Star-Herald How To Guide 2014

Dole Iceberg Head Lettuce

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$ 09 Ea.

4

5 Lb. Bag

85¢

Lb.

SCOTTSBLUFF - 1st & 3rd Saturdays TORRINGTON - 2nd Saturday KIMBALL - 4th Saturday

Dole Premium Ripe Bananas

39¢

Lb.

Highline Whole Fresh Red or Green White Mushrooms Seedless Grapes

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$ 29

$ 19

Bosc Pears

Dole Sweet Pineapple

8 Oz. Pkg.

U.S. #1 Fancy Yams

Bundle contents may vary each month!

95¢

Lb.

Green Giant Klondike Gold or Rose Potatoes

2/$

Washington D’Anjou Pears

95¢

Lb.

1542 South Main Street Torrington, WY • 307-532-3401

Open Daily 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Open Daily 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Open Daily 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM

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$ 99

401 South Beltline Hwy West Scottsbluff • 308-632-5303

815 East 3RD Street Kimball • 308-235-2482

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Choose A Produce Department Doctors and dietitians agree fruits and vegetables are fantastic for your health. They can satisfy a sugar craving.

Raw vegetables can help fill an empty stomach. When you want to lose weight, there is no better meal than a colorful salad.

Perhaps you think all produce departments are the same, but they don’t have the same selections.

The best departments are adept at purchasing, storing and presenting produce creatively while preserving its nutrient content.

Selecting quality produce doesn’t have to be difficult.

Here are suggestions to help you find the best produce department in your area.

Freshness Freshness is the most important factor when shopping for produce. When produce travels across the country -from the field to the store shelf -- it takes time. Each day on the road takes away flavor and freshness. It loses texture and taste.

Companies contend with this problem in many ways.

They refrigerate the produce at a certain temperature.

They try to shorten the transport time.

Nevertheless, the highest quality produce will come from your closest farms. Buying locally helps your neighbors.

Buying produce in season is also a way to ensure freshness. For example, apples are harvested in the fall and succulent tomatoes are best in the summer. These items are picked right before they are fully ripe.

By comparison, purchasing apples in the spring means they will be held in storage for almost a year. They will lose their juiciness and texture. Produce grown in a greenhouse is usually very expensive.

It isn’t always easy choosing fruits and vegetables at peak ripeness. Produce department employees can guide you. They should be happy to provide recommendations on apples, greens, tomatoes and pineapples that will work best in your recipes.

Variety Variety is another aspect to consider when choosing a produce department. You should have access to a wide selection that provides opportunities to experiment when cooking.

Some pumpkins are fabulous for pies while others are strictly for decoration. One red pepper variety is wonderful in a sauteed dish while another is best eaten raw.

Fruits look alike, but there are significant differences in flavor and juiciness.

Having a wide selection also means you can try new produce and develop a better palate. Taste testing new

foods is fun.

You may develop new favorites in your produce aisle. It is a healthy way to treat yourself well.

Locally Grown Food Many shoppers opt to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables. It is better for the economy and environment.

Shipping it from orchard or field doesn’t require much fuel for transportation. As a result, you get better tasting produce and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Organic Organic produce is one of the most popular options these days. Grown without chemical pesticides and fertilizers, organic foods are a good choice for anyone looking to improve their overall health.

Sometimes, this produce tastes better than their chemically assisted counterpart because they require more attention from the grower.

People often complain that organic foods are more costly, but its increasing popularity has helped bring its price down. Good produce departments offer organic and non-organic produce with no significant price difference.

In this way, healthier eat can fit most budgets.

Time Savers Americans don’t have a lot of time for preparing produce. You can save time by purchasing fruits and vegetables already sliced and diced.

Traditional bagged salads, veggies trays, sliced apples are now easy snacks. Wrapped potatoes and pre-seasoned skillet vegetables can go straight from a bag to your stovetop. New types of produce are being developed all the time, so look for a produce department that carries these foods.

Select The Best Financial Planner Financial planning is essential, especially during tough economic times. A skilled financial planner is more valuable than ever before.

A professional can help you with budgeting, money management and even crafting investment strategies. Financial planning professionals will guide and inform you on how to prevent cash-flow problems. They might even prevent future bankruptcy.

With the right questions and research, you can find a financial planner you can trust.

Seek referrals from your friends, family and trusted individuals who have built substantial financial reserves. If their modest portfolios have become bigger over time, a skilled financial planner likely played a role in that success.

Look at the educational and professional background of each recommendation. Find out if that person has worked with people who match your financial circumstances.

Financial planners who have an undergraduate degree in finance or business show a dedication to this work.

Verify that each prospect has the right certifications.

