Spring
Home Improvement T H U R S D A Y , A P R I L 2 7 , 2 0 2 3 | SUPPLEMENT TO THE POWELL TRIBUNE
Powell family’s home is
Dan and Jenny Catone’s new home sits on top of a cliff overlooking prairie land. The home has balconies overlooking the land and facing the McCullough Peaks. Tribune photos by Braden Schiller
Not your ordinary build CATONE’S NEW HOME BEING BUILT WELL BY BRADEN SCHILLER Tribune staff writer
D
an and Jenny Catone’s new home sits on a cliff — its primary color, a dark gray, is highlighted with pops of red and there’s a small “tower” on the top. The house was designed by Jenny Catone who drafted the plans herself. She consulted with an architect and has been working closely with Tyler Hessenthaler of Powellbased TH Custom Builders. Dan credits a lot of the tiny details and artistic parts of the house to Jenny. The home has ‘It’s part of the acid stained history of this area concrete floors, unique tile work incorporated into that’s been laid the construction of by Jenny and a stucco wall the house itself.’ with a pizza Dan Catone oven and fireplace adorned with hand painted tiles that she had commissioned by Dan Dalton as well as other unique flourishes. Some of the window and door frames are built with salvaged wood from old ranch structures that exist on Catone’s land. “It’s part of the history of this area incorporated into the construction of the house itself,” Dan said. The couple paid their children to gather wood from down the hill. Dan added that some of the wood was 2 inches thick, 12 inches wide and 16 feet long. Now the pieces of wood sit prominently in the house, some of the selected chunks used as shelving are still home to lichen that lived on the wood long before it entered a new life in the home of the Catones.
THE REST OF THE HOUSE The rest of Catone’s house is equally well built and designed. The rooms and halls are spacious, a captain’s ladder leads to a
See Catone, Page 4 Dan (left) and Jenny Catone sit happily in the stairwell of their new home which is still under construction by TH Custom Builders owned by Tyler Hessenthaler. The home was designed by Jenny who did tile work and other fine details in the home. At right: Various custom tiles purchased by Jenny on Etsy have been incorporated into stucco by Dan Dalton.
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PAGE 2 • POWELL TRIBUNE THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023 POWELL TRIBUNE • PAGE 3
Mobility Plus is moving to Powell COMPANY EXPANDING SHORTLY AFTER OPENING BY MARK DAVIS Tribune senior reporter
C
hris Pelletier’s philosophy has always been go big or go home. Since opening Mobility Plus in 2021, he has already run out of space in his “beautiful downtown Ralston” location, so he’s moving to Powell and bringing with him about four times as many products and services as the cozy-sized first store allows. The new location in the former Funke’s Cleaners at 701 E. Coulter Avenue offers him more room in just one of the rooms than his entire current location, he said. “We’re just too small over here,” Pelletier said from his home office at Heart Mountain Hearing. “We’ll have more than triple the space in the new location.” Inspired by his father, Pelletier is adding a complete line of lift beds to their inventory. “For the last five or six years of his life, my father never slept in a ‘We’re just too bed because he couldn’t small over here. get in bed,” he said. The new line is fully We’ll have more adjustable and offers than triple the comfortable and secure space in the new rest. He’s also ordering specialty furniture location.’ made in America, which Chris Pelletier will offer him a better Mobility Plus relationship with the makers and the peace of mind knowing he is both helping to keep profits in the states as well as offering multiple sizes. “If you bought a recliner off of Amazon, it’s onesize-fits-all. But there is no one-size-fits-all. So this is going to be an American made, American built 100% product right out of Pennsylvania. So they’ll have some options that just aren’t available elsewhere, and we’ll be more competitive in pricing. The store will also have more lift chairs, scooters and a myriad of home safety items and ramp systems. Mobility Plus also rents the equipment by the month, for those with extended recovery periods that won’t need the equipment once they’re healed. It will have one room reserved just for bathroom convenience and safety items, such as handrails, walk-in tub conversions and lift toilets. But the entrepreneur isn’t simply improving the company’s catalog of equipment and services.
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Pelletier has also amped up his personal training and is a recent graduate of the Age Safe Senior Home Safety Specialist certification program. This national comprehensive course was developed to assist families in making preparations to ensure loved ones retain the freedom and achieve big city cost savings with local ownership and small town service. Age Safe is led by nationally recognized experts in fall prevention, aging in place, univer-
sal design, home modifications, environmental assessment and marketing to seniors and their adult children. Pelletier’s staff is well-trained in installation as well and will deliver and install all their products. When the building is finished in July, the goal is to have the only one-stop shop and service company in the region while maintaining “more competitive pricing than a trip to Billings,” he said. Mobility Plus is also looking into carrying per-
sonal items for incontinence for their delivery service. Part of freedom includes the freedom of not having to move through a store with items like adult diapers in your cart, he said. “There will be nobody in the Big Horn Basin who will have the selection that we’ll have. There’s nobody even in Billings, to my knowledge, that has a one-stop marketplace like we’ll have all right here in beautiful downtown Powell,” he said.
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PAGE 4 • POWELL TRIBUNE THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023
SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
The Catone home sits with the McCullough Peaks in full view. A tower positioned at the top of the home allows for a greater perspective of the rough landscape. Tribune photos by Braden Schiller
Above the Catone’s pizza oven is a bee tile with stucco arches incorporated in the design.
Catone: Salvaging pieces from the old house Continued from Page 1 small tower where the family can look out over the prairie and towards the McCullough Peaks. The children’s rooms have large windows and upstairs balconies where they can also enjoy the view. At the ground level Jenny designed the house to be zero entry to accommodate Dan’s father who uses a wheelchair. There’s a guest room with walls that emulate the warm look of tanned leather and a zero entry shower. Moving downstairs, corrugated steel leads you into Dan’s “man cave.” Dan has a passion for cold war history and the stairs are meant to be a nod to that. When you get into the basement there is a wine cellar and in the bathroom there are hieroglyphics and pictures of Ra, the Egyptian sun god. Egyptology is another passion of Dan’s. He said that every year he picks a new topic to learn and several years ago he landed on Egyptology and has since fallen in love with the topic — he has even traveled to Egypt.
TYLER IS PROFESSIONAL, COMPETENT AND THOUGHTFUL The Catones could not be happier with Hessenthaler, who they described as professional, competent and thoughtful. They were introduced to Hessenthaler when he stabilized their first home on the same property, which was only partially completed by a separate contractor. While assessing their first home they met contractor Greg Anderson who told them that sadly the house was not salvageable. Anderson
was unable to take the project but highly recommended Hessenthaler. Jenny designed a new home from scratch with a different floor plan but they’re still using pieces from the old house like doors, cabinets and windows. They just gave their garage roof away to a friend. “We’re trying to do a slow motion demo,” Jenny joked. Dan and Jenny both appreciate Hessenthaler’s work as they’re racing against the clock to get into the new home. “It’s just important with everybody to do a good job but with Dan and Jenny I think it’s important to make sure they’re happy with everything and in the know with everything,” Hessenthaler said. He added that the Catone house has been a “way fun project” that isn’t an ordinary house, it’s important to take pride in what you are doing. “At the end of the day give them something to be happy with,” Hessenthaler said.
Top left: A row of custom tiles are set in the wall of the home. Jenny Catone had a custom tile designed with an Oberhasli goat, which is the breed she raises. Bottom left: Dan Catone (left) looks out the window while Jenny (right) discusses the design of the home with the TH Custom Builders crew. Above right: In the bathroom of Dan’s man cave is a picture of the Egyptian god Ra. Dan studied Egyptology several years ago and has developed a passion for the subject.
