SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
THURSDAY, April 13, 2017
Free trees
to spruce
things up
Giveaway good
through April 30
Trees are a great way
to spruce up a yard or
farm place and, through
the month of April in
honor of National Arbor
Day Jackson County
residents who join the
Arbor Day Foundation
will receive 10 trees for
absolutely free.
National Arbor Day is
Friday, April 28, this year,
and Matt Harris, CEO of
the Arbor Day Founda-
tion, said the foundation
is making it easy for all to
celebrate the annual tree-
Those who join the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation
in April will receive a variety of trees, including a red
maple.
Henderson: One
house at a time
by LAURA DeKOK
Staff Writer
Steve Henderson is
helping to fix up Jackson
one house
at a time.
When
Hender-
son came
to Jack-
son a few
years ago,
he moved
Steve
into a du-
plex unit Henderson
on the
south end of town. It need-
ed some work, and he ac-
cepted the challenge.
Eventually the other
Chuck Dunker of Seasonal Spruce Ups is planting reclaimed-wood window boxes to
succulents as a sort of tribute to his late wife, Gail.
A true labor of love
Dunker picks up
where his late
wife, Gail, left off
by LAURA DeKOK
Staff Writer
Gail Dunker knew
plants.
When she was alive, she
worked with her husband,
Chuck, at Seasonal Spruce
Ups in Jackson, and she
had an eye for what would
be popular, and what peo-
planting holiday.
Those who join the non-
profit Arbor Day Founda-
tion in April will receive
a variety of trees, includ-
ing red oak, sugar maple,
weeping willow, bald cy-
press, thornless honeylo-
cust, pin oak, river birch,
tuliptree, silver maple
and red maple.
The free trees are of-
fered through the founda-
tions Trees for Ameri-
ca campaign.
These trees provide
shade in the summer and
vibrant colors through-
out the fall, Harris said.
See FREE TREES on C2
Submitted photo
half of the duplex came
up for sale, so he bought
it, fixed it up and rented
it out.
Sometime later, he put
an offer down on a foreclo-
sure in the heart of town.
The house needed a lot of
work, Henderson realized,
but he saw its potential.
Upon acceptance of his
officer, he moved out of
the duplex unit and into
the house to begin work-
ing on it.
One day, he noticed the
house right out his back
window was for sale. Like
the properties before,
Henderson knew it would
See HENDERSON on C4
ple would want.
Chuck Dunker remem-
bers six years ago Gail tell-
ing him succulents would
be the next big thing. She
just knew it, he said, so
they ordered some, and
made some planters with
all sorts of different suc-
culents.
When Gail passed away
in January 2015, the suc-
culents fell to the side.
The Dunker family kept
the business running, but
See LABOR OF LOVE on C7
PAINTING
THE
TOWN
Submitted photos
Kari Rubitschung, owner of Karis Painting, puts just the right amount of paint on her brush for cutting in trim
on a clients wall in Jackson.
Local lady helps her parents.
Im not afraid to jump
folks in Jackson, into something, she
beyond renew said.
After she left home, got
homes in and out married and had a house
of her own, she quickly
recognized the ease of
by JESSICA OYE
Staff Writer redecorating a room with
just a gallon of paint. The
What started as a hob- thrill of redecorating is
strong for Rubitschung,
by at home has turned
who admits to painting
into much more for local
and repainting rooms
painter Kari Rubitsc-
in her house frequently
hung.
when she is ready for
In the summer of 2016,
something new, estimat-
Rubitschung put 46 gal- Kari Rubitschung of Karis Painting gives fresh looks to
ing more than 30 partial
lons of paint on the walls interiors (above) and exteriors (below).
cans of paint in her own
of Riverside Elementary
basement.
School. It was then she
decided to put a lifelong
A business
hobby and potential busi-
Rubitschung quickly
ness into one. The next
discovered not everyone
summer, Karis Painting
enjoys painting. In fact,
was born.
as she talks to her clients,
she said many of them
A hobby
downright dread the task
Rubitschung said
of painting.
she likely inherited her
When you dread do-
handiness with a brush
ing something, you dont
and willingness to tackle
any home project from See PAINTING on C2
Jasper one-man fix for
failing septic systems
by JUSTIN R. LESSMAN
Publisher
Mitch Jasper is a one-
man fix for failing sep-
tic systems.
Jasper, owner of Jas-
per Environmental Ser-
vices of Jackson, is a
licensed and certified
septic inspector, de-
signer and installer.
The 12-year industry
veteran is one of only a
Photo by Chuck Dunker handful in southwest-
ern Minnesota capable
of handling all three
aspects of the job.
Jasper said hes gen- SUBMITTED Photo
erally called for two A mini excavator is one key piece of equipment for
reasons to perform Mitch Jasper as he works on a picturesque septic sys-
an inspection upon tem install.
transfer of property or
ahead of new construc- is noncompliant. ensuring permitting is in
tion, or to fix a system If a new system is war- place prior to installation.
gone wrong. ranted, Jasper conducts For the installation, Jasper
A n y l a n d t r a n s - a site evaluation, which employs the use of a mini
fer even between a includes the customer, the excavator, skid steer and
grandpa and grandson county and contractor. dump truck.
triggers a septic in- We determine the best At this point, its mostly
spection, Jasper said placement of the tank and earthwork, he said.
that is, unless a new drain field, he said. He installs to the
system has been in- Placement of the drain point of inspection.
stalled within the last field is typically depen- The county has final in-
five years or an inspec- dent on soil both qual- spection, he said. They
tion has taken place ity and depth to the water confirm the design and
within the last three. table. Jasper then kicks installation.
If the system does not into design mode, gaining With approval in hand,
include a drain field, it approval of the design and See SEPTIC on C3
C2 Thursday, April 13, 2017

