ELKO Drivers on Idaho Street saw a downtown storefront get a makeover in recent days, yet it wasnt part of the Citys Redevelopment Agency grant program.

Cucina Investments LLC recently spruced up the faade of the former Gypsy Cupboard and The Moon Bar storefronts at 452 and 460 Idaho Street.

The Moon Bar, owned by Miguel Castro, opened earlier this month, leasing part of the building from Gwen Uhlig, owner of Cucina Investments.

The space at 452 Idaho St. has been vacant since this spring when Gypsy Cupboard closed its doors.

Approved in May, the Citys Redevelopment Agency offered a matching fund grant for eligible improvements such as window replacement, doors, siding, signage and awnings to storefronts within the redevelopment area.

The City Engineering Department verified that Cucina Investments did not turn in a grant application.

In a statement to the Free Press, Uhlig confirmed that she did not participate in and/or did not apply for the Redevelopment program, and said the project is expected to be done at the end of the month.

Broker Kelly Higgins with Investors Realty confirmed this week that the property is part of a single building and is available for lease or sale.

Higgins also said Uhlig used her own funds to remodel the storefront as the timing for the grant did not work out.

Im excited for the buildings to have a fresh, new look, said Uhlig.

Four Downtown locations the Hesson Building, J.M. Capriola Co., Gerber Law Offices, and the Western Folklife Center were approved in May for RDA grants totaling $66,175.

The grant went over its budget of $50,000, the monies of which are raised by taxes within the redevelopment district.

Last week, 52 windows in the historic Pioneer Hotel building were replaced after receiving $20,000 from the grant.

Read more:
Idaho street business receives makeover - Elko Daily Free Press

"We are honored to be recognized as one of the Star Tribune's Top Workplaces by our employees," said Paul Delahunt, president of Renewal by Andersen. "Employees are the heart and soul of our company. Making Renewal by Andersen a place they are proud to work is a top priority for us."

The results of the Star Tribune Top Workplaces are based on survey information collected by WorkplaceDynamics, an independent company specializing in employee engagement and retention.

Star Tribune Publisher Michael J. Klingensmith said, "The companies in the Star Tribune Top Workplaces deserve high praise for creating the very best work environments in the state of Minnesota. My congratulations to each of these exceptional companies."

Since opening its first store in Minnesota in 1995, Renewal by Andersen has expanded to nearly 100 markets throughout the U.S. and Canada. It has become one of the largest replacement window networks in the country, having installed more than 4 million windows.

To qualify for the Star Tribune Top Workplaces, a company must have more than 50 employees in Minnesota. Over 2,000 companies were invited to participate. Rankings were composite scores calculated purely on the basis of employee responses.

For more information about Renewal by Andersen, visit http://www.renewalbyandersen.com.

About Renewal by AndersenRenewal by Andersen, LLC., is the start-to-finish window replacement division of Andersen Corporation. The company offers a replacement process that includes an in-home consultation, custom manufacturing, and installation through one of the largest nationwide networks of window replacement specialists. For a complimentary in-home consultation, or to view more information about Renewal by Andersen visit http://www.renewalbyandersen.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/star-tribune-names-renewal-by-andersen-a-2017-top-workplace-300479847.html

SOURCE Renewal by Andersen

https://www.renewalbyandersen.com

Originally posted here:
Star Tribune names Renewal by Andersen a 2017 Top Workplace - PR Newswire (press release)

Most U.S. buildings currently in use will continue to be until 2050 and, eventually, will require renovation. Helping building owners and facility managers evaluate and maximize the benefits of window system renovation and upgrades, the Building Retrofit Strategy Team at Apogee Enterprises, Inc. offers a new 28-page publication: Window Replacement: Unrealized Benefits to Building Owners and Occupants as a free download.

Replacing aging windows with new, high performance systems provides a better environment for the buildings occupants and greater value for the building owner, says John Bendt, vice president of Apogees Building Retrofit Strategy Team.

