BOURBON COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - On Saturday alone, lightning struck three different buildings in Bourbon County including the public library downtown.

Built in the early 1900s, the public library in Paris a staple in the city and unfortunately it was struck by lightning around 6:00 Saturday night, causing it to catch on fire.

When firefighters arrived, there were flames and smoke coming through the roof of the structure.

Firefighters say the fire started in the attic, making it difficult for crews to reach since the area was surrounded by inches of insulation and plastic wrap.

Thankfully, the library's collection of books and computers had been temporarily moved since the library is currently undergoing renovation.

"It was in the remodeling phase so there was already a lot of damage done to it already. We were just trying to save the exterior of the structure because that part will still be the main part of the library when renovation is done," said Paris Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Duffy.

Paris City Manager John Plummer says because of the fire, there's a high probability that the entire roof will have to be replaced.

No one was hurt in the fire and construction crews weren't inside when the lightning struck.

See original here:
Historic building catches fire after struck by lightning

by Jennifer Thomas

Video report by Karen Brown

Posted on July 31, 2014 at 4:06 PM

Updated yesterday at 9:38 PM

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries after responding to a fire in North Scottsdale Thursday afternoon.

Scottsdale and Phoenix fire departments were dispatched to a house fire near 117th Street and Parkview Lane at about 3 p.m.

Scottsdale Fire Department Division Chief Jay Ducote said plumbers who were working on the exterior of the home called 911 to report the fire.

"When we got in here, we couldn't see anything. We had smoke all the way to the floor," said Scottsdale Fire Capt. Sean Cooney, who was one of the first firefighters to enter the burning home.

The fire got into the wall and attic. Crews aggressively pulled ceiling in the home to prevent the fire from spreading.

"The fire started at the west end of the house and within 10 minutes it was moving across the rafters of the roof at a very quick rate," said neighbor Vic Flanigan.

Continue reading here:
Plumbers report Scottsdale house fire; 2 firefighters injured

Maumee, Ohio (PRWEB) July 23, 2014

Fypon, a leader in the synthetic millwork industry, will launch the first-ever "National Curb Appeal Month" celebration in August of 2014.

National Curb Appeal Month is dedicated to helping homeowners focus on ways to add value and design appeal to their home's exterior. During August, Fypon will include daily curb appeal tips on their Facebook and Twitter pages along with detailed curb appeal information and color advice from national color expert Kate Smith of Sensational Color on the Fypon website.

"Realtors tell us that potential home buyers make a 'street decision' in less than 12 seconds on whether or not to view a home that's for sale," says Niki Decker, senior manager of product and marketing for Fypon. "That's a very short time to make a large impression and it all relies on the curb appeal of the house.

"Different curb appeal elements, such as well-maintained shrubbery, decorative millwork and trim, colorful plants and an appealing front entryway can have a fast, positive impact on home buyers. Even if your home is not for sale, curb appeal is important in setting a welcoming tone for your family and visitors."

ROI on Curb Appeal According to the 2014 Cost Versus Value Study conducted by Remodeling magazine*, many products added to the home have a high return-on-investment at the time of a home sale. Adding energy-efficient vinyl windows as a mid-range project to a home can have a cost recoup value of 78.7 percent while the addition of vinyl siding can have 78.2 percent recoup rate.

The same study reports that the replacement of an easy-care fiberglass entry door can have 70.8 percent of the cost recouped, while a new roof on the home has a 67.6 percent cost recoup. The study "What Today's Home Buyers Really Want" from the National Association of Home Builders** reports that the three most wanted outdoor features consumers desire for their home exteriors are lighting, a patio and a front porch.

"Whether you're adding a new component to the home's exterior or 'sprucing up' existing elements, color plays a major role in creating curb appeal," says Kate Smith, president of Sensational Color. "Adding color to the home exterior should be done in a 'top-down' approach so there's a unified flow that creates an overall pleasing impression."

Smith, who has authored the e-books "FRESH Home Exterior Colors" and "FRESH Color Schemes for Your Home Exterior," recommends that homeowners add "pops of color" to key home exterior elements.

"The front entry door, shutters and trim are the ideal locations for major color additions that complement the overall color palette of the home," says Smith. "Imagine a polymer slate roof in a blend of castle gray flowing down to red brick siding. How do you enhance the home's look? By adding a marine blue painted fiberglass front door along with low-maintenance shutters of charcoal gray, trim pieces and louvers painted in soft white.

