance.
To repair and seal an asphalt driveway, Lipford suggests: • Edge the driveway and remove any grass or dirt. • Make sure it’s draining properly so rainwater doesn’t pool on the driveway. • Clean the surface and any cracks with pressure washer. To repair and seal an asphalt driveway, Lipford suggests: • Use stiff broom to remove any remaining dirt or debris. • •Edge the driveway and remove any grass or dirt. Allow surface to dry. • •Make sure it’ s draining so rainwater doesn’t Use a cold-set asphalt properly repair patch material to fill any pool the driveway. largeoncracks or holes and tamp it down. • •Clean the surface and any cracks withrepair pressure washer. Fill small cracks with asphalt crack material in a • Use stiff broom to remove any remaining dirt or debris. caulking tube or bottle applicator. • •Allow to dry. Applysurface a thin coat of paste patch material to pitted sur• Useand a cold-set faces allow itasphalt to set. repair patch material to fill any large cracksan oroil holes tamptoitoil down. • Apply spotand primer stains so the sealer will • Fill small cracks with asphalt crack repair material in a adhere properly. caulking tube bottle applicator. • Allow theorpatching material to set. • •Apply a thin coat of paste patch material to pitted surUse drill attachment to stir sealer thoroughly. faces and allow it to set. • Apply the sealer, starting from the high end of the driveway, and it out smooth withsoa squeegee. • Apply an oilspread spot primer to oil stains the sealer will • Allow sealer to dry (five to six hours), then apply a adhere properly. second needed. material to set. • Allowcoat theifpatching • Allow 24 to 48 hourstodrying timethoroughly. before driving on • Use drill attachment stir sealer driveway. • Apply the sealer, starting from the high end of the driveway, and spread it out smooth with a squeegee. To caulk and seal a concrete driveway, Lipford • Allow sealer to dry (five to six hours), then apply a suggests: second coat if needed. Take 24 a screwdriver scratch at any debris • •Allow to 48 hoursand drying timeaway before driving on in the crack. driveway. • Then use a wire brush to clean it well. • Use aand whisk or a leafdriveway, blower to remove To caulk sealbroom a concrete Lipfordany debris. suggests: • Then use a concrete repair caulk to fill in the crack and • Takeit aflat. screwdriver and scratch away at any debris in make the •crack. For larger cracks (more than a quarter or three-eighths Then useadd a wire to clean it well. of• an inch), thisbrush step first: Place a backer rod – a soft, • Use a whisk broom or a leaf blower remove any to pliable non-gassing backup material – to into the crack debris. control sealant depth. Use a screwdriver to push it down • Then use a concrete repair caulk inlike the the crack and about one-half inch. Then caulk overtoitfill just smaller make crack.it flat. • For larger cracks (more than a quarter or three-eighths of an inch), add this step first: Place a backer rod – a soft, pliable non-gassing backup material – into the crack to control sealant depth. Use a screwdriver to push it down about one-half inch. Then caulk over it just like the smaller crack.
Repairing small driveway cracks is an inexpensive and DIY-friendly project – just be sure you have the right materials on hand and Repairing small driveway follow instructions.” cracks is an Danny inexpensive Lipford and DIY-friendly project – just be sure you have the right materials on hand and follow instructions.” Danny Lipford
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Heartland Your Home
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Heartland Your Home
7
HOME&GARDEN SPRING 2015 15
PEST CONTROL
By Melissa Erickson
T
he tradition of spring cleaning and decluttering is not only a great way to get your house in order, it’s a proven method of preventing pests from infesting your living spaces, according to experts. “When cleaning, you have a great opportunity to prevent pest problems before they occur,” said Ron Harrison, entomologist with pest control experts Orkin. “Pests that have been dormant during the cold months can become more active with increased temperatures, and homeowners can take many steps while cleaning to guard against infestations.” The clutter that many homeowners may pile up in their garage, on their patio or in their home can make the ideal home for many pests, said Robert Welch, president of Orlando, Floridabased Pro Staff Termite and Pest Control.