Window systems and components have evolved significantly since the 1980s, explains Kevin Robbins, Apogees Building Retrofit Strategy Team account manager. About half of all U.S. commercial and institutional buildings were constructed prior to this period, which presents a significant opportunity for owners and occupants to benefit from faade improvements and window replacement.

Bendt continues, Among the many benefits, modern window systems improve the appearance and performance of aging buildings. New, high performance glass and aluminum frames with thermal barriers help save energy, reduce maintenance, lower vacancy rates, increase rental rates, provide a better environment for the buildings occupants, and creates greater value for the building owner and enhance occupants satisfaction and comfort.

Describing these benefits and best practices in achieving them, the paper shares nine case studies along with detailed considerations regarding energy payback, fossil fuel savings equivalents, code compliance and green standards, environmental stewardship, tax credits, product selection and renovation specification tips, plus a glossary of industry terms and acronyms.

The featured projects range from the 1800s to the 1970s with geographies from Boston to Portland, Oregon. As many of these examples demonstrate, re-cladding and renovating building exteriors with high-performance window systems can have a significant effect on the buildings energy efficiency. To compare performance data between a buildings existing windows and proposed, new, high performance, replacements units, Apogees Retrofit Strategy Team offers free energy modeling that provides building performance information on annual energy, peak demand, carbon emissions, daylight, glare, and condensation.

Looking beyond simple energy payback, todays owners and facility managers consider all the factors involved, including carbon footprint reduction, maintenance savings, and safety and occupant productivity, adds Robbins. When window replacement is timed in conjunction with an HVAC system upgrade, significant reductions in peak load can yield further savings in equipment costs. For building owners seeking enhancements in security, design criteria for faade renovation also can include blast hazard mitigation, hurricane impact resistance, electronic eavesdropping protection, and forced entry deterrence.

Establishing clear goals, priorities and expectations for building envelope maintenance and renovation will significantly contribute to future success. Working with an experienced building envelope retrofit team that includes the installer and manufacturers, building owners and facility managers will optimize the intended benefits and return on investment, concludes Bendt.

TheWindow Replacement: Unrealized Benefits to Building Owners and Occupants publication is available for download from Apogee at this link.

Apogees business units supporting these building retrofit strategies include Alumicor; EFCO Corporation; Harmon, Inc.; Linetec; Sotawall Inc.; Tubelite Inc.; Viracon, Inc.; and Wausau Window and Wall Systems.

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Apogee Releases Booklet On Benefits Of Window Replacement - Facility Executive Magazine

YOUNGSTOWN Restored copper statues are on public display at the street level in front of the Mahoning County Courthouse, 120 Market St., until 2 p.m. today, when they will be hoisted back to their pedestal on the roof of the 106-year-old building, which is undergoing restoration.

While they are on display, the Mahoning County commissioners will meet at 10 a.m. today in the courthouse rotunda.

The three hollow statues, which were restored by an Oberlin firm after being removed from the courthouse roof in October 2010, are named Justice, on the left, Strength and Authority in the center; and Law on the right.

The statues arrived in front on the courthouse at 6 a.m. today and are being displayed behind a fence on a flatbed trailer in the southbound curb lane of Market Street.

Their heads, which had to be removed for highway bridge clearance purposes, were bolted back on shortly after their downtown arrival today.

The center statue in the one-ton cluster is 14 feet high; and the cluster is 16 feet, 10 inches wide and 79 inches deep.

They did a great job, I think. It says a lot about our tax dollars at work, Doug Martinec, construction superintendent with Murphy Contracting Co. of Youngstown, said of the statue restoration crew this morning.

The statues were restored at the McKay Lodge Fine Arts Conservatory Laboratory Inc. in Oberlin.

Murphy is the building restoration projects general contractor.

The courthouse restoration project has included replacement of rusted statue pedestal support beams and of the buildings roof and replacement of 730 pieces of the buildings fired clay masonry, known as terra cotta, around the buildings upper perimeter.

The project was delayed by the need to replace unforeseen asbestos roofing discovered in the pedestal.

