GRAND RAPIDS The board that manages the 16-year-old Van Andel Arena is starting to look at its next 16 years.

That future could include filling in arenas south end to add more seating, adding a 900-car attached parking garage, and building in new concourses, restaurants and outdoor smoking decks, according to a 35-page study presented to the Grand Rapids Kent County Convention and Arena Authority Friday.

General Manager Richard MacKeigan said the $50,000 study by the arenas original architects, Rosetti & Associates, is not a wish list but an assessment of the potential for the 12,000-seat arena.

Im think all of these should be looked at, MacKeigan said. Im not saying any of these should be done.

Our plan is to dive into it with our team as well as our financial team to see what might work.

The biggest change would be to fill in the south end of the arena to mirror the north end facing Fulton Street. The project would create a mirror of the southern face and possibly add a three-level parking garage with retail shops on the ground floor.

The survey also looked at the buildings heating, cooling and electrical systems, concluding they aer in good condition but may need some upgrading in the future.

If the authority decides to pursue any of the improvements, MacKeigan said it will be added to the facilitys long-term capital plan.

The report was created by looking at what other newer arenas have done since the Van Andel Arena was completed in 1996 and by assessing the current condition of the facility.

The arena, which hosts more than 500,000 visitors a year, recently completed a $1 million addition to the building's northwest corner that added more concession stands and a wider pathway in that area to alleviate backups during events with large crowds.

Continued here:
Looking at the future of Van Andel Arena after 16 years

By MICHAEL CIGNOLI
mcignoli@saratogian.com
Twitter.com/MCSaratogian

MALTA — When ground was broken on a $17.5 million urgent-care center at Northway Exit 12 last fall, officials said there were no immediate plans to construct additional medical buildings at the site.

That’s still the case, an attorney representing Saratoga Hospital said Monday, but the hospital is seeking some Town Code amendments related to Saratoga Medical Park at Malta’s long-term plans.

The Town Board in 2009 conceptually approved a 140-acre former horse farm at the northwest corner of the interchange for a large-scale medical complex that could eventually include a nursing facility, mixed-use retail and office space and another hospital, should a future need for one arise.

Attorney Matthew Jones appeared before the Town Board Monday night and requested four “technical amendments” to the local law that approved the project.

They wouldn’t change its scope or nature, he said, but they would lay the groundwork for future growth.

As an example, Jones said, the site plan for the medical park’s first building — the urgent care center — includes a “heli-stop,” which is essentially a concrete slab where helicopters can take off and land.

The heli-stop has been approved, but Saratoga Hospital is contemplating changing that heli-stop into a medevac heliport, which can include auxiliary facilities for maintenance and refueling.

That’s not allowed under current zoning law, but the change is designed to give the hospital the option to build one.

Zoning amendments — like the heli-stop — fall under the Town Board’s jurisdiction, but that particular one would also require Planning Board and Federal Aviation Administration approval if the hospital elects to pursue one.

“We won’t do that for quite some time,” Jones said, “but we may at some point.” Continued...

The Town Board will vote on whether to accept the application during its meeting next Monday. It’ll then head to the town and county planning boards, which will offer their recommendations before it returns to the Town Board for final approval.

The process is expected to take between one and three months.

Town Supervisor Paul Sausville said it looked like a “routine cleanup” of the legislation, but said “there could be some issues at the Planning Board level.”

Other amendments include a wording correction that would allow the hospital to build a parking garage adjacent to its urgent-care facility, something that is currently only permitted if the structures are erected concurrently.

Another amendment covers the hospital’s payment for fire protection services and requires Saratoga Hospital to negotiate a new payment formula when it seeks to move forward with a hospital at the site, though there’s no timetable for that.

The final change deals with Saratoga Hospital’s plans to lease the plot the urgent-care center sits on to Columbia LLC.

The developer will own the building, then lease it back to Saratoga Hospital and Albany Medical Center, which will staff the urgent-care center with emergency-trained physicians 24/7.

Crews have been installing water and sewer lines at the 60,000-square-foot, two-story facility that will rival a hospital emergency room.

