October 6, 2012
WADENA
PIONEER JOURNAL 314 S. Jefferson St., Wadena, MN 56482
Home Improvement
2 • October 6, 2012
Wadena Pioneer Journal
Avoid these home improvement mistakes ANDY LINDUS Areavoices Blogger
Mistakes in any task can be costly; they can be especially destructive when it comes to home improvement. Not only can you end up spending more money, you could damage your home or even put yourself in danger. Here are some of the most common home improvement mistakes and how you can avoid them:
Going with the lowest bid
contractor is not adequately insured and one of their employees gets hurt while working on your property, you can be held liable for their injuries. Beware of a contractor who will not freely offer up a copy of their insurance policy upon request.
Taking on a project beyond your scope of expertise In an attempt to save money, do-ityourselfers believe that watching a YouTube video on how to complete a project makes them an expert. Certain repairs such as roofing, plumbing or electrical can result in serious injury or death. Unless you have adequate professional training, leave it to the professionals.
While this idea may seem smart, it may cost you in the long run. A low bid can mean you are working with an inexperienced contractor who may cut corners. Carefully evaluate the quotes and make sure that you’re comparing apples to apples. Are both contractors using the same type of materials? What type of war- Buying cheap materials ranty do they offer on their work? Are Buying cheap materials may seem they insured? like a good way to save money, but it It’s important to know that if your will likely cost you more in the long
run. Purchasing a kitchen sink made by a manufacturer you’ve never heard of probably won’t last as long as one installed by a plumber who will stand behind their product and warranty it if something goes wrong after installation.
Following trends
Know how funny avocado green toilets and shag carpeting seem now? While they were trendy at the time, they are both expensive things to fix that date a home. Beware of similar trends today and stick with traditional looks that will have a longer shelf life.
Neglecting to get a permit
While homeowners can view permits as a pointless expense, not getting one for a project that requires it and running into an emergency could result in the accident not being covered by your homeowner’s insurance.
Lic. #BC639283
Master Craftsmanship from Concept to Completion Specializes in building relationships along with building your dream. QUALITY AND INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION... are part of each project whether it is a custom built home, remodeling, erecting outbuildings and agricultural buildings, or re-roofing your home or garage.
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • REMODELING 28148 Wadena Line Rd • Sebeka, MN 56477 • 218-837-8779 • 218-639-9957
Home Improvement
Wadena Pioneer Journal
October 6, 2012 • 3
‘A whole new building’ with energy-efficient doors and windows RACHELLE KLEMME rklemme@wadenapj.com
With energy efficient changes in mind, a home furniture store in Wadena recently took on some building improvements of its own. Smith Furniture, owned by Dick and Sue Wirta of Wadena, kept many of its original old windows and doors built in the 1890s with the rest of the building – until recently. “When snow comes in through the windows, it’s time to make a change,” Dick said. Eight windows and two doors were replaced in late September. See SMITH FURNITURE on PAGE 4
Photo by Rachelle Klemme
Sue Wirta shows some of the new windows at Smith Furniture on Sept. 26. Windows and doors were replaced for energy efficiency.
Specializing in the full line of
Florida Tile & Del Tile Call for an appointment — Free eStIMAteS —
218-631-3567 218-639-6679 Scott V. and Sue Anderson 13470 140th Street Wadena, MN 56482
• Ceramic • Porcelain • Stone • Decoratives • Installation Materials
New Showroom
Open!
Home Improvement
4 • October 6, 2012
Wadena Pioneer Journal
SMITH FURNITURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Additionally, the higher level windows at the front of the store were replaced about a month ago. Some side windows higher up are painted over and blocked off with future renovations in mind. Sue said people have noticed a difference in the window renovations. “We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from the remodeling,” she said. Employee Josh Snyder also said Smith Furniture has received many compliments on the new windows and doors. “They’ve been a great improvement,” he said. “It seems like a whole new building now.” Snyder, along with Tyler Mueller, did the bulk of the painting between deliveries and other tasks at Smith
Furniture. “We painted the windows after they installed them all,” Snyder said. They also worked on the tagboard on the wall, door frames, frames around the office and other areas. Paint was chosen to match with the existing building design, Snyder said. Sue said other homes or businesses looking to take on remodeling projects would have their own unique needs. “Every situation is different,” Sue said. The Smith Furniture building combines new improvements with aspects of its original history, when it was both a furniture store and a funeral home in Wadena’s 19th Century early days. While some of the large front windows are still original, Sue said, some of them
65177 MMFCU Alex HomeEnh_Layout 1 9/19/12 8:10 AM Page 1
Earn 1% rebate on loans financed elsewhere!
Photo by Rachelle Klemme
Sue Wirta shows an old door piece that was kept as part of the Smith Furniture building’s history.
cracked or were broken over the years and had to be replaced. Although some of the over-century-old sections are
no longer in use, they are not all discarded: the Wirtas kept a piece of the original door as a souvenir of the building’s history.
Terri Koliska
Staples Branch Manager NMLS# 506682
Staples | (218) 894-2463 | www.mmfcu.org Loans subject to credit approval. 1% cash rebate paid on new money only. 1% cash rebate may be reportable income. 1% cash rebate is for a limited time and will end at the discretion of MMFCU. Equal Housing Lender. Certain restrictions apply.