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s people age, standard living situations like a traditional house or apartment may no longer be sufficient, either due to costs, a need for assisted living or a combination of factors. INDEPENDENT SENIOR HOUSING At Rocky Mountain Manor in Powell people can begin moving in at age 55 and director Cindy Ibarra said the manor is home to a wide variety of residents. Some are still working, some travel constantly and need a low maintenance housing situation and others enjoy being able to still live independently while also having access to the activities and community that Rocky Mountain Manor provides. Ibarra said until recently they had a resident who was living independently at 100 years old. “We’ve got a huge, diverse group of people. It’s always changing and everybody has a different reason [to live at the manor],” Ibarra said. Rocky Mountain Manor’s mission statement is to “provide a comfortable and safe living environment for all residents. We are committed to meeting the needs of the elderly by providing quality affordable housing supplemented by support services and programs that promote safety and selfsufficiency.” The manor has 52 rooms and 19 of them can be paid for with housing assistance. The apartments are unfurnished with a full sized refrigerator and sink, while some even have balconies. There are a variety of rooms including two bedroom, two bath options or efficiency rooms that are similar to the size of a hotel room. Ibarra said that the manor
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Above left: There are many life enrichment activities at Absaroka Senior Living organized by Life Enrichment Director Stephanie Weed. Above the lounge chair is an example of one of the many colorful arts and crafts activities in which residents can partake. Above right: Absaroka Senior Living offers daily meals with restaurant style seating.
New senior center will change locations but still offer great services Powell Senior Center is eyeing a move and a new building to be able to continue to provide their important services to community seniors. When fully funded the senior center will be near Rocky Mountain Manor, and Administrative Office Assistant Mandy Ander-
son hopes that being in a more visible location than their current spot on North Gilbert Street will allow them to serve more seniors. She added that the larger space will allow for more fitness classes and hopefully room for a telehealth center as well. Anderson said the new center
will be a safe place for even more seniors to come for meals, tax help, fitness classes and other activities. She added that from 1-5 p.m. on May 1 the center will have a bake sale fundraiser for their services and the new building. There will be assorted baked
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PAGE 6 • POWELL TRIBUNE THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023
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Above: Life Enrichment Director Stephanie Weed gestures to a cabinet full of activities. She said that while TVs are available in common spaces many of the residents prefer being active and socializing. Below: An example of a resident’s paint and sip art is proudly displayed in a case with other paintings.
Seniors: Making a self sustaining community Continued from Page 5 does have a service coordinator provided by a grant. This position allows Rocky Mountain Manor to help residents coordinate outside home health, housekeeping and other needs. Rocky Mountain Manor is a nonprofit that tries to keep costs low in order to help residents live independently for as long as possible. Rooms start at $478 a month; currently Ibarra said that there is a six month waitlist. ASSISTED LIVING If people need a little more attention, they can look at an assisted living community like Absaroka Senior Living in Cody. Community Relations Director Pia Brauser said that at Absaroka Senior Living they prefer to think of it as a community, not a facility. “It’s a community, these are people’s homes and their apartments. They’re not rooms, so it’s really home based,” Brauser said. With this community mindset Brauser mentioned that Absaroka Senior Living is undergoing an “internal renovation.” By this she means that they are focusing on providing a sense of community as well as life enrichment activities and services.
Life Enrichment Director Stephanie Weed has been focusing on providing opportunities and amenities to residents, including an upcoming smoothie bar and increased physical fitness options. Brauser added that they are also looking into putting in a pergola where residents can be together outside. “We’re flipping the mentality from a person coming here and ‘what can we do, are your needs,’ etc, etc. We do that assessment, but our goal is focused on what you can do,” Brauser said. “Not what do you need, but what can you do to live a beautiful life to really, you know, just have these years of your life, the golden years, be very special.” The common area at Absaroka Senior Living also has a recently donated baby grand piano from
a combination of churches. Weed also organizes Cody and Powell trips for residents where they may go see the cranes at the Willwood Dam, tour the Buffalo Bill Center of the West or have a meal at the Lamplighter. Outside of activities Absaroka Senior Living is all inclusive. Meals, life enrichment activities, cleaning laundry, transportation and care are all included in the price which starts at $4,200 a month. “We have a full staff of people including the clinical team,” Brauser said. “So I think our count is about 25 to 30 … people that are full time or part time focused in this community and how they can keep it running at the highest level of care as possible.” Brauser added that no time is shared with nurses at the hospital which makes the community fully self sustaining. Part of this she credits to their maintenance employee Paul Cannizzarro who goes above and beyond to hang decorations and aid residents in addition to his regular duties. “But it is all about home improvement, making their home very special and making it feel like home a community of people that you can trust, you can engage with, you can share your ups and downs with,” Brauser said.
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Ten affordable ideas to boost curb appeal (Family Features) Your home’s first big impression is its curb appeal, so if your place is in need of some sprucing up, you may wonder how you can make some updates without breaking the bank. These 10 ideas are easy on budgets, but they can also make a big impact on your home’s exterior image. 1. PAINT YOUR FRONT DOOR As long as your front door is in good condition, there’s no need to replace it completely. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update your home’s facade. Go bold or stick with a classic hue. It’s all up to you. 2. DRESS UP THE WINDOWS Add character and charm by enhancing your front windows. You might add wooden shutters, window box planters or both. Also look at the trim around the windows. If it’s chipped and peeling, adding a fresh coat of paint doesn’t just look nice, it can protect your windows from damage, too. 3. CLEAN UP FLOWER BEDS An unkempt flower bed can drag down an otherwise stunning home. Keep beds tidy and vegetation trimmed, even during the offseason. Watch for
weeds and replenish mulch or rock ground cover as needed to keep the beds looking healthy and inviting. 4. INSTALL NEW LIGHTING Replacing outdated light fixtures can give your exterior an instant upgrade. There’s no right or wrong style; just choose a color and look that matches the rest of your design. 5. REPLACE WORN WELCOME MATS A cheerful mat at your front door can be an inviting sight for visitors, but those mats inevitably wear with time, and what was once bright and charming becomes dingy and dull. A new mat can help bring back that cheery entry you once cherished. 6. PRESSURE WASH THE DRIVE AND WALK Over time, driveways and sidewalks collect an incredible amount of grime. Pressure washing not only eliminates the filth, but the clean surfaces also add to your home’s visual appeal. 7. ADD NEW VEGETATION Landscaping is a relatively inexpensive way to introduce more personality to a yard. Aim for a mix of pretty and practi-
cal, such as some low flowering bushes and some trees or bushes that offer privacy and shade.
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8. KEEP UP WITH BASIC MAINTENANCE When your home is in poor repair, it shows. Pay attention to bent or rusting gutters, imperfections in the roof and other maintenance matters that aren’t just aesthetic; left unrepaired, they can also result in major damage. 9. PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS Functional items like the mailbox might not seem like much of a design element, but these small details can be a big distraction if they’re not in good condition. Update or replace as needed to keep your aesthetic in sync. 10. ADD SEASONAL DECOR There’s no need to go all out for every occasion, but some timely decorations that celebrate the holiday or season can make your entry fun and festive. Coordinate wreaths, planters, signs and other accent pieces for a cohesive look that says, “come on in.” Find more affordable ideas for upgrading your home and garden at eLivingtoday.com.
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SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
steps to spruce up your outdoor spaces (Family Features) When spring arrives, days of enjoying your outdoor living space aren’t far away. Getting your yard ready for months of outdoor enjoyment will take a little work, but you’ll quickly see and appreciate the results. These five steps can have you on your way to a lush, healthy lawn and outdoor area in no time.
1. DETHATCH Throughout the winter, dead grass and other debris accumulate on your lawn. This waste, known as thatch, can be quite a hindrance to your spring lawn. It promotes fungi, encourages pests and keeps new grass seed from sprouting. You can use a special dethatching rake or any rake with sturdy tines.
