by Christine McCarthy and Brandon Hartman

GATESVILLE - A local pastor is now in the Coryell County Jail for allegedly setting his mobile home on fire and killing his wife last March.

Coryell County Sheriff's deputies arrested 49-year-old David Keith Allen at 6:45 on Tuesday night for Capital Murder of his 54-year-old wife, Paula Diann Allen.

An indictment obtained by News Channel 25 states that David Allen used a flammable accelerant on an open flame to burn down the mobile home located behind his New Life Church of Restoration.

On March 22, 2011, David Allen called the fire department and said his wife was trapped inside their burning mobile home. He told investigators he had been sleeping in the living room and hopped out a window around 1:00 a.m. when he realized the fire had started.

Fire crews found the mobile home in the 4000 block of East Highway 84 completely engulfed and eventually found Paula Allen dead inside.

Paula Allen's best friend, Robin Tippit doesn't consider David Allen's arrest closure, but another part to a long road of healing.

"I loved David just as much as I loved Paula..." Tippit says. "I looked to him as my pastor and it's just hard for me to grasp and to comprehend."

Tippit recalls the tragic March day and says her wounds have never healed.

"We all gathered at the church, and, you know, it was true.  She was gone and it's been tough. It's been a hard - hardest year of my life, ever," Tippit says, in tears. "Hardest thing I've ever gone through.

Michael Stidham, former Associate Pastor at the New Life Church, says he and others from the church have been expecting Allen's arrest.  Stidham became suspicious of Allen's involvement in the fire that very night.

"He had his truck keys on him and his wallet on him. Yet, he was asleep on the recliner when the fire took place and he jumped out the window.  But he had all his stuff on him," Stidham says, adding that Allen's behavior in the following days made him ask more questions.

"If I lost my wife like that, I can't see how I could breathe, you know, live," Stidham says.  "Just the thought tears me up. And he handled it quite well. And I think that's why a lot of people at the funeral were like, 'This is very weird.'"

Stidham says Allen didn't grieve because he was supposedly celebrating his wife's life, but Stidham and much of the community thought his reaction wasn't that of a truly mourning husband.

After being asked to step down as pastor, Allen left the New Life Church and created Final Victories Ministries. A small handful of people from the ministry gather with him. One member says he and Allen's friends continue to support him and think Allen is innocent.

Stidham and other church members have drifted away from David Allen.  Many neighbors near Allen's new home say Allen was the talk of the neighborhood.

On January 21, 2012, Allen remarried a Gatesville woman, according to court records.

Paige Rowland, now pastor of the old New Life Church, which has since changed its name to Crossroads, says the fatal fire tore the church apart.

Of the arrest, Rowland says, "I think a lot of people are a little bit relieved. I think a little bit shocked.  I feel I can say that we've all cried out for justice."

In the meantime, the community remembers Paula Allen, "the backbone of the church," according to Stidham.  Tippit also calls her a "generous, loving friend and mother."

More here:
Pastor arrested for killing wife in 2011 fire

WHAS11.com

Posted on February 1, 2012 at 4:41 PM

Updated yesterday at 4:43 PM

(WHAS11) -- Updating or remodeling inside of our homes can be a big undertaking.

And when it's done right it can earn you up to 85 percent return on your investment. But how do you know what's right?

Thinking big is not always the best way to maximize your investment. In fact a major overhaul is not always a smart idea. Sometimes focusing on countertops or cabinetry is all you need. And if you're looking for a return start in the kitchen and bathroom.

Officials say those two rooms can get you the best return for the money you put into them.
 
Keeping up with the Jones's is important, outspending them is foolish. Angie Hicks from Angie's list says you should start with a budget and a plan.

Parts of the home you can remodel for a high return on investment:
1. Kitchen and baths
2. Decks
3. Siding
4. Windows

And believe it or not, in a down economy with a depressed housing market now is a great time to upgrade.

Angie’s List says the projects with the lowest return on investment are:
1. Pools
2. A home office
3. A sun room
4. Master suites
5. And adding a third bay to the garage.

And no matter what the job finding the right contractor is the key. Just make sure to negotiate.
 

