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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2017
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This undated photo provided by Blake Layton at Mississippi State University Extension Service shows imported fire ants moving across a residential sidewalk in Starkville, Miss. Fire ants are a nuisance pest and their painful bites can cause severe allergic reactions and fluid-filled blisters lasting several weeks. (AP photo)
Efforts aim to limit spread of fire ants in US By DEAN FOSDICK Associated Press They sting, damage crops and wildlife, and are extending their range in the United States. Imported fire ants are unwelcome guests here, and careless plant shipping helps them spread. A colony was discovered this spring in palm trees sent from Florida to Delaware, a state where the stinging insects have not yet become established. Two different fire ant species were introduced a century or so ago into Mobile, Alabama, hidden in soil ballast on cargo ships from South America, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture says. Since then, they’ve infested 14 mostly southern states and Puerto Rico, where they have had a huge and detrimental impact on agriculture and natural resources. They continue their advance, with the USDA predicting they eventually could reach from the Pacific Northwest to parts of the mid-Atlantic. Well over $5 billion is spent each year on medical treatment, prevention and control in fire ant-ridden areas, the agency says. Agricultural damage alone is estimated to cost more than $750 million annually, primarily for equipment and crop damage and livestock losses. “As an urban pest, IFA (Imported Fire Ants) are a nuisance pest and can cause allergic reactions including rare instances of anaphylactic shock in humans,” the USDA says. Fire ants are particularly hazardous when encountered at nursing homes, day care centers, schools and playgrounds. A federal quarantine requires that state inspection certificates be displayed
showing that flora and potting soil from the invaded areas are fire-ant free before they can be sold. Imported fire ants hitch rides in sod, hay bales and nursery stock. Mated queens fly into new areas. Rafts of flooded colonies like those displaced recently by Hurricane Harvey in Texas also claim fresh terrain. Both fire ant species — black and red — are similar, said Blake Layton, an extension entomologist with Mississippi State University. “Controls are the same. Stings feel the same,” he said. Fire ants are venomous. Their stings typically cause a burning sensation and fluid-filled blisters lasting several weeks. Fire ants also destroy a wide variety of wildlife, especially ground-dwelling birds. Fire ants can be controlled but not eliminated by using granular baits and broadcast insecticides. “Poisonous baits are pretty efficient,” Layton said. “Ants carry them back to their mound and kill the queen. But it’s got to be a long-term effort.” Prevention is the most common deterrent. “Do not buy anything that has not been inspected,” Layton said. “The real risk is having somebody come down here on a trip and taking potted plants home. Those plants have not been inspected.” Climate does limit the ants’ range. They don’t like dryness and low temperatures, said Mike Merchant, an Extension entomologist with Texas A&M University. “They need access to soil moisture. And they can't survive prolonged temperatures in the teens or below See Ants p. 2D
This undated photo, provided by Blake Layton at Mississippi State University Extension Service, was taken in a farm field near West Point, Miss., and shows a six-inch high fire ant mound. Fire ant mounds can clog and damage farm equipment and the ants become very aggressive when the mounds are disturbed. (AP photo)
This undated photo provided by Tim Steele shows a container home designed and built by Steele House along with Bigprototype in Livingston Manor, N.Y. (AP photo)
Cargo containers gain steam as building blocks of new homes By KATHERINE ROTH Associated Press Cargo containers, long a staple of international trade, are designed to be affordable, sturdy and water-tight. So it’s no surprise that for decades they’ve been used by the military, the needy — or just the hip — for other uses, including dwellings. What’s new is that the enormous Corten steel boxes are now gaining mainstream popularity as building blocks for affordable homes in a variety of sizes and types. “When we built our first container home about eight years ago in upstate New York, the locals all laughed and said, ‘What in the world is that?’,” say Tim Steele, founder of Steele House, a New York company that designs and builds container structures. “Now we tend to get a building permit in about a week. As soon as a community gets one, then it’s easier to build the next one. In the past 10 years, they’ve become pretty mainstream as homes, actually,” he says. The containers’ strength and durability explain their appeal, says Steele. For a two-container house, his company tries to keep the cost in the
This undated photo provided by Tim Steele shows a container home’s living and dining room designed and built by Steele House in Callicoon Center, N.Y. (AP photo) $100,000 range. “That’s a 640-square-foot one bedroom — something that’s definitely in the tiny house category,” he says. John Nafziger and Sarah Strauss, co-founders of the Brooklyn, New Yorkbased architecture and design firm Bigprototype, which has worked with Steele on some containerhome projects, say inquiries about designing homes using shipping containers are way up in the last couple years.