In January 2017, the commissioners added $853,529 to the $6 million restoration project to cover additional work to be performed this year, including brick repairs and replacement of rotted original wooden window frames in two interior window wells.

The building, which opened March 6, 1911, has a granite exterior and a marble interior and was entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Read more:
Courthouse statues on display downtown until 2 pm - Youngstown Vindicator

Project: Repair or Replace Window Hardware, Latches or Tracks

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/25/2017

Is this an emergency?: No

Repair Problems: Broken track, Block and tackle (pulley)

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: More than 2 weeks

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Project: Install or Repair Window Well Covers

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/21/2017

Features: Support weight of person, Lets light in

Material of Cover: Metal (Steel or Aluminum)

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Within 1 week

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Project: New Windows - 3-5

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/20/2017

Nature of Project: New Window(s) - Installation

Number of Windows: 3 - 5

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Project: Install or Repair Door or Window Screens

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/20/2017

Floor of screen installation: First

Kind of Screen: Insect screen (traditional)

Quantity Needed: 1

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Property Owner: Yes

Comment: Patio screen door

Project: Repair or Replace Window Hardware, Latches or Tracks

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/20/2017

Is this an emergency?: No

Repair Problems: Window sticks, Window jammed

Window Frame Material: Vinyl clad

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Historical Work: No

Desired Completion Date: 1 - 2 weeks

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Property Owner: Yes

After Business Hours: No

Covered by Insurance: No

Comment: Windows close but are very hard to close and do not latch or lock. The windows are sliders with the latches on the side.

Project: New Window - Single

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/19/2017

Nature of Project: New Window(s) - Installation

Number of Windows: 1

Is this an emergency?: No

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Comment: Bedroom window needs replaced. It is currently screwed closed but the hardware broke so that it can't stay closed any longer. Old window removed and replaced required.

Project: Install or Repair Door or Window Screens

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/19/2017

Floor of screen installation: First, Second

Kind of Screen: Insect screen (traditional)

Quantity Needed: 6 - 10

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Within 1 week

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Property Owner: Yes

Comment: Big sliding door screen also needs replacement

Project: Install or Repair Door or Window Screens

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/19/2017

Floor of screen installation: First

Kind of Screen: Insect screen (traditional)

Quantity Needed: 1

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Property Owner: Yes

Comment: Patio screen door

Project: Install or Repair Door or Window Screens

Location: Castle Pines, CO

Date: 06/17/2017

Floor of screen installation: First

Kind of Screen: Other

Quantity Needed: 1

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Property Owner: Yes

Comment: Roller wheel broke on sliding screen door. Need to replace the Prime Line B515 Sliding Screen Door Spring Tension Roller.

Project: Install or Repair Door or Window Screens

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Date: 06/15/2017

Floor of screen installation: First

Kind of Screen: Retractable (available in bug and solar screening)

Quantity Needed: 1

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Within 1 week

What kind of location is this?: Home/Residence

Property Owner: Yes

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25 Best Window Replacement Companies - Castle Rock CO ...

With Ernesto Valverde installed as manager and a clear to-do list in his possession ahead of next seasonnamely overhaul Real Madrid domesticallyBarcelona need to make some strong additions this summer.

Atletico Madrid cannot buy because of their transfer ban, Sevilla have changed managers again and Valencia are still sorting themselves out. That means it's hugely likely to fight for the title in La Liga will end up being a two-way battle once more, with Real on top as reigning Spanish and European champions.

And world champions, for that matter.

It will hurt Barca, who have been the better team for the majority of the past decade, and it's critical they get their moves in the transfer market right this summer after what was a bit of a letdown in 2016, with the likes of Paco Alcacer and Andre Gomes not setting the Camp Nou alight.

Here we identify the best and worst moves the club bosses and Valverde could make.

Best: Dani Alves

A year ago, Barca allowed Brazilian right-back DaniAlves to leave for Juventus, with whom he promptly won Serie A, the Coppa Italia and reached the UEFA Champions League final.

Meanwhile, Barcelona struggled to replace his effectiveness in both halves, with Aleix Vidal alternately poorbar a five-match run in the new yearor injured, while Sergi Roberto suffered dips in form too.