View post:
Consumer Watch: Remodeling your home, getting the biggest return

Virginia Tech finished the football recruiting season strong despite being spurned by a couple of big-name targets.

The Hokies signed two elite recruits on National Signing Day on Wednesday. Clover Hill’s Joel Caleb, a wide receiver ranked 83rd overall and first in the state by ESPN, picked Tech over West Virginia and Ohio State, and Centreville’s Ken Ekanem, a defensive end ranked sixth in the state by ESPN, chose the Hokies over Notre Dame.

The additions of Caleb and Ekanem to Tech’s recruiting haul eased some of the sting from losing Brookville defensive tackle Korren Kirven, ranked 100th in the country and second in Virginia by ESPN, to Alabama and from a late de-commitment from Boca Raton, Fla., linebacker JaWand Blue.

“I really feel good about this class,” Tech coach Frank Beamer said. “I mean really, really good.”

The Hokies’ strong finish earned their class a No. 20 ranking by Rivals.com — their highest from the recruiting website since finishing 18th in 2008 — and a No. 25 ranking by Scout.com.

Rivals and Scout both ranked Tech’s class fourth among ACC schools. The Hokies, who have won four ACC championships and have been on the losing end in two other ACC title games since 2004, have only once been ranked better than fourth in Rivals’ ACC recruiting rankings, when they finished third in 2005.

The Hokies signed 28 players in all, 17 of whom came from Virginia. According to ESPN’s rankings, Tech signed four of the top 10 players in the state and nine of the top 20.

“The state of Virginia is always going to be our home base, and I think we’ve had a tremendous year,” Beamer said. “The caliber of kid that we’ve been able to get there is tremendous.”

Tech’s 2012 class features seven four-star recruits and seven high school All-Americans, the most since 2007.
Three of those All-Americans are tailbacks — J.C Coleman, Drew Harris and Dan River’s Trey Edmunds, who doubles as a linebacker. The Hokies signed five tailbacks in all, the second most of any position.

“We’re going to give them all a shot and figure out what the best options are right now, but certainly that had to be a priority, so to come away with the quality of kids we got at that position, that’s got to be a big plus,” Beamer said.

Tech, which must replace its top two tailbacks from last season, should have plenty of options at the position. Coleman, who enrolled in January, could have a chance to earn significant playing time this spring. He will share carries with redshirt freshman Michael Holmes during spring practice.

It’s still unclear as to where Edmunds will play when practice starts in the fall. There’s a chance, Beamer said, that he could eventually play on both offense and defense.

“I think he’s going to have to concentrate on one or the other initially, but as time goes by, I see him as a guy who can really play and help the program on both sides,” Beamer said.

In addition to Tech’s class of scholarship players, Beamer said the program added a strong group of walk-ons as well.

“I can’t mention names because they haven’t signed a national letter, but we’ve got several that gave up scholarships to other places to come here and knowing our success with a John Engelberger or Cody Grimm or Jarrett Ferguson, to me that’s really exciting too as far as our recruiting goes,” Beamer said.

Story Continues ?

View Entire Story

Continue reading here:
Virginia Tech elated about recruiting class despite losing two targets

Newark, CA (PRWEB) February 02, 2012

East Bay window installation company, R & M Quality Windows and Doors, East Bay’s premier window and door replacement specialist, has joined up with Simonton Windows to bring Bay Area residents the best viewing area of any replacement vinyl windows with the DaylightMax window series. R & M Quality Windows and Doors have always been dedicated to giving the best quality customer service and supplying only the highest quality brands for consumers. They are teaming up with the best as Simonton Windows is the two-time recipient of J.D. Power and Associates’ “Highest in Customer Satisfaction” for Windows and Patio Doors.

"From start to finish we received prompt, professional quality service. Work was completed as promised. They add a personalized touch by being available from beginning to long after the end of the project. R&M Quality Windows and Doors deserve more than five stars!" Marta O. of Fremont, a loyal customer, wrote on her Yelp review.

