It’s the sweetest thing seeing the fruits of your labor being awarded. Jenny Dornink of Preston, Minn., entered nine jars of homemade and colorful jellies for competition at the 2017 Minnesota State Fair and to her delight, she received six ribbons. Dornink began learning the basics of canning while she was in high school as her grandmother, Lois Ray, had her bed and … [Read more...]
Earth-friendly tips for autumn
Autumn is upon us, and with the change of seasons comes the fall to-do list that must be completed before the arrival of winter weather. Many outdoor jobs are best completed before temperatures drop, while others can be tackled indoors to help save energy and prepare for increased time spent inside the home. Outdoor cleanup Autumn means leaves are falling from trees and … [Read more...]
Three pre-winter lawn care pointers
Winter weather can be harsh, especially on lawns. Homeowners who spend much of spring and summer tending to their lawns may fear the impact that winter will have on their once-lush landscapes, making the fall a great time to fortify lawns against any harsh conditions to come. Homeowners must take grass type into consideration before taking steps to prepare their lawns for the … [Read more...]
Fall lawn care tips
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...]