“Before, containers were mainly for low-income or disaster-relief housing. Now it’s got a lot more stylistic cachet,” Nafziger says. He calls the homes “great eye candy on the block. It’s recycled material, and for people interested in being environmentally conscious, it’s a very attractive idea.” The containers come in standard 20- or 40-foot sizes. They can sell for as little as a few hundred dol-
lars each, so it’s not surprising that they have caught the eye of architects and others. But Strauss points out that many people underestimate the cost of retrofitting a shipping container for use as a home. “Once you do all the work involved in designing and building a container home that meets building code requirements, the See Cargo p. 2D
New doorbells have lots of bells and whistles By KIM COOK Associated Press Before electricity, doorbells rang via a complex rigging of mechanical pulleys. Visitors pulled a rope or turned a key-like affair — think Downton Abbey’s elaborate system to summon staff, but on a smaller scale for the masses. The electric doorbell was invented in 1831, and by the early 1900s was all the rage. Chimes and bells could be heard from anywhere in the house; a tremendous convenience for homeowners and visitors alike. Today, you can coordinate the look and sound of your doorbell to your home’s style. You also can embrace the internet age with video doorbells that can be answered from thousands of miles away.
If you’re renovating an older home, the retailer Rejuvenation has several retro-style doorbells. There’s a round oak bell, popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, with a porcelain button. A midcentury starburst style comes in chrome or brass. And a couple of vintage-look ones are stamped with a “ring” or “please ring” note, in oil-rubbed bronze or burnished finishes. (www.rejuvenation.com ) Got a vacation home near the water? Consider a doorbell shaped like a turtle, crab, scallop or starfish. There are cast-metal ones shaped like hummingbirds, daisies and dragonflies. You could opt for a cabin-y look with a doorbell in the form of a pine forest or bear, or go full rustic See Doorbells p. 2D
This undated photo provided by Wayfair shows an impish little gecko doorbell cast in brass from Waterwood Hardware. (AP photo)
2D The Mining Journal
Thursday, November 2, 2017
House to Home Mortgage Index 30-YEAR Rate-Fee/Pts.
15-YEAR Rate-Fee/Pt.
High rate
4.000
1
3.375
1
Low rate
3.625
1
3.000
1
Average rate
3.833
1
3.208
1
This graphic represents a Wednesday survey of regional lending institutions. Figures are based on rates at Range Bank, Northern Michigan Bank and mBank.
This undated photo provided by Tim Steele shows a container home designed and built by Steele House in Callicoon Center, N.Y. (AP photo)
Cargo
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cost is actually about the same as for building a comparable traditional home,” she says, estimating the final cost to be around $150 per square foot. “It is a metal box. So it presents some serious design challenges in terms of keeping warm in winter and cool in our climate, plus it’s humid in this part of the country, so the walls tend to have condensation,” she says. “And as you put in the necessary insulation and do everything else that has to be done, that adds to the cost.” Other challenges include the fact that, as with a cardboard box, punching out sections of the container weakens its structure, so windows and doors must be carefully planned and adequately reinforced. And because the containers were meant to withstand marine conditions, they have plywood flooring heavily treated with formaldehyde. The flooring must be removed and replaced to avoid offgassing once the structure has been insulated and sealed for use as a home, Strauss explains. Once all that’s been accomplished, though, the containers can make for truly comfortable and unique homes. “The attraction for us was living in a contem-
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with a truly Old School bell on a rope, in brass cast like a horse’s head. (www.wayfair.com ) Rhode Island artisan Michael Healy, who crafts outdoor art and hardware, has a doorbell in the form of a fox head in nickel silver, brass or oiled bronze. He’s got little alligators, frogs and palm trees, and a monarch butterfly hand-cast in bronze and brass, with its wings a rich green patina. (www.michaelhealy.com ) Ready to go high tech with your entryway? Having a “smart” doorbell, with video, allows you to keep an eye on your front door area, not only for visitors but for packages. With many of these units, you can speak with the person ringing your bell, chatting directly with the FedEx or UPS driver, for instance, about where and when to leave a delivery. According to Consumer Reports’ Eric Hager, the smart doorbell business has grown enormously in the last several years. He acknowledged concerns about tech systems’ vulnerability to hackers, but said homeowners seem willing to take on those risks for the convenience and other safety features of smart doorbells. Adorne’s wireless video intercom kit includes an outside doorbell camera and an inside intercom. Homeowners can see who’s at the front door from different locations
An ts
This undated photo provided by Rejuvenation shows a midcentury-style starburst doorbell which would complement a contemporary home. (AP photo) in the home. The unit can be powered by a long-life battery, or you can hook it up to existing doorbell wiring. (www.legrand.us ) NuTone’s Knock video doorbell has a motion sensor, night vision and optional alarm. It lets homeowners traveling anywhere in the world speak with visitors at their door. It’s also touted as rugged enough to withstand extreme weather. (www.nutone.com ) The Ring doorbell has HD video, infrared night vision,
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that reach deep into their (underground) burrows,” he said. Widespread management is necessary to stop them from moving into new territories, Merchant said. “In Texas, we have neighborhood associations that band together for ‘Treatment Days’,” he said. “They parcel out pesti-
