GET READY FOR
Spring
A Supplement To Sauk Valley Media April 25, 2016
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Sauk Valley Media • April 25, 2016
Mums not exclusive to fall (MS) Chrysanthemums, often referred to as “mums,” are among the most popular flowers for autumn plantings and landscape decor. But these hardy, often vividly colored plants are worthy of attention as early as the spring gardening season. Although mums are most often purchased in September and October and cast aside shortly thereafter, the plant that many people mistake for an annual is actually a perennial — meaning with the proper care it can come back year after year. By planting mums in the spring, gardeners ensure the plants have enough time to develop solid root systems, including their hallmark underground runners that enable them to grow tall and wide and over-winter. While it’s best to plant potted mums that were used in fall decorating after the flowers die and before winter sets in, some container plants can still thrive and come back the following year. When cleaning gardens in the spring, do not trash withered mums that may have been stashed behind the shed. Try planting them and you may be surprised that they thrive and rebloom in the garden this year. Remove the dead branches and dried-up parts of the plant only after new shoots begin to grow. Gardening experts advise planting mums in sunny spots with southern exposure. However, be sure to keep the plants away from artificial lighting, such as streetlamps or garden accent lighting, as mums are short-day plants that bloom only when the hours of
Well known for bringing color to autumn landscapes, mums actually are a perennial that can be planted in spring to come back each year. darkness are greater than the hours of daylight. Mums that get too much light at night may not bloom to their fullest capacity, or they may be “leggy,” with longer stems instead of being compact. Pruning or “pinching” mums in June and July will help keep mums compact as well, resulting in more flowers. Mums desire a rich and moist but well-drained soil. Planted mums will require less water than container plants, but the ground should never become soggy. Well-watered plants will offer more flowers.
Hardy mums work well as edging, in mass groupings to create a shrub-like appearance and even in containers. Thanks to their relative affordability, mums are an inexpensive way to dress up landscapes. Mums are hardy in USDA zones five through nine. Although fall-flowering mums may not be the first plants to come to gardeners’ minds at the onset of spring, planning chrysanthemum landscaping now can help ensure beautiful plants when spring and summer flowers begin to wither.
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April 25, 2016 • Sauk Valley Media
g n i n e p O d n a Gr W E N D N A nter! R e C B r n u e o d r f a O and G se
Greenhou
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Sauk Valley Media • April 25, 2016
Creative Kitchens & Bath, Inc. specifications. They also feature oven baked finishes, which usually cannot be achieved in smaller woodworking shops. They offer Oak, Hickory, Alder, Maple, Cherry, Rustic Oak, Rustic Cherry, in a variety of finishes. We offer a wide array of countertop surfaces. Those include the stone products such as Granite, Quartz and Cambria. We have the solid surface products such as Corian, Meganite and LG HiMacs. Laminate countertops come in many colors and finishes that mimic the look of Granite.
Let Your Imagination
Go Wild!
• Cabinetry For All Budgets • Stock To Full Custom Cabinetry • Personalized Design • Computer Renderings • All Styles Of Countertops • Over 60 Years Of Combined Experience
CREATIVE KITCHEN & BATH, INC. “ We ’ l l g e t y o u r k i t ch e n c o o k i n ’ ! ” Steve & Pam Workman, Owners
Mon-Thur 9:30-5:00 Other Hours By Appt.
2510 N. Locust, Sterling, IL
815-626-5499
Pictured: Steve & Pam Workman
Steve Workman has been designing kitchens for over 40 years. In 1986, Steve and his wife Pam opened their own business called Creative Kitchens & Bath, Inc. located at 2510 N. Locust, Sterling, IL. We specialize in custom designs and cabinetry for the kitchen and bath, as well as entertainment centers, fireplace surrounds, bookcases, hutches, home offices and computer areas. We also supply all types of countertops for the kitchen and bath and other areas of the home. We feature Holiday Kitchens. They have been manufacturing custom cabinetry for over 70 years. They provide us with several constructions and price points, to help meet most budgets. They can build to our design
Many places let the computer design your kitchen. The computer has no logic. We still personally design your kitchen and use the computer as a visual extension of the design. We can design cabinetry in 1/8” increments at no extra charge. Every kitchen is individually designed and unique to choosing edge shapes on doors and drawers as well as choosing from numerous door styles and wood species. The design possibilities are endless! We’ve been in business for 30 years at our current location. We would like to invite you to stop by our showroom at 2510 N. Locust, Sterling, Illinois. Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Other Hours by appointment We highly recommend calling for an appointment. We can be reached at 815-626-5499
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April 25, 2016 • Sauk Valley Media
Spring Into Savings Sale!
FANTASTIC SALES!
