Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

The Bureau of Land Managements National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center will be hosting a variety of open-air programs in September to connect youth to Americas natural and cultural heritage through public lands.

The Interpretive Center has a variety of programs to take visitors back in time:

Oregon Fever! offers visitors a deeper insight into the pioneer experience Thursdays through Sundays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Sit a spell and talk with a Ranger during Porch Chats Thursdays and Fridays at noon, and Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m.

Learn about the flora and fauna of Flagstaff Hill during a ranger-guided nature walk on Saturdays at 9:15 a.m. and stick around to hear a pioneer describe their experiences on the Oregon Trail during Voices of the Past at noon.

Discover the unique mining history of eastern Oregon at the Going for Gold program Sundays at noon.

There are also special events and exhibits to explore:

Meet formerly wild horse Norm Fridays, Sept. 18 and 25 at 11 a.m. While Norm poses for pictures and smooches visitors, owner Deb Henshaw will be happy to answer questions about working with wild horses and the BLM adoption program.

Dont miss exploring how cutting-edge technological advances of the 1800s made the grueling overland journey easier for later emigrants. A self-guided exhibit entitled Tech on the Trek is open during regular center hours through Oct. 12.

Public health measures encouraged

While visiting, we strongly encourage all visitors to follow Centers for Disease Control and the State of Oregon guidance to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. These measures include:

Practice social distancing by maintaining two wagon wheels (6 feet) between you and others visiting the center.

Wear cloth face coverings, like bandanas, where social distancing is difficult (except for those who are under age 2 or have trouble breathing). Wash your hands often. While youre outdoors, use hand sanitizers. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Most importantly, stop the wagon train and stay at home if you dont feel well.

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Pioneers, porch chats, and gold among September programs at the Interpretive Center - Ontario Argus Observer

Guest blog post by Tim Scarbrough

Simplicity. For many months now, this seems to be a place I must inhabit a place of peaceful simplicity. A definition of the word "simplicity" isa thing that is plain, natural, or easy to understand. It might be pluralized as "simplicities of pastoral living".

Yet, to further the concept, I think the perception of simplicity is as personal as the feelings a sunrise might create in your heart, or perhaps the giggle of a baby or the mew of a kitten. Is it a place of raw basic emotion? Perhaps one of nostalgia or sweet memory?

I believe all these examples are true and much more than many of us might consider. Let me elaborate from a recent discovery as I was recovering from some of the worst effects of radiation and hormone treatments I experienced while fighting prostate cancer.

I recently rediscovered my front porch, a place of simplicity.

I have a small farm in rural southern Illinois and have always had a great view from my porch. Id commonly see bees and trees, dogs and cats, gradual and sometimes rapid growth of plant life, especially mid-summer crabgrass and field corn. Before my divorce some years ago, throughout 22 years married, our porch was seldom used and not at all for meetings, quiet time with God, calm reflections, or meditation.

Last year, a former girlfriend of mine gave me a nice cigar. We sat together and laughed, smoked it, and drank a little just spending quality time together, on the porch.

I newly saw, even in the beginning of 2020, my porch was a place that gave me comfort. In this place, I found a peace that Id not known since my marriage was sound, and all of my children were smaller, living inside.

How utterly simple and profoundly peaceful!

In my deep pain from treatments, work stresses, and old terrible memories that bubble up from time to time I was able to sit comfortably on my porch, just me and the Lord. Sometimes with a glass of tea or coffee, maybe a pipe of aromatic tobacco and a brandy: There I found a deeper place of simplicity and peace. Afresh I saw trees and grass. With new insight I saw my small herds of goats and sheep grazing. Hummingbirds, honeybees and wasps buzzed by, And goldfinches flew across the yard.

I could see the faint expression of a breeze through a leaf on a low branch or through only the top of the boughs of very tall trees. A thunder storm might cause the rain to fall and the trees to bend but there I sat, enjoying the sight and feel of it all. A dog or cat at my feet and I was not suffering but just basically at rest. I might have been utterly exhausted or feeling terrible but I could find peace sitting there and letting the wind blow and simply just be.

