Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

On Aug. 5, 2016, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 10 completed another major upgrade at its facility at 4224 Ricker Hill Road in west Davenport. The floor of the main ballroom area was professionally finished, thereby dramatically increasing the rooms appeal and ensuring a safe environment for people of all ages.

Support for this project was provided by the Scott County Regional Authority (SCRA). Since 2011, the SCRA and the Riverboat Development Authority (RDA) have provided much appreciated and much needed assistance in renovating the local LULAC facility. The SCRA has also underwritten the installation of new air handling equipment and new siding.

During that same time span, the RDA has sponsored the installation of a new ceiling in the main hall area, two restroom upgrades and numerous event sponsorships, including the LULAC scholarship banquet.

All of these initiatives have been vital to what LULAC Council 10 is doing for our community. The council leadership and its members offer their heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful support provided by the Scott County Regional Authority and the Riverboat Development Authority.

Link:
Letter: LULAC values support - Quad City Times

Wednesday morning Stevan Buren Roofing had taken 15 weather-related calls.

With the severe storms that have dumped heavy rains, winds and hail throughout the North Texas area, roofing contractors have kept busy this week, to say the least, said Stacey Greenawalt, marketing director at Stevan Buren.

While such business is good for roofers, it can also bring out droves of fly-by-night contractors looking to take advantage of people who might be in shock they suddenly have no roof over their heads, she said.

Such contractors arent necessarily easy to identify, she said.

On their website, they have posted a list of seven questions people can ask for any kind of contractor, whether roofers, plumbers, electricians or other services:

Does the company have a physical location? Fly-by night contractors work from their trucks and easily disappear. Someone with an office you can find on a map (rather than a post office box) is more likely to be found again.

Does the contractor carry proper insurance? Contractors should at minimum be able to produce proof of general liability insurance and some will have coverage specific to their work.

How long has the company been in business? Some contractors are only in business during storm season.

Does the contractor provide a warranty? Stevan Buren suggests asking for workmanship and product warranties and said written warranties are the best.

Does the contractor have a website? A website can be checked from your phone even when the contractor is present talking to you.

Who does the actual work? Learn who is actually coming out to do the work and if there will be an accountable supervisor on site to talk to.

Can the contractor provide references? Reputable contractors will be able to provide plenty of satisfied customers to give references.

Greenawalt said their company will check with previous clients first when storms strike an area to see if any repair work is needed.

She said when their crews are working with previous clients they will also get approached by people needing repairs. The company picked up clients like this recently in Whitney after a January tornado.

It is that time of year when bad contractors come out, said Johnson County Sheriff Adam King, and people can fall prey to them if they dont take care to do research on the contractor.

He suggested to check the company on the Better Business Bureau site to see how they rank. There are other reputable sites to check like Angies List or Home Advisor.

We havent had reports recently, Cleburne police spokeswoman Detective Kelly Summey said of roofing scams, although reports came when a tornado struck Cleburne in 2013.

Still, she said, the police department wants people to be aware of fly-by-night contractors.

She said contractors should be vetted thoroughly, and also suggested the first place to research is the Better Business Bureau.

Also, any roofer doing business in Cleburne will be registered with the city of Cleburne as a contractor, she said. Be leery of people who come to your door telling you that you have roof damage. This is usually something you should already be aware of and if youre not, get a second opinion. Legitimate roofing companies will never ask for full payment in advance of fixing your roof. All estimates should be in writing and should be provided to you prior to any work being done.

Summey also said to remain aware of people coming up to talk about roofing or other contracting needs. Sometimes scammers will work together, luring a person outside so their partners can burglarize the home.

Additionally, she said to report any suspicious activity to police.

Read more here:
Wrecked roofs after storms can draw contractor scams - Cleburne Times-Review

By By Brittany Wiliams Staff Writer

SMACKOVER The Smackover-Norphlet School Board approved service contracts for the districts roofing and technology, as well as changes to several district policies at its meeting Monday.

The school board accepted Wilcoxs recommendation to accept a bid of $300,022 to hire Olivers Custom Roofing to complete the districts roofing project, pending approval from another professional. The bid also included a $4.50 unit price.

