Spring and summer may be the seasons most often associated with landscaping and lawn care, but tending to lawns and gardens is a year-round job. If lawn and garden responsibilities dip considerably in winter, then fall is the last significant chance before the new year that homeowners will have to address the landscaping around their homes. Fall lawn care differs from spring … [Read more...]
New home with old world charm
For newlyweds Jason and Alyssa Aylsworth, of Fountain, their dream home is nearing a reality and despite its old-world background, it’s anything other than conventional. The couple is just weeks away from embarking on the raising of their timber frame home. “We enjoy being a bit different/unique so we knew we didn’t want just any old house that you see every day, says the … [Read more...]
An oasis out back
Have you ever visited a place on vacation that felt just right – inviting, comfortable, peaceful? And did you wish you could find a way to pack that place up in your suitcase and take it home with you? Well, that’s what Scott and Sharone Rustad of Fountain did. On a visit to Scott’s aunt in Texas, they discovered both the hotels and the homes there had stone patios that served … [Read more...]
USDA announces funding availability to help low-income individuals and families buy or repair homes
AUSTIN, MN. – USDA Rural Development has funding available for very low- and low-income individuals and families seeking to purchase or repair a home in a rural area. “Our housing staff will work one-on-one to ensure quality customer service for all applicants,” said Acting State Director Mike Navin. “To help prepare would-be buyers for this exciting step, USDA requires … [Read more...]
Recycling 101
After two recent articles concerning this topic, I am sure that most of you are aware that there are going to be a few changes in recycling in Fillmore County as of April 1, 2017. The first part of this article is going to list many of the materials that will be accepted for recycling, and the second part will list the materials that should not be recycled, but … [Read more...]
Composting
Turning garbage into something beautiful Many people do not compost because they believe there is a bad smell that accompanies the composting process. There really isn’t if it is done correctly. Compost cannot be made in a matter of a few weeks. The bacteria, the green material, the brown material, water, air and time are all necessary. Then, if you like, you can add a … [Read more...]
Recycling 101 ~ February 20, 2017
There are going to be some changes in the recycling process beginning April 1, 2017, and these changes should make recycling here in Fillmore County even easier. We will continue with single stream recycling, as we do at the present time. The recyclables that are brought to the recycling center here in Preston by individuals or waste haulers will be transported to La Crosse … [Read more...]
The Bluff Country Minnesota Multi-County HRA (BCMMCHRA) is working with Minnesota Housing to provide affordable first-time homebuyer loans More than $622,000 in resources available in 2017
RUSHFORD, MN – Minnesota Housing announced that $56.6 million is available to provide affordable mortgages to first-time homebuyers through a collaboration with Minnesota cities and counties, including $622,185.04 for Fillmore and Houston counties. Homebuyers can take advantage of these resources through the Minnesota Housing Start Up loan program, which offers fixed … [Read more...]
Recycling 101 ~ February 6, 2017
Today’s article deals with environmental issues as well as recycling. I will offer some suggestions on becoming a better steward of the land, air, and water, and a friend of the environment. Many of us use refillable coffee mugs when we are away from home. This really cuts back on the number of Styrofoam cups going to the landfill. Now, to avoid all those plastic water … [Read more...]
Recycling 101
When I look at the recyclables in the bins at the Recycling Center, a great majority of it is cardboard and other paper products. What happens to all that paper that is brought to the Recycling Center? If it is clean, dry, and free of a wax coating, almost all of it becomes paper products of one form or another. Each week, Fillmore County continues to send 15 to 18 tons of … [Read more...]