FREE TREES: Available in April

Continued from C1
Through the simple act
of planting trees, one
person can make a dif-
ference in helping to cre-
ate a healthier and more
beautiful planet for all of
us to enjoy.
The trees will be
shipped postpaid with en-
closed planting instruc-
tions at the right time for
planting in April or May
with planting instruc-
tions. The 6- to 12-inch
trees are guaranteed to
grow or they will be re-
Submitted photo
placed free of charge.
The new M&H Electric team is made up of Tristan Joel (from left), Zach Vand Kieft,
To become a member
Kyle Thomson, Randy Priest, Mitchell Jarmer, Larry Hansen, Tony Maguire, Scott
of the foundation and
Berglund, Cody Jarmer, Marcy Berglund, Jake Peterson and Kevin Haberman.
receive the free trees,
send a $10 contribution to
TEN FREE TREES, Ar-
M&H Electric: New owners, same business
bor Day Foundation, 100 by LAURA DeKOK excited to be working in The Berglunds have
Arbor Avenue, Nebraska Staff Writer Jackson. The Berglunds two daughters Kelly,
City, NE 68410, by April currently employ around age 15; and Naomi, age 14
30, or visit arborday.org/ Its business as usual 10 people and said they and make it a priority to
april. Sugar maple for M&H Electric of Jack- are available to do work in work with their employ-
son, even though the long- Jackson anytime they are ees so they are able to be
time local firm has new needed. Hansen himself home with their families
owners. is staying on the job for a as much as possible. The
M&H Electric, which time, as is longtime M&H Berglunds said they are
was owned by Larry and Electric employee Randy happy to have acquired
Barb Hansen for years, Priest. another family business
recently changed hands. While the Berglunds in M&H Electric that also
New owners Scott and live in Avoca, they say has a proud history of
Marcy Berglund of Avoca, its not too far of a drive making family a priority.
who also own and operate to Jackson. They are both M&H Electric has kept
Avoca-based SS Electric, familiar with the Jackson the same phone number
say they are excited to ex- area too, as Scott Ber- and name Hansen used
pand their business. glund graduated from for so long in Jackson,
While their business has Jacksons community and and the Berglunds say
done commercial jobs in technical college in 2001 they are enjoying meeting
four different states, and and Marcy Berglunds the large M&H Electric
theyve worked through father lives in Jackson, clientele.
many contractors, the as do a few other family Dont be afraid to
Berglunds say they are members. call, said Scott Berglund.

