REAL ESTATE CLASSIFIEDS: 3D
House Hosting tips
TACO PARTY 2D
To Home
1D THURSDAY JANUARY 31, 2019
Check out current
MORTGAGE RATES 2D
On the farm
RIGHT AT HOME:
Snow a welcome sight for farmers Recent snowfalls contribute to production and cut costs By James DeDecker Special to the Journal MSU Extension Being a newly minted Yooper, the question I get most frequently from Upper Peninsula natives goes something like, “So, what do you think of all this snow?” I am quick to answer with tales of growing up in Wisconsin, where snow was expected, or to share that I have lived through mild winters in central Illinois and wouldn’t wish those wet, gray days on anyone. After all, their inquiries carry a friendly undertone of, “Think you can hack it?”, and I am trying to fit in. Truth is, the snow up here is impressive, even for a Cheesehead. My wife and I moved into a quiet neighborhood off M-28 near Deerton last November, and we couldn’t have picked a better (snowier) place to call home. We had to upgrade our vehicles, learn to use this unwieldy tool called a roof rake, and the snow blower has already broken down once. Thank goodness kind neighbors and coworkers are quick to lend advice or a hand with such tasks. While moving snow, my mind often wanders. It usually isn’t long before I land on some aspect of agriculture, my passion and profession. Considering the state of Michigan’s agriculture industry, and looking to the growing season ahead, recent snows should encourage optimism. In northern climates, snow can account for a significant portion of annual precipitation, increasing soil moisture essential for plant growth. Beyond this clear advantage, snow positively impacts other aspects of agriculture from soil fertility to global trade. Michigan receives average annual snowfall totals ranging from 30 inches in the southeast to as much as 200 inches in parts of the U.P. This may seem like quite a bit, but it takes approximately 10 inches of snow to provide 1 inch of water. Annual precipitation totals vary much less across the state ranging between 30 and 38 inches on average. Therefore, snow accumulation provides between 7 and 66 percent of total annual precipitation. With much of the state facing abnormally dry conditions last summer (everywhere but here, really), the value of this winter precipitation is magnified. A few more significant snow events should put the drought of 2018 officially behind us. However, growers need not wait until a spring thaw to realize the benefits of snow. In its frozen physical state, snow provides value beyond the water it contains. For example, air caught within accumulating snow acts as insulation for the soil ecosystem. Two to 4 inches of snow can raise the soil’s surface temperature 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Many overwintered crops are dependent on this insulation factor. Wheat requires at least 3 inches of cover to avoid significant winterkill in cold climates; 4 to 6 inches provide additional protection. In one study at MSU’s farm in Chatham, 4 inches of snow cover increased alfalfa yields by 3 tons per acre as compared to no snow! Some livestock systems benefit from snow as well. See Farm p. 2D
Snow blankets a small dairy farm. (Photo courtesy of James DeDecker, MSU Extension)
This photo provided by Michael Wood Interiors shows a kitchen project by interior designer Michael Wood in New York’s West Village, in which he used butcher block, soapstone and Corian on the island. Mixed materials are a popular trend for today’s kitchen islands. (AP photo)