Throughout The Store We now have 2 rooms of used-but-not-abused furniture, antiques, books, pictures, household & more! Proudly offering products from the following (and more!)…
American Made! Good Quality! From Minnesota
From Wisconsin
Best Home Furnishings Dixon Furniture Mart offers EXCELLENT TRADE-IN PRICES on any of your used furniture when you purchase new furniture from us!
From Indiana
From Rock Island
We always have! That allows us to fill our back rooms with all kinds of quality, used furniture at great prices!
DIXON FURNITURE MART 2400 W. 4th St. • Dixon, IL • 815-288-2488 60-DAY LAYAWAY & FINANCING AVAILABLE SM-ST1205-0425
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Sauk Valley Media • April 25, 2016
Are formal spaces dissapearing?
Formal dining rooms may fall victim to more useful spaces popularized by modern home plans.
(MS) Formal dining and living spaces could once be found in every home. But such rooms are becoming more and more rare, thanks in large part to the rising popularity of multipurpose open spaces. As early as 1992, architects and builders were predicting the demise of formal living spaces in homes. At that year’s International Geographical Congress, architectural geographer Artimus Keiffer estimated the living room and dining room would disappear from the American residence in the next century, to be replaced by the family-entertainment room and the computer room. According to North Carolina-based builders Stanton Homes, many home buyers have inquired about converting their formal dining rooms into office spaces or rooms to be used for purposes other than dining.
The National Association of Home Builders also released a special report listing home features expected to become the norm within the next several years. More than half of the NAHB study participants expected the living room to merge with other spaces in the home, while 30 percent expected it to vanish to save on square footage. So what is taking the place of living rooms and dining rooms? Great rooms and open-concept kitchens have steadily caught the eyes of designers and homeowners alike. Such rooms enable a free flow between lounging and entertaining spaces and the heart of the home — the kitchen. On-the-go families may not be sitting down to the same formal dinners they once were, or they don’t need the pomp and circumstance of formal meals. Large eat-in-kitchens function well for family meals and even for entertaining friends in a relaxing way.
Thanks to the advent of wireless technology and mobile devices, home residents no longer need to be relegated to one room in the house for their media watching or computer use. This may have helped to accelerate the disappearance of living rooms. In addition, the concept of devoting one space as a media-free zone (traditional formal living or sitting rooms tend to be tech-free) may seem antiquated to this plugged-in generation. Rooms that are comfortable and serve various purposes better suit today’s homeowners. The rules that once governed the traditional home floor plan are more fluid than ever. Homeowners’ preferences are having a greater impact over which rooms are now being included in new homes and which ones are soon to be history.
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April 25, 2016 • Sauk Valley Media
United Electric
KEEP YOUR POWER ON,
EVEN WHEN THE POWER IS OUT.
Commercial, Residential & Remodels
Whenever there’s an outage, KOHLER generators keep your lights on, your fridge cold and your house cozy. And they can power your entire ®
home.* No matter the weather, we’re with you.
For all your electrical needs
815-626-2211 1412 W. Route 30 Rock Falls,IL 61071
Ampelectricdixon@gmail.com www.unitedelectricil.com Brad Askegaard Owner
KohlerGenerators.com SM-ST146640-0425
*Based on generator and load size
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Sauk Valley Media • April 25, 2016
KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING CALL OR STOP IN TODAY!
THE ROMANCE OF FIRELIGHT
Non-Vented Log Sets
Vented Log Sets
Dave Allen-Owner COMMITTED TO YOUR TOTAL HOME COMFORT
SM-ST145972-0425
FIRESTYLES FOR LIFE
815-625-0937 • 101 E. SECOND STREET, STERLING
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April 25, 2016 • Sauk Valley Media
CARPET & 8# HEAVY PAD
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LET THE EXPERTS AT ABBEY CARPET & FLOOR SHOW YOU HOW YOUR POOCH OR KITTY CAN LIVE IN HARMONY WITH SYLISH CARPET.