Weeping willow

Spring planting season: How to select just the right tree

With the recent arrival of spring, many local homeowners are poised to take ad-
vantage of prime tree-planting season.
Establishing new trees early can aid their growth throughout the year, and help
them survive when hot weather arrives. But with so many tree species to choose from,
homeowners often are left wondering which trees are best suited for their landscapes.
Selection of trees for planting in a home landscape depends on several factors,
including a suitable growing site and any function they are going to serve, said Tchukki
Andersen, board-certified master arborist, certified tree-care safety professional
and staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association. Will they attract birds to
the area? Shade a patio? Screen an unsightly view? Enhance the appearance of the
home? Trees can provide contrast and relief from surrounding buildings and create
seasonal interest in areas near the home.
Andersen advises homeowners to consider the several factors when selecting a
tree, including hardiness, mature height and spread, growth rate above and below
ground, available space above and below ground, aesthetics, moisture requirements
for the life of the tree, maintenance requirements for the life of the tree, availability
at local nurseries and ornamental effects, such as branching habit, texture and color
of bark, flowers, fruit and foliage.
Local arborists can help homeowners determine which tree species perform well Submitted photo
in the area and are suited to the desired planting site. Arborists typically analyze the A new coat of paint refreshes the entryway of a home in Jackson.
specific planting site to determine the compatibility of the tree to the site. Andersen
said environmental considerations may include disease and insect problems that
may limit selections; the prior use of the planting site; soil conditions, such as poor
drainage, high or low pH and soil nutrition; the presence or absence of channelized
PAINTING: Inside and outside
Continued from C1
winds; the location of utilities, both above and below ground; and the proximity of
the plant to roads, walkways and security lighting. do a good job, she add- said she focuses on off trim, but relying on her
Andersen said the space available at the specific site and mature tree size are im- ed. painting projects pri- steady hand and a high-
portant considerations, and addressing these limits will go a long way toward reducing This is where she marily during the sum- quality brush. Shes con-
maintenance costs. Utilities, in particular, should be given a wide berth shines. With a love of mer, but creates room quered basic bedrooms,
Community ordinances may restrict planting of trees near power lines, parking painting and a hustle at- in her schedule all year from walls to ceilings in
strips, street lights, sewers, traffic control signs and signals, sidewalks and property titude, saying she loves round. one day, and also spent up
lines. Municipalities may require planting permits for trees planted on city property. to be busy, Rubitschung From the tedious trim to two weeks at a clients
City codes often require trees on city property be maintained by the city, so citizens is making quick work of works of bathrooms and home, starting on the in-
planting an improper selection can cause problems for themselves and the munici- other peoples problem kitchens to the wide- side and ending outdoors
pality. projects. open spaces of bedrooms repainting a deck.
No matter inside or and basements, Rubitsc- Rubitschung said she
outside, she has been hung spent a majority doesnt limit herself to
ADS AUCTIONS STORIES tackling paint-related
home and business im-
of last summer helping
homeowners bring new
only painting. She can as-
sist homeowners with both

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Karis Painting offers
free estimates and has
Hardy local references available. She
grown nursery stock said her fees are based on
Jackson County Land Management Shrubs, trees, an hourly rate and added
evergreens and she has become very good
603 So. Hwy. 86 Lakeeld, MN perennials at estimating time for
projects large and small.
507-662-6682 ext. 4 Paver patios Though most of Ru-
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Garden art in Jackson, she said she
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C3 Thursday, April 13, 2017

This tank is a key component of typical septic system

improvement for a three-bedroom residence.

A skid steer is one key piece of equipment for Mitch

Submitted photos Jasper as he finishes off construction of a new drain
This mound drain field is a key component of a typical septic system improvement for a three-bedroom residence. field.