Wadena Pioneer Journal
Home Improvement
October 6, 2012 • 5
A look at fall home improvement options DAIN SULLIVAN
dsullivan@wadenapj.com
There are a number of projects homeowners can delve into this fall, many of which can be quarterbacked by area professionals. “It’s everything and anything this time of year,” said Stan Ament, owner of Ament Construction in Sebeka. Ament said he is working mostly with farmers on putting up buildings before winter hits, and homeowners have tasks they want to finish during the fall. “Homeowners are getting in a big hurry to get little additions done,” he said. What should most homeowners be doing this time of year? “Make sure your windows are caulked,” he said.
While Ament is busy with farm buildings and miscellaneous home projects, Gordy Macklem, sales representative at Ace Hardware in Wadena, is helping people out with their yards. “This is the time of the year they take care of their yards if they’re going to be doing any seeding,” Macklem said, adding that if a lawn is given proper care in the fall, it will look better in the spring. Macklem also said many people choose to remodel during the fall, mostly because they’ve put certain projects on the back burner. He said more worthy fall home improvement projects involve upgrading windows, siding and roofing. Some people are using metal roofing these days, he said. It may cost a little more, but Macklem said it’s worth it.
St. Ann’s Church recently added metal roofing, and it’s paid off and “looks very nice,” he added. Macklem also said metal roofing offers better protection to a home, and snow slides off it a lot easier than shingles. Fall is also a popular time of year to give windows proper protection, Macklem said. He added that October is a good time for people to protect their windows with plastic storm covers. Also, putting Sea Foam in lawn mowers and other outdoor equipment is a good idea, he said. RV Antifreeze is a hot item this time a year “because a lot of people go south for the winter,” he said, adding that the product is used a lot for lake homes. A relatively new product
homeowners are turning to is a septic tank blanket, which keeps septic pipes from freezing over by attracting the sun’s rays, Macklem said. He added that the blankets are especially beneficial for people who live out in the country. Also preparing for freezing temps is Judy Malone. She is the co-owner of Lakes Hearth and Home Center in New York Mills. Fall is a busy time for Malone because people are putting in wood and gas fire places, she said. But which is better: gas or wood fireplaces? “Not everybody has access to wood all the time,” she said, “and if you have to go out and buy it, it’s not a lot more cost effective.” She added that some people See FALL HOME on PAGE 6
Home Improvement
6 • October 6, 2012
FALL HOME CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 don’t know how to properly burn wood, and agreed that a house could fill up with smoke if flames aren’t handled correctly. Malone also said the chimney portion of a wood fireplace costs more than that of a gas fireplace. The benefit of choosing a fireplace instead of central heat is that a fireplace will still run if the power goes out, she said. Fall is also a time of year when people are having outdoor stone work done to their home, Malone said. As far as other outdoor projects go, Scott Anderson prefers working in the fall. Anderson owns Scott’s Paint and Tile Works in Wadena. “When it’s cooler and not scorching hot, it’s good to paint,” he said. But before the weather gets
too cool, Tara Weber said it’s necessary to take proper steps with plumbing. Weber, marketing specialist for Esser Plumbing and Heating in Perham, said people should make sure to unhook their outdoor hoses “to prevent freezing pipes.” She added that it’s usual practice for seasonal homes to be kept at least 55 degrees when no one is around. Other sensible actions to add to the fall to-do list for these people include opening cabinet doors to help circulate warm air and work to make sure future snow won’t restrict water drainage, which can result in ice buildup, she said. Area professionals agree that fall is a great time to get these projects done. With their insight, Wadena and surrounding area residents can get a lot accomplished this time of year.
Wadena Pioneer Journal
Local pros’ fall home improvement tips for good winter preparation Stan Ament, Ament Construction
• Make sure your windows are caulked.
Gordy Macklem, Ace Hardware
• Take care of fall seeding now so yards will look better in the spring. • Add plastic covers to windows. • Keep insulation in mind when choosing new siding and roofing. • Put Sea Foam in lawn mowers and other outdoor equipment. • Use RV Antifreeze in winterized homes.
Judy Malone, Lakes Hearth and Home Center
• Keep your home warm with either a wood or gas fireplace. If the power goes out, a fireplace will keep you warm. • Fall is the last chance to get stone work done before freezing temperatures hit.
Tara Weber, Esser Plumbing and Heating
• Unhook outdoor hoses to avoid freezing pipes. • Keep vacant homes at least 55 degrees. • Open cabinet doors to help circulate warm air. • Make sure future snows won’t restrict water drainage.
(218) 631-3690
Coverage for Wadena and surrounding areas.
E Hwy 10 Wadena
Innovative programs and services to serve our members and local communi
Arleen Paulson, Broker www.paulsonagency.com
Selling-Buying? Call us for all your
Innovative programs and services local Lower rates our forcommunities. using for purchasing to serve members and localRebates communities.
Innovative programs and services to serve our members and estate to real serve ourneeds! members and local communities. Innovative programs and services
COME IN TODAY!
799867
electricity during times of lowest market prices.
HQHUJ\ HIÀFLHQW EXOEV DQG bulb recycling. 800047
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
Ope grant servic
MERICKEL Contact us forOperation details about ourUpOperation Round Up grants, academ Rebates for purchasing Round LUMBER ACE youth programs, energy HQHUJ\ HIÀFLHQW EXOEV DQG grants fund communitypresentations and safety demonstr bulb recycling. projects locally. Contactservice us for about our / www.toddwade HARDWARE 631-3120 or details 800-321-8932 Operation Up grants,/academic scholarships, 631-3120Round or 800-321-8932 www.toddwadena.coop ACE RENTAL Contact us for details about our Operation Round Up programs, grants, academic youth energyscholarships, presentations and safety youth programs, PLACEenergy presentations and safety demonstrations. demonstrations. Lower rates for using electricity during times of lowest market prices.