island living Kitchen islands evolve to meet today’s needs By KIM COOK Associated Press Prep surface. Gathering spot. Storage solution. The kitchen island is one of those home elements that seems to have known its purpose from its inception: a utilitarian divider between kitchen and family zones, the heart of the home. Over the years, the kitchen island has come to offer far more than counter space. It might include a cooktop, bookshelves, drop-down bar, sink and acres of granite. Today’s islands come in all shapes and sizes, and have been tailored for all kinds of purposes. One important addition is connectivity: Designers and architects are integrating plugs, ports and other tech features into the kitchen island. For one project, New York City designer Michael Wood integrated a system of USB ports and outlets into a kitchen island that also included ample storage, good seating and a clever pet-feeding nook. “The result is a family hub of activity,” he says. Granite has given ground to more performancefriendly countertops. Engi-
This photo provided by CB2 shows Slate Design's grey washed wood island with shelves and a cubby, which turns even a city-sized galley kitchen into a more useable space. There's a longer white lacquered version as well; both come with marble top. (AP photo) neered materials like Dekton, Silestone, Corian and others are heat-, scratchand stain-resistant. Designers are using real and faux woods, too. And there’s a trend toward combining different types of surfaces. In another project, Wood used soapstone, butcher block and Corian on the kitchen
island. “An island is a great place to be creative,” says Chicago kitchen designer Mick De Giulio. “I often combine materials and use them to define various functions.” For instance, he has used a thick chunk of hand-scraped wenge wood, for example, as a breakfast countertop: “I
like the warmer, softer surface to rest your arms and elbows.” Then he might use polished stainless steel as a joinery or accent element. In a tight galley kitchen, an island might replace a wall, giving a renovated kitchen more breathing room, more light and more work space. Cabinetry and shelving on the island can hold kids’ craft gear, books or barware. Built-in microwaves, ovens and deep, pullout drawers offer efficiency. In a larger home, the island can serve even more purposes, including breakfast bar, entertainment zone or home office. Look for seating that complements the room: Sturdy bases and backrests make for safe, comfy places to settle in, while low-profile stools that slide out of sight might be all you need for occasional use. Pick pieces with easily cleaned performance fabrics, or go with plastic, steel or wood if you’ve got messy eaters. Spend some time on the lighting, Wood advises. If the kitchen is a work center, put in task lighting. See Island p. 2D
In the Garden
‘Brew’ up your own potting mix
My gardening season begins on my garage floor. Here I mix potting soil that will nourish this season’s seedlings and replace wornout soil around the roots of houseplants. Why make potting soil? Why bake bread? There’s really no special magic in good potting soil. BASIC INGREDIENTS The three basic ingredients in my mix are garden soil, mineral aggregate and organic matter. Used alone, garden soil is too dense for
LEE REICH
can then draw on between containers. The mineral aggregate waterings. Organic matter loosens up the mix to let also buffers soils against water flow readily into and drastic changes in acidity, through it. Vermiculite and and keeps nutrients from perlite are two lightweight washing out through the aggregates, the first made bottom of seedling flats and from heated mica and the flower pots. Peat moss, second from heated vol- sphagnum moss and coir (a canic rock. Sand and cal- byproduct of coconut procined clay (“kitty litter”) are cessing) are organic materiheavier aggregates, so are als that you can buy. Comuseful for top-heavy plants post and leafmold are two organic materials that you such as cacti. Organic matter in potting can brew up yourself and, in soils acts like a sponge to absorb water, which plants See Garden p. 2D
This undated photo shows potting soil being made in New Paltz, N.Y. “Brewing” your own potting mix is very satisfying and useful, and requires just a few basic ingredients. (AP photo)
2D The Mining Journal
House to Home
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Mortgage Index 30-YEAR Rate-Fee/Pts.