SEPTIC: Mitch Jasper one-man solution for failing septic systems

Continued from C1
Jasper covers, smooths
and seeds.
had a total system failure
or backup, he said. When
program through the Uni-
versity of Minnesota.
Designing and installing a septic system in five simple steps
When I leave, the cus- theres material in the I learned installation, A subsurface sewage treatment system, or septic system, that is properly de-
tomer has to do nothing, basement and kids in the inspection and design, he signed, installed and maintained will ensure the system will function well into the
he said. house, I respond. Install said. Every three years, future and provide the necessary environmental protection.
Jasper said he can typi- customers know I would do continuing education cred- Officials with Jackson Countys office of land management say there are five steps
cally handle one instal- the same for them if they its are required to maintain for designing and installing a quality septic system that is worth the investment for
lation per week, though were in that situation. In licensure, but its even a home in Jackson County.
weather certainly plays a that regard, my schedule is more than that its learn- Step 1: Contact a licensed SSTS designer or installer. Jackson County keeps a list of
role in that. determined by the severity ing new rules and new contractors who are licensed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to design,
And Im not a job-jump- of the failure. ways of doing things. Those install and maintain septic systems in the area. Some of the contractors are only li-
er, he said. I do one job Jasper got into the busi- are good things. The state censed to install septic systems, but they usually have a relationship with a designer
at a time. When I leave, we ness a dozen years ago of Minnesota is very good who will design the system for them. The contractor will contact the county to set up
are finished. at the urging of his late in terms of how it handles a site evaluation to start the design process. This would also be the time to contact
The lone exception is brother, Jan. septic regulations; other county for information regarding applying for a low-interest loan.
when Jasper is called to fix My brother got me into states come to Minnesota Step 2: Site evaluation. The site evaluation is the most important part of the design
a system gone wrong. excavation work and he to learn how we do it here. process. The location, type and size of the septic system is determined during the site
My customers under- taught me septic, Jasper Im just happy to be able to evaluation. The Jackson County Development Code requires a qualified employee
stand their system install said. do my part for customers in of Jackson County conducts the site evaluation with a licensed SSTS designer. The
might have to wait a bit if He received his formal this part of the state. county also encourages the homeowner to be present at the site evaluation to pro-
one of their neighbors has training via a year-long vide information on the number of bedrooms in the home, if any water-using devices
or garbage disposals are present in the home and if there is a business in the home
that may affect the waste composition from the home. Jackson County will provide
site evaluation information to other contractors if the homeowner wants to solicit
more bids. The site evaluation fee is currently $100.
Step 3: Design approval. After the site evaluation is completed, a licensed SSTS
designer will complete a design for a system that meets all of the requirements of
the state SSTS rules and the Jackson County Development Code and submit the de-
sign to Jackson County. The county will review the design to ensure it was completed
properly. A SSTS design that is approved by Jackson County serves as the permit to
install a new septic system.
Step 4: Installation. After the design is approved, construction of the new septic
system may start at any time providing the conditions are favorable for construction.
The Installer must let Jackson County know when the system will be installed and
when the system will be ready for inspection. Jackson County inspects the compo-
nents of a septic system after all of the connections have been made and before
backfilling and final cover. The SSTS inspection fee is currently $75.
Step 5: Certificate of compliance. After the final inspection of the septic system,
Jackson County draws up an as-built of the system and a certificate of compliance,
which will be sent to the homeowner along with information regarding how to properly
maintain the system. The
certificate of compliance
is valid for five years after Overhead Doors
When Mitch Jasper is finished with a septic system install, the land is graded and its issuance.
seeded, with nothing left for the landowner to do. and Openers
Spring Replacement
A handful of helpful hints to extend the life of a septic system from a guy who knows Repairs on Doors
Local septic system inspector, designer and installer system failure. and Openers
Mitch Jasper of Jasper Environmental Services says a Second, do not put raw food down the garbage dis-
few simple steps can extend the life of a new septic posal and into the tank, as it takes much longer to break Lakefield, MN
system significantly. down than body waste. 507.662.5111
A homeowner will determine how long a new system Its not a bad idea to clear your plates before you put
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C4 Thursday, April 13, 2017