View from the porch.

For some months since this rediscovery, my porch remains a place of simple peace. An escape for me from a world of pestilence and uncertainty, in all seasons a location to quietly commune with God and the world he created a basic place of simple joy.

I encourage you to search your home for this special secret place. I guarantee it exists. You just need to search it out. When you find it, make it your own and use it often if not daily. Each of us needs this to live life in order to decompress or be quiet amidst worldly noise. Your body, mind and especially your soul will be thankful of the decision and the time spent in this peaceful place of simplicity.

Seek it out.right now!

Tim Scarbrough is a retired Army veteran, singledad of four awesome kids and owner of a small farm. He serves others through his local church, mentorship and public speaking in Toastmasters, and building missions with Habitat for Humanity.

Aur Beck has lived completely off-grid for over 35 years. He has traveled with his family through 24 states and 14,000 recorded miles by horse-drawn wagon. Aur is a presenter at The Climate Reality Project, a fellow addict at Oil Addicts Anonymous International and a talk show co-host at WDBX Community Radio for Southern Illinois 91.1 FM. Find him on the Living Off Grid, Really!?!? Facebook page, and read all of Aur's MOTHER EARTH NEWS posts here.

All MOTHER EARTH NEWS community bloggers have agreed to follow our Blogging Guidelines, and they are responsible for the accuracy of their posts.

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Off-Grid Simplicity: Discovering Peace on the Porch | MOTHER EARTH NEWS - Mother Earth News

Council members Dave Schrupp and John Andrews remained opposed, saying the city should tear down that building and construct a new fire hall that would cost more but was projected to last twice as long.

Mayor Dave Nevin has consistently said renovation should continue. Council member Aaron Herzog wanted more information, and after getting that information he voted to continue the renovation project. Council member Marcia Seibert-Volz, who was appointed to the council Aug. 13, also voted for the renovation.

Thus, the 3-2 vote means renovation work on the building on County Highway 66 will resume. Andy Pickar, of Hy-Tec Construction, said his company should be able to resume work in a couple of weeks.

Estimated cost to remodel the building at first totaled $1.7 million; however, the council acknowledged that cost will rise because of the mold issue. When asked several times to project new costs, Pickar said its not possible to determine those costs until workers continue the project and see what they find in the walls.

Its hard to put a price on something you dont exactly know what you have to do to fix it, he said.

The council unanimously agreed that Nevin, City Administrator Mike Lyonais and Fire Chief Chip Lohmiller could work together to approve new costs depending on what Hy-Tec encounters.

Schrupp was dumbfounded that the council wouldnt put a cap on those costs.

Estimated cost to build a completely new facility totaled $3.6 million, though Schrupp has said a new buildings life is expected to be 50 years rather than an estimated 25 years for a remodeled building.

The city has invested about $125,000 in the remodel so far.

Greg Olson, with Braun Intertec, shared results of an air quality test his company conducted recently in the former city hall/fire hall building.

Fungal spores - or mold - were found in the building, with higher concentrations in the south half that formerly housed the citys administration and police department. He said mold could be idle in the walls and not show up in air samplings with no disturbance by people or ventilation.

Before addressing the fungal spores, the source - likely a moisture problem - has to be found and fixed, he said. Remediation techniques can then be used to deal with the moisture, damage and fungal spores. Olson encouraged the council to have an experienced fungal firm do that work.

Pickar assured the council Hy-Tec could do the work.

It helps that were renovating the entire space, he said, noting they would address each area and make sure to clear the mold out of the whole area of the building.

We need a new fire house, Andrews said, noting the calls hes received all favored a new building.

Nevin said citizens on a building committee spent four months or more to develop a plan for the city hall/fire hall building and agreed renovation was the right choice.

I think this whole thing - the mold, everything about it - has been blown out of proportion trying to build a new fire hall, he said, noting hes upset about the lost construction time.

I think we should just get going. Get the thing done and know we're going to have some unforeseens, he said.

Lohmiller said Nevins comments upset him.

That mold is true. That fungus is true. It wasnt airborne because no one was in there, he said.