See the original post here:
Fypon Launches First-Ever National Curb Appeal Month in August

ALBANY, GA (WALB) -

A family is coming together in thanks after a fire ripped through their home.

Jimbo and Kay Pace showed incredible courage as they picked through the remains of their home, which has been in their family for more than 40 years. Telling people how blessed they are.

There were no tears. In fact, Jimbo and Kay Pace had smiles for all their friends and family this morning, as they went through what is left of their home.

Is there anything left? Jimbo Pace said "We are. We are going to start over. And looking forward to it."

Kay Pace was raised in this home. Raised her two sons here. Monday morning she said they are thankful.

Kay Pace said "We do feel blessed that our whole family and our 3 dogs are safe. Just thank you to the fire department and God."

She and her husband had just a week and a half ago completed a huge remodeling of the kitchen and living room. Last night a funny odor moved throughout the house. Smoke alarms started to sound.

Jimbo Pace said "It was just a light haze in the house. So we started looking in the attic. Started looking around, and there is a room back here. When I opened the door flames just shot out."

The fire roared into the attic, and engulfed the roof quickly. The home was a total loss. But on Monday family found items that Kay called treasures.

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Family counts blessings after fire destroys home

Courtesy of Youtube/VEVO

Weird Al Yankovic, 54, has once again blown us away with his comedic genius by parodying Iggy Azaleas summer hit Fancy with his version, Handy. Pulling out all the stops, including wearing a blond wig, we cant stop watching!

Weird Al has somehow made his song Handy even catchier than Fancy and we didnt think that was possible.

Sorry Iggy, it appears that you were not fancy enough to escape Weird Als parodies. The stunning singer is in good company though because the funny man has also targeted some of musics biggest stars, includingPharrell Williams,Robin ThickeandLorde.

In the hilarious video, Al sports a mullet-esque blond wig while donning some pretty impressive handy-man attire, including a fully-loaded tool belt.

He is seen fixing everything from broken windows, doors, remodeling kitchens whatever you need, Weird Al is your go-to guy. He even has prices that cant be beat, rapping Ill beat all price quotes, my hourly rates are low.

He certainly willkeep you entertained all day!

Click here to watch the super hilarious video andkeep readingfor the full lyrics to Weird Als Handy:

First things first, Im a craftsman (craftsman) Remodelling is my only passion (its my passion) And Im the greatest in the business Want referrals, yo My clientle will bear you witness (right, right) I can help when your door jamb sticks (heh?) There is nothing in the world I cant fix (yeah) I do tiles, I do stone, I do bricks Call me, Ill come rushing over with my bag of tricks (bag of tricks) Where you go when your disposal is rusted (rusted) Termite problem making you disgusted (yuck) When your front window is busted (hey hey hey) Just one man thats always trusted

Im so handy, you already know Ill fix your plumbing when your toilets over flows Im so handy, Ill bring you up to code When your dishwashers about to explode

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Weird Al Yankovic Spoofs Iggy Azalea In New Video Handy Watch

LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian jump into reality TV LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian jump into reality TV

Updated: Saturday, July 12 2014 8:25 PM EDT2014-07-13 00:25:15 GMT

Updated: Saturday, July 12 2014 7:59 PM EDT2014-07-12 23:59:21 GMT

Updated: Saturday, July 12 2014 7:30 PM EDT2014-07-12 23:30:01 GMT

Updated: Saturday, July 12 2014 6:17 PM EDT2014-07-12 22:17:10 GMT

Updated: Saturday, July 12 2014 5:59 PM EDT2014-07-12 21:59:11 GMT

Officials said a fire broke out in the attic of a home Thursday evening in Hamilton that was in a middle of remodeling.

Firefighters were dispatched at about 8:15 p.m. to a two-story home in the 1100 block of Azel Avenue. The first arriving fire crews found heavy smoke on the second floor as they pulled the attic access stairs down to reveal the fire, officials said.

Hamilton firefighters were able to contain the fire to the attic space and very little damage was done in the rest of the home.

The resident was working in the garage at the time and saw smoke, officials said. Authorities said the home was in the final phase of a total remodel.

See original here:
Fire damages Hamilton house being remodeled

By YURAS KARMANAU and PETER LEONARD Associated Press

DONETSK, Ukraine (AP) - Ukraine's president vowed vengeance in blood after 19 troops were killed in an insurgent rocket attack Friday, and residents of the rebel-held city of Donetsk began fleeing in large numbers for fear of a government siege.

