Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

A Wyomissing contractor has been arrested on home improvement charges stemming from a dispute with a Muhlenberg Township homeowner who hired him to replace kitchen countertops.

Michael J. Faust, 51, of the 1700 block of Dauphin Avenue was free on his own recognizance after arraignment Tuesday night before Senior District Judge Nicholas M. Bentz Sr. in Reading Central Court.

Court records indicate Faust was charged on Jan. 27 with home improvement fraud, a felony. Arrest details were not immediately available.

According to police:

On Nov. 20, the homeowner, a 66-year-old woman, contacted Muhlenberg police to file a complaint.

She told investigators that she entered into a contract with Faust, of Granite Zone Kitchen & Bath Design LLC, West Lawn, on Jan. 8, 2019, to replace her countertops.

She made a down payment of $1,800 by check for the work, and the money was deposited later that day in an account at Riverfront Federal Credit Union.

The woman said she decided to cancel the project two days later and contacted Faust by text, indicating she would like the check returned. Faust reportedly replied, Okay.

Faust further acknowledged her request to have the check returned, saying in a text on Jan. 11, 2019, that he would have the shop issue a check to the homeowner.

Police said charges were filed after repeated attempts by the homeowners attorney, the state attorney generals office and Muhlenberg police to have Faust refund the money were unsuccessful.

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Wyomissing contractor charged with refusing to refund $1800 to customer - Reading Eagle

Every builder nowadays is familiar with the HGTV buzzwords populating clients' inspiration boards and wishlists: modern farmhouse, waterfall countertops, curbless showers, and more. But these features are not just the pretty faces of the design world. Although the details themselves do not necessarily sell a buyer on a home, an analysis of listings by Zillow shows that they tend to pop up again and again in homes that sell fast or for more than expectedor both. Find out the top attention-grabbing design details that can help your next project fly off the shelf.

Many rustic-chic home design elements of the kind often featured on popular home improvement TV shows also frequently pop up in the online listing descriptions of homes that end up selling for more money than otherwise expected.

The apex of the trend? Over the past two years, homes described as modern farmhouse-style sold for about 10% more than expected, according to a Zillow analysis of listing language and the sales performance of thousands of homes nationwide in 2018 and 2019. Other features that could help boost proceeds for sellers include waterfall countertops (listings mentioning this feature sell for 9.4% more than would otherwise be expected), Moroccan tile (7.3%), Craftsman-style homes (6%) and exposed brick (6%).

And just like there are features and descriptors associated with higher sale prices than wed otherwise expect, there are also elements and phrases associated with lower-than-expected sale prices. Perhaps unsurprisingly, sellers that fess up to or otherwise describe their homes as maybe needing a little work should probably expect to fetch less for their home. Homes described as fixer-uppers yield a price discount of 27.8%; those needing some TLC end up selling at a 17.4% discount; and ones that mention investment potential go for about 10% less than expected. Bike racks, perhaps due to their frequency in small spaces or as a substitute for car parking, are associated with a 2.9% discount. And listings that mention a water slide could end up soaking sellers, netting about 1.6% below their expected sale prices.

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Top 15 Features in Homes That Sell the FastestAnd for the Most - Professional Builder

Curious just how far your dollar goes in Long Beach?

We've rounded up the latest places for rent via rental sites Zumper and Apartment Guide to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to finding apartment rentals in Long Beach if you've got a budget of up to $1,500/month.

Read on for the listings. (Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.)

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Listed at $1,425/month, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom residence is located at 7001 Orange Ave.

In the unit, you can expect central heating. Amenities offered in the building include assigned parking, on-site laundry and a swimming pool. Pet owners, inquire elsewhere: This spot doesn't allow cats or dogs. There isn't a leasing fee associated with this rental.

Per Walk Score ratings, the area around this address is somewhat walkable and is relatively bikeable.

(See the complete listing here.)

Next, there's this one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit situated at 917 E. First St. It's also listed for $1,425/month.