RockFalls.AbbeyCarpet.com Dixon.AbbeyCarpet.com 1111 1st Ave • Rock Falls 1419 N. Galena Ave • Dixon 815-535-9226 815-535-9226 Mon.-Fri 8-6 • SAT. 9-3
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Sauk Valley Media • April 25, 2016
Tips for first time home buyers
5 simple ways to go green at home and save money
(MS) Buying a home for the first time is an exciting period in a person’s life. Deciding to buy a home often indicates buyers are ready to establish firm roots in a community where they can see themselves living for years to come. The process of buying a home is rarely easy, and firsttime buyers may feel overwhelmed at times. Such feelings are perfectly normal and felt by first-time buyers regardless of their budgets or home preferences. But there are a few ways to make buying a home more enjoyable than it is nerve-wracking. • Examine your finances. The first step toward buying a home has nothing to do with deciding if you prefer a craftsman- or Tudor-style home. Before you even begin your search for a home, carefully examine your finances to determine how much is coming in and how much is going out of your household each month. Figure out how much debt you are currently carrying, be it student loan, automotive, consumer or any other types of debt. Order a credit report so you can see how prospective lenders are likely to see you, and address any errors you find on the report before meeting with any lenders. Peruse past bank statements to track your spending habits, looking for areas where you might be able to scale back if need be. • Be prepared when visiting lenders. Prospective borrowers can make the home-buying process go smoothly by having all of the necessary documentation ready when visiting potential lenders. Many mortgage lenders will want to see some recent pay stubs (from both borrowers if buying with a spouse or partner), a couple years’ worth of W-2s and tax returns, as well as your recent bank statements. You can always call ahead and ask lenders what they need to see when applying for a loan. Having these materials ready in advance means you will spend less time at the bank and more time finding the right home for you. • Secure financing before you begin house hunting. Many first-time home buyers might not realize the benefits of securing financing before they begin
(MS) Thinking green throughout the year can offer some significant benefits. Here are some easy ways you can go green in your own home and lower your energy bills: Invest in a programmable thermostat. It will automatically adjust the temperature in your house, saving you energy while you’re out for the day, away on vacation or sleeping. looking for a home. Mortgage preapproval lets buyers know how much a bank will loan them, meaning they won’t spend time looking at homes they can’t afford. In addition, preapproval means buyers won’t lose out on their dream homes as they scramble to secure financing after making an offer. • Work with a local real estate agent. Real estate agents are an invaluable resource to home buyers and are especially valuable to those buyers who have never before purchased a home. Agents can help first-time buyers navigate the often confusing and, at times, disappointing process of buying a home. Choose an agent who is established in the area where you want to buy a home. He or she can provide information about local property taxes and schools as well as a multitude of additional issues that first-time buyers may not think of. Agents also know the lay of the land regarding home prices, which can ease first-time buyers’ fears about overpaying for their first homes. A home is the biggest purchase many people will ever make. First-time buyers may be intimidated as they begin searching for their homes, but there are several ways to make the process go smoothly.
Switch all of your lightbulbs to CFLs (compact fluorescent light) or LED bulbs. They last longer and use up to 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs, saving you money on your electric bills. Insulate well. Use insulation with a high R-value, such as Roxul Comfortbatt, to top up insulation in your attic. Aim for an R-value of 50 or a depth of 16 inches. For whole home efficiency, ensure other areas of your home are well insulated, such as crawl spaces, basement headers, walls and ceilings. It will keep your house cool in the warm weather and take the stress off your air conditioning unit. Stop air leaks around your home by sealing existing gaps and cracks. Use caulking or weather stripping around doors and windows. Installing a door sweep is also a good idea. Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models. Only do laundry or run the dishwasher when you have full loads. Remember that many little improvements can add up — providing valuable monthly savings for you, while protecting our environment for the future.
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April 25, 2016 • Sauk Valley Media
Needs vary, dependability doesn’t. We have everything you need to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long, from complete Tempstar® cooling systems to the latest in Wi-Fi®* capable thermostats. That’s why you should make us your first and only call for all your cooling needs.
Heating and Cooling Products *Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance Corporation
CALL TODAY! (815) 625-7018
0% For 36 Months Financing Available On New Installations
Offer may not be combined with any other current offers/promotions available at the time of purchase. See D&W Air Solutions, Inc. for full program details.
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Sauk Valley Media • April 25, 2016
Same Day Service! Low Impact & Environmentally Safe Products Business Protection Plans- Residential Commercial Industrial - Preventative Services & Single Services- Proudly Serving N. Illinois Total Control of occasional invaders including:
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Solutions to your pest problems 815.284.4101 815.625.5901 www.pccil.com
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April 25, 2016 • Sauk Valley Media
You could SAVE BIG with Home Insurance through AAA. We’ve teamed with AAA to bring you great value and coverage. Call today for a free quote — and see how much you can save by switching to AAA. BLACKHAWK INSURANCE SERVICES 1012 Franklin Grove Rd. Dixon, IL 61021 815-284-9515 • blackhawkinsurance@comcast.net www.blackhawkinsuranceservices.com Donna-Louise Jasper, Insurance Broker Auto-Home-Life SM-ST2983-0425
Insurance underwritten by MemberSelect Insurance Company.