The barrage of rocket fire just before sunrise at a base near the Russian border was a devastating setback for government forces, who had seemingly gained the upper hand last weekend when they pushed the pro-Russian fighters out of their stronghold city of Slovyansk. In addition to those killed, 93 soldiers were wounded, the Defense Ministry said.

"For every life of our soldiers, the militants will pay with tens and hundreds of their own," Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko warned. "Not one terrorist will evade responsibility. Everybody will get what is coming to them."

Ukrainian government troops have been fighting for more than three months against separatists in eastern Ukraine, and in the last two weeks, they have cut the territory held by the rebels in half. Driven from Slovyansk, the rebels have regrouped in Donetsk, an industrial city of 1 million, and Ukraine has said it will cordon off the area.

In anticipation of a siege, leaders of the self-styled Donetsk People's Republic announced they will evacuate entire neighborhoods. Many residents have rushed to pack up and leave for fear of getting caught in the cross-fire, given the insurgents' strategy of using residential areas for cover.

"The militia has begun blowing up roads, so I want to get out while there is still time. I don't want to turn into a living shield for the militants," said 56-year old businessman Andrei Koziyatko.

High-end shops are boarded up, and many other businesses, including insurance companies, real estate offices, beauty salons and notaries, have closed their doors. "For sale" and "For rent" signs abound where there were none a few weeks earlier. Property values have collapsed, with one-bedroom apartments in the city center now selling for $15,000, or one-third of what they cost before.

Estimates of how many people have left vary. The mayor's office said 30,000. Donetsk People's Republic prime minister Alexander Boroday put the number at 70,000 and rising.

At the Donetsk train station, people waited in long lines at the ticket office. Four trains a day go to the capital, Kiev, and three others travel in the opposite direction, to the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don.

Originally posted here:
19 Ukraine servicemen killed in rocket attack

By Eric Kurhi and Mark Gomez

Bay Area News Group

LOS GATOS -- After a two-alarm fire ripped through the roof of Manresa, the famous South Bay restaurant with two coveted Michelin stars, its chef and owner said he's "devastated" by the loss but made it clear that the vaunted eatery will once again plate its top-shelf fare.

As far as when diners can expect to see the return of a four-hour, 14-course tasting menu featuring items like abalone and local milk panna cotta or suckling porcelet with chanterelles, apricots and a courgette velout, that's a little less certain. While David Kinch would not put an estimate on how long the doors will stay shut at his famous establishment, one fire investigator estimated it could be several months.

"Absolutely, I think we're going to be a stronger and better restaurant," Kinch said after surveying the aftermath Monday afternoon.

It's a tall order -- Manresa was already the South Bay's premier dining experience, a gem that's earned the venue and superstar chef Kinch numerous accolades since it opened in 2002. The extravagant tasting menu earned raves from gourmets who came from far and wide to plunk down $190 per person for the experience -- and nearly double that for a premium wine pairing.

It was a repeat performer, nailing the two-star (on a three-star scale) Michelin rating for eight years in a row -- an honor held by only seven Bay Area eateries, and that's the most in any one region countrywide. And Kinch won the best chef in America award for the Pacific region from the James Beard Foundation in 2010, shortly after a major remodeling job that brought in a lounge, wine cellar and bar -- complete with concoctions worthy of accompanying the spectacular dishes.

Kinch, who flew in from the East Coast upon hearing the news that his pride and joy was damaged in Monday's early-morning blaze, was noticeably rattled and softly praised firefighters for their quick actions.

"They're about 200 feet away from us and they responded and did a magnificent job," he said. "It could have been a lot worse."

Fire officials gave an early estimate that the structure had about $300,000 worth of damage, but Kinch said it's far too early to make such claims and called it "speculation."

Continued here:
Manresa fire: Los Gatos restaurateur vows to reopen acclaimed venue

By Eric Kurhi and Mark Gomez

Bay Area News Group

LOS GATOS -- After a two-alarm fire ripped through the roof of Manresa, the famous South Bay restaurant with two coveted Michelin stars, its chef and owner said he's "devastated" by the loss but made it clear that the vaunted eatery will once again plate its top-shelf fare.