A building permit for the site should be issued within the next couple of weeks, Building and Planning Coordinator Anthony Tozzi said.

It could open by December or January.

Visit link:
Saratoga Hospital wants to leave the door open for additions to its planned urgent-care facility in Malta

RESTAURANT REVIEW To standard pupusas and a hearty breakfast, this cafe adds an array of traditional dishes. By JILL WENDHOLT SILVA The Kansas City Star

By JILL WENDHOLT SILVA The Kansas City Star

Updated: 2012-02-23T01:26:12Z

Keith Myers

A vibrant “Savior of the World” mural watches over El Salvadoreño’s diners in downtown Overland Park.

El Salvadoreño

7926 Santa Fe Drive

Overland Park

913-871-6165

No website

Facebook: Yes

Star rating

Food: ??½

Service: ??

Atmosphere: ??

Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Entree average: $

Vegetarian options: Bean and cheese or loroco (like broccolini) pupusas, boiled and fried yucca, traditional breakfast without beans, enchiladas with no meat or ask your server.

Handicap accessible: Yes

Kids: High chairs are available.

Noise level: Perfect for pleasant conversation.

Reservations: First come, first served. But call for parties of more than six.

Star code:?  Fair, ?? Good, ??? Excellent, ???? Extraordinary

Price code: $ Average entree under $10; $$ Average entree under $20; $$$ Average entree under $30; $$$$ Average entree over $30

Code of ethics: Starred reviews are written after a minimum of two visits to a restaurant. When required, reservations are made in a name other than the reviewer’s. The Star pays for reviewer’s meals.

What to drink

El Salvadoreño does not have a liquor license. Still, the blenders behind the bar get a workout.

The café’s drink menu includes plenty of “liquados,” served in both slushy and milkshake styles. Horchata and fresh-squeezed limeade are popular, as is the tamarindo, an iced drink that tastes roughly like a cross between apple cider and iced tea.

Link:
El Salvadoreño offers a taste of El Salvador in JoCo

31-01-2012 16:12 bennettbuilders.com A family-owned builder and remodelers for five generations, Bennett Builders and Remodelers has built or remodeled over 3000 new homes in the Cleveland area. We can design and build nearly every kind of new home or remodeling project, including kitchens, bathrooms, basements, attics, garages, laundry/mud rooms, family room additions and master suite renovations. With a reputation for trust and integrity since 1949, you can be assured you will receive an enjoyable remodeling experience with Bennett Builders and Remodelers. Bennett Builders serves all of the greater Cleveland area, especially Westlake, Rocky River, Bay Village, Avon, Avon Lake, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Lakewood and North Ridgeville. Call 440-835-3277 today for a FREE design consultation and estimate.

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Garage Remodeling Cleveland Heights, Olmsted Falls, North Royalton, University Heights, Cuyahoga - Video

04-02-2012 20:11 bennettbuilders.com A family-owned builder and remodelers for five generations, Bennett Builders and Remodelers has built or remodeled over 3000 new homes in the Cleveland area. We can design and build nearly every kind of new home or remodeling project, including kitchens, bathrooms, basements, attics, garages, laundry/mud rooms, family room additions and master suite renovations. With a reputation for trust and integrity since 1949, you can be assured you will receive an enjoyable remodeling experience with Bennett Builders and Remodelers. Bennett Builders serves all of the greater Cleveland area, especially Westlake, Rocky River, Bay Village, Avon, Avon Lake, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Lakewood and North Ridgeville. Call 440-835-3277 today for a FREE design consultation and estimate.