We had seven bidders, five that we accepted and we came in way lower than what the budget was. The low bid is (from) OCR which is in Holland, Arkansas, Wilcox said. That unit price goes either way because we have a lot of decking in the project. Basically a third of the decking was factored in on this price so if we had to add more, thats the number theyll use. If they have to give us credit (or) do not have to replace as much decking, thats the same number thatll be used to come back our way.

Board members also approved the superintendents recommendation to hire IK Electric to upgrade the districts wireless technology. The total cost is $112,884.02 for the improvements at Smackover and Norphlet campuses, Wilcox said.

District special programs director Teri Philyaw recommended several policy updates including amendments to Smackover-Norphlets wellness Policy No. 5.29 that board member Chris Long voted against.

I dont know how this is going to go with the new (federal) administration, but the policy was substantially updated to include the new U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations on local wellness policies, Philyaw said. That ones a really significant change but that was something we didnt have any control over so its pretty much what we got to do.

According to the USDA, the final rule implementing section 204 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 requires schools that participate in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs to establish minimum content requirements for the local school wellness policies, ensure stakeholder participation in the development and updates of such policies and periodically assess and disclose to the public schools compliance with the local school wellness policies.

And if you dont? Long asked.

Philyaw answered, You dont get any child nutrition money.

Ultimately, all of Philyaws recommendations were approved though Long said that somebody got to speak up regarding Policy No. 5.29.

After reviewing the districts student-parent handbook in a committee meeting last month, Norphlet Middle School principal Keith Coleman presented changes recommended by the committee to the board.

Because its against the law to suspend students for truancy, the principal recommended that the minimum punishment should be detention hall and the maximum should be in-school suspension, removing out of school suspension. Though he previously objected this change, Long retracted his objection after he realized that the policy change gives principals discretion.

I personally wouldnt give them detention hall, Coleman said. Its not a step (punishment). Its a maximum and a minimum.

Among other approved recommendations are a description of the districts excused absence policy, requirement of parents immediately picking up students with transmittable live human host parasites from school and removal of Saturday School as a disciplinary action.

Board members also approved the resignations of Norphlet Elementary School principal Patti Vickery and Smackover High School physical education teacher Jerry Stegall.

The Smackover-Norphlet School Boards next meeting is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Apr. 17 in the district office boardroom.

Brittany Williams may be contacted by email at bwilliams@eldoradonews.com. Follow her on Twitter and like her on Facebook @BWilliamsEDNT for updates on Union County school news.

Originally posted here:
Smackover-Norphlet approves roofing, tech upgrade - El Dorado News-Times

Crain's Chicago Business

This Gold Coast mansion comes with a Lamborghini Crain's Chicago Business Most of the furnishings in a Gold Coast mansion are temporary additions, helping to make the house feel lived-in while it's on the market. But not in the ... The newly completed home on Elm Street has a $6.25 million pricetag, a glass elevator inspired ...

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This Gold Coast mansion comes with a Lamborghini - Crain's Chicago Business

Head Coach Jack Del Rio

Phoenix The major news to come out of the NFL meetings this week was the Oakland Raiders approval for relocation to Las Vegas. Following Mondays news, Head Coach Jack Del Rio sat down with the media in Arizona Tuesday morning to discuss a wide array of topics, primarily the newest additions to the Silver and Black.

Here are the quick hits from his media session:

Del Rio discussed the health of quarterback Derek Carr and how his recovery is going.

I dont think theres any reason to take it easy; hes fired up. I got to peek out and see him working out with the trainers last week, before we came down. Hes moving around very well, I think hes real excited about where he is, and how the rehab is going. We expect to have him for all of the OTAs [Organized Team Activities].

He talked about the addition of tight end Jared Cook, and how hell add another dimension to the offense.

Were really excited to have [tight end] Jared [Cook], hes developed. I mean, at this point youre getting a guy thats in his prime, hes physically grown from when he came out to where he is now. Hes really worked at his body, his strength, hes a guy that we think can do a little bit of everything. He blocks a little bit better than maybe hes given credit for. He definitely can be a matchup problem for defenses to deal with and handle.

Following the teams approval for relocation to Las Vegas, he commented on the news and expressed the team will continue working hard for the fans.