Lower rates for using electricity during times of lowest market prices.
Rebates for purchasing HQHUJ\ HIÀFLHQW EXOEV DQG bulb recycling.
Operation Round Up grants fund community service projects locally.
Contact us for details about our Operation Round Up grants, academic scholarships, youth programs, energy presentations and safety demonstrations.
(218)or 631-3570 or 631-3120 800-321-8932 / www.toddwadena.coop 631-3120 or 800-321-8932 Toll-Free (800) 225-3570 www.toddwadena.coop Hwy 10 West • Wadena 800051
Home Improvement
Wadena Pioneer Journal
October 6, 2012 • 7
Variety of ideas displayed at ‘Tour of Homes’
RACHELLE KLEMME rklemme@wadenapj.com
Five households from the Staples/Motley area opened their living space for the 11th annual “Tour of Homes” on Sept. 23, offering members of the public a chance to see different aspects of home improvement, future planning, lifestyles, heritage and decoration. Two couples from the tour changed their living space with retirement needs in mind. Rick and Karen Anderson of Staples used to live in the country, but in 2005 as they were about to retire, they decided to scale down to a smaller townhouse. However, the
yard still had enough space to add a shed for Rick, a former diesel mechanism instructor, to work on restoring a truck and other projects. The couple also added a porch to the house, which features different tones of pastel walls from room to room. “It’s a nice size retirement home,” Karen said. Keith and Sandy Porter of Staples also planned for retirement years when they gave an extensive remodel to their 1972 ranch-style house in 2010. Sandy said they first moved into their house in 1989, but they wanted to make it larger and on one level, so their needs could be met when they grew older down the road. The hall-
ways and doorways are wide for maximum accessibility. Bathroom fixtures include open showers accessible to wheel in and wheel out, and a “river rock” stone texture on the floor to prevent slipping. A walk-in pantry by the kitchen makes ingredients easier to find, Sandy said. It wasn’t the first renovation for the Porters, who added a sunroom in 1995. Plants inside make it “a jungle” in the winter, Sandy said. Other homeowners on the tour had their houses built or decorated around a theme. The Vikings game was on when Roger Randgaard showed his collection of medieval Norse Vikings, trolls,
Swedish Dala horses, rosemaling décor, plates and other international items – mostly related to Norway and Sweden. Randgaard, who shops eBay, said he has never been to Norway, even though it is his heritage. “I’d like to. My nephew’s been over there,” Randgaard said. Another item Randgaard is proud of is an autographed picture of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. Out in rural Motley, Bill and Florence Berndt have a house full of antiques and Americana décor. See TOUR OF HOMES on PAGE 9
Big Building Project?
Think Wadena Hide and Fur
Wadena Hide and Fur Demolition Roll-off Service
New Steel Sales-Buying scrap iron, aluminum cans, copper, batteries, aluminum, machinery and autos
218-631-2617
BRYAN WEGSCHEID PLUMBING & HEATING
• INSTALLATION & REPAIR • BOBCAT & BACKHOE • SEWER SYSTEM INSTALLATION • LINE THAWING • Licensed • Bonded 218-631-4227 • Insured CELL: 218-639-3618
888.330.8482 | myCMCU.org facebook.com/myCMCU 800089
Federally Insured by NCUA
8 • October 6, 2012
Home Improvement
Greg Haglin of rural Staples built his family home with a deer hunting lodge theme.
Wadena Pioneer Journal
Photo by Rachelle Klemme
Photo by Rachelle Klemme
Greg Haglin of rural Staples gives a tour of his home, which he built in 2010.
Photo by Rachelle Klemme
Judy Dahlin, left, helps her sister, Karen Anderson, get ready for “Tour of Homes” in Staples on Sept. 23.
Photo by Rachelle Klemme
A wood deck with matching chairs faces the afternoon sun at the Greg Haglin home.
Wadena Pioneer Journal
Home Improvement
Photo by Rachelle Klemme
Florence Berndt’s friend, Gayle Quinn, helps show a house, with its Americana décor.
October 6, 2012 • 9
Photo by Rachelle Klemme
Bill and Florence Berndt had a 1990s addition, at left, added to their 1930s home. Sliding glass doors help the addition blend in with the sunroom.
Photo by Rachelle Klemme
A walk-in shower and wide spaces were part of a 2010 remodel of a 1972 house by Sandy Porter and her husband to accommodate their needs as they grow older.
Photo by Rachelle Klemme
Roger Randgaard of Staples takes pride his Scandinavian heritage with a Norwegian and Swedish collection.
TOUR OF HOMES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 Florence said they have lived there almost 20 years, and the original owners were Bill’s grandparents, who had it built in 1935. Bill and Florence are the third generation living in the farm house, and they added onto it in 1993. To match the look of the rest of the house, the 1990s addition was built with a sliding glass door to harmonize with the 1930s sunroom. The glass door and large windows also bring in natural light. Greg Haglin of rural Staples took on his own project, with tradition and rural life in mind.