It's no secret Barca will be looking to add a right-back, but their options seem limited, particularly after a stern hands-off warning from Arsenal over Hector Bellerin, perMarca (h/t Liam Spence of theDailyExpress).

Alves, meanwhile, is set to be released from his contract at Juve, per Simon Stone of BBC Sport.

It's expected he'll join Manchester City and former boss Pep Guardiola, but if Barca came calling, would he change his mind? Maybe not, but it's worth asking the question.

Getting Alves back for a yearhe's clearly still good enoughwould give Barca time to raise funds to crank up the pressure on Arsenal to sellBellerin, while Alves could still head to the Premier League afterward if he desired.

Worst: Joao Cancelo

Right-back is a priority.

But Valencia'sJoao Cancelo doesn't have the form to justify being a Barca target, doesn't have the consistency to suggest he would be a huge upgrade on Sergi Roberto and hasn't shown anything like the ability to be a worthwhile 30 million investment, a figure Tomas Andreu of Sportreported last term.

There are alternativeseven if Alves isn't an optionwith similar traits and levels to Cancelowho would be far cheaper or have higher ceilings.

Best: Saul Niguez

The move for Paulinho seems to be on, perJoaquim Piera ofSport, but Barca have been linked with other central midfielders toonamely Marco Verratti. It'san ongoing and difficult chase for the Italian, who recently spoke about the situation withLaGazzetta dello Sport(h/t Dan Gibbs of the DailyExpress).

But now a new name is in the frame: Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid, perMoises Llorens ofAS.

This will be almost as hard as prising away Verrattigiven he's an Atleti canterano, Los Rojiblancos can't sign a replacement and he has an 80 million buyout clause.

But he'd be perfect for Barca and forValverde.

Aggressive, tenacious, determined and technically brilliant, not to mention versatilehe'd fit Barca's 4-3-3 template but could also play in the double pivot in Valverde's favoured 4-2-3-1 or even act as a wider midfield option in stringing four across the centre.

Best of all, signing him would significantly weaken a domestic rival.

Worst: Sell Rafinha

It's not just incoming deals that affect the team, though. Outgoing possibilities must be considered too.

Ramiro Aldunate of Marcarecentlyreportedof Arsenal's interest in Rafinhaand the player's eagerness to leave the Camp Nou. That would be a terrible piece of business on Barca's behalf.

Rafinha finally broke into the side on a regular basis last term until another injury ended his campaign, but he played a pivotal role for Luis Enrique's team with his ability to attack from deep, play multiple roles and get his name on the scoresheet.

He's a real talent, a player who could play a big role as a 12th man, if not a starter, and it would be helpful for Barca to incorporate him as often as possible given he's a Masia graduate at a time when they're shippingacademytalent elsewhere.

Best: Ousmane Dembele

This one could be fanciful, but if the opportunity pops up to sign a player who could be one of the world's best talents, a club should take it.

Ousmane Dembele isn't the finished product, but his instinctive ability, quick foot-work, lightning pace and willingness to shoulder responsibility are all indicative of his potential to reach the top.

France Football reportedBorussia Dortmund want 79 million (h/tMark Brus ofMetro).Bild saidBarca have already been in touch with BVB and that personal terms have been agreedwith the player (via Brus).

His signing is still a long way off completion, and picking and choosing which of the fourDembele, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarezis left out would be one hell of a job for Valverdeevery week, but it's far from the worst problem to have.

Line up Saul and Sergio Busquets in central midfield, and you might sometimes get away with starting all four of them in an offensive 4-2-3-1.

Worst: Gerard Deulofeu

Unless it is to immediately sell him on to make a quick profit, there would be zero reason for Barcelona to bring back GerardDeulofeu, something Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph reported they will do this summer.

Sure, he made an impact at AC Milan and had a good half-season with them, but the reason he was there in the first place was Milan, a side badly in need of a revamp, presented an easier side to play for than Everton, who finished seventh in the Premier League without his help.