The DaylightMax series guarantees maximum daylight opening, up to 40 percent more, with its offering of less frame and more glass than most replacement windows. The series presents a symmetrical look, and three outside trim options and elegant hardware designs to choose from. A tilt-in feature will make it easier for homeowners to clean their single hung and/or double hung windows. The DaylightMax window comes with SpectraClear, the self-cleaning glass, and may be coated with Low-E 366 for better insulation and protection from the sun's rays for no upcharge. DaylightMax is covered with a double lifetime glass breakage warranty and is eligible for tax credits without any upgrades.

Call 510-796-0100 for a free, no-pressure in-home estimate and visit http://www.randmqualitywindowsanddoors.com for more information on the company's offered brands and services. R & M Quality Windows and Doors are located at 5588 Central Ave. in Newark.

About R & M Quality Windows and Doors

R & M Quality Windows and Doors were founded in 1994 by co-owners Ron and Mike, who bring a combined 40 years of experience to the job. R&M does not use sub-contractors and all installers are trained and bonded in door and window installation.

###

Read this article:
East Bay Window Installation Company, R & M Quality Windows and Doors Partners with Simonton Windows

Shelby County residents may see lower heating bills than usual this winter due to unseasonably warm weather and lower natural gas prices.

Wednesday, Shelbyville saw highs of 63 degrees and today's high could be of 65. It's a spring-like atmosphere in one of Indiana's traditionally coldest months, where temperatures typically averaged near a high of 39 degrees.

November, December and January all have seen some out-of-place warm days this winter.

"It's true that customers' electric bills do track with outdoor temperatures," said Lew Middleton, an Indiana-based a spokesman for Duke Energy. Duke Energy supplies electricity for much of Shelbyville.

Electrical bills for this winter season are lower than last year, he said, because consumers are using less electricity. For an average consumer, more than half of total energy costs are for heating and cooling.

The average Indiana Duke residential customer used about 14 percent less electricity in December 2011 than in December 2010. That caused an average of a 10 percent drop in December 2011 residential bills compared to December 2010, Middleton said.

Other factors, beside the weather, also play a role in determining an electric bill, such as expensive environmental regulations and the prices of coal and natural gas.

"In about the last 10 years, Duke Energy, in its five state service area, has spent $5 billion to install pollution control equipment on its power plants," Middleton said. "About half of that amount has been spent on our Indiana power plants."

Duke owns several coal-powered plants here, so 94 percent of Duke Indiana energy comes from coal, whose prices will fluctuate, he said.

David Toll, vice president for consumer services at RushShelby Energy, which provides service to much of rural Shelby County, also said bills have been lower than last year.

"The weather's warmer, heating units aren't running as much," he said. "This time last year we had an ice storm. It was really cold out."

Toll said RushShelby raised prices between 3 percent and 3½ percent because the cost of electricity is higher. That rate was set in October and went into effect in January, he said.

While electricity costs are going up, natural gas costs are nearing a 10-year low.

Chase Kelley, a spokeswoman for Vectren, a natural gas utility that also provides service in Shelby County, said the company expected prices to be low.

"We did projections in October," she said.

Energy bills were expected to come to about $570 over a five-month period, continuing a drop in prices over the past few years. Low prices, coupled with the warm weather, has dropped prices even more, she said.

Kelley said prices may be in the $500 to $530 range.

She blamed the decrease on an increase in production because of shale oil mining.

"It's kind of changed the game when it comes to how affordable natural gas has become," she said.

All comments will be reviewed prior to being posted. The following is criteria editors will follow in deeming comments suitable for posting. The newspaper reserves the right to not publish any comment for any reason and is not responsible for the content of any comment that posts. If you have a question as to why your comment was not posted, please e-mail Editor Andrea Smithson at asmithson@shelbynews.com

KEEP IT CLEAN: Avoid language that is obscene, vulgar, lewd or sexually-oriented. If you can't control yourself, it won't post.
DON'T THREATEN: No one should feel that they may be harmed in any way.
BE TRUTHFUL: Don't lie about anyone or anything.
BE NICE: No racism, sexism or any other sort of -ism that degrades another person. Insults and name calling will not be tolerated.
TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK: And forgive people for their spelling errors.
SHARE WHAT YOU KNOW: Give us your eyewitness accounts, background, observations and history. What more do you want to know about the story?
STAY FOCUSED: Ask questions. Keep on the story's topic.
REMEMBER: Let's maintain a culture of respect.