In 2010, he built a woodfurnished six-bedroom home he describes as a “boyhood dream to reality” and being in “executive hunting lodge” style. His son, Jordan Haglin, said the land itself has been in the family for a long time, and hunting is a family tradition. The house is built to look older than it really is. To construct the floor, Greg said he used rough-sawn ash from a swamp by Leader, Minn., and milled it for flooring. He said the rugged look makes it appear worn down by cowboy boots and work boots, but it is brand new.
Photo by Rachelle Klemme
A variety of Scandinavian memorabilia decorates the Roger Randgaard home.
Julia Palmer, one of the “Tour of Homes” organizers, said the event was an overall success, and it was a beautiful day to see what all the unique homeowners have been doing. Proceeds were to go toward restoration of the Staples De-
pot. Palmer said the restoration of Wadena’s own depot is a good example for the Staples depot project, and Wadena residents have also been supportive of them.
10 • October 6, 2012
Home Improvement
Wadena Pioneer Journal
A home improvement project for wildlife For the last 10 These are transyears, I have been plants or seedlearning more and lings. There has more about nature as been some grass I pursue an outdoor burning and a building project on lot of mowing, our farm. both of which It began as a way have encourof making the farm aged hundreds a better deer huntof new trees and ing spot. My relaplants to grow. tives near Henning Other trees have do not have room for come down or Brian Hansel me anymore on their been pruned. A Staff Reporter farmland because wood lot is taktheir own kids were hunting. ing shape. One day my son suggested There are many brush piles turning an old pasture into a around the pasture now that wood lot. The more trees, the originally were to be burnt. more deer was the reasoning They have become homes for we followed. From day 1, it hares and field mice. These was meant as a home improve- animals, in turn, have brought ment project for wildlife. hawks, owls, fox and coyotes. The 20-acre pasture we Brush piles might be okay owned had white oak, elm, for the little guys, but deer are boxelder, green ash and iron- attracted by fruits and nuts, so wood, but it was not a popular it has seemed like a good idea place for wildlife. to plant apple, crabapple and Over the last decade, sugar apricot trees along with hazelmaple, black ash, black wal- nut, chokecherry and Nanking nut, basswood, eastern red ce- cherry bushes. dar, white spruce, silver maple The pasture project has and red oak have been added. spawned other projects, like
planting a clover and chicory mix, and bird houses have brought in tree swallows, purple martins and bluebirds. Clearings and paths have been created for wildlife. Steel fence posts and barbed wire have been replaced with berry and nut bushes, which someday will form a living windbreak. Has it worked? So far the answer has to be “yes” because we have shot five deer in the fall and I have taken pictures of many more with my wildlife camera. Two winters ago, we even had deer yarding up on the farm. Forty of them came out of a stand of white oak one February morning. The tree and bush planting still goes on in the spring and the fall. Agonizing over what to order and plant goes on in the winter. Some experiments have worked, while others have failed.
I wish I could take credit for the attitude our neighbors have adopted. The retired farmer who owns the 160 acres to the south has put his land into a CRP program. The old couple that bought the farm to the east own CRP land also. A local fish and game club has built an impressive wildlife area across the highway. When you add all of these acres up, you realize they form an impressive lump of wildlife habitat. Traveling around the countryside, you can see other wildlife planting projects in the process of becoming habitat. Bagging a deer, a turkey or a pheasant has always been fun for guys like me. We enjoy the hunt. It is equally satisfying to create and build a home for wildlife. Long after your hunting days are over, a home improvement project for wildlife can still be paying dividends.
Special Deals
on New John Deere Equipment
Low Rate Financing Available *See your local John Deere Dealer for details.
experience the John Deere D-series skid loader
Your John Deere Headquarters: parts • service • sales
NEW RESIDENTIAL & REMODELING • FLOOR HEAT SEWER ROTORING • TAPPAN HEATING & COOLING PRODUCTS
EVERGREEN EQUIPMENT, INC.
Ron - 218-639-6274 Eric - 218-639-4859 317 E. Centennial 84 Drive New York Mills, MN 56567
800039
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
SALES & SERVICE CENTER Highway 10 West, Wadena, MN
NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE.