1900 Presque Isle Ave.
228-7255
FEATURED PROPERTY This undated photo provided by Tim Steele shows the inside of a container home designed and built by Steele House in Youngsville, N.Y. (AP photo) porary, light-filled house,” says Terry Maxedon, who shares a 1,760square-foot home in New York’s Catskill Mountains with his wife, Amy Fisch. The house has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and was built out of four used shipping containers. “When you tell people about it, everyone thinks you’re living in a tin can, but we have tons of windows and a beautiful view,” Fisch says. “And
one really great thing is that we can hang things on the wall with magnets in the places where the steel is exposed.” The house, built by Steele House, is sided with wood and doesn't stand out in the rural community where they live, Maxedon says. “And it feels great knowing that we have a home that’s environmentally friendly and that is just, well, kind of cool and interesting.”
BIG C REALTY
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228-9297
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500 S. Third St., Marquette
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(906) 387-3074 321 E. Munising Ave., Munising www.bigcrealty.com office@bigcrealty.com
1102862 Beautiful 3 BR lakefront home featuring a lower level master suite with walk out to lake level. $289,900. 1102830 Truly one-of-a-kind!!! This beautiful year round 4 bedroom, 3 bath home on 12+ acres with frontage on Jug Lake is just waiting for you!!!. $299,900. 1102790 Paradise is waiting for you. The Little house in the woods, also known as La Casita del Bosque is a classic timberframe home, which sits on 11+ acres with 316’ of frontage on Sister Lake. $595,000. 1102401 Beautiful home on Powell Lake with 11 acres, 272’ frontage tucked away on this beautiful private lake. $280,000. 1102029 Nestled up on the hill in the woods in the City of Munising, enjoy this stunning view of Munising Bay from each level of this home. This home features cathedral ceilings with loft, natural lighting with tall windows and 2 sliding doors to create an amazing view, BR on both levels, family room and walkout basement, sauna, garage and wrap around deck. $189,000. 1103349 Beautiful 3 BR ranch home overlooking Au Train Lake. For those of you who are looking for a finished home this is it. $190,000.
520 Lakewood Ln, Choc. Twp Nice family home on .53 acres on the desirable Lakewood Lane near the Chocolay River! Fireplace, fenced yard, 2 plus attached garage, 3 bedrooms on main level and 2 baths. New windows, heating system, roof, and flooring! (1105158) $152,000 616 N Pine St, Ish This is an excellent investment opportunity with 4 units. Each unit has over 1,000 sq. ft. of living space, recent updates throughout the building! (1100541) $185,000 723 Cleveland Ave, Ish This large 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is perfect for a handy man to fix up! Quiet street, large back yard, deck and master bedroom on first floor! (1098976) $32,000 625 W Hampton St, Mqt Beautiful 3 bedroom home! Spacious kitchen with breakfast bar, dining room, large living room, office, master suite with a large walk in closet, walk out basement with storage and family room. Back deck and oversized two car attached garage! (1103049) $315,900 1200 North Shore Rd, Gwinn This cozy camp has been very well maintained with a recently added sunroom, overlooking Charlie Lake along with a separate Sauna building with a 3/4 bath! (1094979) $124,900
www.lookrealtyinc.com
and two-way chat from your phone, tablet or PC. Added features: customizable faceplates, and an optional plan for video cloud storage, video sharing and cellular backup if your internet goes down. (www.ring.com ) You probably have a custom ringtone on your mobile phone, so why not have a custom sound on your doorbell? A digital doorbell from iChime lets you record your own greeting or choose from their sound library. (www.ichime.com )
cides to property owners to help keep fire ants in check. Most of the people get on board.”
Online: For more about fire ants and the threat they pose in the United States, see this Texas A&M University study: http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Copy%20of% 20the%20National%20Study.pdf You can contact Dean Fosdick at deanfosdick@netscape.net
The Mining Journal 3D
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Real Estate Classifieds
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WANT ADS 228-2500
EMPLOYMENT Local…Regional…jobs. Check us out at: jobs.miningjournal.net
Open Houses 609 Brookfield, Chocolay Twp.