2. AERATE Before spreading grass seed, you’ll want to give the new roots room to spread and grow. Aerating the lawn helps make your soil more welcoming to new growth by allowing moisture, nutrients and air to sink deeper into the soil. Depending on the size of area you need to aerate, two of the easiest options are doing the job by hand or using an attachment on a riding lawn mower. 3. PRUNE The lawn isn’t the only place debris can pile up. Your flower beds and any other vegetation can become a holding ground for twigs, branches, leaves and other yard waste. Give your plants, shrubs and trees a close look to find broken, damaged or dead material and remove it to make way for new growth. 4. WEED Even the healthiest lawns are susceptible to weeds, but getting a jump start on weeding early in the season can help you keep control. You can manage weeds by treating with an herbicide before they sprout or, if you prefer, there are chemical-free alternatives like vinegar, salt or cornmeal. Be aware that many alternative products don’t distinguish between the vegetation you want (like grass) and weeds, so these remedies are best used along borders and within beds to discourage weed growth. 5. SEED Winter weather and wear can cause uneven patches in the lawn. Seeding in the spring requires more work than the fall (especially if you tend to have hot, dry summers), but with enough nurturing and regular water, you can fill those spots in for a more uniform lawn.
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TO GET YOUR HOME READY FOR SPRING (Family Features) After months spent largely indoors while harsh elements battered your home’s exterior, many homeowners are throwing open the windows and embracing spring’s arrival. Every home requires ongoing maintenance to ensure it’s living up to its aesthetic and functional best. This checklist can help you create a comfortable home setting for enjoying the warmer months. CHECK GUTTERS During the colder months, debris can accumulate in the gutters, which can be problematic when spring rains arrive. Clogged gutters prevent water from flowing efficiently away from the roof and house. When they’re backed up, they can cause water damage in a short amount of time. Faulty guttering can also cause slow leaks that lead to damage you may not discover until major repair work is needed. Properly functioning gutters are clear of debris, flow freely and are securely attached to the home. INSPECT THE ROOF Your roof takes a real beating in all kinds of weather
conditions. Making it a common practice to carefully inspect the roof with the change of seasons can help you identify potential problems while they’re still in early stages, before a big storm hits and major damage occurs. Some roof issues can be addressed with simple repairs you can do yourself while others may require a professional. A roofing expert can help you determine whether any trouble areas can be patched or if a more complete restoration is in order.
SERVICE AIR CONDITIONING UNITS Your heating and cooling system works hard to keep your indoor climate comfortable when extreme temperatures make the outdoors unbearable. That’s why it’s important to have your systems serviced by a professional, and spring is a smart time to do so before they’re hard at work throughout the warmer months. Service can correct problems and ensure everything is operating efficiently, which can lead to money savings as well.
REPLACE THE DRYER VENT Upgrading your dryer vent is an opportunity to conserve energy and prevent flammable lint build-up in your dryers. One option for updating the exhaust system is a paintable version of InoVate’s Prime DryerWallVent. Engineered for both vent replacement and new construction, the vent includes features such as a gravity-assist damper, integrated magnets and a drip edge to provide extra protection from the elements as well as pests. A large, clean opening and lightweight angled damper promote exceptional airflow efficiency.
REPAIR WINDOW SCREENS Throughout the winter, your home’s window screens can accumulate a layer of dirt and grime that isn’t just unsightly; it blows indoors when you open the windows to welcome a fresh breeze. What’s more, if your screens have rips and tears, pesky bugs and other critters can make their way into your home more easily. Cleaning and repairing your screens can make your home more secure and help protect your indoor air quality. Find more information to help get your home ready for spring at DryerWallVent.com. Source: InOvate
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Uplink Robotics’ newest home inspection robot is the Marten. The Marten has a built in camera and is designed to go into crawl spaces, underneath houses and other hard to reach areas that would either be difficult or impossible for home inspectors to reach otherwise. Photos courtesy Uplink Robotics
Powell graduate’s company could help home inspectors, contractors zas said. “So we made a simplified product that was perfect for home inspectors and was based Powell High School grad- off their feedback.” Uplink Robotics used input uate, University of Wyoming student and Uplink from inspectors from all over Robotics co-founder hopes that the country to make an inexpenhis robotics company will make sive robot and within a month life easier on home inspectors they were able to send out their and create opportunities in first product called the Mink for beta testing. Wyoming. Bitzas and his fellow foundChristian Bitzas is finishing his master’s degree in computer ers, who are also UW students, had the idea to engineering at the create a robot that University of Wyowould make it easier ming and also serves for home inspectors as CEO and an engito see underneath neer at Uplink Robothomes, in crawl spacics. When he began es and other hard to looking for jobs in his reach areas of propfield in Wyoming his erties that may be junior year — there infested with pests, were none. dangerous or hard “So I was like, you for the human body know what there’s no to reach. jobs here, I’ll make CHRISTIAN “You can tell your a job,” Bitzas said. BITZAS customer hey, I can “So we made jobs for ourselves at least, and we made actually inspect that [hard to it our mission to bring opportu- reach area] other home inspectors who don’t have the product, nities to the state of Wyoming.” In 2022 Uplink Robotics they can’t inspect it,” Bitzas was chosen to receive $31,000 said. Uplink’s first model, the thanks to the John P. Ellbogen $50,000 Entrepreneurship Mink, needs to have a GoPro Competition. Bitzas said they camera attached to it. Their originally spent six months second model, the Marten, designing a smart product that which was released Monday, utilized a tablet and machine has its own built-in camera. All models are beta tested by home learning. “We found out we were over- inspectors who provide input on confident in what we can make the design of Uplink’s product. in our amount of time and the While the robot is marketed at amount of money we had,” Bit- home inspectors, Bitzas said BY BRADEN SCHILLER Tribune staff writer
A
that one contractor in Georgia has placed an order on the Marten. He has yet to speak to the contractor but said that the Marten could help contractors with their due diligence and quality control. “When you are buying a house, you need to fix it up or something, you have to inspect the crawl space, that’s perfect for that,” Bitzas said. “Or if you’re building a house and you want to go inspect something you built that you can’t reach, like something under a foundation. It would be perfect for that.” The Mink retails for $1,995, while the Marten sells for $2,995. For those who need a full kit but don’t want to pay the large premiums, Uplink Robotics is currently developing a budget model they hope to sell for $1,750. “All of our competition, they are in the $3,000 to $5,000 range, so we’re trying to stay below them as much as we can… a lot of them are small business owners or are by themselves, they can’t afford too much so we want to offer quality products at a discounted rate,” Bitzas said. Uplink Robotics is trying to bring opportunities to Wyoming, specifically for high schoolers interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “We’re trying to bring opportunities to Wyoming for people, just trying to make jobs, create opportunities,” Bitzas said. “We want to work with high school students, get them involved with STEM, engineering, that sort of thing. Reach out if anyone has advice, questions or inquiries, if they think we can help them in some way. We would be happy to.” Uplink Robotics was founded by University of Wyoming students thanks to a $31,000 prize from the John P. Ellbogen $50,000 Entrepreneurship Competition. The company currently has two robots for sale and is providing funding for student design.
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Outdoor LEDs offer range of lighting options BY CJ BAKER Tribune staff writer
I
t’s usually right around Christmas time, as homeowners prepare to scale their frozen ladders and string colorful bulbs along their eaves, that the calls start flooding into Legacy Lighting. The Lovell-based company offers permanent, customizable LED lights — an option that can become increasingly appealing as winter temperatures and ice settle into the Big Horn Basin. “Everybody calls in a panic before Christmas, because they don’t want to put up Christmas lights,” said Legacy Lighting Manager Charlie Cooley. By that point, however, their installers are booked up. It’s better, Cooley says, to get in touch in the summer months, when the company is less swamped and when the weather is more conducive to installation. Besides, the Gemstone Lights sold by Legacy Lighting can be used for more than holidays, such as to highlight architectural features. They’re also much more customizable than can lights, as the LEDs can be almost instantaneously adjusted to new colors and patterns, with thousands of options. “There’s some people that [do] … different colors and different things that I maybe wouldn’t use, but that’s kind of the beauty of them,” Cooley said, adding, “it gives everyone the ability to do whatever they want with them.” Legacy Lighting was formed by the Bairco Construction team in 2021, after they saw a growing trend toward outdoor LED lighting and no one offering that kind of product in the area. “... We started looking into it and went, ‘Maybe that’s something that we should do to kind of employ some people locally,’” Cooley said. Over the past two years, Legacy Lighting has performed roughly 130 installations across the Basin, including in Lovell, Cowley, Powell and Cody. They use a mix of Bairco employees and contractors, with each worker trained and certified. It helps provide “filler” work for the construction company, Cooley said. The plan is to eventually expand into Billings and Laurel, Montana. The challenge has not been a lack of interest in Gemstone’s products, Cooley said, but keeping up with demand amid a tight labor market that’s made it harder to find workers. “Anywhere you go and install them … all While changing the color of your outdoor lighting used to mean stringing up a whole new set of bulbs, outdoor LEDs can be quickly adjusted to any hue or pattern with just a few clicks on a phone app.