As far as when diners can expect to see the return of a four-hour, 14-course tasting menu featuring items like abalone and local milk panna cotta or suckling porcelet with chanterelles, apricots and a courgette velout, that's a little less certain. While David Kinch would not put an estimate on how long the doors will stay shut at his famous establishment, one fire investigator estimated it could be several months.

"Absolutely, I think we're going to be a stronger and better restaurant," Kinch said after surveying the aftermath Monday afternoon.

It's a tall order -- Manresa was already the South Bay's premier dining experience, a gem that's earned the venue and superstar chef Kinch numerous accolades since it opened in 2002. The extravagant tasting menu earned raves from gourmets who came from far and wide to plunk down $190 per person for the experience -- and nearly double that for a premium wine pairing.

It was a repeat performer, nailing the two-star (on a three-star scale) Michelin rating for eight years in a row -- an honor held by only seven Bay Area eateries, and that's the most in any one region countrywide. And Kinch won the best chef in America award for the Pacific region from the James Beard Foundation in 2010, shortly after a major remodeling job that brought in a lounge, wine cellar and bar -- complete with concoctions worthy of accompanying the spectacular dishes.

Kinch, who flew in from the East Coast upon hearing the news that his pride and joy was damaged in Monday's early-morning blaze, was noticeably rattled and softly praised firefighters for their quick actions.

"They're about 200 feet away from us and they responded and did a magnificent job," he said. "It could have been a lot worse."

Fire officials gave an early estimate that the structure had about $300,000 worth of damage, but Kinch said it's far too early to make such claims and called it "speculation."

Read more:
Manresa fire: Los Gatos restaurant sustains estimated $300,000 in damage two-alarm blaze

(BPT) - Moving up vacating your current, smallish home for a larger, roomier abode was the American way before the Great Recession. Now that the economy is humming again, at least some of the people who stayed put during those lean years will be looking to move into larger, nicer homes this summer. High demand and low inventory, however, may leave many with nowhere to go. Some will rediscover a time-honored space-gaining technique: attic conversion.

As home improvements go, converting an attic into usable living space has a high return on investment about 84 percent at the time of resale, according to Remodeling Magazines Cost vs. Value Report. Thats if you use your unfinished attic to create a 15-by-15-foot bedroom and a modest 5-by-7-foot bathroom with shower. Create a larger, more luxurious and more elaborate space and the ROI could be even greater. If your family is bursting at the seams, the value of added space will be measured in comfort, convenience and peace of mind, rather than resale dollars.

As with any renovation project, achieving an attic conversion requires you to balance numerous factors, from budget and objective to space and architectural limitations. Some of your most-desired features such as ample natural light or a full bathroom may seem out of reach. They dont have to be, though, if you rely on some time-tested techniques to maximize the space.

Lighting the natural way

Typically, attics arent built with a lot of windows, and adding them may be difficult if the ceiling is sloped. Yet natural light is a highly prized feature in virtually any room, especially if youre converting your attic into a bedroom, family room or other public area. Traditional solutions include adding dormers, which can be costly and time-consuming. Whats more, windows and dormers can eat up wall space, which is often at a premium in attics.

Skylights or roof windows can be a better option in an attic space. They require less time and cost to install than dormers and can easily live on slanted ceilings. Choose Energy Star-qualified no-leak, solar-powered fresh-air skylights like those from VELUX America utilized in the OMore College of Design Alumni House, add solar-powered blinds, and you can achieve a light-filled attic room that is both beautiful and energy efficient. The cost of the products, including installation, are eligible for a 30-percent federal tax credit. And from now until August 15, theres also a $200 cash rebate from VELUX on solar powered skylights. To learn more, visit http://www.whyskylights.com.

Roof windows, which are less expensive than dormers, are another cost-effective attic conversion option. VELUX offers both a top-hinged model and a double-sash balcony model that open at the top and bottom to create a roof balcony that admits much more light than a dormer while offering access to the outdoors. Roof windows offer maximum ventilation plus the added advantage of meeting building code requirements as points of emergency escape and egress.

Heating and cooling

Attics are often the hottest or coldest room in the house, depending on the time of year and the quality of your homes insulation. Creating a comfortable atmosphere in a converted attic requires expert planning.

You may need to increase insulation. Because insulation has such a significant impact on a homes overall comfort and energy efficiency, it makes sense to invest in the best you can afford. Spray foam is often a good option for converted attics because it can go easily between existing joists and create a tight air barrier without losing the inches of space required for thick fiberglass batt insulation.

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Three success tips for converting an attic into living space