LYNDHURST, Ohio - More than 100 firefighters battled a large fire after construction crews ruptured a gas line next to an apartment building in Lyndhurst Thursday.

Crews broke the line at 12:30 p.m. right next to a building at the Sherri Park Apartments on Acacia Park, near the Interstate-271/Cedar Road area.

Lyndhurst Mayor Joe Cicero said emergency crews responded as soon as they learned of the 4-inch gas line rupture, and evacuated all the residents from the building.

A short time later, the gas caught fire and crews struggled to turn off the pipeline feeding that main.

Chief Mike Carroll with the Lyndhurst Fire Department said the fire was not widespread in the building. The fire department said the gas spread through the first, second and third floors, with most of the damage confined to the one wing of the building.

Carroll said many of the 120 residents in the building are elderly, but all were able to make it out safely. All of the evacuees were taken to the Greens Nursing Home in Lyndhurst with the help of the Red Cross and South Euclid Lyndhurst Schools.

Video from the Nikki Ferrell from the Beachwood Patch news website ( beachwood.patch.com ) shows flames shooting in the air.

At about 3:20 p.m. almost three hours after the fire started the gas line was shut off and the fire was put out.

The fire left behind black soot that covered the side of the apartment building and ground, and destroyed the construction vehicle that struck the gas line.

Three firefighters were accessed on the scene for injuries and one resident was taken to Hillcrest Hospital.

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Fire out after gas line rupture near apt

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) This weekend we have yet another chance to get out and enjoy Minnesota. Spring fever just wont stop.

Temperatures are expected to hit 72 and 79, respectively, on Saturday and Sunday. The warm weather means were able to enjoy activities wed usually have to wait weeks for.

I think people want us to be open, said Chris Weglinski, who co-owns Sea Salt next to Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis. Our staff wants to work. I want to get back to work. The weathers nice.

Hes stocked up on calamari, shrimp and other food. Theres also plenty of beer on tap and wine for the season opener. It comes a full week earlier than usual. Sea Salt starts serving Friday.

People are just antsy to get outside, and if youre from Minnesota, you spend those Januarys and Februarys just twitching to do something fun, Weglinski said.

Fan favorites will make another comeback, including grilled fish tacos, crab cakes and much more.

I havent had this food in like five months, so Im kind of craving it, he said.

Minnesotans have been craving sun, and theyve been getting it in record doses.

This March will be the warmest on record every for a Minnesota March. Weve hit 70 degrees or warmer eight times this month.

Lord Fletchers on Lake Minnetonka is setting its own record too.

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Bar Patios Opening Early With Warm Spring

One clean bike leaves the bike wash area every 15 seconds, 4 cleans bikes leave per minute and 240 bikes per hour. Each bike takes on average 1 minute...

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Physical asset management company cleans, tracks 1000+ bikes

Getting more than 1000 bikes clean after each stage and storing them between stages is no simple task at the Absa Cape Epic mountain bike stage race in South Africa. Physical asset management company Pragma once again joined forces with the organisers of this year's event provide finish line services, bike washing and bike parking. Pragma is not a bike washing company, but it does have plenty of logistics experience, managing over 3.5 million physical assets globally.

"After a rider crosses the finish line of any stage at the event, a Pragma crew member takes the bike from the rider so that the participant can go directly to the food zone to collect some necessary nutrition before retiring for the rest of the day," said Chief Executive Officer of Pragma, Adriaan Scheeres.

"The bike is registered on our On Key EAMS system as it enters the bike wash area. It is carefully, yet thoroughly, washed with Motorex, an approved bio-degradable, non-decreasing soap. Upon its exit from the wash area, a SMS is sent to the rider informing him or her that the bike is clean and in the bike park."

"Pragma ensures that the numbers are sequential and that the bikes are parked in the correct locations, and aims to complete the entire process for each bike within two minutes. This is an incredible accomplishment if one keeps in mind that we do this with about one thousand bikes a day. One clean bike leaves the bike wash area every 15 seconds, four cleans bikes per minute and 240 bikes per hour. Each bike takes on average one minute and 45 seconds to wash. We use 10,000 liters of water per day and 300 liters of soap!"