Excerpt from:
Garage Remodeling Westlake, Lakewood, Rocky River, Bay Village, Cleveland Heights, Cuyahoga, Medina - Video

04-02-2012 12:33 wahomeremodeling.com WA Home Remodeling in Seattle area. Quality Remodelilng and Carpentry (aka QRC) is a local WA home remodeling contractor that specialized on home remodeling, carpentry, decks and fences, windows and doors installation, finish carpentry, interior and exterior painting, trellises, arbors, gazebo, home and garage additions and much more. This is an introductory video about WA Home Remodeling in Seattle area. The old website is vladsv.com

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WA Home Remodeling in Seattle area - Video

04-02-2012 20:16 bennettbuilders.com A family-owned builder and remodelers for five generations, Bennett Builders and Remodelers has built or remodeled over 3000 new homes in the Cleveland area. We can design and build nearly every kind of new home or remodeling project, including kitchens, bathrooms, basements, attics, garages, laundry/mud rooms, family room additions and master suite renovations. With a reputation for trust and integrity since 1949, you can be assured you will receive an enjoyable remodeling experience with Bennett Builders and Remodelers. Bennett Builders serves all of the greater Cleveland area, especially Westlake, Rocky River, Bay Village, Avon, Avon Lake, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Lakewood and North Ridgeville. Call 440-835-3277 today for a FREE design consultation and estimate.

Continued here:
Garage Remodeling Avon, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, Strongsville, Amherst, Lorain - Video

WASHOE COUNTY, SEPT. 26-30

Crinion Angella Construction: 1070 Lakeshore Blvd., additions and remodel, $105,307.

White Cloud Construction: 210 Waterman Court, single-family dwelling, $272,914.

M B Construction: 11215 Boulder Heights Court, single-family dwelling, $808,531.

Capriotti Construction: 9020 Spearhead Way, garage conversion and addition, $140,040.

Lamonica Construction: 591 Village Blvd., rebuild single-family dwelling, $434,151.

James and Jody Sherman: 190 Quarterhorse Circle, single-family dwelling, $203,063.

Campbell & Sons: 11295 Boulder Glen Way, single-family dwelling, $518,742.

Crinion Angella Construction: 870 Freels Peak Drive, rebuild single-family dwelling, $512,750.

Mark and Sharon Nipp: 14355 Sitting Bull Circle, single-family dwelling, $210,660.

Hamel & Son Construction: 620 Los Gatos Lane, single-family dwelling, $211,318.

M & M Construction: 5764 Indigo Run Drive, single-family dwelling, $484,081.

Lakemont Homes Nevada: 9560 Cordoba Blvd., single-family dwelling, $157,956.

Lakemont Homes Nevada: 9550 Cordoba Blvd., single-family dwelling, $170,239.

R & K Homes: 7285 Hurst Park Road, single-family dwelling, $211,893.

R & K Homes: 7290 Hurst Park Road, single-family dwelling, $212,082.

R & K Homes: 7295 Hurst Park Road, single-family dwelling, $305,447.

R & K Homes: 3715 Jagged Rock Road, single-family dwelling, $238,476.

R & K Homes: 3700 Jagged Rock Road, single-family dwelling, $234,550.

R & K Homes: 7300, 7310 Hurst Park Road, single-family dwellings, $234,550.

R & K Homes: 3705 Jagged Rock Road, single-family dwelling, $309,407.

R & K Homes: 7275 Hurst Park Road, single-family dwelling, $187,564.

R & K Homes: 7265 Hurst Park Road, single-family dwelling, $187,431.

CARSON CITY, SEPT. 26-30

Hunt Group: 1535 Medical Parkway, commercial office, $9,900,000.

Stone Construction: 2209 Birch St., single-family dwelling, $200,000.

SNS Construction Solutions: 1615 Robb Drive, single-family dwelling, $298,127.

RENO, SEPT. 26-OCT. 1

Spracklin Construction: South Center Street, grading and site improvement, $110,000.

Granite Construction: Socrates Drive, site improvement and final grading, $1,286,957.

George T. Escober: 2345 Bristle Wood Court, single-family dwelling, $525,130.

Muncy Wade: 4984 Sierra Pine Drive, single-family dwelling, $600,000.

Sierra General Contractors: 2395 Eagle Bend Trail, single-family dwelling, $500,000.

Silverwing Development: 2100, 2120, 2140, 2180, 2160 Hellaby Lane, single-family dwellings, $122,399.

Silverwing Development: 4597 Keyhaven Drive, single-family dwelling, $122,399.