Financial planners must have specific certifications in order to legally practice in the field. Credentials vary according to the location and advising type, but all must have formal training.

Once you are ready, meet with several financial plan-

ners to gauge their trustworthiness. Integrity is one of the key qualities in a good financial planner.

During the meeting, honestly explain your financial goals. Wealth building should be a goal. Minimizing risk and maximizing returns will help grow your resources.

Whether your desired outcome is to launch a small business or send your kids to college, share these thoughts with your financial planner.

Also, don’t be shy about detailing your debt level. It is essential that the professional understands all aspects of your financial situation. It could motivate the planner to make your money work harder so you can break free from debt.

Finally, discuss compensation with any financial planner. Sometimes professionals are paid a flat rate, while others will receive a percentage from any profits made on investments.

These matters must be openly discussed, so you can understand how his or her compensation may affect his investment recommendations. Some unscrupulous experts could advocate risky investment strategies for their own financial gain.

Taking the time to research will help you select the best financial planner in your area. You will be on your way to a healthier financial future.

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Choose A Roofer Putting a new roof on your home can increase its value. It is also a necessity in the event of a leakage or if a severe storm has torn shingles off your house.

Professional roofing contractors are the most qualified people to perform this work. They will install a new roof safely and effectively.

Roofers will provide a warranty for their work. If there are any problems with your new roof in the future, they will fix the problem.

Your first step in finding a reliable roofer is to ask your family, friends and neighbors if they have recommendations.

You can also look on the Internet for roofing contractors in your area. Some websites offer lists of professionals, along with reviews of their work.

Personal recommendations will give you the best information. Be sure to focus on the quality of work as well as the cleanup process. You don’t want scraps of shingles and nails left over after the contractors have gone home.

Don’t hire professionals who leave debris after they are gone.

Pick someone with a long track record in your community. Some contractors travel the country looking for work. They appear after a community experiences a natural disaster or heavy storm. These contractors are making money from the insurance claims.

If you hire one of them, they cannot provide realistic guarantees for their work. After all, they may be on the other side of the country if your roof starts to leak again.

Becoming acquainted with local contractors is especially important if you live in an area prone to high winds or hurricanes. It is good to know who to call if your house needs repair work.

Once you have contact information for several roofing contractors, call them. Inquire about the company’s background and how long they have been in business. Generally, a good roofer should offer a guarantee of anywhere from five to 12 years. If the company has been in business for less than five years, it will be

difficult to determine the quality of their work.

Continue to ask questions about time frames and estimates. You should always get a written estimate before proceeding with any work. Communicating with the contractor will let him know that you will be taking a hands-on approach to this project.

Find out if the roofers recommend standard or architectural shingles, what they will do if they find damaged decking, and when they might be available to start. You should also ask about the warranty and whether you can have it confirmed in writing.

Every professional who works on your property should be licensed and bonded. Insurance is particularly important for roofing contractors. They should be able to cover any damages they might cause to your property. It is also essential that workers are covered under their insurance as well, in the event someone is injured during the job.

Before work commences, you must receive a written contract from the roofer. Read it over carefully. It will state the type of materials to be used, what the work will entail and the final cost.

Following these tips will help you find the best roofing contractor in your community. You can rest comfortably knowing that you made the right decision.

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To Choose Kitchen Cabinets Adding style or color to your kitchen cabinets is a great way to spruce up your living space.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to accomplish your goal. Some experts recommend spending up to 20 percent of your home’s value on any remodeling project.

For a home valued at $100,000, for instance, homeowners might spend up to $20,000 on updating the kitchen.

Of that money, about 40 percent should be spent on cabinets alone.

Why spend so much money on cabinets? Because they are the focal point of your kitchen. They must be attractive and useful.

Anyone planning to sell their home should purchase high quality cabinets that will appeal to a wide selection of buyers. But if you plan on spending more than eight years in your home, put your family’s tastes and priorities first.

Custom-Built Cabinets Most homeowners agree that custom-built cabinets are an excellent choice.

The best part is that you can choose any style you want. The only limitation is your imagination.

You can specify the color, hinges, rollers and even have special finished applied to the cabinets.

For this option, it is essential to work with a professional. Ask your friends and family if they know experienced cabinetmakers. Tradesmen in your area will likely know cabinetmakers. If you are using a contractor, solicit him or her for recommendations.

Visit two or three custom builders in your area and discuss your preferences. Ask to see their work. Be sure to outline your budget and specifications. A professional will give you a reasonable timeframe. You may need to live for an extended period of time without a kitchen, and that can be difficult.