the neighbors want it,” he said, “and it just you don’t see them at all,” Cooley said of the tends to grow pretty rapidly and exponen- lights. But when they’re on, they can be classy tially.” Cooley said they did a lot of research be- or flashy. Owners can pick when the lights fore partnering with Gemstone Lights, be- turn on and adjust their brightness, color ing impressed with the quality, capabilities and motion — such as blinking or strobing — even down to the level of a specific secand features. The quality does come with an expense: tion of lights. The system’s controller integrates with Installing the lights on the front of a typiWi-Fi and can be adcal house generally costs justed with a phone app, around $3,000, Cooley said; Amazon Alexa or Google going all the way around ‘Anywhere you go and Home. Users can set up a home can land in the install them … all the the system and forget $5,000 to $6,000 range. about it or micromanage Some of the company’s neighbors want it and their home’s look. pricier jobs have ranged all “A lot of families … the way up to 1,000 feet of it just tends to grow let the kids pick a differlights, he said, and it gen- pretty rapidly and ent pattern every single erally takes at least 50 to exponentially.’ day,” Cooley said, adding 60 feet of lighting to justify Charlie Cooley it can be fun to try differthe fixed costs. Legacy Lighting Manager ent Christmas arrangeIf someone is building a ments. new home and considering However, with demand for installations exterior LEDs, it’s best to act while conspiking in the September to December struction is underway. “We can get in there and do some pre-wir- timeframe, Christmas isn’t the best time to ing and things like that,” Cooley said. “That explore lighting options. Some folks have just cleans it up and makes it a little easier called Legacy Lighting too late to get an to get in there and get going than after it’s installation before the holiday season, then waited and called the next December in the all done.” Gemstone’s system involves no visible same panic, Cooley said. “And you’re like, wires and each track is custom built for each well, we kind of tried to tell you: Call us in house; a color match gun helps ensure it’s the summer ...’” For more information, visit www.legacythe same shade as the home’s soffit. “The whole idea is that when they’re off, lit.com.
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PAGE 10 • POWELL TRIBUNE THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023
SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
UPGRADING YOUR OASIS (Family Features) Picture this: You’ve purchased your home. You’re on the land you’ve dreamt about and you’ve got great ideas to turn your property into the personal oasis you’ve always wanted. As you consider developing your land, building with environmentally sensitive choices becomes more important than ever. According to LightStream’s 9th Annual Home Improvement Trends Survey, more than 93% of homeowners see the benefits of undertaking renovations that have positive environmental impacts. Yet, one of the top barriers to making eco-friendly upgrades is that people don’t know what to do (27%) nor where to begin (24%). As a first step, homeowners can take on renovations to make their existing home or building greener. Among the many smaller-scale ecoprojects are new insulation, HVAC systems, lighting or appliances. “One popular upgrade is installing custom windows and doors that are thermally broken, meaning they’re designed to keep out cold or hot temperatures,” said Sean Cain, president of Morton Buildings, a specialized construction company. “It’s a big improvement that is not only energy-efficient, but it will immediately impact the overall comfort of your building and save money on energy expenses.” Reflecting larger visions, the survey also found that many homeowners are thinking outside the home itself, enhancing their properties by adding a separate garage, hobby shop, barn, office or accessory dwelling unit. “Today’s homeowners are looking for a solid property improvement investment as well as construction specialists with the unique knowledge and know-how to deliver ecofriendly best practices and sustainable products,” said Todd Nelson, senior vice president at LightStream, an online lending division of Tru-
ist Bank. “People today are keenly interested in the long-term sustainability of their building decisions including construction of ancillary buildings on their property,” Cain said. “Post-frame buildings with steel exteriors have advantages both for longevity and recyclability whereas shingle roofs or vinyl siding may need replacement more frequently, which often results in additional waste that cannot be recycled.” FROM START TO FINANCE Sustainability begins with material selection and production. “There are many ways to make the manufacturing processes more sustainable, such as recycling or repurposing unused or misdirected materials and even capturing and reusing water,” Cain said. MANAGING THE COSTS Sustainable building options can also be more affordable, particularly if you’re looking at cost savings over time. “Reducing energy costs is important to many building owners,” Cain said. “Make sure your building or home is well-insulated because this can save you a considerable amount of money.” CONSIDER THE OPTIONS As consumers seek sustainability in their residential structures, more are considering their long-term financial impacts, too. “We’re in era of rising interest rates,” Nelson said. “A fixed rate loan can save money and be the right choice for many reasons.” Visit LightStream.com to see how unsecured, affordable home improvement loans can help finance your renovation.
*The 9th Annual LightStream Home Improvement Survey was distributed by Ipsos among 1,301 U.S. homeowners, between January 4, 2022 and January 13, 2022. Truist Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC. Source: Morton Buildings and LightStream
Wyoming Department of Health aims to educate elementary and early high school students about radon The Wyoming Department of Health Herrington, Wyoming Cancer Program (WDH) wants families across the state outreach and education coordinator. “All to consider testing their homes for radon homes have radon; however, with higher levels, the risks beto find out whether a come a health concern. potentially dangerous Radon is recognized health risk exists. ‘As radium in the soil the second leading Radon is an invisible, naturally degrades, it can as cause of lung cancer.” odorless, tasteless and “Ongoing exposure dangerous gas found in seep up into buildings, to higher, more danmany places, including get trapped inside and gerous radon levels can homes. Radon occurs be reduced with testing naturally as a radioac- grow in intensity.’ tive gas released from Randi Norton-Herrington and home modificathe element radium; Wyoming Cancer Program tions. That’s why we ofit’s found in rocks, soil outreach and education fer free or low-cost test and water. coordinator kits to Wyoming residents. We want them “As radium in the soil naturally degrades, it can seep up to know the risk level within their homes into buildings, get trapped inside and so they can address potential problems,” grow in intensity,” said Randi Norton- Norton-Herrington said.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines an elevated level of radon as anything over 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The EPA recommends homes with elevated levels be fixed and encourages testing every two years. Wyoming students in third to ninth grade are invited to participate in the program’s annual radon poster contest. Entries should focus on radon exposure dangers or home testing promotion. The deadline for the poster contest is April 30. The Wyoming Cancer Program has free or low-cost radon test kits available based on available supplies. To obtain a radon test kit, to view winning video entries or to enter the poster contest, please visit health.wyo.gov/radon.
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THE GRASS IS GREENER Are you looking for a licensed and insured contractor for your remodeling, dirt work or new home projects?