High rate
4.750
1
5.250
1
Low rate
4.500
1
3.875
1
Average rate
4.656
1
4.344
1
Farm from 1D
This 2012 photo shows people accessing a taco bar set up at a home in New York. A taco bar or spread is a great interactive way to feed a crowd for the Super Bowl. (AP photo)
Consider a taco bar for Super Bowl entertaining; some tips
By KATIE WORKMAN Associated Press Every year, I host a Super Bowl viewing party, and though our numbers fluctuate, suffice it to say the crowd is always ready to eat, especially now that it includes a handful of teenage boys. I pick a menu that allows for different appetites, the possibility of last-minute guests, and the welcome chance of leftovers for dinners later in the week. This year, my menu features tacos: a taco bar to be specific. People can help themselves and customize their tacos. And once I’ve got the components laid out, I just have to glance over from time to time to see if the toppings need replenThis 2012 photo shows a taco created from a taco bar at ishing or the fillings need a a home in New York. (AP photo) quick warmup in the microwave. Guidelines for planning a restaurants in New York, ball and urge people to get taco party of your own: suggests adding chopped their own game on, if you SHELLS/WRAPPERS cooked bacon to the gua- have the space. Some Offer a combination of camole for a smoky twist, guests might be happy just hard and soft shells to mix and blending charred stretching during the halfand match. The soft tor- jalapeno, pureed avocado time show and watching tillas can be corn, flour or and lime juice into your Maroon 5, but Giuliani ena mix. Before the party, sour cream for a sophisti- courages guests to “shake heat the tortillas for 30 to cated crema topping. it with the performers” in a 60 seconds on each side in Have fun and be creative halftime dance party. a dry skillet, until browned (and enlist the kids!). There are many simple in spots, which brings out games you can offer up SETTING UP THE their flavor. Heat hard during commercial breaks TACO BAR shells in a 350 degree Starting from the left, or the game itself. Raise a Fahrenheit oven for about line up everything the way glass (it doesn’t have to be seven minutes, until they people would fill their boozy) or stand up whensmell toasty. The tortillas plates: first, the plates ever a certain word is said, and shells don’t have to be themselves, then the shells, for example “penalty” or hot when you serve them, fillings and toppings. If “halfback,” or print up Subut you can keep them there are side dishes like per Bowl trivia cards and warm by heating them salad or rice, end the buffet give pop quizzes. Offer (tortillas in the microwave, with those. Put napkins prizes. shells in the oven) shortly and forks at the end for Or have people fill out a before serving, and then guests to grab as they head form guessing how the throwing a clean dishtowel for their seats. game will unfold — comover them to keep them pletion percentages for AND SPEAKING OF warm. each quarterback, total SEATS ... FILLINGS Make sure there’s one passing yards, Super Bowl Offering at least two fill- for everyone with a view MVP and of course final ings makes a taco bar feel of the TV. You might want score. Also guess which special. Go for one ground to set up a card table and will be the first ad to play meat, like beef or turkey, some folding chairs. Soft once the game begins. and then maybe a shredded pillows for floor seating PRE-THINKING meat filling, like pulled are also fine. CLEANUP chicken or pork. I also recIf you go for disposable Use your coffee table, ommend a pot of thick, says Mary Giuliani, plates, cups and utensils, seasoned black or pinto founder of Mary Giuliani stick with paper (especialbeans, which guests can Catering and Events and ly recycled paper prodspoon onto a taco or the co-host of Easy Entertain- ucts), bamboo and other side of the plate; the beans ing on Bluprint.com. “I’m biodegradable materials. also can be the protein in a a big fan of covering my Don’t skimp on the plates’ vegetarian taco. Make fill- coffee table with ‘Snactiv- thickness though: Tacos ings ahead of time and re- ities’” — foods that are can be messy, and thin warm them before serving. fun and interactive — plates can get soggy. You can serve them in a “during any type of game Chinet plates, for instance, warming dish, periodically watching,” she says. are compostable and reheat them in the miheavy. DRINKS crowave, or have a backup Make a waste basket visThe drink most commondish of each and replenish. ly associated with the Su- ible for garbage. TOPPINGS And consider rolling up per Bowl is, of course, Here’s where the fun beer. If you’ve got a beer those rugs. Salsa isn’t the starts. You’ll of course crowd, include some new easiest thing to scrub out want the classics: salsa or choices along with the of a carpet. pico de gallo, shredded classics, and don’t be shy crisp lettuce, avocado or about telling your guests to guacamole, cilantro leaves, bring a six-pack of their faonions, sour cream and vorite brew. Giuliani reccheese. Cheeses can in- ommends making beer clude shredded cheddar, cocktails like a Beergarita Ranging from $2 to $400 any given week! Monterey Jack, Pepper (beer with a splash of Jack or crumbed quesos. tequila and fresh lime And then keep going! juice) or Beerbon (your faSliced jalapenos (fresh or vorite beer with a splash of pickled), sliced olives, your favorite bourbon.) slivered radishes, other Also provide plenty of kinds of salsa, sliced scal- nonalcoholic options: flalions, shredded kale, vored seltzers, fun sodas, saut ed mushrooms, thinly cold or mulled cider, hot sliced cabbage, saut ed cocoa and of course plenty onions and peppers, fried of regular old water. If you shallots, fermented pickly have a house team you’re things (lots of interesting rooting for, make or create choices in the refrigerated a pitcher mocktail (boozesection of the supermarket; free punch of some sort) Bao makes some cool vari- and name it after the team. eties.) ACTIVITIES Ariel Fox, concept execBefore the game or at utive chef at Dos Caminos halftime, provide a foot-
Every Tuesday!