HENDERSON: Helping to fix up Jackson one house at a time

Continued from C1

take some work, but the Hendersons remodel of

thought of having a rental the bathroom is nearly
unit literally a few steps complete, but that is just
from his back door proved one of the many projects
a deal-maker. Henderson wants to tackle
Henderson purchased before renting the lower
the house, closing in De- level.
cember, and started work- While many may look
ing on it mid-January. at a project similar to the
It turns out ones Hen-
the house I like to have derson has
was bro- projects with tackled and
ken into see mass
two apart- tangible results. amounts of
ments, I dont like to sit work, he
the up- around much, said he sees
stairs and and projects like the finished
the down- view.
stairs. The this also have I like to
upstairs is the potential for have proj-
now com- income. ects with
pleted, and tangible
the down- Steve Henderson results,
stairs is his he said. I
next proj- dont like to
ect. sit around much, and proj-
In the upstairs, he had ects like this also have the
some big projects, such as potential for income. Submitted photos
painting, putting in new Henderson said his cur- Above: The hallway of
floor coverings, scrub- rent project will be the last Steve Hendersons lat-
bing the place down and for him for a while, as he est remodel project leads
installing new fixtures in still has a few things in his to a new and improved
the bathroom. It took five own home that need some bathroom. Left: Prior to
weeks, and the place was attention. renovation, the bathroom
ready for a renter. But he admits he just is plain, dated and drab.
Now he is working on never knows. Sometimes
the downstairs, which projects just find him.
looks as though it is from
another era completely
that era being the 1970s.

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C5 Thursday, April 13, 2017

B&B Piping opens Lakefield location

by MIKE JORDAN Matt himself has more than
Staff Writer 15 years of experience in
the propane industry. The
A family business widely combined experience of all
known for quality gas pip- 23 employees is well more
ing work has opened a loca- than 200 years, Mike Blies-
tion in Lakefield. mer said.
Fairmont-based B&B B&B Gas Piping Plus is
Gas Piping Plus expanded a full-service agricultural,
to Lakefield earlier this industrial and commercial
year, taking up residence gas storage/supply line and
in a portion of the for- heating business. B&B can
mer Mosley building along take any project from start
Highway 86. to finish from the gas
We have always had supply to the heat source,
customers in the western whether its natural gas
Jackson County area, but or LP. B&B also handles
believed there was an op- power-washer lines for
portunity for growth here, hog barns.
said Mike Bliesmer, son of We service and sell LB
business cofounder Marlin White brand agricultural
Bliesmer. When we found heaters, as well as any
out Darrell Bloome, who other agricultural heater,
Mike Bliesmer said. We Photos by Mike Jordan
has been a serviceman in
the area for a number of also sell and install radiant Darrell Bloome, Lakefield serviceman for B&B Gas Piping Plus, works out of the business new location on
years, was available for heaters tube heat that Highway 86 in part of the building owned by Chad Frericks, who operates his electrical business there as well.
hire, we thought it was are used frequently in farm
a great time to take ad- shops and industrial-type
vantage of the previous applications. We plumb
vision we had. With Dar- large and small tanks for
rells knowledge of the LP supply onsite. We sell
area and B&Bs ability to and service vaporizers. We
send Darrell any help he employ two welders with
needs for larger projects, a number of years of ex-
we thought we could make perience in the oil and gas
this work for our current industry for any projects
customers, as well as any that require welded pipe
future customers. As far instead of threaded. We
as our choice for Lakefield deal with just about every
goes, with Darrell being aspect of natural and LP
a Lakefield resident and gas aside from your resi-
the new owner of the Mos- dential or home furnaces.
ley building, Chad Frer- We will even sell and in-
icks, not needing the entire stall garage heaters for the
building for his electrical do-it-yourselfers that want
business, it all just kind of to work in comfort in the
fell into place. winter.
B&B Piping was founded B&B Gas Piping Plus Darrell Bloome, serviceman for the B&B Gas Piping Plus Lakefield location, points out the variety of parts being
in 2005 as a small family currently does work in accumulated in the facilitys parts room.
business serving just one eight states, including
customer at that time and Minnesota, North Dakota, closer for a quicker re- We work for some of the rents a portion of the build- the area and we are looking
employing three people. South Dakota, Iowa, Ne- sponse time. largest pork producers in ing located in Lakefield. forward to meeting new
With the recent addition of braska, Wisconsin, Illinois B&B Gas Piping Plus the nation, Mike Bliesmer The Bliesmers have done customers, helping them
oldest son Mike Bliesmer and Missouri, and has re- customers come from the said. But our small-town some work to the building through their projects and
to the business in February, quests coming in for work swine and poultry industry, roots help keep us ground- to get Bloome a nice little giving them the service
it is now definitely a com- in both Colorado and In- which is the business larg- ed to be able to work hard shop from which to work, that has helped our busi-
plete family affair. Marlin diana. est customer base, but B&B for even the smallest pro- Mike Bliesmer added. ness grow the way it has,
and Nancy Bliesmer and Our hoped-for goal for also does a lot of large tank ducers. We have seen a nice re- Mike Bliesmer said.
their sons, Mike, Matt and our Lakefield location is work for businesses. B&B Gas Piping Plus sponse to the business from
Mycah, all are working in increased customer conve-
the business today. nience, as well as customer
Marlin Bliesmer, who contact, Mike Bliesmer
founded the business with said. Customers in the
son Matt, has been in the area can drop heaters off
plumbing, heating and gas at the shop and, if a ser-
business for more than 40 vice call is needed onsite,
years as of this month, and Darrell will be that much