As in the past, the bike wash consists of six dedicated wash bays. After being sprayed with bio-degradable non-degreaser detergent, the bikes are mounted on specially designed bike stands and then hosed down with high-pressure Krnzle washers. The stands and washers are all on a water retainer sheet to ensure that none of the polluted water runs onto the surrounding area. This enables the team to catch the water and pump it away to the nearest drain. As to ensure that these services are provided in an environmentally friendly fashion, environmentalists are supervising all activities.

Pressure washer making company Krnzle has a production facility in nearby Capetown in which they can custom-make a system for any industry requirement, such as a bike race.

Typically, a day on the event for the approximately 15 Pragma crew members and volunteers will start at around 5:00 am and finish at 6:30 pm. Apart from the challenges with providing the services, the team will also have to move to five different locations during the 2012 Cape Epic. Other challenges include water shortages or power failures, which the Pragma engineers always manage to overcome thanks to their expertise.

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Behind the scenes at the Cape Epic: Bike cleaning

Q: My husband is building me a special room exclusively for laundry. This may sound crazy, but I always wanted a laundry area that looks like a showplace! I'm planning on nice cabinets, big windows and even a flat-screen TV. With all this going on, I don't want to install a plastic tub for my laundry sink. What's the latest trend in nice laundry sinks? -- Joanne, New York state

A: Laundry rooms are quickly becoming "second kitchens" in many homes. From the new colorful and stylish washer/dryer units to custom granite countertops, the true "laundry room" has arrived!

Included in such rooms are places for folding clothes, air-drying racks and large sinks for soaking delicate clothes. These new-style cast-iron laundry sinks are commonly called "utility sinks" and can be wall-mounted or self-rimming countertop sinks. Either way, they offer a classic design with an integrated back splash and/or apron to help control splashing. Because they are of enameled cast iron, these sinks also resist scratching and staining for years of beauty.

The faucet you choose will also enhance the beauty of your utility sink. Utility faucets are available in many different finishes, and feature ergonomic handles. So your new laundry sink and faucet will not only look nice, but it will feel nice as well. Master plumber Ed Del Grande is the author of "Ed Del Grande's House Call," the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.

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Ask the Plumber: Going upscale with a laundry sink

Anthony Toth spends $200,000 converting garage into airliner cabin His hoard of memorabilia has taken 20 years to amass

By Chris Parsons

PUBLISHED: 07:51 EST, 29 March 2012 | UPDATED: 08:06 EST, 29 March 2012

While most people who enjoy flying might draw the line at a souvenir jet or mug, Anthony Toth's obsession has really taken off.

The airline sales director has spent two decades amassing an unmatched collection of memorabilia from Pan Am, which he has converted into a replica cabin at his home in Redondo Beach, California.

Mr Toth has spent $200,000 salvaging Pan Am airliner first class cabin parts for his airline tribute, including working seatbelt signs, oxygen masks and even 18 matching cabin seats.

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Head in the clouds: Mr Toth, 44, has spent $200,000 over 20 years converting his garage into a replica Pan Am first class cabin

Cabin fever: Mr Toth says his favourite part of his replica Pan Am cabin is a staircase from an original airliner

Commitment: Mr Toth has traveled as far as Bangkok in search of the exact parts for his well-researched Pan Am cabin

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Anthony Toth converts California garage into Pan Am airliner cabin

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Spring is in bloom. So is your home blossoming with the latest spring trends? Whether your home needs a fresh look or youre preparing to move into a new place, there are simple strategies to ensure your home sings spring.

Vintage is making a huge comeback, especially in the form of home accents and old world touches, according to interior designer Priscilla Castellano, owner of Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors, a design studio and fine home boutique in south Tampa. Were also seeing a return to lighter, neutral tones, including creamy paint colors and buttery shades for window treatments.

Castellano offers a few inexpensive ways to transform your living space for spring 2012:

-- Bring the outside in by adding lilac scented candles and a sheer curtain to add a breezy touch.

-- Soften your bedroom with a lighter-weight comforter or white coverlet.

-- Put away those heavy area rugs, and replace with a light, champagne colored rug.

-- Add a light fabric swag or valance to give your current drapes new life.

Many folks relocate during springtime, which can allow for a dramatic change. Rather than simply transferring the same dcor layout, Castellano recommends displaying favorite items, old or new, in ways that youve never tried before.