Silverwing Development: 2170, 2130 Hellaby Lane, single-family dwellings, $150,503.

Silverwing Development: 4597 Keyhaven Drive, single-family dwelling, $150,503.

Silverwing Development: 2110, 2150, 2190 Hellaby Lane, single-family dwellings, $147,172.

Silverwing Development: 2125 Hellaby Lane, single-family dwelling, $109,444.

Silverwing Development: 2135, 2185, 2195 Hellaby Lane, single-family dwellings, $109,444.

Silverwing Development: 2145, 2197 Hellaby Lane, single-family dwelling, $123,416.

K & R Homes: 10595 Hampton Creek Drive, single-family dwelling, $257,447.

K & R Homes: 10565 Hampton Creek Drive, single-family dwelling, $167,902.

K & R Homes: 10585 Dillingham Drive, single-family dwelling, $210,939.

K & R Homes: 10555, 10575 Hampton Creek Drive, single-family dwellings, $210,939.

K & R Homes: 10595, 10560 Dillingham Drive, single-family dwellings, $216,570.

K & R Homes: 1696, 1698 Silverthread Drive, single-family dwellings, $216,570.

K & R Homes: 10585 Hampton Creek Drive, single-family dwelling, $216,570.

Landmark Homes and Development: 5095 Bella Court, single-family dwelling, $248,103.

K & R Homes: 1680, 1663 Sewell Drive, single-family dwellings, $142,782.

K & R Homes: 1680 Ghettis Way, single-family dwellings, $142,782.

K & R Homes: 1664, 1671 Sewell Drive, single-family dwellings, $155,796.

K & R Homes: 1696 Ghettis Way, single-family dwellings, $155,796.

K & R Homes: 1656, 1672, 1688, 1655, 1616, 1623, 1607 Sewell Drive, single-family dwellings, $125,000.

Coleman Toll Limited Partnership: 10855, 10875 Serratina Drive, single-family dwellings, $234,354.

Coleman Toll Limited Partnership: 10865, 10845 Serratina Drive, single-family dwellings, $248,683.

K & R Homes: 1639, 1632 Sewell Drive, single-family dwellings, $155,796.

K & R Homes: 1694 Silverthread Drive, single-family dwellings, $167,902.

K & R Homes: 10550, 10580 Dillingham Drive, single-family dwellings, $257,447.

K & R Homes: 1685 Silverthread Drive, single-family dwellings, $257,447.

K & R Homes: 10565, 10570, 10540 Dillingham Drive, single-family dwellings, $210,939.

K & R Homes: 1695 Silverthread Drive, single-family dwellings, $210,939.

K & R Homes: 1608, 1624, 1640, 1648, 1615 Sewell Drive, single-family dwellings, $142,782.

Altmann Construction: 7544, 7553 Gold Drive, single-family dwellings, $108,008.

Altmann Construction: 7560, 7569 Gold Drive, single-family dwellings, $124,935.

Altmann Construction: 7564, 7552, 7549, 7561 Gold Drive, single-family dwellings, $137,140.

Altmann Construction: 7568, 7556, 7548, 7557, 7565 Gold Drive, single-family dwellings, $146,557.

Greystone Nevada: 7684, 7686, 7692 Corso St., single-family dwellings, $113,580.

Greystone Nevada: 7679 Corso St., single-family dwellings, $134,246.

Greystone Nevada: 7682, 7688 Corso St., single-family dwellings, $148,823.

Greystone Nevada: 7675, 7696 Corso St., single-family dwellings, $153,877.

Pulte Homes of Nevada: 1470, 1490, 1500 Orchard Park Trail, single-family dwellings, $113,791.

Pulte Homes of Nevada: 1400, 1420 Orchard Park Trail, single-family dwellings, $133,451.

Pulte Homes of Nevada: 1440 Meridian Ranch Drive, single-family dwelling, $133,451.

Greystone Nevada: 8190 Opal Station Drive, single-family dwelling, $181,064.

Greystone Nevada: 8195, 8130, 8160, 8210 Opal Station Drive, single-family dwellings, $208,555.