15-YEAR Rate-Fee/Pt.
Healthy cattle can ingest a portion of their water requirement as snow when grazed on winter pasture. Grazing snow is a learned behavior, and cattle should be observed closely as they adjust. Snow must be abundant, and not compacted or icy. Still, the right kind of snow may allow cattleman to extend the grazing season on stockpiled forage or crop residues where a winterized watering system is not available.
Snow can also contribute to soil fertility. Snowflakes trap dissolved organic nitrogen, nitrate and ammonium in the atmosphere, delivering it free-of-charge to cold and quiet fields. Rain and snow together provide between 2 and 22 pounds of nitrogen per acre each year. Even the wildest winter storm would not be cause to cancel your fertilizer order, but could be worth as much as $18 per acre in urea equivalency. Far downstream from the farm, snow keeps the gears of agricultural trade turn-
Garden from 1D contrast to the previously mentioned materials, also offer nutrients to plants. Some people pasteurize their potting soil to reduce the threat of pests. The key is to avoid too much heat, which can bring its own problems. Bake the potting soil in the oven along with an embedded potato, and when the potato is done, so is the potting soil. Rather than pasteurizing the soil, I prefer to avoid pests with careful watering, abundant light, and other cultural conditions that make plants happy and pests sad. SOIL IS GOOD, BUT NOT ESSENTIAL Good garden soil is hard to obtain in reliable and large quantities, so most commercial potting mixes are made without any real soil at all. These mixes are made only from mineral aggregate and organic matter. You can make such a soil-less mix yourself by sieving together equal volumes of peat moss and perlite. This mix has no nutrients, so stir in a starter feed of one-half cup of dolomitic limestone and some fertilizer whose nutrient ratio is about 5-105. Real soil does add nutrients and other good things to a potting mix, so I favor tra-
Island from 1D “For others who never cook, lighting is almost a decorative element,” he says. Wood recommends under-cabinet LED lights and directional sconces, all dimmable. Pendants are popular, but if you’ve got a low ceiling, be mindful of their positioning. Minimalist horizontal fixtures that sit just slightly below the
This graphic represents a Tuesday survey of regional lending institutions. Figures are based on rates at Range Bank, First Bank of Upper Michigan and Marquette Community Federal Credit Union.
ing. Now that the government has reopened and trade disputes are finally resolved, grain exports will once again flow down the Mississippi River on snowmelt bound for the ocean. In the meantime, I’ll admire the sparkle of these fresh flakes catching the mid-day sun. With any luck, 2019 will be white well into April to seed a recovery.
EDITOR’S NOTE: James Dedecker is the director of the Michigan State University Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center.
