The USS Iowa sits docked in Richmond, Calif. in May 2012 while workers, both volunteer and paid, work to restore the battleship. It was saved from the scrap yard when the Navy gave it to the Pacific Battleship Center last year. It will be towed to Los Angeles Sunday and is scheduled to be dedicated July 4.(Mark Benischek/The Gazette)

From the moment the Navy approved a plan to turn the USS Iowa into an interactive museum, veterans from around the nation who served on the battleship have been flocking to California to help with the massive restoration project.

Iowans are interested in seeing the ship saved, and they should be, said John Wolfinbarger, 87, who served on the Iowa during WWII. This ship is named after that state.

The restoration, which carries a price tag of up to $12 million, got under way shortly after the ship was moved from the ghost fleet of Suisun Bay to Richmond, Calif., in October.

Wolfinbarger has spent more than a dozen weekends on the Iowa while it has been docked at the Port of Richmond, where the first leg of the project is nearing completion. During weekend tours, Wolfinbarger served as the ship historian.

One weekend more than 3,000 people came aboard, he said. People want to see it.

On Sunday, the ship will be towed to the Los Angeles area. It will officially open to the public in San Pedro Bay in early July.

When the ship is towed into San Pedro Bay, three flags will by flying from her mast: The American flag, the California state flag and the Iowa state flag.

While the Navy still owns the vessel, the Pacific Battleship Center (PBC) will run, possess and maintain the ship. The PBC is a nonprofit organization established in 2009.

Its exciting, its stressful, its pretty much perseverance, said Robert Kent, president of the PBC. We run into blocks pretty much on a weekly basis, but we just punch through them and keep going.

Continued here:
Veterans excited to see USS Iowa in new home

Severe Weather Awareness Severe Weather Awareness

Updated: Monday, May 21 2012 11:29 AM EDT2012-05-21 15:29:53 GMT

Severe weather can strike at any time. All week we're putting the focus on severe weather awareness.

Severe weather can strike at any time. All week we're putting the focus on severe weather awareness.

Updated: Monday, May 21 2012 11:17 AM EDT2012-05-21 15:17:49 GMT

Today we're thrilled to welcome Karen Stimpson, the executive director at the Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick, and some pets.

Today we're thrilled to welcome Karen Stimpson, the executive director at the Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick, and some pets.

Updated: Monday, May 21 2012 11:06 AM EDT2012-05-21 15:06:26 GMT

Everyone knows that going green is good for the environment, but it could also save you some green. There are some simple things you can do around your house to make your bank account look a little better.

Everyone knows that going green is good for the environment, but it could also save you some green. There are some simple things you can do around your house to make your bank account look a little better.

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Green Building Restoration

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Renewing its longstanding commitment to improving the lives of America's military families, Sears has launched its annual spring renovation campaign with Rebuilding Together, the nation's leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership. In the past five years, Sears Heroes at Home has raised more than $16 million and helped more than 62,000 families via Rebuilding Together. Now through July 28, Sears is encouraging Americans to give back and continue their efforts by donating funds to Heroes at Home at their local Sears store or via a link online at sears.com/heroesathome.

According to a recent survey conducted by Sears, nearly half of all Americans surveyed plan to volunteer, donate to a military-related cause, or thank a veteran this Patriot Season (Armed Forces Day, May 19, through Labor Day, Sept. 3)[i]. It's that spirit of appreciation that motivates hundreds of volunteers from Rebuilding Together and Sears to work in communities across America via the Heroes at Home program to address the urgent housing needs of veterans from past and present wars.

"As grateful Americans, we know the great sacrifices our military heroes make to protect our nation," said Ron Boire, Sears Holdings' executive vice president, chief merchandising officer and president, Sears and Kmart formats. "Sears' Heroes at Home program, teaming with Rebuilding Together, turns that spirit of appreciation into action that helps improve the lives of our veterans. We're proud to be marking five years and more than 1,100 rebuilt homes and owe this success to the generosity and dedication of our customers and associates."

Heroes at Home rebuilds vary in size and scope, but all strive to provide safe and accessible housing. Highlights of the 150 projects currently underway across the country include:

"We couldn't ask for better support than what we receive from Heroes at Home," said Gary Officer, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "Dollar-by-donated-dollar, hand-in-hand, we are able to make a difference in the lives of our veterans. We have the utmost respect for each and every American that serves our country, and providing them with a safe, accessible home that they can feel comfortable living in is our main priority."

In addition to working with Rebuilding Together to help veterans with home modifications, Sears has been recognized as one of the country's leading military employers. Sears currently employs more than 30,000 veterans, leading recruitment programs to place them in jobs within the organization as well as accommodations for their spouses who have relocated to be closer to them. The company also offers a military pay differential to its full-time associates who are reservists and serving on active duty, allowing each to continue participating in life insurance, medical and dental programs. Sears will also hold a comparable position for deployed employees for up to five years.