BY GABBY PATERSON Tribune intern
A
s spring approaches and the weather grows warmer, the time for gardening and sprucing up your lawn has arrived. Homeowners are using these warmer, sunnier days, to make improvements to their landscaping including growing healthy grass. Although laying sod, patches of grown grass that you roll out on a lawn, is the procedure most commonly utilized to grow grass, hydroseeding has emerged as an effective and less labor intensive alternative. This image of a freshly hydroseeded lawn shows the thin cover of In an article for The Spruce, mixture that protects the grass seed while it germinates. Henry only Nadia Hassani defines hydro- charges 24 cents per 1 square foot of hydro seeding. Courtesy photo seeding as an all in one method that contains seeds, fertilizers, mulch, soil amendments and gather equipment for his new case. MH Turf Care charges moisture. This nutrient rich hydroseeding setup in 2022 be- a mere 24 cents a square foot mixture is sprayed onto good cause he was looking for an ef- which is roughly half the cost soil where it will germinate. fective way to provide grass at of sod Henry said. “Hydroseed covers and pro- the golf course and he figured Even though a homeowner tects the grass he could also use must hire a professional to or the grass seed his equipment in hydroseed their lawn, they will while it’s trying to have to perform little to no adresidential areas. ‘It’s the most germinate,” MH Looking into ditional labor. Turf Care own- effective way “As far as the homeowner or the future, Hener Macon Henry to grow good ry’s goal is to the project owner’s perspecsaid. “It’s the most supply his cus- tive, it doesn’t really involve effective way to quality, sturdy tomers with the any equipment,” Henry said. grow good quality, grass over a long best quality lawn “You need to have good irrigasturdy grass over tion and good soil condition. they can have. period of time.’ a long period of Hydroseeding But other than that, it’s just Macon Henry is a fast acting normal lawn care for the hometime.” MH Turf Care owner Henry has 10 method. After a owner.” years of expeSince Powell is at a high mere five days, rience growing the grass seed elevation, it is sometimes hard grass and his plan is to provide will begin to germinate. Thirty to get grass to grow, but hyhydroseeding to the commu- days following the procedure, droseeding can help with this nity. He has a hydroseeding your lawn will be ready to problem. Hydroseeding is the tank hooked up to his com- mow. most effective way to grow pany truck which allows him to A common misconception grass in this environment. spray lawns with the nutrient about hydroseeding is that it “It’s not like you just throw rich solution. is more expensive than laying [grass] on the ground and it Henry started to build and sod. However, this is not the grows,” Henry said.
Tips for integrating nature into your interior design (StatePoint) This spring home improvement season, get inspired by the outdoors with biophilic design. “Biophilic design — the concept of integrating nature into interior design — is not only gorgeous, it fosters a healthy living environment, promotes happiness and comfort, and reduces stress,” says Jennifer Kline, multimedia graphic artist at ProVia. “There are many ways to reap these wellness benefits while adding vitality to your living spaces.” To connect to the natural world within your home, consider these ideas: FOSTER TRANQUILITY Taking a stroll through the forest can summon feelings of tranquility. Capture this inner
peace at home from the moment you step inside with a fiberglass woodgrain entry door. Those from ProVia provide authenticlooking woodgrain textures, such as oak, cherry, mahogany, knotty alder and fir, and can accommodate various door glass enhancements. Engineered for energy efficiency, they’re also a sustainable choice, helping you protect the natural world as you embrace its splendor. Other design choices, such as exposed rustic ceiling timbers, rich hardwood furniture, warm hardwood floors and vinyl woodgrain windows can help you carry the forest motif throughout the home, while imbuing interiors with richness and warmth.
light, it’s time to open those blinds and drapes and let the sunlight stream through your windows. It may also be time to consider a few enhancements that will help you enjoy more sunshine and observe your natural surroundings, even when you can’t be outdoors,” says Kline. For kitchens and breakfast nooks, bathrooms and dens, consider vinyl garden windows, which invite more light into your space and include shelves ideal for housing indoor plants, such as fragrant herbs. Their threedimensional design helps give rooms an airy, spacious feel. Family rooms and bedrooms are great locations for vinyl picture windows, which let in large
LET LIGHT IN “If you’re lacking natural
See Nature, Page 12
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Breathe the difference! Now that the days are getting longer and warmer, most people's thoughts turn to spring cleaning. After spending a long winter inside a cozy, sealed environment, everyone is ready to open their windows and doors and breathe fresh air again. Most residents don’t think about their HVAC system or their carpets when putting a spring “to do” list together. Hunter Clean Care will make sure these two areas of your home are thoroughly cleaned. CARPET CLEANING Along with regular vacuuming and spot cleaning, it is equally important to have the carpet in your home professionally cleaned. Hunter's deep steam cleaning process is the best way to keep your carpets smelling clean and fresh, along with extending the life of your carpet. Unlike most carpet companies in this area,
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PAGE 12 • POWELL TRIBUNE THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023
SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
Nature:
Continued from Page 11 amounts of light while providing unobstructed views of outdoor scenery. Need inspiration? Visit ProVia’s Window Photo Gallery at www.provia.com/windows. To brighten your foyer, add an entry door with glass. Energy efficient sliding glass patio doors also let in sunlight, and give you the option to invite fresh air into your home or enjoy the melodies of singing birds on nice days. Skylights can flood small or closed-off spaces such as walk-in closets or bathrooms with light and give you views of blue skies. LET IT GROW To give your home a welcoming, fresh feel, add various houseplants and indulge in fresh-cut flowers. A windowsill with small plants of varying shades of green can add texture, while larger potted plants near doorways help guests feel welcome. Fill dark, underutilized spaces with taller plants and place bright, lightly-scented garden flowers in such spots as the kitchen island and coffee tables. Use earthen or wood-carved vases for additional warmth. CREATE DRAMA From the warm brown tones of a picturesque southwestern mesa to the cool, earthy feel of quarried rock, manufactured stone veneer adds rugged texture, intriguing patterns and shapes, and a variety of hues straight from Earth’s natural color palette. Whether you’re creating a focal point in a bedroom with an accent wall, adding character to your kitchen with a stone veneer backsplash, surrounding a tub with stone veneer for a spalike bathroom, or highlighting your fireplace, different stone profiles and grout colors can help you customize the look. Experiment with combinations using ProVia’s visualizer tool found at provia.com/stone/groutvisualizer. “Incorporating biophilic elements into your interior design can transform your home into a warm respite from your busy life,” says Kline.
Adan Marquez (left) and Victor Puentes with LM Construction work on stabilizing the trusses of a new shop building being built next to a new house on Wagon Box Lane south of Powell. Tribune photos by Carla Wensky
NEW CONSTRUCTION SEASON
Above, carpenters with LM Construction work on a shop for homeowner Kim Williams, whose house sits next door on Wagon Box Lane. The shop includes a large garage door to fit a camper and a smaller heated shop space. At left, Puentes (left) and Marquez work on the trusses.
Backyard living with natural gas Whether you are hosting a neighborhood gathering or enjoying an evening with family,you can do it in style with convenient and reliable natural gas products. Don’t worry about your propane tank running empty and avoid messy charcoal with a natural gas grill. When the sun goes down, extend the fun by warming your outdoor space with a natural gas patio heater, fireplace or fire pit. Natural gas is the right choice for your backyard entertaining.
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The O’Neill family’s original yurt has occupied a plot of land near Hunter’s Peak for just over two decades. The plan wasn’t always to put a yurt on their mountain property but the durability and ease of construction made it a good option. Photo courtesy Julia Kay O’Neill
Powell family owns yurt near Hunter’s Peak insulated but the insulation is not as good as a traditional house — this also applies to full, an electric fence to protect from bears insulation from noise. “If you like super quiet, yurts [are] not and an unlimited hot water outdoor shower. Brian said yurts are durable structures; for you. If you want to be closer to nature, their mountain yurt had its original ‘skin’ fantastic. You can really customize it anyway you want to inside,” until roughly four or five years ago Brian said. and some yurts built by Secret Creek But, yurts can also be can withstand winds up to 125 miles ‘It’s pretty affordable and durable per hour. In a yurt Brian added that housing options. The you don’t hear the wind hit the walls durable stuff. I interior wood on the like you would in a traditional house. mean, the people yurts will “last forever” “When it was really gusty winds if the skin is properly or something, you could hear the in Mongolia … maintained so the wood wind coming. You know you’re lying they’ve been doesn’t sustain water in bed, or whatever or just hanging living in the damage. out, you can hear the wind coming,” “It’s pretty durable O’Neill said. “Then the gusts will go felted ones for stuff. I mean, the people over the top of you, which is kind of thousands of in Mongolia … they’ve cool.” years.’ been living in the felted PURCHASING CONSIDERATIONS Brian O’Neill ones for thousands of years,” Brian said. Brian is obviously a fan of the Yurt owner For roughly $30,000 alternative living option but he said there are some considerations for those you can buy Secret Creek’s largest model, looking at embracing the yurt life. As an which is 700 square feet and build the deck, alternative housing structure, yurts may not he said. “If you built a house for 700 square feet always be an allowable or feasible option in the eyes of financial institutions. Yurts are that will not be $30,000,” Brian said.