Take a look at special finishes. Some people adore the antique or distressed look. Other people prefer to have the cabinets match other colors in the kitchen. Your custom cabinet builder should apply the finishes himself.

Check the quality of the materials the builder is using.

Hinges, heavy duty slides and ¾-inch solid wood should have a lifetime guarantee.

You may need to change the cabinets once you have ordered them. Ask about the consequences should this situation arise. There may be an additional fee to make a

change after a period of time.

Get everything in writing. Most cabinetmakers are honest and hardworking people, but a contract should stipulate what is expected of both parties. Do not sign anything until you understand the contract and have read it completely.

Pre-Built Cabinets When you are on a tight budget, consider pre-built cabinets. You can still receive quality for a little less cost.

First, look for pieces made with real wood. Particle board is not as durable. The cabinets must also feature solid construction. There should be warranties on the hardware, slides and other components.

Choose a company that has a long track record. You should be able to find them if the need arises.

Quality companies will also allow you to order special sizes. They will be slightly more expensive, you will appreciate the results.

Regardless of the choices you make, always choose to purchase cabinets from a company that has been in business for a long time. They should be good at what they do.

Look at their previous work and get in touch with previous customers. Once you do this legwork, there is no doubt you will be happy with the results.

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ALLO Internet

100 Mbps upload/download for only $45 per month!

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308-633-5050

ALLOcommunications.com 1710 E. 20th Street, Scottsbluff, NE

Moving You Forward»

Choose An Internet Service Provider These days, it seems as though you can’t do anything without the Internet.

Our lives are intertwined with the World Wide Web. We need online access for schoolwork, job applications, bill payments, and basic communications.

Choosing the right Internet service provider has never been more crucial. Without a competent and reliable provider, it is difficult to get anything done.

Whether you are moving into new home or dissatisfied with your current service, keep in mind these factors when choosing an Internet service provider.

PRICE

Cost is an important consideration when selecting a provider.

Most companies charge in monthly increments, so decide what price range best fits your budget.

Faster service will cost more money. Compare prices from several different providers to get the best deal.

You should know the upload and download speeds for each price point. The higher the speeds, the better the service.

TYPE OF CONNECTION

Types of connections play an important role in selecting an Internet service provider.

Broadband connections are the most popular types of connectivity. It allows you to receive a broadband connection by using a USB modem, mobile phone or a coaxial cable.

DSL is another kind of connection that uses a landline phone.

Finally, there is dial-up connection. While it was very

popular years ago, some places still have dial-up services available. Speeds are very slow by today’s standards, but these connections may be the only option in some rural areas.

PURPOSE OF CONNECTION

Make a list of what you need to accomplish on the Internet.

If you want to stream movies, study online or telecommute, you will need the fastest connection possible.

However, if you simply want access to email or basic websites, you might be able to settle for a slower service.

Determining the purpose of your connection will prevent you from being disappointed in the service or your bill.

SPECIALS

Many Internet providers offer specials to customers.

They may give you free service for the first few months, free equipment or upgrades.

Look closely at providers in your area to find a package that suits you. If you have cable or satellite TV, you might be able to get a special discount if you purchase your Internet service from the same company.

Also consider your cell phone provider. Sometimes, your mobile phone company might have a package deal for residential Internet service.

It is all about figuring out what’s best for you.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

One of the most critical factors is customer service.

Read reviews of each company. Find out how long each company keeps their customers on hold.

Also, look at how many outages they have. Does the company fix problems on a timely basis? How do they handle defective equipment?

Studying each company will ensure that you will have no surprises after signing a contract.

Once you have conducted the proper research, you will have a better idea of which company will meet your needs.

If possible, sign up for a provider on a trial basis. If you are unsatisfied with the service, connection or products, you can cancel it without paying a penalty.

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Offering a Full Line of Body Work and Collision Repair Services Vehicle Collision & Repair PPG Envirobase Paint Paintless Dent Repair Chief EZ Liner Frame Equipment Custom Color Matching Two Downdraft Baking Spray Booth Lifetime Written Paint Warranty Genesis Computerized Frame & Measuring System Auto Detail Center | Spray-in Bedliner

Choose An Auto Body Shop Anyone who has experienced a car accident knows that it can be a calamitous event.

Once you have dealt with any resulting health issues, you will have to contend with damage to your automobile.

Whether your car has experienced significant damage or simply a scratch, it is vital to find an auto body shop that is trustworthy and dependable.

Even the smallest accident can throw your schedule into disarray. A good auto body shop will ensure that your car, truck, SUV or minivan is repaired quickly, affordably and correctly.

The shop you choose should be able to complete all manner of work, from a minor touch-up to a full-body repair.