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C6 Thursday, April 13, 2017

Sink is the heart and soul of any kitchen remodel

If the kitchen is the heart as well as the pros and cons owners might end up using
of the home, it would be of each: more water with the single-
easy to make the case the Top-mount: This type of bowl sink, though, espe-
sink is the heart of the sink is the easiest to install cially when washing dishes.
kitchen. and replace. It does cre- It simply takes more water
Its also one of the best ate a ridge where the sink to get it deep enough in the
features to update when material meets the counter, single bowl.
planning a kitchen remodel. however, and this is a place Double bowl: One sink
When it comes to style, where water and dirt often for washing; one for dry-
traditional is the most popu- collect, making cleaning ing. One sink for holding
lar design choice for fami- more challenging. dirty dishes and another for
lies. The contemporary U n d e r - m o u n t : Fo r rinsing vegetables. There
style, however, is increasing cleaning purposes, under- are myriad reasons why
in popularity and comes in mount sinks are great be- homeowners love having a
at a close second, according cause homeowners can sim- double bowl. One drawback
to studies. ply wipe their cloth right is that the sink is smaller,
But when it comes to over the counter and into and that makes it easier to
picking a new kitchen sink, the sink. However, replac- splash water outside of the
Submitted photo
theres much more to think ing an under-mount sink sink area.
might also require counter- Stainless steel: As the A new sink is the heart and soul of any kitchen remodel.
about than just the design
style. Homeowners must top removal. most popular choice be- spots more easily. over time can cause the in any kitchen. The com-
consider top- and under- Single bowl: When it cause of its functionality, Cast iron: A throwback iron sink to rust. Cast iron posite materials are very
mount sinks, single bowl, comes to washing large durability and coloring, to the original sinks, cast sinks also tend to cost more. durable and require little
double bowl and materials dishes, the single-bowl sink stainless steel has a time- iron sinks with an enamel Granite or quartz com- maintenance. They do tend
as well. is a good choice. Its also less element to it. It can finish are still quite popu- posite: These sinks feature to cost more money, and the
What follows is some handy for dumping large scratch, though, and it lar today. The finish is very a combination of rock with coloring of the sink could
background information pots of hot water, as there is might have a louder noise strong, but tiny chips and resin, and they create a limit options when deco-
regarding whats available, a larger area to hit. Home- value. It also shows water pinholes that can evolve beautiful and colorful look rating the rest of the room.

Create the perfect outdoor kitchen space with a few easy projects
Now that warmer weath- There are several easy, ing and entertaining area: to determine whether gas,
er is here, local folks want affordable projects that Start with the grill. charcoal or propane is
to spend as much time can help anybody trans- The grill will be the fo- right for them. If expense
outdoors as possible and form any outdoor kitchen cal point of the cooking is a concern, propane is a
that includes mealtime. space into the perfect cook- area. Outdoor chefs need more cost-effective fuel
than charcoal and it doesnt
require running any lines
Need to dress up your yard? to the grilling area, provid-
ing the same grilling space
Want to improve your farm property? and fewer expenses.
Build a barbecue cover.
We have what you need! Give any kitchen a beau-
tiful outdoor shelter by
Submitted photo
Lawn grass seed Lawn fertilizers Wildower seed building a barbecue cover.
There are several easy, affordable projects that can help
Native grasses Custom mixes Pasture mixes for horses Use a material that is re-
anybody transform any outdoor kitchen space into the
sistant to rot, decay and
Mixes for CRP, EQUIP and waterways Erosion-control products perfect cooking and entertaining area.
insects one that will look
A line of small equipment for rent to help install lawns (4010 JD tractor, great no matter what the to be more unique can and for the cook as well.
Interseeder, tiller and fertilizer spreaders) weather brings. find simple instructions Patio umbrellas are a help-
Find the perfect light. online for building wine- ful addition to any seating
Forget the deck light and bottle torches or Mason area. To cover a larger
Shelley Lange
opt for ambient lighting op- jar lamps. space, also opt for an all-
1064 Hale Place Windom, MN 56101
tions instead. Track light- Provide a little shade. encompassing retractable
Business: 507-831-4494
ing can be strung across Make those summer af- awning that will provide
Mobile: 507-830-0022
a space easily to make the ternoons enjoyable and shade when needed and
E-mail: shelley@theseedcenter.net kitchen a welcoming envi-
Located across the railroad tracks from HyVee comfortable by providing peel away when everyone
10779 ronment. Those who want some shade for guests wants a little sun.