YURTS CAN BE A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE LIVING OPTION BY BRADEN SCHILLER Tribune staff writer
W
hat if you could live in a home that felt like part of the land you’ve chosen to inhabit? The O’Neill family in Powell loves yurts, which are circular tent-like structures used in Asia for hundreds of years. Once upon a time Brian, Nan and their two daughters lived in a two-yurt home with a joining kitchen. Now they live in a traditional house but they still own their original 458-squarefoot yurt they built near Hunter’s Peak in 2001. It’s currently managed as a VRBO in the warmer months by daughter Julia Kay O’Neill. The yurt is a nice option for people who want to stay somewhere out of town that is not a traditional cabin or hotel. “People seem to really enjoy that outdoor environment when they come from, you know, the city to come and hang out in the tents,” Brian said. The O’Neill’s yurt journey began when they were trying to put a structure on their land near Hunter’s Peak. At the suggestion of a college friend of Brian’s who was living in Afghanistan at the time, they began looking at yurts. “The internet was just kind of getting going then and so we put that in the ol’ Google search and found a place called Colorado Yurt and started the process with them, and was able to order it,” Brian said. “And then they delivered it. It’s kind of funny, it came in a box about probably 14 feet long, 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, so your entire house, there it is.” SO, WHAT’S A YURT LIKE? The O’Neill’s hauled their boxed home into the mountains where they built their deck and pitched the yurt even though Brian admits they didn’t know “what the heck we were doing.” They erected their yurt in roughly six hours. Colorado Yurt Company, which is now called Secret Creek, offers a variety of yurt sizes and custom options. Yurts can come with French doors, glass windows and be endlessly customized for the owner’s lifestyle as shown by the site’s inspiration gallery. The O’Neill’s VRBO is all electric, has an incendiary toilet that burns the waste which is then discarded as ash when the tank is
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Yurts are unique circular structures that have clear domes in the ceiling to let light in and an open floor plan. Photo courtesy Julia Kay O’Neill
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Above left, the O’Neill’s yurt, which is rentable on VRBO, offers a unique option for a mountain stay. Above right, the yurt has a series of space efficient accommodations including storage, a small kitchen area that runs off of electricity and an outdoor shower with unlimited hot water. Photos courtesy Julia Kay O’Neill
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PAGE 14 • POWELL TRIBUNE THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023
SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
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(Family Features) When you’re considering upgrades for your home, earth-friendly enhancements that impact your energy usage are smart investments. Energy-saving home upgrades can offer long and shortterm advantages for the earth, your wallet and even your safety. Many homeowners evaluate their energy needs as they plan home improvements. There are several low-carbon, resilient energy options available that can help safeguard your family. Consider these environmentally friendly upgrades to diversify your home’s energy sources, reduce energy consumption and ensure your home is well-prepared to withstand interruptions to power service if the electrical grid fails. DIVERSIFY ENERGY SOURCES The growing conversation to “electrify everything” will require an overhaul on the aging electrical grid just to manage the increase in demand. Accomplishing this will take decades and cost billions, according to the Department of Energy. In fact, according to a study conducted by Acupoll Precision Research on behalf of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), 54% of respondents believe electricity for everything will be too expensive for taxpayers while 70% strongly agree Americans should have a choice when it comes to their energy source. Propane is a clean, affordable and abundant energy option that reduces carbon emissions right now. Using propane appliances like furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and kitchen appliances alongside other energy sources reduces the strain on the fragile electrical grid. Unlike electric appliances, propane appliances can work even during power outages. SEAL IN ENERGY Outdated doors and windows often lack energy benefits. Newer models have stronger, thicker panes that reduce the transfer of heat from inside to outdoors (and vice versa in the warmer months). Updating doors and windows allows you to easily repair any cracks or faulty seals that make it easy for energy to escape. When your home is wellinsulated, your heating or cooling system works more efficiently. CONSIDER SOLAR PANELS When many homeowners think of renewable energy, they often think “solar.” Some states are mandating solar adoption, and while financial rebates help, solar panels are still considered an expensive upgrade for many people. The number of panels you need depends on your geographic location and weather, as well as the size of your home and your family’s energy consumption habits, which can add up. If you have access to propane and electricity, and are planning to upgrade to solar, consider adding propane appliances to offset the energy load required from your solar system. INSTALL A BACKUP POWER SOURCE The Department of Energy’s “Electric Disturbance Event Annual Report” showed an increase in power outages from 2000 to 2020. More than half of consumers nationwide indicated they or a close family mem-
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Propane can be a more energy efficient way to power appliances like fireplaces or a backup generator. Photo courtesy Propane and Education Research Council ber or friend have been personally impacted by a power outage in the past two years, according to PERC. As a result, many homeowners are saying “yes” to backup power generators. A propane standby generator can be a key part of resilient home upgrades by offering supplemental electricity in as little as 10 seconds after an outage. Propane doesn’t degrade over time, making it an ideal standby power fuel. Plus, it’s cleaner than diesel so you can keep your home functioning and family safe while being a good steward for the environment. INCREASE ENERGY EFFICIENCY While landscaping plays an important role in curb appeal, it also serves more practical purposes. Thoughtfully placed trees and shrubs can block the heat that comes from powerful direct sunlight while serving as a break against blustery winds and providing a natural form of external insulation for the home. In outdoor living spaces, propanepowered appliances can offer increased energy efficiency. For example, propane can power full outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and fire pits, patio heaters, flame lighting or pool and spa heaters. Find more ideas and information to inspire your earth-friendly home upgrades at Propane.com. WHEN THE GRID FAILS In 2021, a winter storm decimated a major
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electrical power grid, leaving thousands 21_PW31_PWL_FALL_HOMEIMPROVEMENT_AD2.indd 1 10/12/21 1:07 PM of Americans in the dark and cold. Some people lost their lives while others battled to overcome extensive damage to their homes and businesses. Jennifer Borget’s family is one of many that weathered those winter storms. However, the Borget family home used propane to power their water heater, stove, furnace and fireplace. “When your power goes out, you can still use some propane appliances,” said Borget, who blogged about her experience. “This is one of those things I didn’t realize but learned during the historic winter storms. When the power was intermittent, our propane-powered fireplace and water heater quickly warmed our family.” One year later, the Borgets are discussing investing in a standby generator to mitigate future power outages. Another way to reduce the risk of largescale disasters is increasing Americans’ reliance on a broader mix of energy sources. 306 North Bent Street in Powell, Wyoming Using a combination of propane, solar, electricity and natural gas can keep homes 2945 Big Horn Avenue in Cody, Wyoming and businesses alike running efficiently and safely. 307-587-9608 | AmericanWestRealty.com Relying on alternative energy sources like propane can also make a meaningful environmental impact in the long-term while offering short-term advantages, including continued access to power during emergencies when another energy source fails. Source: Propane Education & Research Council
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SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
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A drought-tolerant clover lawn has many benefits. This lush, green lawn deters bugs, crowds out weeds and provides a low-maintenance ground cover. Courtesy photo
The mini but mighty shamrockshaped solution for lawn renovation MINICLOVER IS DROUGHT-TOLERANT, SIMPLE, STUNNING AND SUSTAINABLE WITH LOW-TO-NO MAINTENANCE That lush, green lawn most strive for is struggling to survive as our climate experiences “weather whiplash,” meaning abrupt swings in weather conditions from one extreme to another. Last season, drought conditions were so dire in California billboards shouted, “Brown is the New Green.” This season, despite early, extreme flooding in California, evidence suggests the length and depth of droughts will increase in upcoming years, becoming more frequent and severe. Outdoor water usage is still astronomical, synthetic chemical use is ever-present and fuel-guzzling lawn blowers and mowers sing all summer. Traditional lawn maintenance is expensive, unnatural, untenable and increases greenhouse gasses, wastes water, pollutes ecosystems and reduces biodiversity. Average American families use 320 gallons of water daily, about 30% outdoors, with more than half devoted to watering lawns and gardens, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Nationwide, landscape irrigation is estimated at almost one-third of all residential water usage, totaling nearly 9 billion gallons daily. Gas-powered lawn mowers spew pollutants that can cause planet-warming gases, contributing to climate crisis and drought. According to the EPA, gas-powered lawn equipment releases more than 22 million tons of CO2 emissions and estimates over 17 million gallons of gasoline are spilled refueling lawn equipment; that’s more than all oil spilled by Exxon Valdez. There are many issues causing harm to environmental health,