Beginning with stories published on the Web site Thursday, March 25, 2010, all comments will be reviewed prior to being posted. The following is criteria The Shelbyville News will follow in deeming comments suitable for posting. The Shelbyville News reserves the right to not publish any comment for any reason and is not responsible for the content of any comment that posts. If you have a question as to why your comment was not posted, please e-mail Editor Andrea Smithson at asmithson@shelbynews.com

Read more from the original source:
Warm weather, lower heating bills

La Crosse company Brennan announced plans Wednesday to build a new office building at its French Island headquarters to support its rapidly-growing marine construction business.

The 93-year-old family business is actually two companies: Brennan Marine provides harbor services like barge transfer; the larger J.F. Brennan does marine construction, building harbors and dredging channels throughout the eastern United States.

Brennan's workforce has nearly doubled to about 250 since moving into the field of remediation 10 years ago, said marketing director Glenn Green.

Industrial cleanup now accounts for up to 70 percent of the company's business, Green said.

Brennan recently secured a 7-year contract with the federal Environmental Protection Agency that will allow it to be one of a select group of bidders on $150 million worth of cleanup in the Great Lakes.

The new three-story, 30,000-square-foot office building will allow Brennan to put about 75 local employees under one roof and eliminate several trailers providing temporary office space and accommodate anticipated growth.

River Architects and Fowler and Hammer, both local companies, are handling the design and construction.

"This will support well-paid union construction jobs," said Matt Binnsfeld, chief operating officer for J.F. Brennan.

Gov. Scott Walker was on hand Wednesday to celebrate the expansion and promote his job creation record.

Read more about the expansion in Thursday's Tribune.

Originally posted here:
Brennan breaks ground on new office building

La Crosse company Brennan announced plans Wednesday to build a new office building at its French Island headquarters to support its rapidly growing marine construction business.

The 93-year-old family business is actually two companies: Brennan Marine provides harbor services like barge transfer; the larger J.F. Brennan does marine construction, building harbors and dredging channels throughout the eastern United States.

Brennan’s workforce has nearly doubled to about 250 since moving into the field of remediation 10 years ago, said marketing director Glenn Green.

Industrial cleanup now accounts for up to 70 percent of the company’s business, Green said.

Brennan recently secured a 7-year contract with the federal Environmental Protection Agency that will allow it to be one of a select group of bidders on $150 million worth of cleanup in the Great Lakes.

The new three-story, 30,000-square-foot office building will allow Brennan to put about 75 local employees under one roof, eliminate several trailers providing temporary office space and accommodate anticipated growth.

River Architects and Fowler and Hammer, both local companies, are handling the design and construction.

“This will support well-paid union construction jobs,” said Matt Binnsfeld, chief operating officer for J.F. Brennan.

Gov. Scott Walker was on hand Wednesday to celebrate the expansion and promote his job-creation record.

It was the Republican governor’s third visit to the Coulee Region this year. Wisconsin has added fewer than 20,000 jobs since Walker took office — and has lost jobs for the past six months — not the growth needed to deliver on his campaign promise of 250,000 new jobs.

Walker instead focused on job losses in the year before he took office and credited the Republican-controlled Legislature with quick action to bring the ship around.

“We are turning things around,” he said. “We’ve got a ways to go.”

Walker took a brief tour of the company’s service bay, where he inspected a precision GPS-guided dredge like four that are now removing PCB-contaminated soils from the Fox River — a project jointly funded by paper mills there.

Walker cited the fourth-generation family business — and its relationship with employees — as an example of the kind of businesses that could fuel Wisconsin’s growth.

“This is where our progress is,” Walker said. “It’s going to come from businesses like Brennan.”