I dont want you to put a Band-Aid on the mold or we wont have firefighters. Think about the future and not today, Lohmiller said.

Schrupp said it was irresponsible to go forward without having a not-to-exceed number for unforeseen costs related to mold, and that money being spent to remodel the building is foolish.

When things change like this, its OK to change your plans. You dont have to plow ahead, he said, noting firefighters and others are leery about the building and situation.

Schrupp didnt want a decision based on a construction schedule.

I think we want to do this thing right. And I do think we want to do something thats going to be around for years, he said.

Herzog said he was not in favor of a new fire hall and had been pushed to the point where he was frustrated because the renovation should be well underway.

The council also gave Lohmiller approval to find a location to store fire trucks during construction.

In other business Thursday, Aug. 27, the council held its second budget workshop. The next budget meeting will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, with a goal to set the preliminary budget at the Monday, Sept. 14, regular council meeting.

The preliminary budget and general revenue tax levy must be set no later than Sept. 30, after which time the levy can be decreased but not increased.

The council plans a truth in taxation meeting and final levy certification during the regular meeting Monday, Dec. 14.

The council also met in closed session to discuss pending litigation. No action was taken.

Nancy Vogt may be reached at 218-855-5877 or nancy.vogt@pineandlakes.com. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Nancy.

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Crosslake: Council votes 3-2 to proceed with fire hall remodeling project - Brainerd Dispatch

Completed Kitchen Remodel by Kitchen Infinity

RAMSEY, N.J. (PRWEB) September 08, 2020

According to a 2019 Trulia survey of over 1300 US homeowners, 90% of those who own a home plan on remodeling it at some point. When it comes to remodeling, a study by the National Kitchen and Bath Association revealed that kitchens rank among the most popular rooms in the home to remodel. In fact, more than 10 million households spend more than $67 billion on kitchens and kitchen remodels every year.

Yet, the industry has had its fair share of challenges, with many contractors and renovation companies following antiquated business practices and failing to take advantage of modern-day technology and systems.

As a forward-thinking kitchen remodeling company, Kitchen Infinity has made it their mission to leverage the power of technology, systems, and communication platforms to improve the customer experience while improving efficiency and producing superior results.

Founded with Passion and Purpose

Founded by Dean Scaduto, a Harvard University grad (2011) and George Kocher, a Cornell alum (2011), Kitchen Infinity was founded out of both passion and purpose. Both Scaduto and Kocher have a true passion for design, innovation and bringing transformational kitchen remodels from concept into reality.

According to the founders, although new and exciting products and materials have made their way to market over the last decade, the kitchen remodeling industry has lacked significant innovation when it comes to the contractors role and process. Kitchen Infinity aims to bridge this gap, leveraging the power of technology, people and processes to help their customers bring their dream kitchen to life.

Both founders have a long and documented track record of success in former careers, including that served as a former United Nations International Consultant (Scaduto) and former Barclay Investment Banker (Kocher).

Transforming the Heart of Homes and Bringing Dream Kitchens to Life

As a full-service kitchen remodeling company, Kitchen Infinity is both capable and experienced in transformative designs, unique styling, customization and beatification from floor to ceiling.

From traditional and timeless designs, to contemporary and abstract, their team of seasoned professionals brings an element of creativity, passion and dedication to results that stands shoulders above the competition.

Kitchen Infinity isnt just a kitchen remodeling company. They believe in the positive impact the right kitchen can have on the lives of their customers. The kitchen is the heart of a home. It is where memories are shared, and where meals are prepared with love and care. The right kitchen remodel can improve the value of a home while increasing its utility, complementing architecture, and establishing a warm and inviting or energetic space to enjoy time with loved ones.

Streamlined Process: Improved efficiency, better experience, and superior results

Kitchen Infinity has placed a premium on not just superior craftsmanship and results that exceed expectations, but also the customer experience from start to finish.

In an industry where contractors are often hard to reach, dont return phone calls, or only want to deal with the demo and rebuild, Kitchen Infinity stands out as a company dedicated to streamlining processes, providing unbeatable support, and going above and beyond the call of duty.