Dangers As temperatures increase, you can expect to see an increase in spiders, ants, centipedes, pantry pests such as Indian
Tips
BUG
OUT KEEPING YARD, HOME PESTS AT BAY
CREATIVECOMMONSPIXABAY.COM
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meal moths, and stinging pests such as bees and wasps. These pests usually thrive in temperatures above 60 degrees, said Harrison. Pests are more likely to invade your home during the summer, which means you should take precautions now to stop them before they become a problem. Eliminating yard clutter, including wood piles, leaf piles and any backyard junk stored on your patio or in the yard, can deter pests looking for a new home. When clutter piles up inside your home, you may be more likely to have roaches, ants and rodents making their way inside for food and shelter, Harrison said. Warm-weather pests are more than just a nuisance, as they present potential health risks for you and your family. Stinging insects such as bees and wasps pose a risk through toxic reactions to their venom and through allergic reactions. Spiders, such as the black widow and brown recluse, possess poisonous glands that can cause skin irritation, nerve damage and infection. Pantry pests carry harmful bacteria that can contaminate food and products on your shelves.
Take the following steps while cleaning to help prevent problems in and around your home:
• Inspect windows, walls, doors and the roof for spaces where pests could potentially enter. Seal interior and exterior gaps and cracks around your home to prevent pests from entering. • Keep ventilation systems clear and running. • Vacuum regularly. You can use a vacuum to remove spiders and their webs as well as other pests and debris. • Clean pantries and closets thoroughly, picking up excess food and removing any
products that have been sitting on shelves for several months. Keep all food containers and non-perishables tightly sealed. • Pick up pet food at night. Don’t feed pets outdoors. • Wipe down all counters, wash dirty dishes and remove trash daily to avoid accumulation of any remnants of food that may lure pests. • If you plan to keep doors open, be sure to have a well-fitted screen with no holes or exposed cracks. Winter takes its toll on screen
in windows and doors. Inspect them now for damage. • Get rid of piles of newspaper, cardboard or clothing, which can attract roaches and other pests.
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Heartland Your Home
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Luann McCluskey, GRI, Broker/Owner
325-642-2310
1515 Austin Ave., Brownwood, Tx 76801
325-643-3200 www.brownwoodproperties.com
Service with Integrity since 1999
NEW LISTINGS!
325-200-2581
817-933-2153
214-552-1299
3BD/1-1/2BTH brick, CH&A ,laminate flooring. Open floorplan. Across from Section Hand Restaurant.
2BD on large corner lot. Walking distance to Coggin Elementary & Brownwood Intermediate School.
$89,900
REALTOR ®
$44,900
REDUCED $5000!
REALTOR ®
1814 11th-$74,500 3BD/2BTH on large corner lot! Double CP, storage building. Living room w/ high ceilings & fireplace. Tree-covered lot!
9601 HWY. 279—$219,900
HOME ON 10 ACRES WITH BARN
Very spacious 3BD/2BTH country home on 10 acres near Lake Brownwood with 2300+SF. Beautiful updated kitchen with black silestone countertops & large laundry room right off kitchen with pantry storage. Living room has WBFP with blower. Den has office nook with storage & also wood pellet FP with electric starter to keep you toasty on those chilly nights! Home sits secluded back off highway so very private! 1450 sq. ft. metal barn on concrete slab with electricity is definitely a plus! Great place for your livestock or 4-H projects.
RUSTY ANCHOR RESTAURANT -
1600 2ND-$59,900
2619 VINE-$74,900
3BD/2BTH with lots of charm!!! This home has original hardwood floors, CH&A, alley entrance for additional parking, carport, located across from East Elementary!!
440 Bluebonnet -
681 CR 611—
2 LAKE HOUSES ON 3 LOTS CAN BE SOLD AS PACKAGE DEAL…OR CAN BE SOLD SEPARATELY
CASON COVE AREA Unique rock home with over 2200 sq.ft. Backyard features 3 decks overlooking lake. Shop sits on .37 acre totally fenced across the road.
$80,000
3071 HARBOR DR
LAKE BROWNWOOD
Our lake is full...great time to buy. Complete with building, land & inventory…..just step in & take over! Sits on approximately .5 acre.
4BD DOUBLEWIDE ON 16 ACRES
Lots of deer & dove, 4-bay carport, heated and cooled 30'x40' shop with office & RV parking; also 19'x35' shop. Rock outhouses built by the Civilian Conservation Corps still remain on property.
Owner will consider owner finance or trade.
$134,900
Sits on 3 consecutive lake lots. 0.775 acres with 2 separate houses! These lots come with 4 RV hook ups.
$372,000
Mason Ellis ,
REALTOR ®
325-642-0972
510 LONGHORN $169,900-EARLY
Built in 2014, this home has walk-in tiled shower, granite counter tops, newer appliances….much more. Must see this one to appreciate!