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Commercial, Industrial and Residential Buildings

Insured and Bonded License #BC592555
18889
C7 Thursday, April 13, 2017

Photos by Laura DeKok

Reclaimed-wood boxes crafted by Chuck Dunker of Seasonal Spruce Ups overflow with succulents ordered by his late wife, Gail.

LABOR OF LOVE: Dunker picks right up where his late wife left off
Continued from C1
it was more just making
it, rather than finding the
passion in it.
One day, Chuck Dunker
looked around and saw all
of the succulents Gail had
ordered and realized she
was exactly right. Over
the past few years, the
popularity of succulents
has soared, he said, so he
decided to move forward
to find creative ways to
display them.
In his garage he had
some reclaimed wood he
had purchased about 10
years before. He hadnt
been sure what to do with
it, but Gail had made some
large window boxes filled
with succulents, and he
decided to use that wood
to create different sized
boxes in order to make
some unique display boxes.
He has one display that is
several feet wide, and oth-
ers that are less than a foot
around, and they have be-
come something he really
enjoys putting together,
filling with different small
plants and watching them
grow.
They just look cool,
Dunker said. They be-
come a focal point, and
they add a lot of color. They
also can become a con-
versation piece. Its great
because so many of these
plants bloom in the winter.
Things that look like they
wont have flowers do. One
day youll walk in, and they
will have a flower.
Succulents are also good
for people who may not
have the best track record
for keeping plants alive
and thriving. Dunker said
they require very little
care. He waters them regu-
larly, but even with that, he
said, they require far less
than normal plants.
In the near future, Dunk-
er plans to offer a class
where people can come,
build plant holders and
plant succulent gardens in
them. He wants people to
know if they plant succu- Dunker, but ultimately his up again, and is enjoying it.
lents and they have issues greenhouse full of all dif- Doing something she had
or the plants die, they can ferent kinds of succulents initiated, and finding it is
come in and he will help of all sizes and colors is a really taking off in popu-
them find something else, sort of tribute to his wife. larity, is exciting, Dunker
and replant. It was her idea to start the said, and a definite lasting
Using reclaimed wood project, he said, and while memorial to a woman who
to make planters has be- the work hit a lull after her loved doing it.
come a creative outlet for death, Dunker has taken it
Homemade Loans
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Jackson, MN 56143
MEMBER
ASSOCIATION CHUCK DUNKER
(507) 847-4714 FDIC
A Community Service Since 1892 507-847-3532 Cell: 507-841-1632
512 So. Hwy. 71 Jackson, MN
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18894
C8 Thursday, April 13, 2017