Leveraging technology, the company has streamlined every stage of the process, from initial inquiry and consultations, to digital design demos and project progress from first hammer swing to cleanup and inspection.

About Kitchen Infinity

Headquartered out of the tri-state area, the companys service area has expanded to cover New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and South Carolina.

Kitchen Infinity is a full-service kitchen remodeling company, providing affordable, custom kitchen solutions aimed at helping discerning homeowners bring their vision to life.

Those interested in learning more about the company or in obtaining a free no-obligation price quote are encouraged to reach out via their official website or by way of the media contact information below.

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Harvard and Cornell Grad Duo Shake Up The Kitchen Remodeling Industry - PR Web

We have quite a bit of surge just here lately. Coming through COVID, I just think everybody was at home and looking to see what they can do, Melroy said.

Skiles and Melory both noted that some customers have used their stimulus check to fund projects.

I did have, for instance, one elderly man who needed a garage door opener. He got his stimulus and used it for that, Melroy said.

Remodeling jobs also have increased for Midwest Elite Contracting of Kearney, but the number of new homes the company was to build this year has decreased due to customers jobs or not being able to sell a current home, said owner Austin Gardine.

We were going to do like six houses this year, and four of those backed out. We are going to talk to a few people about doing one or two next year. With new homes there is a lot of conversations and planning, Gardine said.

The uncertainty of this year has made some people apprehensive about taking on big projects, but they have seen an increase in kitchen and bathroom remodels, new flooring and decks, added Gardine.

Gene Knaggs, owner of Knaggs Construction in Kearney, said its unbelievable how busy they have been in the past few months. The company primarily builds new homes, garages, shops and large additions. When the pandemic first began, Knaggs said they only received about one a call a month from customers interested in building. Now they are receiving two calls a week from people looking to build. The company currently is booked through next year.

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Local construction companies say COVID hasn't stopped business; some contractors are busier than ever - Kearney Hub

Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth - Pool/Getty Images

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have paid back all of the public money used to renovate Frogmore Cottage, the Windsor estate they lived in from 2018 to 2019. The royal property, which is 25 miles away from Kensington Palace, got a $3.2 million (2.4 million) structural renovation when they moved there after ditching the toxic halls of the palace. A spokesperson for the couple said that Harry paid a lump sum to the crown to cover costs, and the cottage will still be their U.K. residence.

The renovation was funded by the queen through the Sovereign Grant, the annual funding mechanism of the monarchy, a.k.a. the pot of taxpayer money the crown receives each year for expenses, including the upkeep for royal residences and buildings with historical significance. While a renovation like this is totally standard (and the Sussexes paid for all of the furnishings and fixtures themselves), Meghan and Harry offered to pay back the expenses as part of their financial extraction from the crowns claws.

Back in January 2020 (remember her?) they explained on their website that in addition to stepping back as senior royals, they would no longer receive any public funds. In other words, they wanted to be financially independent, and work to support themselves.

And they have been. Meghan recently narrated a Disney documentary about elephants, and Harry has popped up in a few of his own little media projects. And last week, the two of them signed a big, multiyear, multimedia deal with Netflix to make documentaries, features, and television shows. Our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope, they said in a statement. As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us.

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Meghan and Harry Have Paid Back Their Remodeling Expenses - The Cut

Cherokee Nation officials will construct eight buildings and remodel four as part of the tribes response to COVID-19.

The various projects are estimated to cost about $25 million. The projects include a new health center for Cherokee Nation employees in Tahlequah, a drive-through outreach facility in Stilwell, protective equipment manufacturing in Hulbert and Stilwell, office space for social distancing in Catoosa and Muskogee, and storage and food outreach space in Vinita, Kansas, Belfonte and Jay, according to a news release.

The Cherokee Nation is putting our CARES Act funding from the U.S. Treasury to great use in our Cherokee communities by investing in this $25 million project that will provide jobs and ongoing needed safety equipment, ensure our elders do not struggle with food insecurity through this pandemic, add space for employee safety and provide a new health center for our Cherokee Nation employees that is close to our tribal complex and can treat for a range of illness as well as test for COVID-19, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said in a prepared statement.

