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What's big in 2015 is an area of your home that is actually very, very small. Fabulous and functional laundry rooms are hot right now. Makeover what you have, or create a dedicated space out of a few square feet of your home. The important thing is that your laundry room should be a pleasant place to work at an often unpleasant chore.

Creating a Laundry Room

All you need is a teeny slice of space to build a beautiful laundry. Steal an extra powder room or even an unused corner of a bedroom or mudroom, if you have to. By the way, the opposite is possible, too -- if you are short on ahem facilities in your home, add an extra toilet (and a door latch) to your laundry room.

If you are simply revamping your existing laundry room, it's a very doable DIY project. The moment you start thinking about adding a laundry sink or moving fixtures, pipes, and appliances out of their former configuration, however, you are going to need a good remodeling plumber.

Your Washer and Dryer

"Tuck them away," proclaims one school of thought. Conceal your washing machine and dryer behind charmingly patterned fabric (which complements the curtains at your window, if you're lucky enough to have one in your laundry room) or inexpensive IKEA cabinet doors, stained or painted to your taste. "Put them on display," advise others. Today's laundry machines are handsome enough to show off, in sleek stainless steel, candy apple red, or luxe black. Is a new washer not in your budget right now? Rev up the one you already own with a coat of paint and some sealant. Stack the washer and dryer to clear out much-needed space, but check first with the manufacturer to make sure it's okay.

The "Other" Basics

In addition to your washer and dryer, there are a few other "must haves" that you'll need to make up a functional laundry room. Those are a sink for hand washing and spot treatments, good task lighting, a laundry basket or two, storage shelves, plus space for hanging delicates. Additional handy accessories: a folding counter (much easier on your back than folding on a bed); wall hooks; an ironing board; and an upright cupboard for stashing brooms, mops, and the like. A laundry chute or hamper on wheels will help you deal with one of the most complicated aspects of home laundry -- actually getting the dirty clothes to the laundry room, rather than the bedroom floors.

Maintenance

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Spotlight on laundry rooms

The Miami Valley Veterans Museum has a whole lot of stories to tell.

The museum opened in 2010 in one room at the former Stouder Memorial Hospital. It reopened its doors recently following a remodeling in its home since 2011 on the second floor of the Masonic Building on West Main Street.

It all history. We would like people never to forget whats happened in the past, said Mitch Fogle, museum executive director and a Navy veteran.

Mannequins dressed in military uniforms and military and other flags such as the POW flag, greet visitors as they head down the main hallway to the museum.

The displays in each room are done by themes from the Early War Room, to the World War I and II rooms, a Vietnam Room and a Modern War Room.

In between are other offerings such as a library; the Home Front Room, with an old time radio and articles and photos of the World War II canteen girls; a display of wartime mess kits and K-rations; and an artifact from the World Trade Center received in 2011, among others.

The museum covers veterans in a general area from Columbus to the east and the Indiana border to the west, Cincinnati to the south and Lima to the north.

Weve gotten stuff from all over. A lot of people in those outlying areas dont know about us. We need more exposure, Fogle said.

Work continues to provide more signs and labels on each item on display whether in a case or stand alone. There is more labeling than before, which makes it more pleasurable for the people who come up, Fogle said.

The remodeling is complete, but improvements to the museum and its collection are never done.

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Museum tells veterans stories

Seattle Spider, a division of SafeWorks, LLC, recently provided a unique material lifting solution for faade remodeling work on the new LINQ Hotel in Las Vegas.

During the $223-million transformation of the former Imperial Palace into Caesars Entertainments newest 2,256-room hotel and casino, the LINQ, the removal of 3,250 cement guardrail barriers from the structures exterior balconies was required. The massive concrete pieces varied in size from 11 ft to 15 ft and in weight from 1,300 lbs to 2,000 lbs.

In order to minimize disruption to the hotels operations, customer NorthStar Contracting Group Inc. (formerly LVI Environment of Nevada, Inc.) turned to Spider for a material lifting solution that would safely and efficiently remove the cement barriers from the faade to ground level. Spider engineered a custom monorail system that spanned 120 ft and was equipped with two Beta Max Leo VFD wireless material hoists. With a maximum lifting capacity of 2,000 lbs each, this solution was capable of transporting even the largest one-ton cement pieces while maintaining safety regulations.

Since the hotel remained in operation, cranes were not allowed on-site. Alternatively, Spider provided two additional Beta Max hoists on scaffolding and trolley beams on the buildings rooftop to initially lift the equipment into position.

Spider rigged the system and provided on-site user training to ensure the NorthStar crew could safely and efficiently operate the equipment throughout the projects 8-month duration. The system was used continuously, often non-stop through multiple shifts, without failure.

Combining the unique material handling expertise of Beta Max products with Spiders trusted engineering and powered access experience enabled us to develop a unique, one-stop application for this particular challenge, commented John Sotiroff, Vice President Spider Sales and Distribution.