Greystone Nevada: 8180, 8140 Opal Station Drive, single-family dwellings, $235,744.

Greystone Nevada: 8175, 8170, 8150, 8120 Opal Station Drive, single-family dwellings, $262,579.

Silver Star Development: 8105 Willow Ranch Trail, single-family dwelling, $175,185.

Sierra Signature Homes: 5045 Hitch Road, single-family dwelling, $151,260.

Sierra Signature Homes: 5025 Coggins Road, single-family dwelling, $167,820.

Sierra Signature Homes: 5035, 5065, 5060 Hitch Road, single-family dwellings, $139,680.

Sierra Signature Homes: 5060 Coggins Road, single-family dwelling, $130,920.

Sierra Signature Homes: 5055 Hitch Road, single-family dwelling, $130,920.

Greystone Nevada: 7676 Corso St., single-family dwelling, $134,246.

Greystone Nevada: 7667 Corso St., single-family dwelling, $148,823.

Greystone Nevada: 7663, 7668 Corso St., single-family dwellings, $153,877.

Landmark Homes and Development: 5360 Bellazza Court, single-family dwelling, $261,650.

Greystone Nevada: 3575, 3555, 3525, 3560 Rock Ridge Court, single-family dwelling, $262,579.

Greystone Nevada: 3565, 3545, 3570 Rock Ridge Court, single-family dwelling, $242,717.

Greystone Nevada: 3585, 3535, 3580 Rock Ridge Court, single-family dwelling, $208,555.

Greystone Nevada: 3595 Rock Ridge Court, single-family dwelling, $181,064.

Greystone Nevada: 940 University Park Loop, single-family dwelling, $181,064.

Forum Construction Management: 11017 Lamour Lane, single-family dwelling, $118,941.

Forum Construction Management: 1840 Stetson Drive, single-family dwelling, $122,846.

Forum Construction Management: 1830 Stetson Drive, single-family dwelling, $124,324.

Altmann Construction: 7537 Gold Drive, single-family dwelling, $108,008.

Altmann Construction: 650, 639, 647 Beckwourth Drive, single-family dwellings, $137,140.

Altmann Construction: 7540, 7541 Gold Drive, single-family dwellings, $137,140.

Altmann Construction: 646, 643, 651 Beckwourth Drive, single-family dwellings, $146,557.

Altmann Construction: 7536, 7532, 7533, 7545 Gold Drive, single-family dwellings, $146,557.

Lennar Family of Builders: 650 Aberdeen Court, single-family dwelling, $183,388.

Pulte Homes of Nevada: 1530 Orchard Park Trail, single-family dwelling, $111,760.

Pulte Homes of Nevada: 1495, 1540, 1550 Orchard Park Trail, single-family dwellings, $124,313.

Pulte Homes of Nevada: 1510, 1570 Orchard Park Trail, single-family dwellings, $144,085.

Pulte Homes of Nevada: 1560 Orchard Park Trail, single-family dwelling, $168,670.

Lakemont Homes Nevada: 3218 Diamond Ridge Drive, single-family dwelling, $274,547.

Lakemont Homes Nevada: 3224 Diamond Ridge Drive, single-family dwelling, $236,123.

Silver Star Development: 3295 Covent Garden, single-family dwelling, $151,556.

Silver Star Development: 1390, 1370, 1320, 1330, 1350 Waterloo Road, single-family dwellings, $151,556.

Silver Star Development: 3280 Covent Garden, single-family dwelling, $173,494.

Silver Star Development: 1375, 1310, 1340, 1325, 1305 Waterloo Road, single-family dwellings, $173,494.

Silver Star Development: 3290, 3270 Covent Garden, single-family dwellings, $211,493.

Silver Star Development: 1380, 1360, 1345 Waterloo Road, single-family dwellings, $211,493.

Coleman Toll Limited Partnership: 10765, 10800, 10780 Serratina Drive, single-family dwellings, $234,354.

Coleman Toll Limited Partnership: 10820, 10760 Serratina Drive, single-family dwellings, $262,657.