Expect to find hardwood flooring in the unit. Pet owners, inquire elsewhere: This spot doesn't allow cats or dogs. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee.

Per Walk Score ratings, the area around this address is extremely walkable and is quite bikeable.

(Check out the complete listing here.)

Here's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom spot at 1212 E. Third St. that's going for $1,450/month.

In the residence, expect to find a mix of hardwood floors and carpeting, quartz countertops and a ceiling fan. When it comes to building amenities, anticipate a resident lounge and on-site laundry. Cats and dogs are not welcome.

Per Walk Score ratings, this location is a "walker's paradise" and is convenient for biking.

(Take a look at the full listing here.)

Then, check out this one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit that's located at 73 Alamitos Ave. It's also listed for $1,450/month.

The building offers on-site laundry. In the unit, expect to see a balcony and a mix of hardwood floors and carpeting. Pet lovers are in luck: This rental is both dog-friendly and cat-friendly. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee.

According to Walk Score's assessment, the area around this address has excellent walkability and is convenient for biking.

(Take a look at the complete listing here.)

Located at 6046 Linden Ave., here's a 455-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit. It, too, is listed for $1,450/month.

The residence offers granite countertops and large windows. Amenities offered in the building include garage parking. Pet owners, inquire elsewhere: This spot doesn't allow cats or dogs. There's no leasing fee required for this rental.

Per Walk Score ratings, the surrounding area is quite walkable and has some bike infrastructure.

(See the complete listing here.)

Working with a tight budget? Here are the cheapest rentals recently listed in Long Beach.

This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Additionally, if youre in the real estate business learn how to do local real estate advertising in your ZIP codes.

Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.

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Apartments for rent in Long Beach: What will $1500 get you? - Hoodline

53. Mostly windy. 10% chance of rain.

Midnight Special Jazz Jam at Middle C Jazz: Date night alert! Do a late dinner Uptown, then end with a night cap and jazz show at Middle C. 11:30 p.m. Free, RSVP. Details.

Southern Spring Home & Garden Show at The Park Expo and Conference Center:Find all things home and garden, from granite countertop suppliers to roofing companies to blind and shutter shops. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. $0-$12. Details.

Blacklight Chakti Yoga x Outwod at Hive Fitness:Take an energizing yoga class, all while supporting the OUT Foundation. 7:15-8:15 p.m. $20. Details.

Charlotte Checkers vs. Utica Comets at Bojangles Coliseum: Cheer on the Checkers while they take on the Utica Comets. 7 p.m. $18+. Details.

56. Sunny. 0% chance of rain.

14th Annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival at Bank of America Stadium Lot:Indulge in a day of all things quintessentially Southern: all-you-can-taste beer and bourbon, barbecue and fixins, biscuits, and smoked meats. Expect cigars, music, games, and shopping, too. VIP: noon to 6 p.m., General Admission: 2-6 p.m. $29-$75. Details.

First Annual Neighborhood Oyster Roast at The Waterman:Put on your Barbour and get out your shucking knife. $40 gets you all-you-can-eat oysters. Yum. Noon to 5 p.m. $40. Details.

Oyster Roast at Sycamore: Oysters, beer, live music, sunshine. What more do you need? Noon to 11 p.m. Free. Details.

PBJ Eating Contest! at Catawba Brewing Company: Eat your heart out, peanut butter jelly lovers. Up to 60 people can compete to see who can eat the most PBJs. The winner gets a $25 gift card. 3-4 p.m. $5 entry. Details.

OMB Cans Release Party at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: OMB has heard your cries, and its releasing cans. Copper Altbier, Captain Jack Pilsner, Hornets Nest Hefeweizen, 704 Hazy Wheat Ale, and its seasonal Frh Bock will be available in BPA-free cans. Everyone who buys a four-pack gets a free koozie. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Free. Details.

Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts: See dancers compete for the title, and raise funds for Charlotte Ballet and six local charitable organizations. 8:30-11 p.m. SOLD OUT. Details.