View original post here:
Brennan’s business expanding

Irene Slaymaker, 80

Irene Slaymaker

Celebration of life service for Irene A. Slaymaker, 80, Guernsey, was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Smith Funeral Home, Victor. She died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center.
The Rev. Doug Dauenbaugh, Guernsey United Methodist Church, officiated at the service
Burial was in the Ohio Cemetery south of Ladora.
Memorials may be made to the Guernsey United Methodist Church.
Memories and condolences may be left at http://www.smithfh.com.
Irene A. Slaymaker was born March 3, 1931, near Millersburg, the daughter of Menzo and Agnes Pawlak Davis. She was raised on the family farm near Millersburg and attended country school near her home. She assisted her parents on the family farm following her education.
She married Johnny E. Slaymaker Dec. 9, 1967, at St. James Lutheran Church, Victor. The couple resided in Guernsey, where they lived all of their married lives together.
She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Victor; the Guernsey United Methodist Church and the Friendly Neighborhood Club, Guernsey. She was a loving and tender-hearted wife who was always very thoughtful and enjoyed sending birthday, anniversary and greeting cards to family and friends. Her husband Johnny felt very fortunate and proud to have her hand in marriage. She loved to make sure he was taken care of as she sewed and fixed many of his clothes.
Slaymaker is survived by her husband of 44 years, Johnny Slaymaker, Guernsey.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Dorothy Davis.

* * *

Shirley Fetzer, 84

Shirley Fetzer

Funeral services for Shirley J. Fetzer, 84, were held at noon Friday, Jan. 6, at Sunset Funeral Chapel, San Antonio, Texas. She passed away in her sleep into the Lord’s hands Jan. 1, 2012, in San Antonio.
The Rev. David Ebbs, assistant pastor, and John Kammrath, director of pastoral care, officiated at the service.
Music was provided by Vickie Lautner.
Entombment was in Sunset Memorial Park, San Antonio.
Memorials may be made to Any Baby Can, Animal Defense League, Habitat for Humanity or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Shirley Jean Fetzer was born Feb. 20, 1927, in Williamsburg, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. C.F. Howe.
She was the loving wife of James while he served in the military and spent many years caring for their home and her children during his absence on alert and on overseas duties. When James retired, she received a certificate of appreciation for her own unselfish, faithful and devoted service. Her unfailing support and understanding helped make possible her husband’s lasting contribution to the nation, signed 1 September, 1974, by David C. Jones, USAF Chief of Staff.
She was great at volunteering to help others in need. She spent several years with Methodist Hospital as a Bluebird and served two years as president of the Bluebird Auxiliary, 1997 to 1999. She was also a member of the Texas Auxiliary Hospital Organization since 1999.
She will be greatly missed by her family and all those who knew her.
Fetzer is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, six months, James; one sister, Betty Jo Sherwood; one daughter, Marcia Musselman; one son and his wife, Douglas and Sandra Fetzer; grandchildren, Karston Musselman, Kelly Douglas and Shannon Fetzer, and a brother-in-law and his wife, Les and Jean Fetzer, Williamsburg.

* * *

Dennis Strasser, 45

Dennis Strasser

Memorial services for Dennis E. Strasser, 45, Hiawatha, were held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 30, at Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service, North English. He died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at his home.
The Rev. Jim Bringman officiated at the service.
His ashes will be buried in the North English Cemetery.
A general memorial fund has been established.
Messages and tributes may be left at http://www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Dennis Eugene Strasser was born May 6, 1966, near Sigourney, the son of Larry and Rose M. Brown Strasser. He grew up in the South English community, graduated from English Valleys High School, North English, and attended the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls.
He married Elizabeth M. Conner Oct. 26, 1991. They later divorced. He made his home in Homestead, Shellsburg and most recently in Hiawatha.
He worked in sales most of his life. He worked at Slumberland, All Seasons John Deere and Greene Valley Ag and Turf most recently. He loved sports and watching his son’s activities.
Strasser is survived by one son, Nicklaus Strasser, Homestead; his father and his wife, Larry and Joan Strasser, South English; his mother, Rose Coffman, South English; one sister and her husband, Francine and Terry Clubb and their children, Whitney and Cassie, Hedrick; stepbrothers and their wives, Mark and Lori Miller and children Lauren and Lexie, and Steve and Tina Miller, Mesa, Ariz.; Brent Coffman, South English; Brad Coffman, South English, and Kim Coffman, Houston, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Jack Coffman, and a special aunt, Tammy Mast.