Relocated electric business all charged up for Lakefield

by MIKE JORDAN ately and gradually moved I would say over half
Staff Writer business operations from of my work is here or in
Heron Lake to Lakefield. the Lakefield area, he
A Heron Lake electri- In the s a i d . We
cian has relocated his future, I have quite a
would like My hoped-for few friends
business to Lakefield and
is charged up about his to have goal here is to living in
new home base. a secre- see continued Lakefield
Chad Frericks closed tary and and my sis-
be open all
growth in my ter and her
on the purchase of the business. I want
former Mosley building the time, family lives
in Lakefield in November he said. I to keep my here.
2016 and has moved his h a v e o n e customers happy, JNC
business, JNC Electric, to full-time Electric
employ-
which is the most does resi-
the Highway 86 location.
I was operating my ee, Dustin important thing. dential wir-
business out of Heron Clark, But I want to keep ing both
Lake and liked being over who lives growing, and new con-
there where my wife and I in rural struction
Lakefield. that is another and remod-
now live, he said. I was
raised between Okabena Eventually reason I bought els but
and Heron Lake, but I I would like this building as also does
was looking for a building to move my it will allow for commer- Photo by Mike Jordan
in this area and, when I family here cial wiring Chad Frericks, owner of JNC Electric, has purchased the former Mosley building in
too. more growth. as well.
saw the Mosley building Lakefield and is open for business.
was for sale, it piqued my Theres Chad Frericks I would
interest. more than say we work in commercial, in- ence that it requires. Then, business has been getting
Frericks began storing one reason dont really dustrial and ag wiring, after 2,000 more hours of busier and busier, to the
parts at his new Lakefield Frericks chose Lakefield specialize in any one area, he said. There is really on-the-job experience, I point where he needed to
location almost immedi- as a new home base. but I prefer doing more nothing around here that got my master electrician add Clark as an employee.
we cant do. designation. My hoped-for goal here
Frericks decided to After high school, Frer- is to see continued growth
name his business JNC icks earned a degree from in my business, he said.

E FUN !
Electric because he does Ridgewater College at I want to keep my cus-

M A D
ICKING
the majority of his work in Willmar as an electronics tomers happy, which is the

P
ROCK LL
Jackson, Nobles and Cot- technician. But realizing most important thing. But
ETS! tonwood counties, which the need for electricians I want to keep growing,
E AS IT G
AS CLOS he considers his home in the area, he used his and that is another rea-
Y, BUT ITS area. transferable skills learned son I bought this building
NOT REA I started working as an there to work toward be- as it will allow for more
electrician at Post and Ho- coming an electrician. growth.
henstein Electrical in the I did a union appren- In his spare time
spring of 2007 and became ticeship through the IBEW which, he noted, is get-
an official electrician, he (International Brother- ting harder and harder to
said. In February of 2014, hood of Electrical Work- find he enjoys hanging
I filed with the state of ers) out of Rochester, out with his family, includ-
Minnesota as a business. which involved a lot of ing wife Nichole, who is a
I received my journeymen classes and on-the-job social worker for Cotton-
electrician designation in training, he said. wood County, and 8-year-
July of 2013 after com- Frericks has been work- old son, Stevie Meyers,
pleting the 10,000 hours ing on his own for about and friends; playing golf
of verifiable work experi- three years and noted his and baseball; and enjoying
MULE SX 4x4 time at the lake.
Being in Lakefield, in
THE 2017 this building, which has
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C9 Thursday, April 13, 2017

Electric
FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS!
Serving Jackson and the surrounding area!

INDUSTRIAL AGRICULTURAL
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Our expert and reliable electricians offer

great service and quality workmanship!

From the left are Tristan Joel, Zach Vande Kieft, Kyle Thomson, Randy
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Cody Jarmer, Marcy Berglund, Jake Peterson and Kevin Haberman.

Electric CALL
Jackson, Minnesota
18851
507-847-2960 507-360-1530
C10 Thursday, April 13, 2017

Let our professional

designers create a plan
that reflects your dreams
and lifestyle. Our skilled
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will take your custom
design to completion with
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We design and build:

New homes
Kitchen renovations
Additions
Bath renovations
Decks
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606 County Road 1

Mt. Lake, MN
Visit us on the web at
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Email: bbuilders@bargeninc.com
'(6,*1%8,/'+20(,03529(0(17&(17(5 CONTRACTOR LICENSE #BC125765

Call Bryan 507-381-2816 800-434-2924

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 507-427-2924
18885

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$GGLWLRQV %DWKUHQRYDWLRQV Meet our design team
'HFNV 6FUHHQHG3RUFKHV Randy, Linette, Tom, Daniel and Bryan
$QGPRUH
800-434-2924
Call Bryan 507-381-2816 507-427-2924
Hours: Monday through )riday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
&RXQW\5RDG
0W/DNH01
Visit us on the web at
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Email: bbuilders@bargeninc.com
'(6,*1%8,/'+20(,03529(0(17&(17(5 CONTRACTOR LICENSE #BC125765
14946