For more information about Heroes at Home, to make a donation and volunteer, visit http://www.sears.com/heroesathome.com.

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Sears celebra cinco años de Heroes at Home, más de 1,100 renovaciones de hogares de veteranos con Rebuilding Together

In an otherwise-well-kept Moline neighborhood, the house on the highly visible corner of 27th Street and 15th Avenue was an eyesore. It was in foreclosure, with trees growing next to the foundation and in the gutters, and a blue tarp was draped over the leaking roof.

Littered with debris and marred by mold, the for sale as-is home was more than a typical buyer would want to tackle.

But Shane Scott who makes a business of buying, fixing and reselling houses saw the otherwise-attractive 1930s bungalow as an opportunity. He bought the property and, with the help of three associates, restored it both inside and out over a four-month period in 2011.

Once it was finished, the home was certified mold-clear by RCM Laboratories Inc., a third-party mold-testing company in Moline, and it had a new roof, new windows, a new heating and air-conditioning system, a new kitchen and bathroom and new doors, trim and light fixtures.

In short, it was pretty much a new house.

Not only did the undertaking provide a home for a new family, but it also helped maintain the neighborhoods integrity.

In recognition of that important work, Scott and co-workers Heath Everson and Bob and Terry Cones received the Moline Preservation Societys neighborhood stabilization award in ceremo-nies held Wednesday at the Butterworth Center.

I live nearby and walk that area with my dog, and I was impressed with the work they did, said Tom Bracke, a member of the citys preservation commission. These guys made it a beautiful home again.

Eight other individuals or entities also were cited for preservation work at the event last week.

Rehabbing a way of life

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Group is lauded for restoration of historic 1930s bungalow

Cameron green light to new generation of nuclear subs Lib Dems wanted downgrade to reflect end of Cold War

By Tim Shipman

PUBLISHED: 02:47 EST, 21 May 2012 | UPDATED: 04:52 EST, 21 May 2012

David Cameron has given the green light to a new generation of Trident nuclear submarines, pitching the coalition into civil war over the future of Britains deterrent.

The Ministry of Defence will next week reveal the names of defence firms who have won 350million of contracts to design the new super subs.

The decision means the UK is set to replace the four giant Vanguard class boats with a new Bravo class of submarines, rather than downgrade the deterrent as the Lib Dems want.

Making waves: David Cameron has given the go-ahead to a new generation of nuclear submarines to replace the current Vanguard class of boats, which includes HMS Vanguard (above)

The successor submarines are due to come into service in 2028.

And the design of the new submarines will use a new nuclear propulsion system to make the next generation of boats longer lasting and more cost effective.

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PM signals that Trident replacement is on the way despite Lib Dem unease

Study: 1 in 4 kids diabetic or pre-diabetic Study: 1 in 4 kids diabetic or pre-diabetic

Updated: Monday, May 21 2012 7:53 PM EDT2012-05-21 23:53:30 GMT

Recent data shows a shocking jump in youth diabetes. A new study in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics said 1 out of 4 youth in the U.S. is diabetic or pre-diabetic.

Recent data shows a shocking jump in youth diabetes. A new study in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics said 1 out of 4 youth in the U.S. is diabetic or pre-diabetic.

The West Frankfort Police Department arrested 18 on Monday, May 21 after an undercover drug investigation.

Updated: Monday, May 21 2012 7:28 PM EDT2012-05-21 23:28:48 GMT

The United States Geological Survey reports a 2.9 magnitude earthquake shook part of southeast Missouri Monday just after 5 p.m.

The United States Geological Survey reports a 2.9 magnitude earthquake shook part of southeast Missouri Monday just after 5 p.m.

Updated: Monday, May 21 2012 7:21 PM EDT2012-05-21 23:21:57 GMT

Officers are investigating two break-ins in Fisk and Neelyville at convenience stores.

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Concrete deck poured on Eggners Ferry Bridge replacement span

Initially intending to alter only one set of cabinets, Roberson eventually remodeled the entire kitchen of his new condo in the Mayfair.

Roberson's master bedroom is sparsely appointed, but features original parquet floors that run throughout the unit.

As the end of the lease on his Midtown apartment approached, Chase Roberson toyed with several questions. Did he want to stay in Memphis, or did he want to move to another city? If he stayed, did he want to buy, or did he want to rent?

Meanwhile, every time he drove up Union Avenue, he'd glance up at The Mayfair condominium building and think, "I'd really like to live there."

Finally, he resolved to just do it.

"I decided on a whim that I'd been here this long, I wasn't going to go anywhere else," Roberson said. "I had money in hand, and being a first-time buyer worked in my favor."

Roberson called Alan Stricklin of Sowell & Co. Realtors to get the process started.

"He's a friend of mine, so naturally when I got ready, I just called him up," said Roberson, an assistant designer with Ray & Baudoin Interior Design. "He actually really wanted to steer me away from the building when we were looking at first."