NEW CONSTRUCTION! 609 Brookfield, Chocolay twp, 3br, 2ba, 16x24 garage on 200x150 lot. stainless kitchen with custom quartz countertops. vaulted ceielings, hardwood flooring, tiled shower in master bath. Own it for less than you pay for rent!! Possible $0 down! Shown by: Eric Keough (906) 360-9960
(906) 360-2633
4D The Mining Journal
Northern
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Michigan
Land Brokers
FEATURED LISTINGS!
149 Oakridge Drive, Marquette
461 Slough Lake Road, Gwinn
Nicely updated home on an exceptional lot just outside of Marquette. This 4 bedroom, 2 bath bi-level has updates throughout the interior and exterior including a new furnace with central air, water heater, flooring, windows, light fixtures, bathroom, and much more. The main level has two large bedrooms with a full bath and features a spacious living room open to the dining area and kitchen with access to the back deck. The lower level has two more bedrooms and another full bath along with a large utility room, separate laundry room, and nice family room. This home is located in Sands Township with low millage rates and schools of choice. This location is in the Gwinn school district, but Marquette bus service runs here as well. The ski hill is a short drive and you are just a few minutes from town.. This is a perfect combination of a solid updated house with a great setting. $229,000 MLS#: 1105288
This absolutely beautiful Lake Front home or camp can be your dream home or awesome private getaway. Located on the shores of fresh and clean Airport Lake on a big 7+ acre lot, you can be one of only a few homes on a private lake with no other public access. Swim, fish, kayak, boat and more from your own dock and relax in this peaceful location. The area is loaded with State Land to explore or hunt on and trails lead endlessly for riding 4-wheelers, ATV’s, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, mountain bikes or a great hike. The entire area is full of recreation and all this is only about 25 minutes from Marquette. Words cannot express just how thoughtfully and well designed this home is. Come and see for yourself today. $178,500 MLS#: 1105279
Contact Rob Sullivan
Contact Brian Olson
COZY HOME
MOUNTAIN TOP HOME
HOBBY FARM
380 Hemlock Street Republic
117 E Sno Dance Wakefield
119 Hemlock Republic
3147 W Maple Ridge 37th Rd Rock
MLS #: 1104935 $55,000 NATHAN BRABON
MLS #: 1098251 $165,000 SUE FELDHAUSER
MLS #: 1105168 $35,000 NATHAN BRABON
MLS #: 1103593 $165,000 NATHAN BRABON
LAKE FRONT COTTAGE
USER FRIENDLY CAMP
CHECK IT OUT
1008 S Helen Lake Road Ishpeming
908 Blackbird Lane Republic
400 Acres, N Fence River Road Crystal Falls
3557 Co Road FFB Champion
MLS #: 1104023 $149,900 ROB SULLIVAN
MLS #: 1084633 $239,900 BOB SULLIVAN
MLS #: 1097126 $295,000 BOB SULLLIVAN
MLS #: 1102975 $449,000 NATHAN BRABON
LITTLE LAKE HOME
SWEET HEART COTTAGE/HOME
AFFORDABLE PRICE
LARGE ELEGANT HOME
1761 Lake Haven Drive Little Lake
454 Cardinal Red Road Michigamme
FN 13843 Co Road SG Northland
635 E McLeod Avenue Ironwood
MLS #: 1094184 $249,900 BOB SULLIVAN
MLS #: 1096536 $299,900 BOB SULLIVAN
MLS #: 1102636 $69,900 BRIAN OLSON
MLS #: 1101544 $159,900 SUE FELDHAUSER
LAKEFRONT WITH 225 ACRES
OPEN FLOOR PLAN
8237W Maple Street Manistique
N5679 N. Sundell Road Skandia
2384 W Co Rd 432 Gulliver
2718 Pike Lake Trail Gwinn
MLS #: 1103815 $173,500 NATHAN BRABON
MLS #: 1104145 $192,000 BRIAN OLSON
MLS #: 1089456 $699,500 BOB SULLIVAN
MLS #: 1101386 $154,900 BRIAN OLSON
Love the Land!
Bob Sullivan
Associate Broker/ Owner Cell: 906-361-4212
Rob Sullivan
Associate Broker, Office Manager Cell: 906-362-3337
Brian Olson
Associate Broker Cell: 906-869-6446
Nathan Brabon Agent Cell: 906-869-8451
Sue Feldhauser Agent Cell: 906-360-2891
Charles Drury Agent Cell: 906-235-3198
Nicole Tedder Agent Cell: 906-280-1459
Toll-free • www.northernmichiganlandbrokers.com • 2552 •US Toll-free 1-866-231-LAND 1-866-231-LAND • www.northernmichiganlandbrokers.com • www.premiumupproperties.com 255241USWest, 41 West,Marquette Marquette