Unknowns 6.5ish Anniversary Music Festival at Unknown Brewing:The concert lineup includes Empire Strikes Brass, Akita Funk Band, No BS! Band, and Petey Pablo. Also expect Unknown beer releases, food trucks, and a fireworks show. First 75 people get an Unknown gift bag with RSVP. Noon to 11 p.m. Free. Details.

Southern Spring Home & Garden Show at The Park Expo and Conference Center:Find all things home and garden, from granite countertop suppliers to roofing companies to blind and shutter shops. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. $0-$12.Details.

Job Fair at PNC Music Pavilion: The venue is hiring in several departments: security, parking attendants, ushers, ticket takers, box office, VIP premium services, cleaning team, guest ambassadors, and operations. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Details.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Houston Rockets at Spectrum: Calling all b-ball fans. Go see the Hornets play the Houston Rockets. 5 p.m. $34-$510. Details.

Charlotte Checkers vs. Utica Comets at Bojangles Coliseum: Cheer on the Checkers while they take on the Utica Comets. 6 p.m. $18+. Details.

8th Annual Run Jen Run 5K and Festival at Symphony Park in SouthPark: In addition to the 5k, expect a kids zone, the Garden of Hope (filled with Signs of Hope), and a survivors corner where those who have or did have breast cancer can get pampered. 8 a.m. $35 to run. Details.

Buru Pop-Up at Society Social:The LA-based clothing brands founder, Morgan Hutchinson, is bringing some of her favorite pieces to Society Social so you can shop. And local stylist Brittany Newcomb will be on site to help. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free, RSVP to info@shopburu.com for a special Buru discount. Details.

Las Olas Grand Opening at Atherton Mill: The Charleston-based, high-end bathing suit store is opening its doors at Atherton, and Callies Hot Little Biscuit will be on site to help celebrate. 10 a.m. Free. Details.

Community Pop Up Market at Sardis Marketplace: Hunt for new and second-hand clothing, vintage furniture, antiques, and more. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Details.

61. Mostly. 0% chance of rain.

Drag Brunch by The Vanity House at Rosemont: Brunch and a drag show are the ultimate Sunday scaries remedy, so get your fix of both. 11 a.m. $11. Details.

International Womens Day Celebration at Resident Culture: Expect free massages and samples, interactive art, vendors, live piercings, music, and talks from female entrepreneurs. Noon to 5:30 p.m. Free. Details.

Southern Spring Home & Garden Show at The Park Expo and Conference Center:Find all things home and garden, from granite countertop suppliers to roofing companies to blind and shutter shops. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $0-$12.Details.

Shamrock Gardens Elementary Shamrock Shuffle 5K at Shamrock Gardens Elementary: Registration funds raised from this race support Shamrock Gardens Elementary, a school serving the Plaza Midwood, Country Club Heights, and Plaza Shamrock neighborhoods. Wear green, run for a good cause, and stay for the food trucks after. 2 p.m. $30. Details.

Science on the Rocks: Game Night.Play all of your favorite childhood games with a twist, including giant Chutes and Ladders, Battleshots (with alcohol-filled ships), Dance Dance Revolution, and more. Of course there will be a cash/credit bar with beer, wine, and liquor, too.March 20.

Pure Barre Pop-up class. Take a 55-minute Pure Barre class, and treat yourself to a beer afterward (trust us, youll earn it. Barre is sneaky hard.) March 22.

SEED20 OnStage.Twenty nonprofit entrepreneurs will be vying for prizes, and up to ten finalists will give fast-paced three-minute pitches of their ideas to a panel of judges and to the audience (you get to vote, too). Tickets includes admission, drinks, and dinner.March 31.

See alltheupcoming events here.