Not hardworking enough for Toffees boss Ronald Koeman, Deulofeu was quickly sidelined, and he has rarely shown any consistency to his game.

He's not going to challenge Alcacer as an alternative goalscoring threat off the bench, and he's not even on the same planet as the first-choice front three.

Facebook.com/karlmatchett.football

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Best and Worst Moves Barcelona Could Make in the Transfer Window - Bleacher Report

Sid Lowe explains why Marco Verratti reminds him of Xavi Hernandez and assesses Barcelona's other transfer options. Steve Nicol thinks Marco Verratti would be a great fit for Barcelona, but Alejandro Moreno worries about his health. In honour of Lionel Messi's 30th birthday, the FC crew debate his place among the all-time great footballers. In honour of Lionel Messi's 30th birthday, take a look at what he's accomplished so far and what he has left to chase down. With reports indicating Barca rejected a hefty bid for Andre Gomes, the FC panel debate the future for the young midfielder.

Luiz Felipe Scolari has played down speculation Paulinho will join Barcelona during the summer transfer window as finding a replacement for the former Tottenham Hotspur man would be too expensive.

Paulinho joined Guangzhou at the start of 2016 after an indifferent spell at Tottenham Hotspur and the 28-year-old has impressed, winning two Chinese Super League titles, the Asian Champions League and the Chinese FA Cup since joining the club.

His form has attracted the attention of Barca, but with new regulations in place governing the fees paid by Chinese clubs for foreign talent prompting them to halt their spending in the current transfer window, Scolari does not believe Guangzhou will be prepared to allow Paulinho to leave.

"His release clause costs 40 million and none of the Chinese clubs will let their key players go now because it would be difficult and expensive to find a replacement due to the new rules," Scolari said.

Paulinho signed a new contract with the club at the start of the season and he has since regained his place in the Brazil national team, with his goals helping the Selecao become the first to secure their place at next year's World Cup finals in Russia.

He has been instrumental in the club racing to the top of the Chinese Super League standings and booking a place in the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League, where they will meet fellow Chinese side Shanghai SIPG.

Finding a replacement for such an integral part of his team would not only be difficult but would be expensive under the new rules, which see clubs hit with a 100 percent levy on transfers over RMB 45 million (5m) if the club is deemed to be in debt by the Chinese Football Association.

Paulinho confirmed at the weekend that Barcelona had made enquiries about signing him, but the midfielder said he was conflicted.

"[Barcelona] contacted my agent," he told Globo Esporte. "There is an offer, but in life and also in my career I find myself at a very happy stage now. When you are at such a stage, it's difficult to make a decision.

"I need to weigh many things and then make up my mind. One of the critical factors is my happiness. I think firstly my wife and I are very happy in China, we like it here and we like the people."

Michael Church has written about Asian football for more than 20 years and mainly covers the Chinese game for ESPN FC. Twitter: @michaelrgchurch

Read more:
Luiz Felipe Scolari dismisses Paulinho to Barcelona speculation - ESPN FC

MARIETTA Enhancing the appeal of downtown Marietta is the goal of Build Up Marietta, a new facade improvement program from Marietta Main Street and the Marietta Community Foundation.

This program is due in part to the hard work of our Design Committee and their focus on beautifying downtown, Cristie Thomas, executive director of Marietta Main Street said in a recent news release.

Through the Build Up Marietta program business and property owners in Mariettas downtown C4 district can apply for a matching grant of up to $3,000 to upgrade the front facades of their buildings.

Those improvements may include exterior painting, brick maintenance, new or replacement awnings and signage, lighting, door and window repair, or other upgrades that increase property value.

We hope that Build Up Marietta opens the door to new partnerships with property owners and business owners, as well as new opportunities for property maintenance through quality design by helping offset some of the financial burden, Thomas added.

Support for the grant funding comes from the Marietta Community Foundation.

The submission date for the first round of 2017 grant applications is no later than July 1. A second round of grant applications this year must be submitted by Oct. 1.