Spider also provided fourteen swingstages and fall protection equipment for roof and repainting work, and stage rigging for the LINQs parking garage.

About Spider: Founded in 1947, Spider, a division of SafeWorks, created the powered suspended access business by introducing the wellknown Spider basket. Since then, our product and service offering has expanded greatly to serve the needs of an ever-growing marketplace. Spider is the largest manufacturer and distributor of access and safety solutions in North America, serving more customers from more locations with a wider variety of products and services than any other company. From baskets, traction hoist and platform rental, to safety and training, to specialty-engineered products - Spider has a strong team of professionals, along with a national network of sales, service and support capabilities to provide you with the most reliable access solutions available.

Spider, a division of SafeWorks 365 Upland Drive Seattle, WA 98188 Telephone: 877-774-3370 Fax: 206-575-6240 Email: spider@spiderstaging.com

Media Contact: Heidi Krueger Marketing Specialist Heidi.Krueger@SafeWorks.com

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Spider Provides Material Lifting Solution for LINQ Hotel

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March 22nd, 2015 9:00 am by Jeff Bobo

(Scroll Down for a video and photo gallery. The shots showing faulty workmanship were taken by Lewis Kilgore.)

MOUNT CARMEL Two area building contractors are now the subject of a criminal investigation after allegedly building a $30,000 room addition so poorly in Mount Carmel late last year that it literally had to be torn down before it fell down and hurt someone.

When Lewis and Ada Kilgore decided to add on to a second story room at the rear of their home, Lewis went to the Lowes Home Improvement store on W. Stone Drive in Kingsport seeking advice about contractors.

But, Lowes no longer recommends contractors. Lowes advertises a Seattle based website called Porch.com which is supposed to provide the names of reputable licensed and insured contractors for any building project.

The Kilgores wanted a room expanded off the back of their house on S. Sheerbrooke Circle so there would be more space for grandchildren to play during holidays and family get-togethers.

They said Porch.com recommended Lee Sturgill of Lees Construction Services, which lists an address of 5613 Memorial Boulevard in Kingsport. Sturgills business card states, If youre not happy, then Im not happy.

The Kilgores arent happy.

If a Mount Carmel Police Department investigation results in criminal charges, Sturgill and his partner wont be happy either.

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This has been a nightmare.': Botched room addition results in criminal investigation

Downtown Helena has a new beer and wine business called The Hawthorn Bottle Shop and Tasting Room. It is located in the first block of the walking mall at 46 N. Last Chance Gulch. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from noon-10 p.m and on Sundays from 1-7 p.m. They also feature special cheeses and appetizers to enjoy with your beverage.

Also downtown, Bert and Ernies has done a large remodel, expanding Sommeliers Wine Bar into a much larger wine and specialty food destination. Owner Toby DeWolfe also did considerable remodeling to the Bert & Ernies restaurant side. You need to stop by and check it out.

The Red Lion Colonial Hotel recently completed another phase of remodeling and the result is a totally changed look as you enter the hotel. The lounge area has been opened up and a new fireplace has been added. The hotel has an upscale urban feel that is welcoming and comfortable. Stop by and see what a difference the remodel has made. Significant changes were also made to the Natatorium meeting room and the pool area. Their chef is extremely talented and you need to sample the latest menu. A new buffet bar is in the works as part of the changes.

A longtime accounting firm, Galusha, Higgins, & Galusha, PC, has teamed up with a new partner and has changed their name to Wipfli LLP CPAs and Consultants. No major changes will happen here in Helena -- same people, same services. The change will allow bigger resources and support systems. GHG has 137 professionals, including 22 partners that will become part of the Wipfli group. GHGs locations included Billings, Bozeman, Havre, Helena, Idaho Falls, Malta and Missoula.

Windemere Real Estate has moved their real estate office from the Power Block Building to the Great Northern at 55 W. 14th St., Suite 101, in the building that also houses DSA Architects (Mike Dowling) and Mast Family Dentistry. A new real estate office called Exit Realty is opening at 849 Great Northern Blvd. in the building attached to the north side of the Great Northern Hotel. Pam Bailey is the broker/wwner. Also new on Last Chance Gulch near the Bagel Company is Black Jack Realty with Larry Brown as the broker/owner.

The Chamber just completed its 20th Annual SWISH Basketball Tournament at the first of March with a near record number of 98 teams. It is a huge undertaking to put on an event such as this with 11 courts in 9 gyms being used simultaneously for about 10 hours each day. That requires approximately 400 hours of referees (of which this year nearly all refs were MOAs) and volunteers to cover all scorekeeping, clocks, ticket desks, shirt sales, concessions and more. An estimated 4,000-4,500 people, including the teams, coaches, parents, friends, family and spectators, were in attendance and in Helena spending money for the two days the event lasted. The tournament books about 2,800-3,000 room nights at our hotels and has an overall economic impact of $500,000-$750,000 over the weekend. Kudos to the businesses and volunteers that made the event a big success!