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Agenda Weekender: 24 cool things to do this weekend, including an OMB can release party and midnight jazz jam at Middle C - Charlotte Agenda

Rosanna Aguilera, San Angelo Standard-Times Published 11:25 a.m. CT March 4, 2020 | Updated 2:27 p.m. CT March 4, 2020

Hygiene. Cleaning Hands. Washing hands.(Photo: AlexRaths, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

SAN ANGELO The San Angelo Health Department is advising the public to take precautionary measures to slow down the progression of germs and diseases.

The San Angelo-Tom Green County Health Department has been working for several weeks monitoring and preparing for any local cases of coronavirus, according to a news release.

More: How prepared is San Angelo for an outbreak of coronavirus? Local experts weigh in

"Currently, there are no known cases of the disease in San Angelo and Tom Green County," the release stated.

There are many types of human coronaviruses, including those that commonly cause mild upper respiratory tract illnesses.

However, COVID-19 is a new disease caused by a new coronavirus that has not been previously seen in humans, the release stated.

More: Texas officials on the coronavirus: Keep calm and wash your hands

"The preventive measures recommended for this disease are similar to other communicable diseases such as influenza," according to the release. "Proper hygiene is crucial at this time."

The Health Department gavethese measures in order to slow down the progression of COVID-19:

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in the interim.

Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or ears, especially with dirty hands. Doing so introduces germs into your body.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue away or use your bent elbow, not your hands.

Stay home if you are sick and disinfect common areas such as countertops, doorknobs, railings and telephones.

While there are no cases of COVID-19 in Tom Green County at this time, the department advisesthe public to continue practicing these basic preventive measures.

"Following these simple measures will help slow down the progression and spread of disease throughout our communities," the release stated."This will allow time for the production of such things as anti-viral medications and vaccines."

These measures will also help prevent an overload of the health care system.

Residents should call ahead to doctors offices and hospitals to let them know their signs and symptoms so that the provider canprepare for their arrival, the department said.

"Remember, we are still in flu season and the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the flu: fever, cough and shortness of breath," the release stated.

For more information on COVID-19, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov/COVID19.

Read or Share this story: https://www.gosanangelo.com/story/news/2020/03/04/san-angelo-health-department-gives-update-coronavirus-covid-19/4952454002/

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Health Department advises San Angelo to take preventive measures against diseases - Standard-Times

Doing chores is bad enough, but when your laundry room feels unorganized and a little scary, it can make the task even more daunting.

But theres hope, as this incredible laundry room makeover proves.

Rebecca Propes, DIY blogger and contestant on season two of NBCs Making It, turned her messy and boring basic laundry room into a little slice of paradise.

Trending stories,celebrity news and all the best of TODAY.

The lack of storage was her initial concern. I have three kids and sometimes feel like I live in the laundry room, she told TODAY Home. I needed a place to fold, store and organize all the things.

Propes, who lives in Gilbert, Arizona, about 30 minutes from Tempe, said her goal was to create a space that didnt look like your typical laundry room. I wanted to bring in lots of color and pattern that felt cohesive with the rest of our home and wasn't just a utility space that collected piles of clothes and mismatched socks, she said.

There was a major transformation on the walls when she added a pretty pink, floral wallpaper and painted the shiplap black.

Propes also added stock cabinets from Ikea and created a custom countertop featuring a waterfall edge to hide the plumbing behind the washer and dryer.

To give the space a cozy vibe, Propes installed new lighting, hung a shelf to display plants and decor and layered rugs on the floor.

The total transformation cost around $2,500, including the cabinets, countertops, a new sink and other decor.

I love the way the entire space came together, she said. It's a pass-through room from my boys' hallway into our master bath and, before, I wanted to keep the door shut. But now, it's a fully functional, beautiful space to show off even if it is a laundry room.

See more pictures of the room makeover at Propes's blog.

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Laundry room makeover: See the before and after photos - TODAY

888 Bellevue Apartment Building on 108th Ave, Photo Credit: HEWITT

888 Apartments, also referred to as Eight Eighty Eight, is currently under construction and slated to reach completion in April of this year. The building is located at 888 108th Avenue Northeast, next to U.S. Bank in Downtown Bellevue.