218-631-2311 1-888-631-2311
800039
R.K. Plumbing
Low rate
financing available *OAC
ToTAL Redesigned cAb
Wadena Pioneer Journal
Home Improvement
October 6, 2012 • 11
Faith Chat
Improving a home miles away Last week I had the lapidated bunk privilege of taking a beds without air short, whirlwind trip conditioning in to Haiti. The purpose a very warm cliwas to help with a mate. Their need feeding program that was so great in our church has supso many areas. ported and also to get Yet, when our a firsthand look at the group came to need and what still the orphanage, needs to be done. it wasn’t more We went to three food that they Allen Refsland wanted, or betorphanages that would hardly be receiving Wadena Assembly of ter clothes, or a God Church any food at all if it new soccer ball were not for the one or two – what they most wanted and meals a day we were helping to needed was a hug. provide. I even had the honor These children literally of serving one of the meals to mulled us, each wanting us to the children while I was there. pick them up and hold them. These children were so needy. Some played with our hair or One of the orphanages was investigated our ears and noses, trying to take care of 30 chil- but some laid their heads on or dren before the earthquake. shoulders and fell asleep. While After the earthquake, the direc- we were holding two at a time, tor took in 40 more because the other kids were jumping she could not say no. So, she at us, also wanting to be held. has the same facility, same re- These children were starved for sources, same staff, but twice attention. They were starved for as many kids. She trusts the a real home and loving parents. Lord to feed the children. We went to another orphanThis was “home” to them. age where the children were No matter where they came better taken care of because from biologically, each of them of more financial resources, had 69 brothers and sisters of but the response was much the ages from infant to teen. Their same; they longed to be held. home was a cement building The need for loving attenwith two bedrooms, one for tion is ingrained within each the boys and one for the girls, one of us. When my children all crammed together on di- were young, there were times
when all they wanted or needed was a hug, especially if they were hurt or sick. We really don’t grow out of that stage of our lives; we just express that need differently. Many of these orphanage children – especially the girls – will be susceptible to sex trafficking and prostitution when they leave the orphanage. Some of the reason for this is that they are longing for love and connection – especially from adults. We have many vulnerable children even in America. It isn’t merely because they aren’t getting enough to eat or a new cell phone when they want one; it is because they are not receiving the love and attention they crave and need. Amy Savin sings a contemporary song called “Bigger
Houses” that goes like this: “He says ‘Goodbye, I’ll see you tonight. I’ll be home a little late.’ She waves and says, ‘That’s okay, I’ll be waiting for you, love.’ But she knows she will be lonely, the kids gone to bed and they haven’t seen daddy since they don’t know when. They live on the promise that they soon will have all they need – even though there is already too many garage doors to clean.” Then the chorus goes: “Still we work, chasing wealth, and we count all our gold thinking it’s not enough. Living life each his own, and we build bigger houses, but we’ve never been further from home.” Home is where people interact, love and spend time together. Make sure you are making your house a home.
First National Bank in Wadena
Consider us “FIRST” for your home mortgage needs.
Great rates and low closing costs!
Contact us today for an application.
Checking • Savings • Certificates of Deposit
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
Equal Housing Lender
25 Bryant Ave SW • Wadena www.fnbwadena.com Member FDIC
FULL SERVICE COMMUNITY BANK
800013
218-631-1590
Bertha (218) 924-4055 Eagle Bend (218) 738-6112 Verndale (218) 445-5151
Home Improvement
12 • October 6, 2012
Wadena Pioneer Journal
Putting your garden to bed in the fall ROBIN TROTT
University of Minnesota Extension Educator
Fall is a bittersweet time of beginnings and endings. Bright yellow school buses abound as children start a brand new school year, rose bushes burst with their last colorful blossoms, tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers are plentiful, and my kitchen is filled with the mixed aromas of spaghetti sauce, drying tomatoes and salsa (Sometimes I feel like a squirrel readying my abode for the long winter ahead.). After a long summer of garden chores, and a September of harvesting and preserving, I always look forward to putting my garden to bed for the winter. Some well-spent time in fallR will E R 2 S K Iyour D garden L O Athis DE S save you time next spring. The fol-
O GET
ERED UP
he raw power your operation requires from the new
lowing list of fall garden chores will focus your efforts this season and give you some breathing room next spring. Your first step is to clean out any beds that have finished producing. Removing dead plant material helps protect your garden from disease-causing pathogens that can overwinter in the soil. Dispose of spent plants by composting them (if healthy) or throwing them away (if diseased). If you haven’t had a soil test done in a while, send that sample in. Fall is the ideal time to add needed amendments based on soil test recommendations. If you are planning to start a new garden bed in the spring, get it ready now. A clean garden bed with tilled and amended soil is ready to be planted in the spring. Fall is the time to plant gar-
lic, tulips, daffodils and many other spring flowering bulbs. Choose the largest bulbs you can find. Remember that these bulbs are energy storage units, and the larger they are, the more robust your flowers will be. Be sure to plant bulbs according to package directions. The basic rule of thumb is that the hole should be at least three times as deep as the width of the bulb. Lift tender bulbs like gladiola, dahlia and tuberous begonia. Carefully remove the bulbs from the ground, leaving any foliage attached. Let them dry in a well-ventilated area for a week or so. Remove any remaining foliage and store in a cool, dry place in an onion bag, paper bag or peat moss. Many tender perennials need some extra cover to help them survive the cold winter
POWERED Guaranteed TIME TO GET
OWERED PPOWERED
HIGH OPERATING CAPACITIES – from 1,650 lbs. on the 4640E Power2 up to 2,050 lbs. with optional counterweight on the 5240E Power2.
UP
TIME TIME TOTO GET 4 GET 640E & 5240E POWER2 SKID LOADERS UP UP Lowest Prices!
POWER UP – with 68-hp Yanmar Interim 446644 00E ETier-IV & &5 25420 4E diesel engines that place the power and performance where it counts. EXCEPTIONAL HYDRAULICS – up to 30 gpm with
0PEO W PO DD LE O E RW 2 ESRK 2 I D SLKOI A R SA D E R S Get the raw power your operation requires from newfrom the new Get rawoperation power requires your operation requires Get the raw powerthe your from thethe new Gehl 4640E 5240E Gehl5240E 4640E andand 5240E Power2 Power2 skid loaders. Gehl 4640E and Power2 skid loaders.
RSWLRQDO KLJK ÀRZ SRZHU D ZLGH YDULHW\ RI DWWDFKPHQWV and produce outstanding performance. ACCELERATE RAPIDLY – with maintenance-free, UDGLDO SLVWRQ GULYH PRWRUV ZLWK KLJK VWDUW XS WRUTXH DQG ground speeds up to 12.4 mph.