This years tournament was dealt a big blow when we lost our committee chair, Chris Kanthack, who chaired the event for eight years. Chris will be greatly missed -- he was a wonderful guy and dedicated a lot of time and effort to this event. A big thanks to David Jensen (State Farm) for stepping up to co-chair the event this year. We also honored Mike Taylor, who works for David Jensen State Farm, for serving on the SWISH Committee since its inception 20 years ago.

Cathy Burwell is the President/CEO of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Burwell column: Remodels, new offices come to Helena

Living room remodeling decorating ideas
Living room remodeling decorating ideas.

By: Best Home Decor Inspirations

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Living room remodeling decorating ideas - Video

Quarterback Jake Locker retired from the Tennessee Titans and the NFL on Tuesday.

Locker, the eighth pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, made $12.5 million and played in 30 games in his four seasons. Though he lost his starting job in 2014 and was a free agent, his retirement announcement caught some by surprise.

Locker, 26, said he had lost "the burning desire necessary to play the game for a living" in a statement announcing his retirement.

Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times found Scott Locker, Jake's father, and got an idea of what Jake planned to do in retirement.

Locker lives in Ferndale, Wash., which is 16 miles from the Canadian border. According to Condotta, Locker plans to remodel his house (which he bought from his grandparents in 2011), spend time with his family and spend time at Locker Room Fitness, a local gym he bought with Tampa Bay Buccaneers punter Michael Koenen in 2014.

While his house is being remodeled, Locker is living in his childhood home with his parents, according to Condotta.

Scott Locker also offered Condotta further explanation for his son's retirement.

"For most of us, it would be a thing where you would probably continue to go down the path he was on," Scott Locker said. "But that's the difference between Jake and most people. He's got a way about him that's different.

"There will be a lot of people that will not agree with the decision that he's made. But you're got to be pretty proud of a guy that can stand up and say he's not feeling it anymore and able to walk away from it. It would have been easier to just come back and sign on with a team and play rather than make the tough call to say, 'I'm going to walk away and find myself something that makes me happier than this is, right now, anyway.' "

Sending a message

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Now ex-NFL QB tells dad prepare room

Dennis Majewski was in the Franklin Regional Middle School boys' locker room with a school alumnus recently, when he found out just how out of date it is.

He was able to point out everything in the room because literally nothing had changed, said Majewski, the district services director. It's the same locker room that was there when the school opened.

Majewski proposed to school board officials last week a full remodeling of both the boys' and girls' locker rooms at a cost of $225,000.

We would start once school is out, and I'm confident it will be finished prior to the beginning of the next school year, he said.

The school board will consider the proposal, along with Majewski's recommendations both to upgrade a 396-square-foot storage room under the visitor's stands at the high school football field for about $7,200 and to replace two refrigerators in the Sloan Elementary cafeteria for just over $28,000.

The locker room and school were built in 1969, Majewski said.

Budget workshop

Franklin Regional School Board will hold a March 30 public budget workshop meeting as it makes its way through the 2015-16 budget process.

Details about the time and location for the meeting will be announced by the district. Superintendent Gennaro Piraino said he would like to hold the meeting at the board's customary location, council chambers of the Murrysville municipal building on Sardis Road.

Mock trial team

Excerpt from:
Upgrade proposed for Franklin Regional Middle School locker rooms

Lorri Kreuschers extreme makeover started with an extreme personal loss.

Her husband of more than three decades died in 2010, just as they were beginning the process of building a house a couple of miles from their longtime home in Bloomington.

I was devastated, she said.

Theyd started clearing the lot and developing plans, but she put the project on hiatus. My heart wasnt in that anymore to go through all that by myself. I was left trying to figure out what in the world to do.

She found herself reluctant to leave the home where they had raised their family. I had dreams of selling the house and terribly regretting it, she said. So instead of building a new home, she stayed in her old one, grieving and adjusting to life on her own. Im very independent, she said. But I had never lived alone before.

After about a year, Kreuscher decided it was time to make a few home improvements.

I started tearing down trees, she recalled. Views were important to me. I love gardens and pretty things outside.

Then she went to see a neighbors remodeling and got inspired to redo her brick fireplace. One thing led to another, and soon Kreuscher was redoing her entire house.

I got the bug, she said. The massive makeover project kept her busy, and she started to get excited about the possibilities of a home that reflected her taste and personality. Kreuscher and her late husband had done some piecemeal remodeling over the years, but their homes original 1963 floor plan and facade were largely intact.

It was a typical rambler a lot of separate rooms, she said, including a formal living room that was rarely used. I had people in there probably 10 times during all the years she lived in her home.

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Bloomington homeowner tackles massive remodeling on her own

Living room remodeling part 5

By: Baytowncowboy85

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Living room remodeling part 5 - Video