I think we have the best fans, the loudest fans, the most die-hard fans. I want to enjoy them here now, we want to make sure we put out a good product and play good ball to make them proud, now. Hopefully they have enough fun they might even show up on a plane to come see us in the future, but the here and now, theyre at their best when were at our best. Id rather acknowledge they give us tremendous support and we really appreciate it, and just continue to work to make sure that they are enjoying what theyre seeing.

The Raiders Head Coach shared his thoughts on the addition of John Pagano.

Really happy to have [Assistant Head Coach Defense] John Pagano join us, hes got a wealth of experience, comes from a great football family, hes a bright guy. Hes done a superb job, I think, of blending in with the staff and getting a feel for everybody, and how they work and how weve done things. Well be able to offer up a suggestion or two of where we can take we pull together and it becomes us. We have a lot of different experiences, and he brings a lot of that experience to the table, and hes a good communicator.

Del Rio expressed his excitement to have speedster Cordarrelle Patterson on the team.

Really excited about CP [wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson], hes a gifted athlete, once he touches the ball he can score from anywhere. Hes excited about what we plan on doing with him in our offense, and in our special teams. Hes not just a special teams guy, were going to integrate him into our offense and I think hes a dynamic playmaker.

He broke down what went into the decision to promote Todd Downing to offensive coordinator.

The interaction that I witnessed, the leadership that he provided over the last two years. I think the ability to communicate with his group, elevate the play of his group, the importance of that group, I saw all of that. I think overall, the ability to lead in the offensive staff room, the ability to direct, organize, and execute assignments that were given. He earned his way, its his time to get an opportunity, and I believe hes a really good, talented, young coach.

Del Rio said he believes safety Karl Joseph will take the next step of his development in his second season.

I think Karls going to take a big step forward this year as a player, and his development. Just with comfort and understanding whats expected of him, coming in and being healthy, having a full offseason of work. I just feel like a confident Karl Joseph is going to be a much more impactful guy.

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Quick Hits: Jack Del Rio Breaks Down Newest Additions To Roster And Coaching Staff - Raiders.com

Much like his boss suggested the day before, Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson confirmed Wednesday that the best thing his team has going for it is a young, dynamic quarterback it can build around.

That's been the plan since the day Carson Wentz was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft.

That's also what has Pederson's juices flowing as he closed out the Annual NFL Meeting with praise for his quarterback and a whole lot of guys surrounding him.

What changes for Wentz, who started all 16 games as a rookie last season, is that he enters this season as the established leader, according to Pederson.

"He embraces that," Pederson said. "I think this [year] will be big the way he talks to and handles the guys around him. ... He's obviously capable of doing that.

"I think, too, by him going through 16 games last year, there's a level of maturity. You're always looking to improve and to get better there."

That Wentz can be considered a leader despite being one of the youngest members of the team is not a surprise to the coach. He noticed why immediately.

"He stepped in Day 1 last year and the guys looked at him and they said, 'OK, you're our guy,'" Pederson said. "He proved that by how he studied during the week, how he practiced during week. So I don't think there's much more, other than just, 'Hey, man, let's spend an extra five minutes throwing this route.' Those types of things. Sort of leading by example."

Although Pederson denies that throwing 607 passes, an Eagles rookie record, left Wentz with a sore arm, he did suggest the overall workload became a burden when heaped onto all his offseason activity coming in.

Not having a Senior Bowl or scouting combine to worry about this year should give Wentz the break he needed by locker cleanout day Jan. 2.

Pederson had similar praise for other 2016 rookies, particularly offensive linemen Isaac Seumalo and Hal Vaitai.

Vaitai, he said, "has a chance to be a dynamic tackle in this league," and Seumalo can play all five spots. Most impressive was the way he stepped in at right tackle against the Baltimore Ravens in December.

"Isaac obviously didn't train at tackle for us in practice," Pederson said. "He had some college experience at tackle, and for him to do what he did in that Baltimore game, on a week's preparation, just shows the athleticism, the desire, the want-to. Those are types of guys that we love to coach, who you want on your team.

"When you're evaluating players, it's not about necessarily what they do on the field, it's the desire, it's the heart, they sacrifice themselves for the team. The versatility he can really play all five positions."