That was because Stricklin knew a unit in The Mayfair, which was built in 1962, would likely require remodeling. Roberson, though, was not only up for it, he welcomed the challenge of designing his own space.

"I didn't want anything that was too big, too run down," he said. "But I definitely wanted something that needed fixing up, because that's a hobby of mine."

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My New Home: Buyer willing to do a little remodeling finds a bargain on Union

HOLCOMBE Al Dixon has wanted something done with the Lake Holcombe High School science room for a long time.

Now, he has personally helped the remodeling plans along with a $30,000 donation.

"I wanted to do something, and I couldn't think of anything better than giving them money," he said with a smile.

The generous donation was given on behalf of the Dixon Family to the Lake Holcombe PRIDE committee, a citizen group which has been steadily raising money for the past few months to help pay for upgrades to the Lake Holcombe School gymnasium as well as the science room.

Dixon has long been involved in the Lake Holcombe School District and the community. A lifelong resident of Holcombe, he and his six siblings graduated from the school, as did all three of his own children. Now, most of his grandchildren are current students at Lake Holcombe.

Dixon has also been a long-time school board member for the district, and is on PRIDE's steering committee.

He said the science room project has needed improvements for a long time.

"It's been a long time coming," Dixon said. "It's been on referendums and board discussions but it kept being put off."

PRIDE spokesman J.D. Kirkman said the science room project involves improvements to the plumbing system and the addition of a neutralizer, which catches chemicals in the drainage to safeguard the municipal water system. Improvements to the countertops and floor are also being considered.

Dixon said he made the donation to benefit his family, as his grandchildren move through school, as well as other students in the community.

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Dixon family tabs large donation for school

GIFFORD Country Health Nursing Home officials have unveiled the results of a multimillion-dollar renovation.

The $8.9 million project was started in 2008 and involved remodeling and expansion.

Administrator Chris Kasper said Gifford area residents have been enthusiastic in their backing of the project and have contributed a great deal.

"Everybody just thinks it's amazing. They can't believe it's a nursing home," Kasper said of the facility's interior.

"For what our rates are, they're very pleased with the price because we're very competitive with the area. We've had a lot of excellent comments on the care because we're a five-star facility with CMS Nursing Home Compare."

Kasper said Country Health was recently listed one of the top 50 nursing homes in Illinois by U.S. News and World Report. It received five out of five stars based on health inspections, nurse staffing and quality measures.

The nursing home's expansion, designed by Worn Jerabek Architects of Chicago, included gutting and renovating the building's original 37 rooms and adding 27 more rooms in extensions that branch off from the south and north wings.

Whereas before some rooms housed as many as four residents, now there are private rooms and rooms with two residents.

The rooms also include more amenities than before, with an oval sitting area and walk-in shower. Each room also has its own closet.

The most recent phase of the project has included renovating the core of the building, which encompasses a new chapel, new activity room, beauty shop, physicians office and renovation of the old dining room. The front entryway was also completed.

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Country Health finishes remodeling

NEW ALBANY A retroactive request to allow vinyl siding to be used to replace the original wood material of the house that quarters Bradford Realty was denied by the New Albany Historic Preservation Commission this week.

It was the second time the commission rejected Bradford Realty owner Ron Craigs petition for a Certificate of Appropriateness or COA for the installation of vinyl siding, and the previous decision was upheld by the Indiana Court of Appeals in March.

The issue is vinyl has already been applied to the 419 E. Market St. building, and there isnt much of a track record for the city to call upon in terms of how to go about removing the siding.

Bradford Realty is located within the Downtown Historic District, and the commission oversees certain building repairs for structures inside historically designated zones. One of the citys guidelines for such building repairs states that if wooden features are missing or damaged beyond repair that they be replaced in kind.

In 2008, Craig sought to replace the original wood siding on the house, as he said the panels were blemished and in need of being upgraded. But Craig didnt seek approval from the commission before ordering the repairs, and the citys guidelines forbid original wood from being replaced with an artificial material.

Officials notified Craig after work had commenced that he had to request a COA before replacing the siding. He appeared before the commission, and his was request was denied.

Craig took the matter to court and claimed he had no knowledge the building was in the Downtown Historic District, which was established in 2002. He made the same assertion to the commission Wednesday, as he stated he discussed the matter with the building commissioner at the time.

There was never any mention of the historic preservation zone, Craig said.

In 2011, Special Judge Daniel Moore decided in favor of Craig, as he ruled the commission failed to properly notify land owners of historic district restrictions. But that ruling was overturned by the Indiana Court of Appeals in March, and the commission stuck to its original decision by again denying Craigs COA request.

No revisions have been made to the design guidelines since the initial denial, and the application itself is essentially unchanged, requesting after-the-fact approval for vinyl installation, said commission member Christina Pfau, who read the staff comments portion of the reply to Craigs application.

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Craig application over siding again denied in New Albany