ditional potting mixes, which contain real garden soil. Even if you buy potting soil, keep a few bags of some type of mineral aggregate and organic material on hand. No one potting mix can suit the needs of every plant. Add extra aggregate to any mix used for cacti or succulents, and extra organic matter to any mix for plants such as African violets and begonias that like consistently moist soils. STIR THE BREW For the ritual opening of the garden season, I give my garage floor a clean sweep and then make a pile of 2 gallons each of garden soil, peat moss, perlite and compost. On top of this mound I sprinkle a cup of lime and a half cup each of soybean meal and powdered kelp. This is a mixed bag of ingredients, but I reason that plants, just like humans, benefit from a varied diet. I slide my garden shovel underneath the pile and turn it over, working around the edge until the whole mass is thoroughly mixed, and moistening it slightly if it seems dry. Finally, I rub the mix through a half-inch sieve, and recite a few incantations to complete this brew that nourishes my seedlings and houseplants each season. Online: http://www.leereich.com/blog http://leereich.com
ceiling might work better; for instance, Lightology’s Essence fixture, a barelythere sliver of brass or nickel, casts a warm glow but doesn’t loom over the island. West Elm has the Linear pendant with a walnut finish that’s slim and stylish. If you just need an island work zone, consider Slate Design’s freestanding ones designed by Mark Daniel, and available at CB2 . There’s a high-gloss,
white-lacquered version with a cubby, open shelving and a white marble top, or a somewhat shorter one in a gray-washed wood with marble top.
1900 Presque Isle Ave.
228-7255
FEATURED PROPERTY
“We change the lives of people put in our path.”
Les & Judy Thatcher
OFFICE: 942-7699 • 466 TOWNHALL RD., SKANDIA
E 2 8 5 2 E D e e r L a k e R d , A u T ra in B e a u tifu l lo g h o m e o n 2 0 .8 5 a c r e s w ith 6 0 0 ’ o f s a n d y s h o r e lin e o n D e e r L a k e . E n jo y th e flo o r to c e ilin g w in d o w s , s a u n a , tw o b e d r o o m s o n m a in flo o r, o p e n c o n c e p t k itc h e n , liv in g r o o m a n d d in in g r o o m . U p s ta ir s th e F r e n c h d o o r s s e p a r a te th e lo ft fro m th e m a s te r b e d ro o m . T w o c a r g a r a g e w ith a d d itio n a l o v e r h e a d s to r a g e . (1 1 1 2 6 6 0 ) $ 6 7 5 ,0 0 0 T B D R id g e S t, M q t T h is is n o t s o m e th in g y o u w ill th e m id d le o f M a r q u e tte o fte n o v e r 2 0 lo ts to ta lin g o v e r 4 a th e r e is s o m u c h p o te n tia l h (1 1 0 8 9 7 7 ) $ 1 4 9 ,9 0 0
fin d in ! W ith c re s e re !
3 3 2 S S te p h e n s o n A v e , Iro n M t n a n d o p e r a te y o u r b u s in e s s fr o m e x c e lle n t lo c a tio n in th e h e a r t o f w n to w n Ir o n M o u n ta in ! T h is 4 ,6 4 6 . F t. b u ild in g h a s h a d a n a b u n d a n t o u n t o f r e n o v a tio n s d o n e o v e r th e y e a r s a n d h a s b e e n v e r y w e ll m a in ta in e d s in c e ! (1 1 1 1 1 9 9 ) $ 2 1 9 ,0 0 0
O w a n D o S q a m
1 2 0 S M a rig o ld S p a c io u s 3 b e d r o o m s c r e e n e d in s u n r o o g a ra g e a n d b a s e m e n t s to ra g e ! T h e b a th ro o m a r e b o th la r g e , to n o (1 1 1 0 7 0 3 ) R e d u c e d
S t, Is h h o m e h a s a m , tw o c a r w ith p le n ty o f a n d k itc h e n f p o te n tia l! ! $ 1 2 5 ,9 0 0