from the ridiculous, like billionaires taking 17-minute flights in private jets, producing 2 tons of CO2 emissions, to everyday lawn care wasting staggering amounts of water for aesthetics while polluting the environment through run-off and toxic emissions. Cash rebates, up to $5,000, are being offered to some for the removal of grass lawns. To get the rebate, other water-efficient options must be put in place. It’s time to take a page from the past; sowing clover seed can create a great-looking, water-efficient, sustainable lawn. Decades ago, clover was standard in lawn seed mixes. Then agricultural chemical companies created herbicides to rid lawns of broadleaf plants, killing everything but grass, clovers included, branding them weeds. “Today, clover is making a comeback,” said Troy Hake, president and owner of Outsidepride.com, offering drought-tolerant grasses, clovers, wildflower seeds and more. “Tik Tok’s #cloverlawn has over 65 million views, evidencing it’s time for sustainable options, like adding ‘miniclover’ or replacing lawns with it. Miniclover (trifolium repens), is one-third to half the size of white Dutch clover, only grows 4-6 inches and produces a thick, carpet-like look that blends well with turf. Less expensive than grass seed, it’s a natural solution for self-sustaining, lowmaintenance lawns that look beautiful and help eliminate the need for fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and weekly mowing. It’s healthier for people, pets, soil and waterways. You can’t go wrong with it.” There’s nothing you can do about those 17-minute private jet flights. However, anyone with a
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PAGE 16 • POWELL TRIBUNE THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023
SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
FIVE RENOVATION PROJECTS WHERE BRICK TAKES CENTER STAGE
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(Family Features) Springtime is a perfect opportunity for homeowners to begin planning renovations to enhance the interior and exterior of their living space. Because of its strong performance capabilities, low maintenance and design flexibility, brick is a popular building material choice when looking to improve or refresh your home in time for warmweather hosting season. Often selected for its functional benefits, brick is available in a wide array of colors, textures and sizes that can match varying design styles, from modern to traditional and almost everything between. If you’re considering adding brick to your home’s aesthetic, consider these five projects to tackle this spring from the experts at Glen-Gery, one of the largest brick and stone manufacturers in North America. Basement or patio bar — As homeowners spend more time at home, they often look to maximize livable space. One way to take advantage of unused living space is building a basement or patio bar, which provides an area for entertaining. Using an exposed brick wall can help designate the bar area and separate it from the rest of the basement,
Brick can be a good way to add some style during a home renovation. It can be used to form an accent wall and provide contrast, or in patio or basement bars. Photos courtesy Glen-Gery
or lining a bar counter with brick can create a rustic contrast against the bar’s seating. Fireplace — To change the look and feel of a room almost instantly, you can use brick to give a fireplace a facelift or make it a focal point of your home. Available in a variety of colors and textures, Glen-Gery’s diverse, premium portfolio of more than 600 brick and stone products can elevate your living room’s style in a big way and create a more inviting area to share with family and friends. An outdoor fireplace is another option for extending livable space in a cozy way that can be used throughout the year. Accent wall — Create a statement in or outside your home with a brick accent wall. Accent walls can help bring color, texture and beauty to homes by
breaking up the monotony of monochromatic color or decor, creating visual interest and dimension. While brick in a running bond pattern is expected, you can spice up rooms with an unexpected bond pattern like a stacked bond for modern appeal or herringbone for a rustic look. Kitchen backsplash — One of the most overlooked areas of kitchen design is the backsplash. While its job is to protect your kitchen walls from the never-ending assault of kitchen splatters, there’s no reason it can’t look good, too. Brick backsplashes can accommodate most home designs and styles thanks to the versatility of shapes, colors, finishes and sizes available. Black or white glazed brick works well with more modern kitchens while irregular brick containing an abundance of
texture and a messy mortar application can complete rustic farmhouse kitchens. An option like Glen-Gery’s virtual design tool, Picture Perfect, can help you visualize projects in your home to see what fits your style and needs. Brick skirt — For added curb appeal, consider adding a brick skirt around the foundation of your home. Given its resilient, durable and energy-efficient qualities, brick can help provide better insulation and protection while also adding visual appeal to the exterior of your home through texture, color and contrast. The skirting can also continue through to the front porch floor and steps, helping balance out the elevation of your home. For more inspiration for your next home renovation project, visit glengery.com. Source: Glen-Gery
Brick can be a good option when putting in a fireplace or even to add a new look by changing the color, size, shape or texture.
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023 POWELL TRIBUNE • PAGE 17
SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
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This East 4th Street house was the only one of The Real Estate Connection’s more than 130 rental properties in Powell available the week of April 17. Tribune photo by Zac Taylor
Rental market tight in Powell BY ZAC TAYLOR Tribune editor
T
he Real Estate Connection manages 130 rental properties in Powell, but on a recent Tuesday property manager Kate Kysar only had one available to rent, a small studio apartment. She had four available less than a week before, but one-by-one the bigger properties, including a couple of three-or-more bedroom houses, had been gobbled up by ‘I have tenants eager renters. that have been Welcome to the with us for over 17 Powell rental market. It can be a years in the same challenge for renters, but a boost property.’ for landlords who Kate Kysar aren’t likely to see Property manager a property stay vacant for long. Kysar said availability can fluctuate depending on the time of year, but in general her rentals stay pretty filled up. She recommends prospective renters get an application early, pp y, not unlike prop spective homeowners getting preapproved, so they’re able to jump on
any property they’re interested in. “Get an application ahead of time,” she said. “Going through the application and background check process and getting preapproved for that. It’s kind of like purchasing a home in the market. You want to go to your bank and get preapproval. So you when you want that house, you know you’re approved already. So get that application process taken care of because that is good for 90 days. ” Christi Davis, a real estate agent for American West Realty who also manages all of the 59 rental properties the company manages in Powell, agrees with that advice. Both said they’re more than willing to spread the word on available rentals if they don’t have anything available, because often they don’t. Davis said the tight rental market has been tighter ever since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020. “It’s a frustrating market now,” she said. She said unlike Cody, Powell hasn’t lost many rentals to the short-term rental (AirBNB) craze, but there also isn’t more inventory than bev fore COVID, and fo there especially the seems to be a shortage of affordable rentals comaffordab pared to the numbers of renters looking for more budget friendly accommodations. modatio And while Powell awash with new isn’t a inventory, Park Couninvento ty has been flooded new residents. In by ne just tthe summer of 2021 tto the summer of 2022, 504 more people moved into the m county than moved coun out. Even after accounting for deaths coun within the county, with the population over that one year timeframe fram still grew by 1.2%. 1.2% Davis said that’s D
led incoming families or older couples who had planned to buy a house to instead rent on account of low stock for sale houses. And while signs showing houses for sale are at least slightly more numerous than a year or two ago, some of those who would have bought houses previously are now waiting for high interest rates to go down. Available inventory is so low in Powell that Northwest College staff weren’t even able to adequately price college housing to match the market as there weren’t enough available rentals to compare. “We had a lot of trouble this spring trying to find comparable rates, there just wasn’t a lot out there,” NWC President Lisa Watson told trustees earlier this year when discussing housing rates. “Historically there has always been a lot of inventory, right now we don’t have that.” Kysar said affordable rentals are especially sought after, as renters are more likely to hold onto them compared to the more high dollar rentals. “Those people tend to hold on to those properties if you’ve got a good place and you’ve got a good rent price. Most of them stay put. I have tenants that have been with us for over 17 years in the same property.” She said Cody does have higher turnover, so some renters accept the commute over the smaller inventory of Cody and then keep an eye on the Powell rental market. On the other end of the spectrum, she said she’s seen a fair amount of prospective renters from out of the area, although it’s far from the majority. One of the biggest issues some of them have, she said, is adjusting to the fact that Powell is not a big city and thus doesn’t have masses of condos for rent, or giant apartment complexes featuring pools and fitness centers. “And then I show them like what an apartment building looks like here and they’re like ‘that’s it,’” Kysar said, laughing. But, as the adage goes, beggars can’t be choosers. And both Kysar and Davis noted they have lists of prequalified applicants eager to get in the next rental right for their situation that opens up around town.