* * *

William Hahn, 84

William E. Hahn, 84, Marengo, died Jan. 24, 2012, in Mission, Texas, after years of struggling with Parkinson’s disease, with his partner and companion Betty Mouchka by his side.
Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Marengo Cemetery.
William E. Hahn was born Aug. 28, 1927, in Rupert, Idaho, the son of Lawrence and Helen (Cook) Hahn.
His early years were spent in Britt, Iowa. He later moved to Swaledale, where he graduated from high school. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served two years of active duty. Following his discharge, he returned to Swaledale and married his high school sweetheart, Maryann Ingham. They had two children, Michael J. Hahn and Nancy A. Hahn (Graybeal).
Bill, Mary, Mike and Nancy lived in Colorado and Iowa while Bill worked in the oil fields and tried his hand at motel ownership. Their travels brought them to Iowa City, where he worked for University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
As he retired from his position at the hospital, he met his partner and companion, Betty Mouchka. Together, they owned and operated a wood refinishing/framing shop in Marengo.
There was a creative side to Bill. Whether it was building a sunroom, refinishing a piece of furniture or building a motor home from a 1947 Greyhound bus, he was happiest when tinkering.
Above all, he was most proud of his children. Their achievements in family and life provided him both pride and comfort knowing they were well.
In his final years, he and Betty enjoyed winters in Mission, Texas, and summers in Iowa. As his health deteriorated, the travels diminished and Texas became home.
Mike and Nancy will be forever grateful for Betty’s support during the final years of Bill’s life.

* * *

Emaline Ruff, 74

Emaline Ruff

Funeral services for Emaline L. Ruff, 74, Middle Amana, were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the Middle Amana Community Church. She died Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, at Mercy Hallmar, Cedar Rapids.
Church elder Eleanor Hoehnle officiated at the service.
Burial was in the Middle Amana Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo, was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at http://www.klosterfuneralhome.com.
Emaline Louise Ruff was born May 29, 1937, in Middle Amana, the daughter of Raymond and Lina Geyer Dietrich. She received her education in the Amana Schools. She worked as a clerk for the  Amana Society retail stores for many years.
She married Jim Bryson Oct. 3, 1953, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Marengo. He died in 1981.
She married Henry Ruff Nov. 4, 1983, in South Amana. She was a member of the Amana Church and was a lifelong resident of the Amana Colonies.
She loved order – absolute order – in everything. This suited her military-oriented husband perfectly. Everything was always in its place and she knew exactly where that place was, even from her hospital bed when her help was needed in finding something. She took great pleasure in decorating her home, discreetly, tastefully, observing the seasons, holidays and special occasions. This and many other memories will make her sorely missed.
Ruff is survived by her husband, Henry Ruff; her children and their spouses, Deborah and John Vande Voort, Shawnee, Kan.; Dianne and Robert Schlesselman, Williamsburg; Douglas and Angelika Bryson, Middle Amana; Jamie and Susie Bryson, Middle Amana, and Ida Bryson, Iowa City; one stepson and his wife, Eric and Sherry Ruff, Redding, Calif.; eight grandchildren and their spouses, James and Stefani Schlesseman, Eric Vande Voort, Erin and Austin Nichols, Carissa Bryson, Reese Bryson, Renata Bryson, Gina Bryson and Levi Bryson; one step-grandson, Austin Ruff; two great-grandchildren, Isabella Schlesselman and Samantha Schlesselman; one sister and her husband, Norine and Larry Magee, Middle Amana, with daughter Melissa Mills and son Greg Mills; one brother, Dennis Dietrich, Iowa City, and one sister-in-law, Shirley Johnson, Belle Plaine.
In addition to her first husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

Tagged as: Dennis Strasser, Emaline Ruff, Irene Slaymaker, Shirley Fetzer, William Hahn

See original here:
IOWA COUNTY OBITUARIES: Feb. 1, 2012

Sunroom and Window manufacturer Four Seasons, is offering a new free guide to help consumers considering undertaking major home improvement projects this summer.