The building is comprised of 19 stories, with the top level featuring a rooftop deck with territorial views of downtown Bellevue, Cascade and Olympic Mountains. 888 Bellevue will also include a yoga studio, fitness center, and pet spa.

The complex will offer studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, totaling 160 residential units. The units include quartz countertops, instant hot faucet, air conditioning, stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, undermount cabinet lighting, and spa-inspired baths.

Pricing ranges from $1,845 for a studio apartment, to $5,095 for a two-bedroom unit.

The apartment building will also have 211 parking stalls and a retail podium.

The developer for the project is Paragon Real Estate Advisors, and the architecture firm is HEWITT.

Related

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Apartment Building with Hotel-Like Amenities on 108th to Reach Completion in April - Downtown Bellevue Network

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University has invited applications for the recruitment of various post. Eligible candidates can apply for the post in the prescribed format from 06 March to 06 April 2020.

RPACU Recruitment 2020

RPACU Recruitment 2020: Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University has invited applications for the recruitment of various posts such as Electrician, Fitter, Mistry (Plumber), Blacksmith, Farm Mechanic, Cook, Livestock Assistant, Driver, Nursing Assistant, Pharmacist, Field/Farm Technician, Laboratory Technician, Pathology Technician, Photographer, Library Assistant, Junior Engineer, Farm Pond Manager, Assistant Engineer, Farm Manager, Seed Processing Plant Engineer and Information Officer. Eligible candidates can apply for the post in the prescribed format from 06 March to 06 April 2020.

Notification Details

Notification Number - 01/2019

Important Dates

RPACU Vacancy Details

Total Posts 93

Eligibility Criteria for RPACU JE and Other Posts

Educational Qualification and Experience:

For more information, check detailed notification given below

Selection Procedure for RPACU JE and Other Posts Jobs 2020

Selection will be done on the basis of Written Examination/Interview

How to Apply for RPACU JE and Other Posts Jobs 2020

The Eligible candidates can apply for the post through official website from 06 March to 06 April 2020.

RPACU Recruitment Notification PDF

RPACU Technical Jobs Details PDF

Application Fee:

For Technical and Skilled Supporting Staff Positions( up to T-4 category)

For Technical Positions (above T-4 category)

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RPACU Recruitment 2020, Apply Online for 93 JE and Other Posts @rpcau.ac.in - Jagran Josh

A developer is demolishing an existing community to make way for a new 46-unit mobile home community near Lake Galena in New Britain Township. A few residents living in existing mobile homes, are fighting to stay as demolition begins.

Before Dale Bowles moved into a New Britain Township mobile home 11 years ago, he was homeless, sleeping on the concrete floor of a storage unit in Willow Grove.

"This community has been a gem," said Bowles, pacing outside as a excavator with an extended bucket clawed through the roof of a former neighbors home.

His home faces the same fate, but hes not leaving.

Clutching an eviction notice that says his community is being "terminated," Bowles is fighting to hold on to his home or get what he considers fair compensation from the developer who is razing the properties at Lake Ridge Mobile Home Park in order to build a new, more modern mobile home park.

According to a sketch plan of the proposal submitted to the county in October, RHG Properties LLC is looking to build 46 double-wide (25-foot by 52-foot) mobile home units on a 14.73-acre site located on Limekiln Road, just 800 feet from the intersection with Ferry Road.

Neither New Britain Township nor the property owners returned calls or responded to questions about the displacement of residents or the plans for the new mobile home community, which will quadruple the number of units there.

As heavy machinery ripped through homes and loaded dumpsters Monday afternoon, Bowles likened the site to an aftermath of a hurricane.

But hes not budging.

"We are sticking strong because we have no place else to go," said Bowles, who was told to be out by last Sunday but is fighting the developers orders. His son, Andrew Bowles, who lives in a neighboring home with his wife and 4-year-old son, is among four other homeowners who refuse to give up their titles to their homes.