Theres nothing like helping my clients rediscover a vintage piece hiding in their attic and restoring it as a centerpiece, said Castellano, whose interior design team provides a 48-hour moving service for clients wishing for a hands-free move, from packing color-coded boxes to quickly transforming your house into a beautifully decorated home.

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Inspiring Interior Design Tips to Help You Move into Spring

UPDATED at 8:42 a.m. Thursday with new details from fire chief

CLAYTON A fire that apparently started in the attic early Thursday morning damaged a historic building of The Wilson School, a private school on DeMun Avenue.

The school, for pre-kindergartenthrough sixth grade,is at 400 DeMun Avenueoff of Wydown Boulevard in Clayton. Students are onspring break this week.

The cause of the three-alarm fire is under investigation. Authorities don't think it's suspicious. There were storms in the area, and a lightning strike is possible, said Clayton Fire Chief Mark Thorp.

About a third of the school sustained water damage, including to its library at the main entrance. The flames were confined to the roof and attic.

Thad Falkner, the head of school who lives next door,was alerted at about 2:20 a.m. Thursday that the smoke alarms were sounding. He was out frontasfirefighters were arriving, and flames and heavy smoke were coming from the roof.

About 60 firefighters helped put out the fire. No one was injured. The fire was under control within about 15 minutes, and it was out within an hour, the chief said.

Falkner added: "We don't know exactly the origin, but the fire spread throughout the attic, which runs above our classsrooom spaces, and they (firefighters) had to do significant work to battle the fire."

The firefighters went into the attic andtore a hole in the roof to ventilate it.

Falkner said students were scheduled to return on Monday but, with fire cleanup,he'll have to decide if that's still on track.

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Private school in Clayton catches fire

B&B Carpet One is celebrating its golden anniversary.

B&B Carpet One owners Bob (left) Mike and Jeff Deiley (seated) have spent a lifetime providing good service. The company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Photo by Tammy Sakry

While its customers can celebrate with 50 percent off until April 15, the three owners celebrated by looking back.

Although located in Ramsey, the business was started in 1962 by the parents of the current owners, Mike, Bob and Jeff Deiley.

Their grandfather worked as an installer and their father, Bill, started the business as a way to better himself, Mike Deiley said.

The business began in the family garage with the boys lending a hand sorting tiles and organizing the products.

We were born and raised in the business, said Mike Deiley.

In 1963, the business moved from the garage to a storefront in Anoka.

Their father handled installation, while mom Kathy handled sales and design work.

Bob Deiley, who specializes in carpet installation, said he started working with his father at the age of 14 installing carpet.

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Ramsey business celebrates golden anniversary

Residents were given the opportunity Sunday afternoon to see the progress that has been made on the remodeling taking place at the city of Coon Rapids Home for Generations project at 11635 Xavis St. N.W.

Kristin DeGrande (right), city of Coon Rapids neighborhood coordinator, talks with John and Anne Davis about the city's Home for Generations project at 11635 Xavis St. N.W. during the mid-construction open house Sunday.

Contractor Darrell Olson of Legacy Homes Inc., who was hired by the Coon Rapids Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) for the remodeling project, started work in February, following a pre-construction open house.

The mid-construction open house at the home Sunday was to show residents the work that has been done to date.

There have been a lot of changes, said Kristin DeGrande, city of Coon Rapids neighborhood coordinator.

Interior demolition has been completed; the new floor plans for the main level and the basement have been framed; new plumbing, heating and electrical have been roughed in; and the front door and window have been relocated, according to DeGrande.

We are extremely pleased with the progress that has been made and Legacy Homes has been a pleasure to work with, DeGrande said.

The project has been going very smoothly and no problems have been uncovered, she said.

Olson is always open to new ideas and small changes have been made to enhance the project while staying within the $40,000 remodeling budget, DeGrande said.

For example, plans were originally to construct a concrete pathway from the relocated front door, according to DeGrande.

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Mid-construction open house held for Coon Rapids’ Xavis project

Las Vegas - Continuing to lead the industry with the state of the art solid-state lighting technology, WAC Lighting will unveil many new lighting designs at 2012 Lightfair International. WAC will exhibit its line at Booth 1614 in the Las Vegas Convention Center from May 9 through May 11. WAC's LED luminaires offer improved beauty, energy efficiency, sustainability, safety and performance. These efficient lighting solutions reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs while preserving long lasting durability.