HIGH OPERATING CAPACITIESHIGH CAPACITIES OPERATING CAPACITIES HIGH OPERATING – from 1,650 lbs. – from 1,650 lbs. from 1,650 lbs. on the 4640E the 4640E Power2 up optional to 2,050 lbs. with optional on the 4640Eon Power2 up to 2,050 lbs. with Power2 up to 2,050 lbs. with on the 5240E Power2. counterweightcounterweight on the 5240E Power2. optional counterweight on the 5240E Power2. UPYanmar – withInterim 68-hpTier-IV Yanmar Interim Tier-IV POWER UP –POWER with 68-hp engines that place the power and performance diesel enginesdiesel that place the power and performance POWER UPwith 68-hp Yanmar
Interim Tier-IV diesel where it counts. where it counts.
engines that place the power and performance EXCEPTIONAL HYDRAULICS –HYDRAULICS up to 30 gpm with– up to 30 gpm with where itEXCEPTIONAL counts.
RSWLRQDO KLJK ÀRZ SRZHU D ZLGH YDULHW\ RI DWWDFKPHQWV RSWLRQDO KLJK ÀRZ SRZHU D ZLGH YDULHW\ RI DWWDFKPHQWV
EXCEPTIONAL HYDRAULICS- up to 30 gpm with optional high-flow power aACCELERATE wide variety of attach– with maintenance-free, ACCELERATE RAPIDLY – withRAPIDLY maintenance-free, ments and produce outstanding UDGLDO SLVWRQ GULYH PRWRUV ZLWK KLJK VWDUW XS WRUTXH DQG UDGLDO SLVWRQ GULYH PRWRUV ZLWK KLJK VWDUW XS WRUTXH DQG performance. and produce outstanding performance. and produce outstanding performance.
AVAILABLE NOW AT
the Gehl Ad Portal. ehl.com/ad available sword: password
Get the raw power your operation requires from the new
now at AVAILABLE NOW AVAILABLE AT AT AldrichNOW Tractor
Gehl 4640E and 5240E Power2 skid loaders.
Stainless Steel Outdoor Woodburning Furnaces Lifetime Warranty!
HIGH OPERATING CAPACITIES – from 1,650 lbs. on the 4640E Power2 up to 2,050 lbs. with optional counterweight on the 5240E Power2.
POWER UP – with 68-hp Yanmar Interim Tier-IV
diesel engines that place the power and performance where it counts. EXCEPTIONAL HYDRAULICS – up to 30 gpm with
RSWLRQDO KLJK ÀRZ SRZHU D ZLGH YDULHW\ RI DWWDFKPHQWV
and produce outstanding performance. Large Selection – with maintenance-free, of ACCELERATE Gas &RAPIDLY Wood UDGLDO SLVWRQ GULYH PRWRUV ZLWK KLJK VWDUW XS WRUTXH DQG High Quality ground speeds up to 12.4 mph. Fireplaces & Stoves
ground speeds ground speeds up to 12.4 mph. up to 12.4 mph.
co-op ads from the Gehl Ad Portal. ACCELERATE RAPIDLY-Download with maintanence-free, radial piston Please visit www.gehl.com/ad drive motors with high start-up Username: dealer / Password: password torque and ground speeds up to 12.4 mph.
19828 US Highway 10 Verndale, MN • 218-445-5430 www.aldrichtractor.com Download co-op adsthe from the Download co-op ads from Gehl AdGehl Portal.Ad Portal. Please visit www.gehl.com/ad Please visit www.gehl.com/ad Username: dealer / Password:gehl.com password Username: Gehl Compact Equipment dealer / Password: password 4C_4640E-5240E-Power2_AG (08/11)
In-Stock Specials While Supplies Last
Ask About The Best Floor Heat Water Tubing Volume Discounts & FREE Estimates!
1-800-446-4043 www.mikesheating.com Gehl Compact Equipment
797688
4640E and 5240E Power2 skid loaders.
months. Roses can be heavily mulched or tipped, strawberries need a mulch cover and newly planted or tender perennials will also benefit from a mulch cover. Wait until the ground has frozen, to avoid providing habitat for overwintering rodents that can damage your strawberries and perennials. Autumn is the final opportunity for many plants to reproduce so they put one last effort into seed production. Weed your garden thoroughly, paying particular attention to those plants that are going to seed. Aerate, de-thatch, over-seed and fertilize your lawn to give it a green jumpstart next spring. Here’s hoping that your fall harvest is abundant and your garden beds are clean and disease-free. Until next time, happy gardening!
Wadena Pioneer Journal
Home Improvement
October 6, 2012 • 13
Rethinking the medical home ANNE POLTA
Areavoices Blogger
The medical home model, seen by many as a solution to what ails primary care, continues to receive mixed reviews, suggesting it may not be living up to its promise. The latest dose of reality comes from two new studies that found that primary care medical homes don’t necessarily save money and don’t increase patient satisfaction. A little background is in order. The medical home – or, to be more complete, the patient-centered medical home – is a model developed by the National Committee for Quality Assurance to improve the delivery of primary care. Its principles are team-
based care that’s coordinated, makes effective use of information technology and tracks how the patient is doing over time. When correctly implemented, it’s supposed to improve patient care – especially for chronic conditions – by ensuring patients don’t fall through the cracks. The model also is designed to make better use of medical resources by assigning responsibility for patient care to a team that includes nurses and mid-level practitioners as well as physicians. At last count, about 4,000 medical practices in the U.S. have adopted this model. In theory, the medical home sounds terrific – the patients win, the staff wins,
the practice wins. In reality, the picture is less clear. Take a study that recently appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association, examining the relationship between quality of care and operating costs at patient-centered medical homes. Researchers at the University of Chicago found that medical homes with higher quality ratings also had higher operating costs – $2.26 more per patient per month, to be exact. This may not sound like much, but over the course of a year it could add up to half a million dollars or more. A couple of caveats are in order. First, this study only involved federally funded health centers, so the results
might not apply to a privately owned medical clinic. Second, it focused primarily on cost, and may not have fully captured the relationship between cost and value. It provides a glimpse, however, of the fiscal dynamics that may underlie the medical home model once it’s implemented. Among policymakers who support the medical home concept, much of the emphasis has been on the cost savings that will result with fewer visits to the emergency room, fewer hospital admissions and so on. While this may save money for the system as a whole, it might not necessarily save money for the primary care clinics that are doing much of the work.