While they own their homes, they rent the lots they sit on as is common practice in mobile home communities.

Bowles treasures the location by Lake Galena, where he takes walks with his grandson and enjoys the park and the local wildlife. Finding affordable housing in the area is tough enough, but nearly impossible at a peaceful location with so many amenities close by, he said.

The lease hes been paying on the land at 35 Limekiln Road is $800 a month, which includes utilities.

"Where can I find that around here? No where," he said.

Watching his son drive a toy Jeep along the rural road, Andrew Bowles said the location is both close to his wifes job at Pine Run nursing home, and its walking distance to Lenape Valley Foundation, where he gets care.

Both Dale and Andrew Bowles have been offered $3,500 for their homes. But they would like more.

"Im asking for $5,000. Im not asking for much more," said the the older Bowles.

Considering how much new mobile homes go for in the area, he believes his price is reasonable.

In a nearby mobile home community, Colonial Heritage, new mobile homes are selling for around $149,000, according to sales listed on ABC Home Sales, which will be selling and installing new homes in the rising New Britain community too.

Folks of #LakeGalena mobile home park @NewBritainTwp1 want more from developer whos razing homes to build 50 new mobile homes. #forcedout pic.twitter.com/Wcz8zjElFM

Bowles would be interested in one of the new communitys homes, but the price is out of reach. He asked if he could keep his home in the community, but he was told his residence is "too dilapidated."

The eviction notice came from property manager ABC Home Sales.

Dated Feb. 20, the letter demands that Bowles "vacate the leased property and give possession of leased property to the landlord within ten days."

"This is because the manufactured home community is being terminated."

RHG Properties LLC, owned by Frank Perano, bought the property for $700,000 in 2004 from Colonial Park for Mobile Homes, according to county assessment records.

Fighting demolition

Bowles, now represented by attorneys with the Community Justice Project, said hell wait for the courts to decide. Many of the residents forced out include seniors, the disabled and others who dont have the means to buy or rent in the surrounding communities, he said.

Attorney Kevin Quisenberry, who is representing Bowles as part of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, is working to negotiate an agreement with the mobile park owner to help displaced residents secure both more time to find a home and resources to appraise their homes so they can be compensated for more than what developers are required to pay by state law, which is $2,500.

He said the developer gave the community a six-month notice that the park is closing. A spokesman from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, which works to find affordable housing for low-income residents, said the owner RHG Properties did alert the agency, as required, in August.

The protections in place for displaced residents from mobile homes are essential, Quisenberry said, as such closures trigger a toll on a population of residents who often struggle to find affordable housing.

"You have a group of people who own homes but rent the lot where the home sits," said Quisenberry. "If the park is going to close, residents are stuck with a difficult choice: Can they move the home to some place or not? Its an expensive proposition to move a home, costing thousands depending on what needs to be done, and where are they going to move it to?"

Plus, the move is shocking to families, who often rely on public transportation, neighbors and community resources to uproot their lives, he said.

"We represent people who cant pay for everything they need, so being uprooted and forced to rebuild their life and situation is even more difficult for people with limited financial means," Quisenberry said.

Bowles just doesnt want to end up where he was 11 years ago. He said property managers have already threatened to turn off the utilities.

"If something doesnt happen soon, Ill be homeless."

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Residents fight to keep homes, as demolition begins for new mobile home park near Lake Galena - The Intelligencer

Its Kansas Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 2-6), and Miami County residents likely heard the statewide tornado safety drill that was scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 3.

Miami County Emergency Management and the communications division of the Miami County Sheriffs Office, in cooperation with the National Weather Service, moved the regular monthly testing of the outdoor warning sirens to participate in the statewide drill. The monthly testing normally occurs on the first Wednesday of every month.

Miami County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Fleming said Miami County has 15 storm sirens, but he emphasized that, like all storm sirens, they are designed to be heard outdoors and not necessarily indoors.