102 AUTUMN $119,900-EARLY
Great curb appeal! Spacious 3BD home with den—great for gameroom or 4BD. Updated kitchen w/granite countertops & tile backsplash, workshop, pretty 1/2 acre park-lot setting.
Cute 3 bd cottage with original hardwood floors, CH&A, formal
dining room with built-ins, spacious kitchen with lots of cabinets and breakfast area. Detached double garage. Tree-covered corner lot!!
300 FT. WATERFRONT ON LAKE BROWNWOOD—
7525 FM 2125
REALTOR ®
1201 AVE. A
2BD, 1BTH BRICK HOME ON NICE CORNER LOT, CH&A, SCREENED IN PORCH IN FRONT, FENCED YARD. LOCATED IN SUBDIVISION ACROSS FROM SECTIONHAND RESTAURANT.
2-STORY LAKEVIEW HOME WITH 3310 SF, 4BD, 3BTH, GRANITE COUNTERTOPS. OPEN FLOORPLAN, CUSTOM TILED SHOWER, WOOD LAMINATE FLOORING, HUGE BALCONY OVERLOOKS BEAUTIFUL LAKE BROWNWOOD.
Vicki Brelsford ,
4446 WESTRIDGE
4409 EDGEWOOD $79,900
9010 MESA VIEW $269,000
Taylor Isom,
Marc Followwell
SPRING IS COMING!
We have buyers looking & we need your listing! Call us today for a free market analysis of your home!! The McCluskey Team wants your business & will “go the extra mile” for you!! 101 LAKEBRIDGE-
LAKEHOUSE
WITH DOCK + GUESTHOUSE
$219,900
Double-decker boatdock plus 2-jet ski lift. Guest house & workshop behind main house. All furniture including appliances convey. Great place for family & friends.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Heartland Your Home
9
THE GARAGE
An expert’s tips for straightening up the garage More Content Now
step
Visualize the goal
1
Before starting the organizing process, have a clear idea in mind of how you want to use the garage, what truly needs to stored there and if the intention is to park a car in there — or not. “Once a person determines what the end result will be, then the organizing process can begin,” Izsak said.
step
Start tossing
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Break the job into small, manageable tasks. “It’s not realistic to think you can tackle 20 years of clutter in a day,” he said. The first step of the garage organizing process is what Izsak refers to as a “gross sort” to reduce the volume. “It means making the simple and easy decisions first and eliminating as much stuff as you can as fast as you can. It will give you an immediate lift, a great feeling of accomplishment and help you clearly see what is left to deal with,” Izsak said. “This serves two purposes: It will better enable you to select the appropriate system for your needs and give you an accurate sense of what you need to create space for.” Take a quick look around and go for the items that can easily be tossed, recycled or given away, such as the baby stroller that hasn’t been used in four years, the six boxes of 10-year-old National Geographics and the broken VCR, he said. “Your goal now is to get through this part of the process quickly and make only fast and easy decisions. Now is not the time to sort screws or plumbing parts. If you come across a box full of old papers or mementos which need to be carefully gone through, put it aside and save that for later,” Izsak said. “You will be amazed at how quickly you will begin to see visible progress if you don’t let yourself get bogged down with the small stuff at first.”
this long enough, the thought of organizing it becomes a monumental undertaking rather than something that can be managed easily and you become overwhelmed,” said Izsak, a past president of the National Association of Professional Organizers. Instead of getting “blinded by the volume” of bike pumps and snow sleds, plant fertilizer and power tools, Izsak suggests that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to organize. “Create a system that works for you and stick to it. The best system in the world isn’t going to last if you don’t stick to it. Maintaining your system is the key,” he said.
step
3
FREEIMAGES.COM
P
rofessional organizer Barry Izsak likens the typical garage to purgatory. “If you can’t find a home for something or are not quite ready to give it away, it ends up in the garage,” said the author of best-selling book “Organize Your Garage In No Time” and the owner of Arranging It All in Austin, Texas. The garage ”becomes the holding place for everything you don’t know what to do with. It is so much easier to put something out there and put the decision off until later than to decide right now. Unfortunately, if you do
Create zones
Because the garage is such a multipurpose room, it needs to be divided into zones such as sporting goods, workbench and tools, and lawn and garden, depending on your needs. “Choose a zone to start and remove items from the area. Begin to sort by type and size, so you can actually see how many hammers, screwdrivers and hedge trimmers you have. Then weed out the things you no longer need or have too many of,” Izsak said. Use containers to keep small, like pieces and parts together (nuts and bolts, electrical, plumbing, etc.) and label the container. “Select a home where you will replace the items. It might be the same place you took them from or it might be a new location. By containerizing and labeling, this will keep these items together and will alleviate the need to organize again in six months from now. Then replace the items in their new home,” he said.