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Prepare cooling systems for warm weather
Sauk Valley Media • April 25, 2016 (MS) One springtime task on homeowners’ to-do lists is checking cooling systems to ensure they are ready for summer. Proper maintenance of cooling systems is essential to saving energy and keeping utility costs down. Fortunately, homeowners need not be certified HVAC technicians to maintain their cooling units. • Clean filters. Whether a home is kept cool by a whole-house central air conditioning system or window units, clean filters are necessary to keep the units working efficiently. Routinely replacing or cleaning filters is one of the most important maintenance tasks to improve airflow and increase efficiency. The U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy says replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower an air conditioner’s energy consumption by anywhere from 5 to 15 percent. • Know the square footage. When replacing a cooling system, have an understanding of the size of your home (or room if installing an window unit). Determine the area of the home so you buy a unit that suits your needs. Air conditioners use BTUs (British Thermal Units) to define cooling power. The more BTUs, the larger the space that can be cooled. However, homeowners do not want to exceed the necessary cooling power. This leads to energy waste. EnergyStar.gov can help homeowners find the right cooling system for their needs. • Inspect system coils. The evaporator and condenser coils on air conditioners can collect dirt, even when filters are maintained. Dirty coils are less efficient at absorbing heat, so periodically remove the dirt. Outdoor coils can be kept cleaner by cutting back foliage from the unit to allow better air flow. • Inspect condensate drains. Energy.gov also suggests making sure condensate drains, which take moisture pulled from the air away, are functioning properly. If they’re clogged, they may not be effective at reducing humidity in a home, and they may even leak. • Clear debris. Remove fallen leaves or other plant material from condenser units and fan blades. Obstructed components can cause the system to retain heat, compromising its ability to work effectively. Some homeowners prefer to cover their condensers at the end of the cooling season to keep leaves and dirt out of the unit. • Check window unit seals. When installing window units, make sure all seals around the air conditioner are in place to prevent cool-air loss. • Hire a technician. Air conditioner technicians can be very helpful and will know how to prepare a system for hot weather. Technicians typically conduct multipoint inspections and measure such things as refrigerant levels and duct leakage. Airflow through the evaporator coil also may be checked. If a homeowner suspects the thermostat is not working properly, a technician can verify if that is true and even install a new one if necessary. As summer approaches, homeowners should prepare their air conditioning units for the busy months ahead.
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April 25, 2016 • Sauk Valley Media
m a F i l n y e s T t u r ee n K Since 1951
KNUTSEN CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS Showroom: Downtown Sterling • 815-625-4121
Local & Family Owned Since 1951
Dura Supreme Cabinetry “Simply Supreme”
Dutch Knutsen • Winifred Knutsen Dar Knutsen
Mission Statement: We as a family owned business realize our name, reputation and the success of our business can be affected by the quality of the products we provide, the cost of these products, the quality of installation and the service to our customers. Therefore, we are dedicated to providing the best in all of these areas before, during and after the sale. We aim to build relationships with our customers to work with them to personalize their kitchen and bath designs. Offering options to meet their needs and show them the best selections to maximize
their space at a cost they are comfortable with. It is known that the kitchen is the heart of the home and the place where the greatest family traditions begin. It is not just for cooking the family meals in today’s lifestyle, but rather a gathering place for families to come together to plan and to share, the kids do their homework there, mom pays the bills here, and a spacious island can be the family game table. We are dedicated to making this a place of function, beauty and a place that everyone can truly call HOME.
SM-ST145978-0425
Kraig & Keith Knutsen
Debbie Knutsen Tiesman
All handmade cabinetry in Howard Lake, Minnesota.
Your choice of cabinetry defines your home and exemplifies your lifestyle. Although other interior design elements can be updated to reflect popular trends, built in cabinetry is a core architectural element that provides for your home’s functional and aesthetic design for years to come. Choosing cabinetry is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your home. With nearly 50 years of experience, we have established a tradition of excellence in quality, craftsmanship and service that is supported with our lifetime limited warranty. We would be honored if you chose Dura Supreme cabinetry for your home and we are dedicated to upholding the trust and confidence you will invest in us! With such an enticing array of design options and price points, Dura Supreme is your best choice. Within our family of products, you’ll find a perfect fit for every taste and budget.
A Wise Businesman Once Said... All styles, woods and colors available.
“The disappointment of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of cheap price is forgotten.” After 60 years in business and thousands of customers we realize this to be very true. Our customers have also realized the importance of working with a family who works with them to design their kitchen or bath at a price they are comfortable with, personalizing it to meet their individual needs. They appreciate the years of experience we have to help them make quality decisions on every aspect of the job. They like that we specialize in maximizing their space so they are confident they are getting the best design for their specific needs. We have also found that our customers seem to be more interested in the quality services that we offer than in the products or price.
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Sauk Valley Media • April 25, 2016
CARPET • HARDWOOD • VINYL LAMINATES • CERAMIC • AREA RUGS
2528 E Lincolnway, Sterling, IL | 815-632-0675 | Call us for your FREE in home estimate today! www.anafloors.com