In addition, the county also can set off four storm sirens in the city limits of Louisburg. The city of Paola has nine storm sirens, and Osawatomie has four, and those cities control their own sirens.

Fleming said the sirens have been strategically placed throughout the county in areas where people are likely to gather outside, such as campgrounds at Hillsdale Lake and mobile home parks. They are also located in rural communities, such as Hillsdale, Block, Fontana, Beagle and Bucyrus.

There were 89 tornadoes reported in Kansas last year, including one in Miami County, according to the annual severe weather awareness packet provided by the state Division of Emergency Management, National Weather Service and Kansas Emergency Management Association.

A majority of the tornadoes (56) took place in May. There were no reported fatalities, but one violent tornado, an EF4, began in Douglas County and crossed into Leavenworth County on May 28. Damage from the tornado was estimated at $26 million, making it the costliest tornado of 2019.

Damage from Miami Countys tornado was less extreme, but it was still devastating to local residents, especially the congregation members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Block.

The 2019 tornado ripped through the Block area in the early morning hours of Monday, April 29, and local community members awoke to find that Trinity Lutheran Church had been damaged.

No injuries were reported in the tornado, which began at 4:10 a.m. six miles east of Osawatomie and traveled for about two miles before dissipating at 4:13 a.m. eight miles southeast of Osawatomie, according to the National Weather Service.

Officials determined that it was an EF-0 tornado with winds as high as 85 miles per hour and a very narrow path that ranged in width from 10 to 50 feet. It was also labeled as a QLCS tornado, according to the severe weather awareness packet. QLCS stands for Quasi-Linear Convective System, and it is used to label tornadoes that form very quickly with little warning. They usually spin up with a line of storms, often called a squall line.

Officials said there was so much rain activity at the time, the tornado likely wouldnt have been visible.

Fleming and Miami County Sheriff Frank Kelly joined several congregation members at the church later that morning to assess the damage.

The roof was ripped off the southwest corner of the building, the flag pole was bent nearly in half and the church sign was a pile of rubble.

The damage also was extensive in the nearby cemetery, where several tombstones were toppled.

In addition to the damage at the church, Kelly said a large trailer was toppled and moved at a home near the church, and power lines were ripped out at another nearby home.

Jamie Bolling said she and her husband didnt have any warning when the storm tore through their rural property southeast of Osawatomie. They didnt even make it to the basement.

The powerful wind uprooted several trees, downed power lines, flipped a trailer, blew out the windows of their rock home built in 1868 and toppled their chimney.

Flooding was also an issue in Miami County during last years severe weather season.

Persistent, heavy rains in late May prompted flooding in low-lying areas along the Marais des Cygnes River in Miami and Linn counties and caused the city of Osawatomie to initiate emergency measures.

When the Marais des Cygnes crested at 40.27 feet mid-afternoon on May 22 in Osawatomie, it was the first time the river topped 40 feet at the community since the historic July 1, 2007, flood in which the river rose to 49.19 feet, according to National Weather Service data.

Osawatomie public works crews installed stop logs in the levees southwest gate about 3 a.m. May 22 to prevent rising water from entering town, former City Manager Don Cawby said later that morning.

During Severe Weather Awareness Week, local residents are encouraged to review their own safety procedures to make sure they and their family members remain safe during weather emergencies.

Fleming recommends that families have a plan of action for their home and establish a safe place that includes items like a battery-operated radio and shoes.

He also reiterated that community members cant always rely on immediate assistance following a disaster, which is why it is important to be prepared.

Part of that preparation is information, and Fleming encourages local residents to sign up for the countys emergency notification system. More information is available online by going to Miami Countys website at http://www.miamicountyks.org and clicking on Sheriff under the department tab.

Cell phone users should already be receiving Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) unless they have modified the settings on their phone or it is not carried by their provider.

Fleming also suggests that cell phone users download multiple weather apps to get reports from different sources, and he suggests using an app that tracks your location, rather than one based on a zip code.

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Preparation is key as severe weather season looms - Miami County Republic