MORE TIPS For safety, consider the following: • Store paints, toxic chemicals and pesticides in a locked cabinet. • Store heavier items on lower shelves to prevent injury. • Keep flammable items away from heat sources and work areas. • Do not use power tools with frayed or tattered cords and unplug when not in use. • Wear goggles when using power tools, gloves when working with toxic substances.
• Good ventilation is important. Keep the garage door open. Having trouble letting go? Think about this: • When was the last time I used it? • Is the item still useful and relevant? • Is the item in good working condition and safe to keep? • Do I have a logical place and enough space to keep it? • What’s the worst thing that will happen if I get rid of it?
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Heartland Your Home
Sunday, February 21, 2016
SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF BROWNWOOD • Collects brush (cut in 5’ lengths), bagged leaves, grass and bulky items (no demolition debris) by requested residential (non-commercial) customers if stacked at the curb, or in the alley if trash is collected by the alley, by calling 643-4200. Sanitation Dept. web page to allow residents to request the service is below: http://www. ci.brownwood.tx.us/sanitation. htm. • Operates Brownwood Regional Landfill. 6800 FM 45 South. Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM ·4:30 PM (646-6574). Per State Law, all loads brought into the landfill must be covered with a tarp. Landfill charges as follows: • Residential citizens of Brown County: $5.00 per pickup load, $7 -$24 per pickup + trailer. Tire charges $3 -$15. • Operates Brownwood Recycling Center. 6800 FM 45 South.
Mon-Sat 8 to 4:30 (641-8832). Accepted items are as follows: Oil filters, Oil, Car batteries, Latex paints, units with compressors (a/c, refrigerator, freezer, etc.), and metal. • Provides city-wide recycling on the 1st and 3rd Saturday each month from 9 AM to 1 PM at Brady and Ave A under the Austin Ave Overpass. • Health Dept. - Sprays neighborhood for mosquitos as needed (646-0554). • Operates the Code Red Emergency Notification System. Signup online at www.ci.brownwood. tx.us. • Operates sirens as the city’s second warning system. Siren tests are done at noon on the 1st Monday of each month. CITY OF BROWNWOOD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 325-646-5331
IT’S AGAINST BROWNWOOD CITY ORDINANCES TO: • Allow vegetation to exceed 12-inches in height on property from the street edge to the alley center. • Park any motor vehicle, trailer or boat on any portion of unpaved front yard. • Store or park any vehicle that does not have a valid license plate, inspection sticker and is wrecked or inoperable for more than 30 consecutive days on private property or 72 hrs on public property. • Not display 4” tall house numbers visible from the street. o Have more than 4 dogs or cats or combination of both. Permit continuous barking or animal waste related health hazards. • Park any oversized commercial vehicle on a public space in a residential area. • Park any type of trailer on a public street, alley or parkway. • Have any unoccupied buildings left open and unsecured. • Construct or install any structure without appropriate permits. • Store items normally kept within a structure (appliances, building materials, furniture, mattresses, etc...) and items in such disrepair they cannot be used for the designed purpose (old travel trailers, lawn chairs with rotted cloth seats, etc) and/or trash, in open view. • Dump waste illegally. Not only city ordinance but state law also prohibits illegal dumping in unauthorized locations. Penalties for illegal dumping can be as high as $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail. Report illegal dumping at 1-877-897-DUMP.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
SAFETY Heartland Your Home
11
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT
By Melissa Erickson More Content Now
“It is my hope that with more “It is my hope that with...more awareness about radon more awareness about radon ... homeowners will test their morehomes.” homeowners will test
M M
By Melissa Erickson
More Content ostNow people
first encounter radon when ost people firsta buying or selling encounter home, but justradon what when is buying or a it and how dangerous is selling it really? — Jenn Schlotbom home, but just what is Radon gas is a silent killer, said — Jenn Schlotbom it and how dangerous is it really? Jenn Radon Schlotbom, of gas ispresident a silent killer, Radon Cincinnati-based According to the U.S. Environis hazardous to humans at higher said Diva, Jenn aSchlotbom, president joints, cracks in walls, gaps in susHow while does at it lower get in? of Radon a CincinnatiProtection Agency, nearly radon testingDiva, company. It’s a natulevels, levels, radon is mental pendedlung floors, gaps deaths aroundeach service based radon radioactive testing company. It’s present 20,000 cancer year rally occurring gas that in water, that soil and It’s estimated one air. in 15 pipes, walls andand the a naturally occurring radioactive the cavities U.S. are inside radon-related, homes has an unsafe level of radon, in water supply. gas that is hazardous to humans according to the Environmental exposure to radon is the secondat higher levels, while at lower Protection Agency. leading cause of if lung How do I know mycancer home after has levels, radon is present in water, How does radon get into our smoking. it? soil and air. homes? Radon other is a serious health issue, Unlike kinds of gas in the According to the U.S. Envi“This odorless, tasteless and which is why the EPA designates home, radon doesn’t cause any ronmental Protection Agency, invisible gas permeates through soil every third week in October as symptoms such as headaches or nearly 20,000 lung cancer deaths and rock and seeps into our homes National Radon Awareness light-headedness, SchlotbomWeek said. each year in the U.S. are radonthrough cracks and openings in to educate homeowners aboutleads the Prolonged exposure to radon related, and exposure to radon is our foundation and flooring. It can harmful effects of radon. to lung cancer. the second-leading cause of lung also enter your home in water or
their homes.”