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PAGE 18 • POWELL TRIBUNE THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023
SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
Stone siding can be a good option both inside and outside the home. The material adds texture and character to a home and can draw the eye.
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(Family Features) One essential step in planning a home renovation is choosing the right materials. Natural and textured walls continue to be trendy choices, and many building pros and homeowners are gravitating toward stone siding to add comfort, character and beauty. Panelized stone siding offers the look and feel of natural stone and manufactured stone veneer, but in a panelized format that can be installed with screws. With a wide range of exterior and interior applications, panelized stone siding can complement almost any home style. On the exterior, in particular, stone siding can boost curb appeal and provide a multi-textured facade with a solid return on investment. Although stone veneer, or manufactured stone, is commonly used on home exteriors, indoor applications are gaining popularity as homeowners are increasingly interested in bringing natural elements inside. Given its design flexibility, ease of installation and affordability, the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products recommend manufactured stone siding as an ideal option for interior and exterior applications like these: SIDING If you love the look of natural stone but want a more affordable option, panelized stone
siding offers an authentic look and simple application with a cutting and installation process similar to traditional siding panels. Some homeowners choose to mix stone with other exterior materials to create a one-of-a-kind appearance. For example, adding manufactured stone siding alongside existing brick or vinyl siding can infuse visual texture, dimension and impact. Complementing colors can provide a more balanced, traditional look while contrasting colors present as modern and bold.
ENTRYWAYS Wrapping columns with panelized stone can make your home’s entrance a focal point, adding curb appeal and creating a welcoming effect. ACCENT WALLS Panelized stone siding can also be used to elongate the appearance of a wall while bringing texture and contrast into the home. Warmer tones can make the space more inviting and cozier while cooler hues can bring a modern, industrial feel. FIREPLACES Manufactured stone siding makes it easy to give a fireplace a facelift or make it a focal point, changing the look and feel of a room. Available in a variety of colors, textures and shapes, it can elevate your living room’s style and create a
S T O N E
Around fireplaces manufactured stone siding can change the appearance or mood of the room. Manufactured stone siding can be purchased in a variety of shapes, colors and texture to match your renovation’s aesthetic. more inviting area. An affordable option like Versetta Stone panelized stone siding from Westlake Royal Building Products provides the beauty of hand-laid stone with virtually undetectable joints and seams for world-class design featuring timeless colors and textures, natural shapes and hand-crafted details. It’s a practical choice for experienced DIYers since there’s no need for mortar. What’s more, the tongue-and-groove interlocking system can be installed in any weather. Learn how panelized stone siding can bring your vision to life at VersettaStone.com.
HOW MANUFACTURED STONE SIDING STACKS UP If you have your heart set on a design that incorporates stone materials, you may be surprised to learn how manufactured stone siding outperforms some natural products. Affordability — Manufactured stone siding resembles natural stone but for a fraction of the cost. Not only are natural stones more expensive than manufactured stone, but since they are heavier, they also cost more to transport. Easy Installation — Manufactured stone siding is lighter than natural stone and is available in a familiar panelized format, making it easier and faster to install. Unlike natural stone, panelized stone siding doesn’t require structural supports like footings or tie-ins. No specialty masonry tools are required. Low Maintenance — Long lasting and durable, manufactured stone siding requires little maintenance after installation. Many panelized stone siding options are resistant to water, fire and extreme temperatures, standing up to years of weathering with little change in color. Design Flexibility — Unlike real stone, manufactured stone siding allows more control over design factors like color consistency and texture. You can choose from a wide range of design styles, making it easy to infuse your personality into your home. Source: Westlake Royal Building Products
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THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023 POWELL TRIBUNE • PAGE 19
SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
Let’s get ready to garden!
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to 1 inch from the top. Then he ground is w warming, arrmi a ming ing g, set the jar aside to let the soil the trees are budding, it soak up the water. After that, is almost time to plant screw the lid on tightly and your flowers and vegetables. But, before we plant our garden, vigorously shake up the jar. there is a lot we can do while we Set the jar down and after one are eagerly waiting for the last minute measure the amount of frost. If you carry out the sucsediment on the bottom. That ceeding steps, you will sow your is the sand in the soil. Wait four minutes and measure the seeds and seedlings as soon as next layer of sediment. The the weather allows. difference between the two The first step is to sharpen numbers will be the amount of and cleanse your tools. Tools silt. Take a third measurement with a clean sharp edge can in 24 hours and the save time and prevent the spread of difference between disease. To clean the second and third number will be the your tools, mix one amount of clay. part bleach with An amendment for nine parts water and all three types of soil let them soak for 5 is to add organic matto 10 minutes. Do ter. For sandy earth, not use splash-less you can add aged mableach because the nure, peat moss, or sodium hypochlorite sawdust. If you have is only 1% to 5%. It silty topsoil, add aged is not strong enough KATHERINE compost with broken to sanitize and disCLARKSON down straw. Last, if infect. How Does Your you have clay soil, Next, pull weeds Garden Grow? add peat moss mixed from your flowerbed with compost. and the surrounding area. A Next, test your soil acidity weed is simply a plant growing and alkalinity levels. To do where it is not wanted. After this, place 2 tablespoons of identifying and eradicating your topsoil in a bowl and add weeds, prune your perennials and ornamental grass. Some pe- one-half cup of vinegar. If the mixture bubbles, you have rennials such as hosta, daylily, yarrow, beebalm, and hollyhock alkaline loam. In a fresh bowl, add 2 tablespoons of soil and get cut back in the fall. In the moisten it with distilled water, spring you can prune conethen add one-half cup of baking flower, Russian sage, aster, and soda. If the mixture fizzes, you lavender. To prune, use your have acidic terrain. Mix finely sharpened, sterilized tools and ground limestone to the acidic cut the foliage down to just a dirt and add sulfur to alkaline few inches from the ground. If soil. If the soil has no reaction any of your plants are diseased, to either experiment, then the throw them out. Do not add pH is neutral. Always add a them to your compost as that small amount at a time and recan spread the infection. measure as needed. Subsequently, fertilize and The last step is to dig a crisp tidy up your evergreens. Shake clean edge around your garden off any dead needles from the beds. Not only will this improve winter. And apply a balanced the aesthetic, but it will also fertilizer with all the macronuprevent your lawn from crawltrients: nitrogen (N), phosphoing into your garden. Although rus (P), and potassium (K) such edging may seem like a lengthy as a 10-8-15 or 11-7-7. task at first, once we create After that, analyze your soil the edges, maintaining them is and make improvements if necmuch easier. essary. To learn more about the Following the preceding condition of your soil, here are steps is not always an effortless two DIY soil tests. The first is to task, but they are very benidentify your soil’s texture. The eficial for your garden. Your ideal soil comprises 20% clay, plants will thrive in the nour40% silt, and 40% sand. ishing environment you creChoose the area you would ated for them. Thank you for like to test and dig down about reading and if you have ques6 inches. Add the soil to a mations, please reach out at kathson jar about one-third and erineclarkson2@gmail.com one-half full. Next, add water
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