Cherokee Nation officials will break ground on nine of those projects throughout Tuesday at their respective sites.

Featured video: Aerial view of property at 31st and Peoria, where there is a plan for a mixed-use development

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Cherokee Nation to start $25 million construction, remodel and manufacturing projects in response to COVID-19 - Tulsa World

Author Irene Richardson - September 8, 2020September 8, 2020

The day after Labor Day is officially declared Telephone Tuesday due to the influx of calls businesses receive after being closed for the three-day weekend. Were here to help you through the chaos with a perfectly laid out business plan for the week, including open jobs and news you need to know.

Hiring? Post your job. Looking? See listings.

Platform Specialist @ Simon Markets LLC. Apply.

Information Security Camera @ServisFirst Bank. Apply.

Senior Consumer Compliance Specialist @ServisFirst Bank. Apply.

Facilities Coordinator @Levite Jewish Community Center. Apply.

Videographer Intern Stipend @Levite Jewish Community Center. Apply.

Teaching Assitant @Levite Jewish Community Center. Apply.

Experienced Remodeling Carpenter @ Irwin Brothers Remodeling Inc. Apply.

FUSE Executive Fellow @ FUSE Corps. Apply.

RN and LPN @ Wexford Health Sources Inc. Apply.

Route Service Sales Representative@ Cintas Corporation.Apply.

Sales Associate Furniture and/or Flooring@ Issis & Sons.Apply.

AmeriCorps Members for St. Clair County@ YWCA. Apply.

AmeriCorps Members@ YWCA. Apply.

Youth Development AmeriCorps Members@ YWCA.Apply.

Pell City Shelter AmeriCorps Members @ YWCA. Apply.

Homelessness Prevention AmeriCorps Members @ YWCA. Apply.

Family Resource Center AmeriCorps Members @ YWCA. Apply.

Educational Support AmeriCorps Members @ YWCA. Apply.

After School Enrichment Program Specialists @ YWCA. Apply.

Domestic Violence Support Americorps Members. Apply.

DMC Center for Civic Life @ YWCA. Apply.

Sponsored by:

Tax Accountant @ EBSCO Industries. Apply.

Sponsored by:

DataPerk took a big bite out of Birminghams startup scene when it recently acquired ByteSizea local tech company and former competitor. The IT solutions firm is pushing all the right buttons, because DataPerk also houses their sweet office space in theHistoric Mack Truck Garage. Stay tuned to see what this team dishes up next.

Theres one thing filling up Sidewalk Cinemas theaters and its the massive star power featured in Tenet. To make room for Hollywood heroes like Christopher Nolan and Robert Pattinson, while maintaining social distancing guidelines, the cinema isreopening for five weeks to screen the summers most talked-about movie. With heightened safety precautions and a max of 12 patrons in a theater, were grabbing our favorite movie snacks.

Their careers may be diverse, but the goal is uniform among these Birmingham professionals. Not matter where they clock in, when they clock out their mission is the same. Get to know some of the top fundraisers from the2020 National MS Society Birmingham Leaders Challengeand why theyre fighting for a world free of Multiple Sclerosis.

Sponsored by:

No crossed signals over herein a technology-driven world, everyone deserves access to those resources. With Birmingham schools preparing for a minimum of nine weeks of online learning, Jefferson County partnered with the Loyalty Foundationand several other local organizations to bridge the digital divide experienced by students and families with virtual education

Get to Know BBA CEO Kenny ColemanWhat: The Birmingham Business Alliance is launching a new video series, Seven Questions, where theyask prominent Birmingham business leaders seven out-of-the-box questions about themselves and their work.Watch the premiere episode

OnBoard BirminghamWhat: Regional job site with resources for job seekers and companies seeking talentExplore jobs

MoodyVirtual Breakfast ClubDate: Thursday, September 10Time:8AM-9AMPrice: FreeRegister

2020 AAF Birmingham TEN AwardsDate: Wednesday, September 23Time:6PMPrice: FreeRegister

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Pick up the phone, we've got business news + open jobs on the line - Bham Now

Improving your investment property's value should always be the long-term goal. For one, a higher property value lets you command more in rent. That's an automatic win right there. More than that, though? It guarantees you returns -- good ones -- when it comes time to sell.