3Roofing 3New Homes r r 3Remodeling r 3Garages r 3Commercial & r Esser Family of Companies Proudly Serving Wadena and the surrounding areas since 1955.
788992
Business Needs
RICHARD LAUSTEN
CONSTRUCTION, INC
CONTACT RICHARD LAUSTEN 218-385-3780 • CELL: 218-640-1082 36865 535th Avenue • New York Mills, MN 56567 • LIC# BC634484
Serving all your carpenter needs for 39 years!
14 • October 6, 2012
Home Improvement
Wadena Pioneer Journal
In the Garden Holiday cacti have different requirements repot. Fertilize holiday cacti with a houseplant-type fertilizer. Follow the directions on the label. Fertilizing will keep the plant in good conditions. The joints of the cactus are fragile and can break if the plant descends into poor health. They only need fertilizer two to four times a year. After a cactus has quit blooming, it should have a rest period of about a month, during which it receives even less water and no fertilizer. Around March, the cactus will begin to grow again. You will know this because new segments will begin to form. This is when you can begin to fertilize and give it more water. Fertilize until about a month before it begins
to form buds (this is usually about the end of October). Propagating holiday cacti is done by cutting or breaking off three to four segments of the cactus. Allow the cuttings to air dry 24 hours so they seal over. Using a part peat moss and part perlite mixture, moisten the mixture and plant the cutting half the depth of the first segment. Set the cutting in a bright window and keep the mixture moist by misting. The cutting will wilt, but this is normal. When it starts to come back to life, the roots should be growing. You may also see new grow as a sign that the cutting has taken root. At this point, you can begin to water. After it has grown one segment, you can begin to fertilize.
30’x40’ POLE SHED Fall Special
Includes:
Price valid ‘til October 31, 2012
• 10’ Side Walls • Fiberglass Ridge Cap • 2 – 10’x8’ Roll-Up Garage Doors • One 3-0 Service Door • Colored Roof & Walls • Roof & Walls Screwed • Rafters 4’ O.C.
TOTaL COST ErECTED
10,995 Sebeka HomeS Inc. $
Sebeka, MN 56477 • www.sebekahomesinc.com
218-837-5631
627197
The Christmas plete darkness evcactus (schlumery night for about bergera bridgesii), six weeks in order Thanksgiving to bloom. At higher cactus (schlumnight temperatures, bergera truncata) it is unlikely that and Easter cactus they will bloom at (rhipsalidopsis all. gaertneri) do not Holiday cacti have the typical like to be outdoors requirements of during the summer most succulents. months, but should Kyle Schulz Although, they be kept in a shaded Master Gardener are true cacti, epiarea that receives phytic in nature (a only an hour or so plant that derives moisture and of direct sunlight a day. When nutrients from air and rain, but brought back inside in the fall, usually grows on another plant, they should gradually be acbut is not parasitic on it), grow- climated to the indoor condiing in the branches of trees in tions by being brought in for their native tropical rain forest a few hours each day, increashabitats. ing the length of time each The need for high humidity, day. Once inside, they should bright but filtered light and soil have a permanent place that is kept relatively moist most of cool and has indirect sunlight. the year sets these plants apart When buds begin to set, the from the majority of cacti and cactus should not be moved succulents. or disturbed. Drafts or sudMany of you have Christ- den changes in temperature or mas cacti that you have had humidity or even the direction for many years, or some may of the sunlight may cause the have been passed on to you buds to weaken and drop off. from one of your parents. It has Holiday cacti should be been reported that these types potted in the regular cactus of cactus can outlive their care- soil mix or a mixture of one takers and produce hundreds of part soil, two parts peat moss brilliant flowers every year if and one part sand, and watered given the proper care. A large, thoroughly. The soil should mature Christmas cactus will feel dry on the surface before develop what appears to be watering again. The pot must bark on its stem as it ages. have a drain hole and a pot that While these holiday cacti is an appropriate size for the bloom at different times of the plant. year, they all require short days These plants prefer to be and cool night temperatures to root-bound, and flower best initiate flower buds. In the fall, when crowded in their pot. these plants should be kept in If they do need a new pot, a bright location where the they can be repotted any time temperature drops to 55-65 de- they are not forming buds or grees at night, and rising 5-10 blooming. This is usually in degrees in the day. late winter or early spring. But If the night temperature is repotting should be done only 55 degrees, they will bloom every three years, or even less in five to six weeks. However, for large plants. These plants if the night temperature is 60- do not adjust well to a new pot. 65 degrees, these plants must If the plant is doing well, even have at least 12 hours of com- if the pot seems small, do not
1-800-860-5631
Wadena Pioneer Journal
Home Improvement
October 6, 2012 • 15