WAC will unveil the new Paloma Wall Wash Series, which is designed for asymmetrical, uniform light distribution and varied optical control within a compact design. This sophisticated luminaire, which is available with LED or T5 fluorescent light sources, is ideal for illuminating art on walls or signage within luxury residences, hospitality, retail and institutional applications. The Paloma family received the 2010 Lightfair International Innovation Award in the category of Track, Cable and Rail Systems.

WAC will also introduce Tesla High Output LED Downlights, offered with 2 and 3.5-inch apertures and in a variety of styles and optics. The luminaires are available with spot (15 degree angle), narrow (26 degree angle), and flood (45 degree angle) beam spreads. These sophisticated luminaires can be dimmed to one percent with an electronic low voltage dimmer. Designed with a low profile trim that is constructed of die cast aluminum, the downlights are offered with a replaceable LED module and reflector. Designer finishes include Brushed Nickel, Copper Bronze and White.

Delivering a symmetrical wide angle beam spread and excellent color rendering for a variety of wall wash and other applications, the new LEDme Wash Light is a sophisticated, energy efficient 120-volt track luminaire that is compatible with WAC's L, H, J and J2 tracks and other popular track systems in the industry. The fixture dims down to one percent with an electronic low voltage dimmer. Its optimized thermal management system ensures a much longer life, making it an ideal replacement for outdated T5 fluorescent fixtures. The luminaire is crafted with an extruded aluminum body and an acrylic diffuser lens. Die-cast aluminum adapters are included with a locking knob to secure the fixture firmly to the track. The luminaire is available in black and white designer finishes.

Designed with architectural aesthetics and performance in mind, the new LEDme 120-volt Step and Wall Lights offer a sleek profile and enhanced functionality ideal for safety and style on indoor and outdoor stairs, walls and other pathways. The luminaires are offered in versatile, horizontal and circular scoop designs for a clean, seamless installation without any visible hardware and without the use of transformers or drivers. These luminaires, which are IP-66 rated and UL listed for wet locations, offer a wide beam angle for broad lighting distribution and deliver balanced, consistent lighting free of shadow and glare. Constructed with a cast aluminum body, the LEDme Step and Wall Lights can be dimmed and feature a replaceable LED module. Faceplates are available in white, bronze and brushed nickel designer finishes.

The new Straight Edge(TM) LED Strip Light is designed with a sleek low profile and ideal for retail and residential display applications within cabinets, and satisfying shallow depths. This luminaire uses low power consumption and strong lumen output, and beautifully illuminates small coves, niches, cabinets, shelves and bookcases. The fixture is available in white and its lengths range from 7 1/8 inches to 31 inches.

Integrating high performance and innovative technology in a professional grade low profile lighting solution, WAC Lighting has added the new 2700K Color Temperature version to the InvisiLED Pro Series of LED Tape Lights. The 2700K model offers a warm incandescent-like white light that can be dimmed and installs easily to illuminate fine wood cabinets and granite counter tops, as well as behind crown moldings. Delivering 200 lumens per foot while using just three watts, InvisiLED Pro ensures consistent illumination and color control. Field-cuttable for custom lengths, the versatile LED Tape is available in two-inch sections, as well as one-foot and five-foot sections and can be dimmed with an Electronic Low Voltage (ELV) Dimmer.

WAC Lighting manufactures LED luminaires, as well as many of the LED components including: proprietary owned LED Drivers, Transformers, LED Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Assemblies, LED Modules, LED Reflectors for Optics, LED Connector Accessories, LED Wireless (RF) Dimming Controllers, Heat Sinks and Thermal Management components.

WAC will also offer a variety of other high performance and energy efficient architectural lighting solutions at LightFair.

The WAC Lighting Story WAC Lighting is a leading global manufacturer and innovative designer of lighting for Luxury Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Institutional, Retail and Architectural applications, specializing in track, recessed, under cabinet, monorail and decorative lighting, with a new sustainable LED collection.

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WAC Lighting to Unveil New LED Lighting Designs at 2012 Lightfair International