(PRWEB) February 02, 2012

Sunroom and window manufacturer Four Seasons Sunrooms, is offering a free guide to help consumers considering undertaking major home improvement projects this summer.

Adding living space to a home is an investment that provides families with years of pleasure and enjoyment, but the key to the entire process is planning. Four Seasons Sunrooms has found that most homeowners thinking of building a new extension or room addition on their homes have a difficult time knowing where to start the process.

To help navigate these unfamiliar waters, the home improvement products manufacturer has taken its more than 35 years of experience building sunrooms, conservatories, patio rooms, windows, and entry and security storm doors, and put it into a special guide for homeowners.

Four Seasons' free "Essential Guide to Sunrooms" helps consumers through the myriad of issues that come up during major remodeling projects from planning, right through completion. It also offers a solution that most homeowners don't consider... a true, four-season sunroom or conservatory, which offers just as much space, and more beauty, than a traditionally built room addition.

"The Essential Guide to Sunrooms" provides information and worksheets to help homeowners start thinking about the many issues involved in the project before the actual design process even begins. From where to locate the new addition on the property to deciding the size, shape and materials of a new dream room, "The Essential Guide to Sunrooms" can help guide homeowners through many of the issues they will need to consider as they plan their new patio enclosure, sunroom or conservatory addition.

"I didn't know where to turn," Susan DeAngelis of Long Island, New York said of the apprehension she felt when she wanted to start planning her new addition. "'The Essential Guide to Sunrooms' helped break the process down into small, simple steps. It really helped take the fear out of the entire process."

When considering a major remodeling project, there is no substitute for experience and the advice of someone with years of experience with projects just like yours can be invaluable. This type of resource can let homeowners know the questions to ask themselves and their contractor to ensure that they receive their dream room and avoid the nightmare of going into a project like this without the proper preparation.

From planning where to locate the new sunroom, conservatory or patio room on the property to deciding the size, shape and materials of the new addition, "The Essential Guide to Sunrooms" can help guide homeowners through all the issues they will need to consider as they plan their new dream room, including:

-How will you use the room?

-How will you decorate it?

-What materials should you use?

-What kind of maintenance will it require?

-How do you make sure that the company you hire will do a good job?

-Who do you trust?

-And many, many more.

To order your FREE copy of "The Essential Guide to Sunrooms" visit http://www.FourSeasonsSunrooms.com or call 1-800 FOUR SEASONS.

Four Seasons manufactures and ships the premier year-round glass room additions, sunrooms, conservatories and patio enclosures; replacement windows and doors; screen and porch enclosures to over 300 independently owned and operated franchises, dealers and company owned and operated locations worldwide. Four Seasons has been setting the benchmark for quality and innovation at competitive prices that other companies aspire to achieve for over 35 years. Visit them at http://www.FourSeasonsSunrooms.com or call 1-800-FOUR SEASONS.

###

Marketing Director
Four Seasons Sunrooms and Windows
631-563-4000
Email Information

More:
Free Guide to Top Quality Home Improvement from Four Seasons Sunrooms & Windows

Patna, Feb 1 (IANS) The Bihar government will provide 200 acres at a token Re.1 per acre on a 99-year lease for setting up a Borlaug Institute for agricultural research, an official said Wednesday.

The institute will be located at Pusa in Samastipur district.

The central government had last year announced three Borlaug Institutes to harness the best of international science in meeting food security challenges and make India an agricultural hub for the South Asian region.

The other two centres are coming up at Ludhiana in Punjab and Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh.

The institutes will house state-of-the-art research facilities to support research on maize and wheat and broaden the range of varieties and tools available to farmers. They will also strengthen local crop breeding programmes to meet food production challenges.

The Bihar centre will focus on the research priorities of eastern India.

Agriculture Production Commissioner A.K. Sinha and department secretary N. Vijaya Lakshmi had informed the central government about the decision on the land at a meeting in New Delhi recently, the official said.

Norman Borlaug and India's M.S. Swaminathan helmed this country's Green Revolution in the mid-1960s and the 1970s that saw a dramatic increase in wheat production that completely did away with the need for exports.

See the rest here:
Decks cleared for Borlaug Institute in Bihar