Some bumps in value come for free. Your neighborhood might get popular, sending home prices up and your property value up with it. Others, though, you'll need to work for.

Want to give your investment property's value a boost? Here are five ways to do it.

Energy-efficient upgrades help you twofold. First, they reduce your energy and electric bills. Even if that only helps you when the home is occupied, that could equate to serious savings over the years.

Additionally, it also makes your home more marketable. Buyers would much rather pay an extra $5,000 for a house than spend $200 more a month in summer cooling bills.

Here are a few ideas for making the home more efficient:

Curb appeal plays a big role in your home's value, but it can also be very expensive -- especially if you're updating it every season or even annually.

A better option is to invest in more durable landscaping now -- things like large shade trees (this can eventually cut down on your HVAC bills, too), gravel gardens, perennial bushes and ferns, and other plants that will stand the test of time. You could even hardscape or xeriscape the yard entirely -- because what renter really wants to mow the lawn anyway?

Everyone wants a home that helps them lead longer, healthier lives -- and they'll typically pay more for it, too. Consider making some health-focused improvements, like adding an air purifier, installing a water filtration system, or putting in a carbon monoxide monitor. Even little additions can make a big difference for your next tenant.

Lots of home upgrades can boost your property's value -- not just health-focused ones. For some guidance, look to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report. It takes into account average costs for various projects as well as the resale value they add to a property. This year, replacing your garage door, adding stone veneer siding, remodeling your kitchen, and installing a wood deck topped the list for highest-ROI projects.

Older HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other systems mean three things for your future tenants or buyers: more problems, more hassle, and more costs. Whether the system holds on for one more year or five, eventually it will break down and need to be replaced.

That breakdown might mean a flood in the laundry room, a no-A/C week in the middle of summer, or an overflowing toilet when a guest is over. Whatever the issue is, you can bet that your tenants don't want to deal with it (and they'll probably pay more to make sure it doesn't happen).

If you want to raise your rent or just ensure bigger returns once you're ready to sell, investing in your property is critical. Just make sure you choose your projects carefully and focus on long-term benefits for the future buyer (health, energy-efficiency, safety, etc.). That's what buyers are willing to pay the biggest premium for.

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5 Ways to Improve Your Investment Propertys Value - Motley Fool

Last fall our Leadership Team felt we needed to address the outdated appearance of the inside and outside of our facilities.

After much prayer and planning, we launched our Love Life campaign on Feb. 15 with an all church banquet.

We received nearly $30,000 in commitments at the banquet and currently have received nearly $25,000 in contributions, which is very significant for a church our size.

Then, COVID-19 hit our world and we suspended our gatherings for 90 days.

In June, we began to address these issues on the inside. At first, we threw out and gave away dumpster loads of outdated and unused items. That was quite fun.

Then we started in on the remodel. We have enlarged our lobby, updated our walls and floors and improved the appearance of our entire facility. With the new floors and newly painted walls, it is looking beautiful.

We have made several improvements outside as well.

We are also hoping to paint the outside of our building and resurface our parking lot.

We have nearly finished the inside. There is still some furniture to put in place and some trim work that needs to be completed.

Two of our parishioners, Eugene Stillman and Ricky Clifton, have been working nearly nonstop for three full months probably around 400 donated hours by each man. Scott and Sarah Chenault have also given us many hours of their time. Jeff and Rose Blaize and their son, Josh, have completely renovated our childrens department.

What an enormous blessing all these people have been to our church family.

Ellen Blaize, Becky Dilley and Sarah Chenault have been our interior design team. Many others have contributed their time, too.

Although we have spent all that has been contributed, we have written for a grant to help us complete the outside.

One of our members said to me recently, Our facility looks loved.

It really does.

We are thankful to God for his provision and grateful to those in our congregation for helping us accomplish what has been completed.

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Life Church of the Nazarene remodels its facility - The Daily Star-Journal