It is Really Coming Down Out There!
3.99
cancer after smoking. Radon is a serious health issue, which is why the EPA designates every third week in October as National Radon Awareness Week to educate homeowners about the harmful effects of radon.
%
10 Year
through uranium-enriched building materials found in countertops or stone fireplaces, among others,” Schlotbom said. RATE ways The EPA listsFIXED the following that radon can MORTGAGE enter a building: cracks in solid floors, construction
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The bad news is that testing is
How does it get in? the only way to determine if your family is at riskthat fromone radon. It’s estimated in 15The homes goodannews is that foraccordradon has unsafe leveltesting of radon, is easy andEnvironmental inexpensive. The EPA ing to the Protection recommends maximum home radon Agency. levels notradon exceedget 4 picocuries Howdo does into our per homes? “This odorless, tasteless and invisible gas permeates through soil and rock and seeps into our homes through cracks and openings in our foundation and flooring. It can also enter your home in water or through uranium-enriched building materials found in countertops or stone fireplaces, among others,” Schlotbom said. The EPA lists the following ways that radon can enter a building: cracks in solid floors, construction joints, cracks in walls, gaps in suspended floors, gaps around service
pipes, cavities inside walls and the water supply.
How do I know if my home has it?
liter, or pCi/L, and that homeowners test every two years, or if: • An addition is built. • Alterations to the home are otherchange kinds of gasventilain the madeUnlike that could the home, radon doesn’t cause any tion pattern. suchoraspenetrations headaches or •symptoms Major cracks light-headedness, Schlotbom occur in the foundation walls orsaid. slab. Prolonged exposure to radon leads •toSignificant construction or lung cancer. blasting nearby The bad newsoccurs. is that testing is the Home improvement sell only way to determinestores if your family testing kitsfrom for $10 to $25. is at risk radon. The good news yourtesting home for is found isIfthat radontoishave easy an and unhealthy level of radon, it’s time inexpensive. The EPA recommends to call a professional. Use a qualimaximum home radon levels do not fied contractor who is trained to fix exceed 4 picocuries peryou liter, or pCi/L, radon problems to help pick the and that homeowners test every two right treatment method. years, or if: “Mitigation tends to be compa• An addition is built. rable to other common household • Alterations to the home are of made repairs,” Schlotbom said. “Most that couldtests change the ventilation the radon my company perpattern. forms are done as part of the real estate transaction (when a buyer • Major cracks or penetrations isoccur considering the purchase of aor slab. in the foundation walls home). It is my hope that withormore • Significant construction blastawareness radon and its ing nearbyabout occurs. health effects, more homeowners Home improvement stores sell testwill homes.” ing test kits their for $10 to $25.
If your home is found to have an unhealthy level of radon, it’s time to call a professional. Use a qualified contractor who is trained to fix radon problems to help you pick the right treatment method. “Mitigation tends to be comparable to other common household repairs,” Schlotbom said. “Most of the radon tests my company performs are done as part of the real estate transaction (when a buyer is considering the purchase of a home). It is my hope that with more awareness about radon and its health effects, more homeowners will test their homes.”
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Heartland Your Home
Sunday, February 21, 2016