Applications for grant-funded projects will be taken on a quarterly basis and all submissions will be reviewed by a group with working knowledge of construction, design, historic preservation, and community development, according to Thomas.

Build Up Marietta is reminiscent of a similar facade improvement program that was funded through the citys annual Community Development Block Grant. But the city has not offered that program for the last several years.

We used to do that every year during my first administration, said Mayor Joe Matthews. And we would present plaques thanking those who took advantage of the program. Im glad Marietta Main Street is going to do something now.

Andy Coleman, the citys development director, said the CDBG-funded facade program was successful for the first few years, but interest in the program began to wane.

Anytime you use federal (CDBG) dollars for a project, you had to pay the prevailing wage, which apparently made it too expensive for those who wanted to do a facade project, he said.

Coleman noted the project cost was covered 50 percent by the city and 50 percent by the property owner. But having to pay prevailing wage for the work, under the federal Davis-Bacon Act, proved to be too costly for property owners.

Because the Build Up Marietta program is being funded with Marietta Community Foundation dollars matched by the property owner, the federal prevailing wage stipulation is not expected to apply to those projects.

Coleman said CDBG monies once used to fund the citys facade program now support projects like Paint Marietta and the Emergency Repair Program, aimed at improving housing within the city and preventing blighted properties.

Projects that qualify for both of those programs are 100 percent funded out of the grant, he said.

MARIETTA In response to Washington Countys mental health crisis, the Washington County Behavioral Health ...

NEW MARTINSVILLE The Ebert Brothers band will be inducted into the Wetzel County Hall of Fall on Friday in New ...

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Program aims to 'Build Up' downtown Marietta - Parkersburg News

EXCHANGE: Henry County round barn badly needs new roof

KEWANEE, Ill. (AP) Shafts of light stream in from dozens of cracks in the roof of the historic Ryan's Round Barn.

This is not just any barn rotting away in the countryside. Located in Johnson-Sauk Trail state park off Illinois 78 between Annawan and Kewanee, the barn was completed in 1910 by Dr. Laurence Ryan, a Henry County native who became chief surgeon at St. Anthony Hospital in Chicago.

Dr. Ryan wanted a place in Henry County to be a retreat for his family. He built the barn for a "new" breed of cattle he had heard about in Scotland: Black Angus. At 61 feet tall and 74 feet in diameter, it's deemed the largest round barn in Illinois. Its interior has three and a half levels and a central silo, with four gambrel dormers spaced evenly around the edge and a cupola at the top.

Dr. Ryan died in 1932, and an Annawan banker sold his farm to the state in 1968. The barn was among a number of buildings the state had slated for demolition until the Friends of Johnson Park came together to preserve it.

In 1974, the barn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ten years later, the structure was re-roofed with original-style wooden shingles. After more than 30 years later, the barn needs roofing work again.

Three years ago, estimates were gathered for redoing the roof: $201,000 for asphalt shingles over the top of the old ones; $236,000 for wood shingles over wood and $245,000 to tear off the old shingles and replace with wooden shingles.

The type of shingles needed "depends on who you talk to," said Steve Christian, president of Friends of Johnson Park Foundation.

"I love barns and I love history," said Mr. Christian, now retired. "They were looking for volunteers, and I offered to be a tour guide. I came to this meeting and dinner, and I found out I was on the board already."

Mr. Christian said that, when state candidates campaigned in 2014, the group was told Illinois didn't have funds for the roof work. A lack of a budget in 2015 brought the re-roofing effort to a complete halt.

The steepness of the roof has proven a good thing, Mr. Christian said. The barn's interior is basically sound, although the siding holds moisture from the leaking roof and has started to deteriorate. The leaks also have caused some rotting in the hay mow in the loft.

"It creates havoc with everything that's underneath it or everything that touches it," he said.

Mr. Christian's group explains to visitors that the barn is not a multi-side structure appearing to be round. Instead, the structure was made with 16-foot lengths of pine soaked to hold a bend. Even large interior beams are bent, with five one-inch boards laminated together to form the beams.

Why round?