Home is where the highway is I have always upper Midwestern loved road trips look of houses and – from family vaapartments was cations as a kid, normal and boring to high school and generic – but bus trips, to colafter three years of lege spring break living in southern adventures, even California, where weekend day trips there were a lot of to other areas of arches and warm Minnesota. orange tones to People who blend in with the love to really ex- Rachelle Klemme sunny, dry, desertStaff Reporter plore the uniquelike landscape, I noness of a place often lament ticed the tall spires of country that mass commercialization churches and how Minnesota and the Interstate highway houses tended to be angular system are making everything and tall with desaturated colors look more and more the same. – fitting in with evergreen trees But one thing that really and the haunting gray skies of makes a geographical region the spring and fall. unique is its houses. But one doesn’t have to Growing up, I thought the go through a “reverse culture
HANSON’S PLUMBING & HEATING
shock” to notice how homes interact with landscape, culture and weather. In Estes Park, Colo., a small town nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park, some houses and other buildings look like little mountains themselves – with very steep shingled roofs that not only look cool, but probably serve a practical purpose in managing all the winter snow. Meanwhile in the Southwest, especially in some of the flat desert regions, flat roofs are the rule. Here in Minnesota, we have three-season rooms, but in the Southeast – where it never gets very cold – open porches are a lot more frequent. Beautiful ironwork fence
patterns are a common sight in New Orleans – and not just in the French Quarter. The wide open spaces of Middle America and the Great Plains are distinct from the packed Colonial houses of the East Coast. When you are still a kid and going on family vacations with your parents and siblings, you’re not really expected to think any further than your allegedly glamorous college and twenty-something years. But when I would see the retired couples at nearby campsites with their RVs and a color-coded map of the United States checking off which places they had seen, I’d think, “That’s how I want to live down the road.”
For Comfort You For Comfort YouCan’t Can’t For Comfort You Can’t LiveWithout… Without… Live Live Without…
New Plumbing, Remodeling & Heating Steve Peterson, Owner Lic. #007034-PM 310 11th St. N.W. • Wadena • 631-3172 000000
Lakes Hearth & Home Center, LLC
Mike & Judy Malone
Gas & Wood Fireplaces
385-3610
Fireplace Sales, Installation & Service 12 W Gilman St. New York Mills, MN
• Heating Air Conditioning • Heating • •Air Conditioning • Heating • Air Conditioning • Sheet Metal ••Plumbing • Sheet Metal Plumbing • Sheet Metal • Plumbing TOTAL HOME COMFORT EQUIPMENT SALES & SERVICE TOTAL HOME COMFORT EQUIPMENT SALES & SERVICE TOTAL HOME COMFORT EQUIPMENT SALES & SERVICE
Service Professionals Service Professionals Service Professionals WADENA, MNMN • 218-631-2638 WADENA, MN • 218-631-2638 WADENA, • 218-631-2638
Rely Ruud Rely on on Ruud
Rely on Ruud
799338
Advertise with us! Call 218-631-2561 to speak with a sales rep today.
Home Improvement
16 • October 6, 2012
Wadena Pioneer Journal
Community, faith can make a home I came home house their own. from North DaMy two younger kota State Unibrothers, dad and versity to help I did much of my folks move the heavy lifting, into their new while my mom Minnesota home shuffled to and nearly five years fro decorating the ago. Certainly, house and orgathere was much nizing. work to be done Needless around the house. to say – like My parents’ any family that Dain Sullivan garage was filled Editor/General Manager moves into a new to the brim with home – we were boxes, bags and constantly preocmiscellaneous items. As a fam- cupied with finishing the move ily, our minds were wrapped as quickly as possible. around the sole task of carryOne day, as there were only ing all belongings inside to be a few more unopened boxes placed in the proper areas. lying around the house, there For a couple of weekends was a ring at the doorbell. My when I was home from college, parents answered it, and were I helped my parents make the met by friendly faces from
the new church they had been attending. A priest and two women parishioners stepped in from the cold and said they wanted to bless our home. Faith means a lot to my family, and we escorted the small group around the house as they observed every room, saying short prayers and sharing friendly conversation with our family members. When the group had seen the entire house, my parents offered them refreshments, which they accepted. I haven’t thought about it much until recently, but their visit meant the world to my family. Even though I was in college and my family members had literally just moved into the house, these people made us feel like we were a part of the commu-
nity right away. What makes a home? Is it stuff? Is it the amount of space you have? Does it depend on where you’re located? If you ask me, a home is a place where a loving community greets you with open arms. It’s a place where you feel comfortable not only physically and mentally, but spiritually. A home is where you can find people who care about you, and you can improve a home by spending time with them and making them feel appreciated. This fall, reach out to a neighbor or friend, even if they don’t necessarily ask you to. Sometimes, the smallest housewarming gift or friendly, impromptu gathering can do wonders for the soul.
Find us on the web at www.wadenapj.com
See us for all your HUSQVARNA CHAINSAW and RITCHIE WATER needs! BECAUSE THE LEAVES ARE 455 Rancher FALLING
&
WINTER IS COMING
M CE
Mid-Central Equipment 50106 State Highway 210 • Henning, MN 56551 218-583-2931 • www.midcentralequipment.com
000000