Similarly, Pederson believes the backup quarterback spot was upgraded by the addition of Foles, which led to the Eagles granting Chase Daniel's request to be released.

"With a guy like Carson, going into his second year, you want somebody that's played in the National Football League, played some games and has had some experience," Pederson said. "He's been with Alex Smith the last year, another veteran player, and it just brings a lot of the same things that I saw in myself when I was a backup."

Pederson almost certainly understands that more will be required of his offense in 2017 after the addition of free-agent receivers Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith.

Additions that came at least in part at the expense of the defense, which lost two starters defensive tackle Bennie Logan and cornerback Nolan Carroll to free agency and released two more defensive end Connor Barwin and cornerback Leodis McKelvin as salary cap casualties.

The Eagles this week did sign defensive end Chris Long and cornerback Patrick Robinson, but they are far from filling the holes that exist on their roster. Even a great draft this year will leave them short.

"It can be hard [to have patience]," he said. "Again, it goes back to acquiring talent. You want all the holes filled. You want everything and have all the depth that you want. Patience is a virtue. And we have to trust our plan, we have to trust our process, we have to trust our coaches."

Ultimately, though, it comes down to the quarterback. If Wentz is successful, Pederson will be as well. If Wentz doesn't pan out?

"It's always the head coach and the quarterback, right?" he said "At this level? So I think that answers that. The success of Carson, then we all have success."

And Pederson likes his chances.

Nick.Fierro@mcall.com

Twitter: @nickfierro

610-778-2243

DOUG PEDERSON

Position: Eagles head coach

Record: 7-9

Born: Jan. 31, 1968 (age 49), Bellingham, Wash.

College: Northeast Louisiana

Playing career: QB for Dolphins, Packers, Eagles, Browns

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Eagles coach Doug Pederson excited for QB Carson Wentz's second season - Allentown Morning Call

CERRO GORDO -- Cerro GordoHigh School was built 88 years ago and now they say it's time to make some changes.

They're asking voters on Tuesday to approve a tax hike to help them achieve their goals. Thehigh school has kept up with necessary repairs.but what they're looking for now is an upgrade to provide students with a newer, safer campus. Superintendent Brett Robinson saysthe last time they had any additions was 2001. That was sixteen years ago. It's been a long time since the school has been remodeled and while students may be keeping up to date on their homework Robinson says the school is overdue on it's upkeep.

"Every 45 minutes throughout the day our students pass between the three buildings, and connecting the two buildings would certainly give the superintendent peace of mind that they're more safe and secure throughout the day."

Robinsonsays the new improvements will bring the school together. There are several things on the to-do list.

"New classrooms, there will be a new kitchen a new commons area a new cafeteria, a new regulation sized second gym, a renovated old gym into an auditorium."

The school was built in 1929 and while it may be old, much of the original structure is still in tact. But that doesn't mean it doesn't need to be updated.

"Our student's deserve 21st century learning environments just like students in other surrounding communities have been able to get."

They're hoping to make classrooms more accessible to handicapped students by adding elevator systems. They also want to add climate controls in the gym. The 8 million dollar bond referendum would cover the costs of these renovations. But if it gets turned down by voters, they won't be able to go through with the plans.

"The board would have to sell some health life safety bonds. What that would do is make all the necessary repairs and bring everything up to code but it would not improve the learning environment or upgrade security in the ways we're seeking to do."

Robinson says this will be the biggest renovation the school has ever had, if the measure gets passed in the election. Ifthe plan gets the green light, planning and design for the renovations will begin in January 2018 and construction will start soon after during the summer.

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High school remodel in the works - IllinoisHomePage.net

If you are looking for window replacement in Durham, then it is time to go for Specialty windows. There is one company that will meet all your needs when it comes to replacing windows in Fayetteville.

Raleigh, NC, March 29, 2017 (Newswire.com) Your home is your place to relax and unwind after a long and tiring day. You have invested in putting it all together and will constantly go on adding to it to make it valuable in the long term. That is why when it concerns window replacement in Durham , there is one company that you can rely on and that is HomeCraft Windows. They are a leader in the window installation industry and have been installing replacement windows for many years now. The company prides themselves on being able to offer a wide range of replacement window solutions to their clients that not only fits the design but most importantly, the budget of the customer. HomeCraft Windows fairly understands that not all homes are same. They have unique layouts and angles which make the traditional windows a complete misfit. One would need custom designed replacement windows that HomeCraft Windows can fairly design and deliver.