3 0 7 5 W A lb e rt L n , G w in n F o u r-b e d ro o m w a te rfro n t h o m e o n W e s t B a s s L a k e ! E n jo y w a te r a c tiv itie s o ff th e d o c k . F ir e p la c e in k itc h e n a n d d in in g r o o m , s a u n a , n e w ro o f a n d m o re ! (1 1 1 1 0 5 9 ) R e d u c e d ! $ 1 7 0 ,0 0 0
www.lookrealtyinc.com
The Mining Journal 3D
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Real Estate Classifieds
“Cash in” on all the latest lottery numbers every day in
The Mining Journal
Open Houses LEFT E N YO ONL
NOW
Open House by Appointment Anytime Call 906.226.2120 to schedule
4D The Mining Journal
Northern
Thursday, January 31, 2019
FEATURED LISTINGS
Michigan
Land Brokers NEW LISTING
NEW PRICE
NEW LISTING
14490 Taylor Dam Road Seney
8520 Old K10. 17th Rd Rapid River
$199,000 DON WILLSON / BOB ANDERSON
$175,000 ROB SULLIVAN
Secluded cabin 12 miles North of Seney overlooking a semi private lake with 90 acres for year around outdoor enjoyment. MLS#: 1112622
34851 M95 Republic
40 acre hobby farm located on the Stonington Peninsula in Southern Delta County. MLS#: 1111091
Nearly 40 acres located on M95 with a scenic overlook of the area that could make it a very nice site for your home or recreational building. MLS#: 1112675
TBD Off Dishno Road Champion
280 Acres, Section 2 Rock
$37,000 DON WILLSON / BOB ANDERSON
NEW LISTING
768 N Anne Road AuTrain
48 acres of mixed mature forest in central Alger County with nearby access to National Forest with a cabin. MLS#: 1112591
Prime hunting on 80 acres bordering vast areas of State and Commercial Forest Lands with a rustic hunting camp. MLS#: 1110527
280 acres of private, heavily wooded hunting land in Delta County. MLS#: 1112393
50 Acres, Camp Nine Road, Ralph
N10368 Lake Road Ironwood
8352 Old K-10, 17th Rd Rapid River
$95,000 DON WILLSON / BOB ANDERSON
50 acre parcel in the heart of deer country that has it all with good access, small creek, wildlife openings, aspen cut over and hardwoods with great building sites for your cabin close to the road. MLS#: 1111324
$39,900 BOB SULLIVAN
$74,900 BRIAN OLSON
Lovely three bedroom/two bath turnkey home in a great Ironwood location. MLS#: 1109786
$199,900 ROB SULLIVAN
40 acres with a rustic deer camp located in Southern Delta County on the Stonington Peninsula. MLS#: 1110747
$106,000 SUE FELDHAUSER
$64,900 ROB SULLIVAN
117 E. Sno Dance Wakefield
Lot D, Perch Lake Republic
$129,000 SUE FELDHAUSER
$74,900 BOB SULLIVAN
5 bedroom/3 bath home on top of Indianhead Mountain. Get ready for the ski season ahead. MLS#: 1098251
330 feet of frontage and 6 acres on Perch Lake near Republic. MLS#: 1079882
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES MLS# 1096534 MLS# 1104316 MLS# 1111076 MLS# 1111085 MLS# 1111888 MLS# 1112656 MLS# 1112657 MLS# 1108220 MLS# 1101236 MLS# 1102136
Love the Land!
Bob Sullivan
Associate Broker/ Owner Cell: 906-361-4212
Rob Sullivan
Associate Broker, Office Manager Cell: 906-362-3337
Lotto Lake Oriole Ln. South 40 Nelligan Lake Rd. 170 Acres Bob’s Creek Truck Tr. N1343 M76 124 Ford Rd. 80 Acres Plantation Ln. 60 Acres Squaw Lake Rd. TBD Big Garlic Hdwtr., Co. Rd. 510 36.3 Acres Maas St. Bradford Lk. Peterson Rd.
Brian Olson
Associate Broker Cell: 906-869-6446
Sue Feldhauser Agent Cell: 906-360-2891
Republic Michigamme Gwinn Trenary Marquette Rock Republic Big Bay Negaunee Iron Mountain
Charles Drury Agent Cell: 906-235-3198
Bob Anderson Agent Cell: 906-362-8388
Don Willson
Agent Cell: 906-202-0457
Toll-free 1-866-231-LAND • www.northernmichiganlandbrokers.com • 2552• 2552 USUS 4141West, Marquette 906-225-LAND (5263) • www.northernmichiganlandbrokers.com • www.premiumupproperties.com West, Marquette