Mr. Christian tells visitors that while it was more expensive to build, the barn was labor-saving in the long run. One man with a pitchfork could feed 50 cattle with little movement. But the advent of tractors and evolving farm machinery made round barns obsolete, he said.

"You can't bring a tractor in and turn it around," he says.

While the barn may not attract crowds as large as the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Mr. Christian says the landmark holds its own. More than 1,000 visitors go through the barn tours each year, he said.

"We draw a pretty good size crowd here, and we have people from all over the world," he said. On June 3, that crowd included guests from California and Puerto Rico.

The barn also could use new paint. In 2004, that task cost $3,200. The Friends have set aside money from tour fees to repaint the barn this summer, but they worry even that repair may not happen. They still need approval from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and they haven't heard yet if they can.

Landmarks Illinois, a preservation non-profit group, this year named Ryan's Round Barn as one of 10 endangered historic entities in the state. While the friends group tackles smaller barn projects, such as repairing metal flashing at dormer windows, the roof work is beyond their abilities or pocketbook.

"We can handle window replacement," Mr. Christian said. "But at a $2 donation, we cannot come up with a quarter of a million dollars to put a roof on.

"Our hands are tied," he said. "We can't do anything until we get a budget."

___

Source: The Rock Island Argus, http://bit.ly/2skbSmw

___

Information from: The Dispatch - The Rock Island Argus, http://www.qconline.com

This is an AP-Illinois Exchange story offered by The Rock Island Argus.

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EXCHANGE: Henry County round barn badly needs new roof - SFGate

MARGATE The Board of Education on Wednesday, June 21, awarded a contract to repave the parking lot at the Dominick A. Potena Performing Arts Center at the rear of the Eugene A. Tighe School this summer. It also agreed to hire a new solicitor.

The board awarded a $153,396 contract to low-bidder Asphalt Paving Systems Inc. of Hammonton to pave the entire rear parking lot and sidewalks along the Monmouth Avenue side of the Tighe school. It also awarded a $18,292 contract for an alternate bid to install two handicapped parking spaces at the front of the school. Three other companies offered bids May 23 as high as $299,537 for the combined base bid and alternate.

MARGATE The Board of Education voted Wednesday, March 8 to submit its $12,862,928 school b

The project is being funded through a bond ordinance approved by the Board of Commissioners earlier this year. The $1.2 million school capital improvement bond approved May 4 will also fund replacement of rooftop HVAC units at the Tighe School and replacement of some of the windows.

According to Business Administrator Susan Palaia, the bond was approved too late to get the HVAC improvements done this summer. It is likely the job will have to wait until next year when students are out of school. Window repairs will be put off until the district receives an updated cost of doing the HVAC units, she said. The district is also considering seeking funding from other sources to help with the cost of replacing the windows, including grants from the state Board of Public Utilities or the Department of Education Regular Operating District program, she said.

The Margate tax rate is up due to the City Commission's refusal to address the 800-pound gor

After an executive session held to interview three candidates, the board hired Eric Goldstein of Nehmad Perillo & Davis of Egg Harbor Township as board solicitor. Goldsteins hourly rate will be $25 an hour less than Rob Muccilli of Capehart & Scatchard of Mount Laurel, who has provided legal services for the past six years. Andrew Brown of Schwartz Simon Edelstein & Celso LLC of Mount Laurel, who represents the Ventnor City Board of Education, also submitted a proposal.

We routinely put out requests for proposals for our professional services contracts every few years. We did it before in 2011 and 2014, Palaia said. They are all very capable lawyers.

MARGATE Despite a $34.5 million increase in ratables from new construction resulting in $2

We have brought it down a lot over the last few years, Palaia said. This was a good year to go out for quotes since we have no pressing legal issues at this time.

Goldsteins fee will be $140 an hour. Palaia said the district would also save on the cost of travel, since the firm is located in nearby Egg Harbor Township.

There will be no travel expenses, she said.

Contact: 609-601-5196

nanette.galloway@shorenewstoday.com

Twitter @DBCurrent

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Margate school board awards contract to repave PAC parking lot - Shore News Today