Adding a custom specialty window in Fayetteville will not only complement the architectural style of the home but also give the property the maximum curb appeal.

HomeCraft Windows is known for its quality products and professionalism in carrying out the installation to perfection. They will go above and beyond for delivering specialty windows to their clients. They have been in the business for three decades and still growing strong. Whatever your design requirements are, you can be assured that they will be met. The emphasis is not only on the design always but also on the quality, energy efficiency, and durability. Each window comes with a custom designed stylish exterior, and they offer decorative glass options for certain designs.

Call 919-231-7181 for more details.

About The Company

HomeCraft Windows is the leader in window installation industry. They pride ourselves on being a locally owned and operated window and door installation and repair company.Clients can shop from a wide range of windows in Fayetteville.

Source: Homecraft Windows

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Get Specialty Windows While Opting for Window Replacement in Durham - MilTech

It depends on the size, complexity and features of your remodel. It will take a few discussions and the design phase to determine the cost. However, we focus on service to our clients no matter the size of their budget.

Again, it will depend on the size, complexity and features of your remodel. We will work together to develop your desires for your new kitchen. We will begin with our design phase where we will blend your ideas with our kitchen remodeling skills to come up with various options that will ultimately lead to the perfect plan for your new kitchen. Typically, a kitchen remodel will take six weeks.

We usually start by asking you questions about how you and your family use your kitchen. We need to know what works for you and what doesnt. If you have a wish list and photos, we would like to see them. Our goal is to see your home and future kitchen through your eyes. Then we can add our expertise to the mix to develop the design for your new kitchen.

This is one of the most popular models we do for homeowners. By opening the kitchen to the living areas of the home, both areas benefit from the creation of a more family-friendly floor plan. An open concept kitchen may be simple or complex. Either way, we can do the work it takes to design the changes and complete them from cut-off to an open concept kitchen floor plan.

The older your home is, the more likely your kitchen is cut off from the living and entertaining areas. By removing all or part of the wall separating your kitchen from the living areas, you can transform both spaces. Todays lifestyle is not as formal as it once was. Formal dining rooms and isolated kitchens do not work with how most families intermingle and socialize today. Opening up these spaces will transform, not only your home but your gatherings with family and friends.

It is possible to add propane gas to any home for cooking or a fireplace feature. Gas appliances will need to be specially jetted for propane gas. We will need to have a suitable outdoor area to locate the large storage tank and run the new gas pipe to the needed indoor areas.

You may want to consider induction cooking. It offers precise control of both temperature and timing as well as simple cleaning and safety features. The top is totally smooth and doesnt get hot when in use. It works well with all cookware except for glass or aluminum pots and pans.

Usually it will not be a problem if we are doing a similar cabinet layout. If you have extra tile we can also make adjustments if necessary. If we are adding an island or a few extra cabinets it will not be an issue.

It depends on your needs and usage. Hard surface counters such as granite or quartz are the most widely used surface at this time. Their price varies. Granite has more veining and movements in its look. Quartz counter tops have a uniform pattern and color. They will hold up as well as or better than granite. We are an Authorized Dealer of ForzaStone.

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Kitchen Remodeling FAQs - trilitebuilders.com

The kitchen has evolved into a multi-functional room in almost every household. Remodeling a kitchen is not something that should be taken lightly. It is time-consuming and costly. However, with proper planning, a homeowner will be able to finish the renovation successfully.

When renovating a kitchen, a homeowner should think about what he or she needs. Always incorporate your personality and lifestyle to have a functional kitchen that you love. Lets just say, you prefer to entertain people in your kitchen then perhaps by adding a kitchen island you can add more space for food preparation. It all depends with your preference and personality. Perhaps you have been thinking a lot for a long time now about kitchen remodeling. How and where to start, what you need to do, what to prepare and the list goes on. You might be overwhelmed with the process, at G&E we will take you step by step throughout the kitchen renovation project, explaining each option you have for your kitchen remodel.

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Basement Remodeling & Renovation Contractor | G&E ...