Coleman Toll Limited Partnership: 10810, 10755, 10790, 10750, 10770 Serratina Drive, single-family dwellings, $248,683.

Silverwing Development: 2145, 2170 Stanton Lane, single-family dwellings, $123,416.

Silverwing Development: 2125, 2135. 2185, 2198, 2194, 2190, 2180, 2120, 2130 Stanton Lane, single-family dwellings, $109,444.

Silverwing Development: 4595 Keyhaven Drive, single-family dwelling, $147,172.

Silverwing Development: 4585 Keyhaven Drive, single-family dwelling, $122,399.

Centex Homes: 9110, 9040, 9105, 9145 Red Baron Blvd., single-family dwellings, $102,915.

Centex Homes: 8805, 8812 Silverkist Drive, single-family dwellings, $102,915.

Centex Homes: 7430 Red Baron Court, single-family dwelling, $102,915.

Centex Homes: 9140, 9090, 9160, 9030, 9135 Red Baron Blvd., single-family dwellings, $132,627.

Centex Homes: 8804 Silverkist Drive, single-family dwelling, $132,627.

Centex Homes: 7455, 7440 Red Baron Court, single-family dwellings, $132,627.

Centex Homes: 9130, 9080, 9120, 9095, 9115 Red Baron Blvd., single-family dwellings, $137,236.

Centex Homes: 8809 Silverkist Drive, single-family dwelling, $137,236.

Pulte Homes of Nevada: 9110 Heritage Ridge Court, single-family dwelling, $170,527.

Landmark Homes and Development: 5240 Belsera Court, single-family dwelling, $279,487.

Centex Homes: 10870 Crooked Canyon Drive, single-family dwelling, $149,673.

Homecrafters: 1935 Dakota Ridge Trail, single-family dwelling, $246,000.??

More here:
Building permits for week of Oct. 10

LARGO — Nadine Piazza's home life may have been a little unusual, thanks to her father's penchant for collecting military items.

She remembers as a teenager sneaking out to the garage and taking her dad's vintage World War II jeep for a spin.

She also recalls "always having a lot of artillery in the den,'' she said.

Until, that is, a fire destroyed the family home in 1980.

"The fire was caused by something electric, but because of the artillery exploding, (the firefighters) were concerned about getting into the house. It burned to the ground,'' she said.

After the fire, her father, John Piazza Sr., began storing his military collectibles in a warehouse off Ulmerton Road. It grew so much that in 2008 he turned the warehouse into the Armed Forces Military Museum.

Last Wednesday Piazza, 73, and Nadine, 41, who serves as the museum's director of operations, announced they were dropping the word "Military" from the facility's name and changing it to the Armed Forces History Museum.

"We have decided to give the museum a new name, with emphasis on history, to help us expand education and outreach programs in the community,'' Piazza said.

"It is a major issue out there that our children are not educated about what's gone on after the Civil War," he said. "I have spoken to children from (elementary age) through 12th grade and even ROTC students, and so many have no idea of what has gone on with Hitler, Pearl Harbor, Vietnam, and we believe this will help us continue making inroads.''

At a press conference announcing the new name, Piazza also put to rest talk about moving the museum to the Harborview Center in downtown Clearwater. He said he has decided not to pursue a lease there due to "horrendous repairs we'd have to make.''

But the current location, at the end of 34th Way N, is far from ideal.

"We believe it would enhance the museum to have a more visible space. We will absolutely keep a new site on the front burner,'' he said.

Piazza, who served five years in the Marine Corps Reserves, first realized his interest in military memorabilia more than 58 years ago, after a former girlfriend's father gave him a World War I German mortar/grenade as a gift.

His collection now includes a green service uniform worn by Saddam Hussein, found outside a palace by an Army sergeant in 2003, as well as 100,000 other items, including weapons, from bows and arrows to sticky bombs and flamethrowers; uniforms, from Korean War fatigues to camouflage sniper suits, and vehicles, like Patton tanks.

His museum gets funds to operate from admission fees, memberships and donations. More than 100,000 visitors have walked through the door in the past 3 1/2 years.