Your friends, family and colleagues might have recommendations. After all, auto body shops are a necessary part of life for most people. Once you have a list of names, research each shop on the Internet and read customer reviews.

Testimonials, negative and positive, should be considered. But keep in mind that no business has a 100 percent satisfaction rate. Someone will always be displeased. Also, more people are likely to leave a negative rather than a positive comment.

If your social network doesn’t have good recommendations, consult the Yellow Pages, advertising supplements or the Internet.

Once you have created a list of shops, contact them on the phone. Describe the problem and listen for the response.

If the person seems knowledgable and friendly, keep that shop on the list. However, if the person seems rushed and uninterested, it can mean the shop is very busy. It might also have poor customer service. Eliminate them from your list.

When you have chosen an auto body shop, visit their store. Check for prices, certifications guarantees. Understand that you will often get what you pay for when it comes to auto body work.

Low prices may be tempting, but they typically mean sub-par work, used parts and paint incorrectly applied.

Feel free to ask the manager or owner for references before they work on your car. They should have previous satisfied customers with whom you can contact.

You can also check their previous work. When you see a car with paint drips, panels that are misaligned or paints that don’t match, look elsewhere. You will not save money if you need to have the improper work redone.

The shop should inspect your vehicle for repairs that are not readily visible. Quality auto body shops should be able to complete an entire job onsite.

Our cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans get us to work on time, back and forth to school and transport our families to and from their destinations. Choosing a great auto body shop is important for yourself and your family. The right auto body shop will have superior customer service, great prices and excellent quality of work.

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1725 East Overland, Scottsbluff, NE 308-632-2105 Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:30 to 5:30; Saturday: 8:00 to 1:00

What To Look For When Buying Windows Gorgeous windows for your home or commercial building can enhance the appearance of the property. It can also increase its value.

But weighing functionality, aesthetics, placement, price and efficiency can be daunting. There are a slew of things to consider.

Understanding the terminology used to describe various windows will help you make your decision. Here are common words and phrases you are likely to encounter: WINDOW GLAZING The actual glass in a window is called glazing. Many homes and older buildings have a single pane of glass within each frame. It is a traditional style; however, it is not energy-efficient.

Double-glazed windows are the popular option. There are two panes of glass in a frame.

The gap between the panes acts as a layer of insulation. It improves the window’s ability to maintain the building’s temperature.

Sometimes, newer structures have triple-glazed windows. They are more expensive, but they also provide additional insulation benefits.

R-VALUES R-values measure the amount of heat a window loses through its glass panes. Higher R-values mean more energy efficiency. An R-value of 3 is very desirable.

U-VALUES U-values tell you the level at which a window conducts heat. The lower the U-value, the better.

People who live in wintery climates should choose replacement windows with strong R-value and U-value ratings to conserve energy.

LOW-E Low-emissive, or low-e windows are the latest innovations in the energy-efficiency mark.

Low-e glass traps heat by placing a thin metallic coating on the appropriate window pane. Indoor radiant heat is reflected back inside, cutting the burden on a building’s heating system. If you live in a cold climate, install a low-e window as a complement to low U-value components.

People who live in sunnier, warmer climates can also take advantage of low-e windows. The summer’s higher

levels of infrared rays are reflected back outside, keeping the interior of the house cooler.

UV FACTORS Blocking UV rays will spare your carpets and furniture from sun damage. That’s why a window with high ultra-violent blockage is recommended, especially for people who live in warm climates.

CASEMENT WINDOWS When energy efficiency is a key concern, casement windows are the best choice. This simple high-and-crank design lowers air seepage. When the wind pushes against the glass, the seal becomes tight and reduces leakage.

Casement windows are hinged on the sides. When the windows have top hinges, they are called awning windows.

Hoppers are bottom-hinged windows.

Hinged windows must be maintained, as the seal erodes over time. When left unchecked, the erosion can make the window less energy efficient.

OTHER FACTORS Large differences between interior and exterior temperatures create meddlesome condensation on glass. Always choose a window appropriate for your climate.

Window placement is another factor when building a new structure. Consider the building’s position and location as they relate to the sun. Windows facing the south let in more heat than north-facing windows. Properly placed, a window can increase a structure’s passive solar efficiency.

Extreme temperatures cause frames and seals to deteriorate more quickly. Windows using warm-air technology and adequate spacers reduce temperature fluctuations, placing less strain on seals and framing.

Before beginning any improvement project to your home or business, understand the building codes in your area. You may need a permit to do a major window-replacement project. If you don’t have the required paperwork in order, you might have to pay a fine, remove the work that’s already been done and start over.

Knowing basic terminology and concepts before you shop for windows will save you time and money in the long run. It is really less complicated than it looks.

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