With each passing year, the museum receives more attention, both from additions to the collection and the people who visit.

• In September 2010, the family of Marine Corps 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, a Korean War hero and Tampa native who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his work protecting his troops in Incheon, donated his uniforms and personal correspondence.

• In January 2011, a private donor gave the museum a Russian MiG-21, a supersonic fighter jet displayed near the front of the facility.

• On July 5, 2011, Gov. Rick Scott chose the museum as his venue for a press conference to sign pieces of legislation to benefit active military, veterans and military families.

However, it is clear that the museum's lack of visibility, as well as lack of auditorium space, presents challenges, according to Nadine. The family, which includes Piazza's wife, Rosemary, and six other adult children, would consider moving the museum to a nearby city.

"All of Tampa Bay is near and dear to our heart,'' she said. "We are open to any option and any partnership.''

Teresa Brydon, economic development manager for the city of Largo, hopes the museum will stay put.

"The city wants the museum to stay in Largo. We'll help them in any way we can,'' Brydon said. "We'll help them network to organizations and businesses that can provide support and more exposure. We'd also provide assistance in locating a different building in Largo that best suits their needs.

"Whatever we can do, we'll do,'' she said.

Piper Castillo can be reached at (727) 445-4163 or pcastillo@tampabay.com.

More:
Armed Forces History Museum in Largo holds vast collection of military collectibles

February 09, 2012 8:20 PM

EDWARDSVILLE - A family fled for their lives early Thursday morning as a suspected electrical fire swept through their rural Edwardsville home, killing two dogs.

The family of Tom and Denise Wieseman lost their home and most of their belongings when an apparent garage spark led to a blaze at the house at 5502 North Hazel Road, an area north of Illinois Route 157, about midway between Edwardsville and Hamel. The fire was reported just after 5 a.m.

"We lost everything," Tom Wieseman said later Thursday morning as he combed through the remains, looking for tools and other items he might salvage.

The house was somewhat historic, Tom Wieseman said, noting that it started as a Sears house before several additions were built.

Wieseman, 50, an operating engineer, said he bought the house and has put a lot of work into it. It was built in the 1800s, he said.

Wieseman said his wife had been in the garage late Wednesday, flipped a switch and heard a popping noise. He later heard another popping noise, came back and found the circuit-breaker tripped. He turned everything off, then went to bed.

About 5 a.m., he and his wife heard a smoke alarm and smelled smoke.

"I got up, ran out the back, raised the garage door and was hit by black smoke," Wieseman said.

He said at first he thought the blaze could be contained to the garage, but it spread. Meanwhile, his wife dialed 911.

"By the time the fire department got here, flames were coming out the roof of the house," he said.

Despite his efforts, he lost a vehicle in the garage. The family members, including his wife's mother, Barbara Laramie, also lived there and lost important possessions, including most of their clothing.

Denise Wieseman lost her purse and glasses, and Laramie lost her dentures.

Denise Wieseman's daughter from a previous marriage, Shannon O'Neil, and O'Neil's daughter, Makalah, 5, also lived there and are without a home.

After the fire, some of the family was living in a motel in Hamel and a camper. Tom Wieseman said neighbors have come to help, and he is hoping to get another camper to occupy while they figure where to go and what to do next.

He was considering rebuilding on the same property as of Thursday.

Wieseman speculated that perhaps a "dead spark" was left after the short-circuit caused the popping noise. He said he had been working to restore the house, including the wiring, for 15 years. At one point, they had a problem with rats and mice that may have damaged the wiring, he said.

Although two dogs died in the blaze, three others managed to get out, he said. The dogs that died were named Nickie and Kelly.

At least four fire departments, from Hamel, Edwardsville, Holiday Shores and Marine, responded.

Wieseman said he had insurance on the home but not on the contents.

Shortly before 4:30 p.m., the Hamel Fire Department was called back to the scene for a report that the fire had rekindled. Firefighters responded and doused small flames that had erupted in the ruins of the house.

sanfordschmidt@yahoo.com

 

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Fire destroys home outside Edwardsville