Kansas' premier space museum Hutchinson's Cosmosphere is getting a facelift.

Three of the 12 galleries will get new paint, new graphics and state-of-the-art sound. Butthe historical documents and spaceships will remain.

During the renovation, visitors may still visit, at a reduced rate,most of the museum, including having an up close look at theApollo 13 command module,Odyssey.The Cosmosphere's president and CEO, Jim Remar, expects the renovationto be complete by late December just before the holidays.

Were renovating some of the oldest galleries in the Cosmosphere,Remar said."Upgrades from this renovation will include better lighting, a more open layoutand a truly chronological presentation from early rocketry through the start of the space race."

The three galleries under construction are the German Gallery, the Redstone and Sputnik Gallery and the Kennedy Theater. Each of these galleries opened during the late 1990s.

More: Conference that focuses on helping Main Street thrive is headed to Hutchinson

In addition to shifting around some of the exhibits and the items within them, the Cosmosphere will add new items like a slide rule, period videos that include launches and testing and new documentation.

"The Kennedy Theaterwill be 100% demolished and completely redone," Remar said.

The Kennedy room discusses the creation of NASA, PresidentJohn F. Kennedy's challenges and the firsts in space of both the Soviet Union and the U.S.

"This (the Kennedy Room) will be completely different," said Jack Graber, vice president of exhibits and technology. "This was our first gallery."

Many of the display items throughout the museum are authentic.

"They'llbe a lot of blue and red throughout the galleries," Remar said. "This is because of the Soviet Union and the United States."

More on the Cosmosphere: Next-generation space telescope focus of Galaxy Forum

The Cosmosphere'scollection includes U.S. space artifacts second only to the Smithsonians National Air and Space Museumand the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow.

The most crucial phase of the remodeling is the opening up of the rooms and, in so doing, helping visitors understand the timeline, starting with the Germans, of exploring space.

The German Room is being renamed the V2 Rocket Gallery. V stands for the German vengeance weapons. These needle-nosed rockets were packed with explosives. According to the museum, Hitler saw them as Germany's last chance for victory. More than 10,000 laborers died building the V2 Rockets.

About 100,000 people visit the museum each year, mainly from the U.S.

Construction started on the simultaneous renovation of the three galleries on Monday.

"It's an exciting project," Remar said. "We look forward to sharing it with the public."

Visitors can also enjoy regularly scheduled space-themed documentaries and rotating feature films in Cosmospheres Carey Digital Dome Theater. Cosmospheres family-friendly Dr. Goddards Lab science shows and planetarium shows continue daily on their regular schedules.

See the rest here:
Kansas' premier space museum, the Cosmosphere, gets a major facelift - The Hutchinson News

That fatal mistake, as Logan calls it, led to a supply-demand mismatch that by May of this year had driven the cost of lumber from mills to quadruple what it was in April 2020, according to data from Fastmarkets Random Lengths , a wood products industry trade publication. Lumber mills incorrectly predicted that the housing market would crumble under the weight of the pandemic rather than boom as it did, says David Logan, senior economist with the National Association of Home Builders .

Here are tips to navigate a home remodel when wood costs are through the roof.

As of mid-July, lumber prices dropped to only double their spring 2020 levels, but whether the decline will continue and when lower prices will reach homeowners isnt yet clear, Logan says.

MAKE ROOM FOR VARIABILITY

The recent price dip may seem like a positive sign, but Logan likens a home remodelers dilemma to that of a homebuyer: Theres no telling when the time will be right.

Trying to time the market is likely to cause more angst than having the certainty of getting things underway, he says.

Logan says if he were renovating, hed move forward with a large renovation, like a kitchen upgrade or room addition.

SEARCH FOR ALTERNATIVES, PLAN FOR SCARCITY

If a project requires months of planning and waiting, build room for price and timeline changes into your contract, says Ethan Landis, principal at Landis Architects/Builders in Washington, D.C . That way, you wont overpay if prices drop before your contractor starts buying, but you can still delay if the project will be too expensive.

If a small DIY or good-to-great update could wait a few months, Logan says hed take the gamble and wait for wood to become more affordable.

Knowing perfectly well that prices could be higher by the time I do it, he says.

In the meantime, search for recycled, reclaimed or alternative materials.

Ty Lindgren, a shift leader at a food and beverage manufacturing company in Olympia, Washington , brought home leftover wood pallets from work to build a playhouse for his kids.

He estimates that using the pallets instead of high-priced two-by-fours lowered the projects cost from $1,000 to about $100.

If you dont have access to extra, unclaimed wood, you can buy it.

Your local lumber or flooring liquidator may have enough wood to redo the flooring in a small room or on a single floor of your home, says Rebekah Hernandez, a Dallas-based interior designer.

Habitat for Humanitys ReStore has over 900 locations , many of which sell recycled wood or wooden items you can rehabilitate or convert into something like shelving. Some locations let you browse their inventory online.

PUT AFFORDABILITY FIRST

You cant be picky, because theres not many options, but theyre out there, she says.

View post:
ABOUT THE MONEY: How to Lower Your Remodeling Costs When Wood Prices Are High | Deal - BollyInside

Taking a birth class is a pregnancy milestone. Whether you've been excited to take a birth class for a long time or have just recently decided that you wanted to take one, sitting down for that first lesson feels bigspoiler alert, this is really happening! But finding time for a birth class isn't as easy as it would seem.

We know new parents are busy (hello, understatement of the year). Between diaper changes, pediatrician appointments, healing from birth and the general adjustment to #newparentlife, the days can fill up quickly. But a lot of people are caught off guard by how busy pregnancy can be, too! That first trimester is so often full of symptomslike nausea and fatiguethat can make previously easy or simple tasks exhausting. The second trimester begins and (usually) we start to feel better. But then our days get filled with planning out baby registries and deciding on questions like, "Where will this tiny new human sleep?" And before you know it, it's the third trimesterand, well, then you're in the home stretch. Plus there are so many appointments!

All this to say that we get how busy you areand how hard that might make it to fit in a birth class.

Think you'll want to watch each lesson a few times over? Great!

Due date's next week and you need the option to take a birth class very quickly? No problem!

Like everything at Motherly, we designed this class with you in mind.

Taught by Certified Nurse-Midwife Diana Spalding (who also wrote "The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama"), this class is broken into 12 lessonsand you get to control how and when you watch them. We'll teach you about what your (amazing) body is up to in labor, how to decide when it's time to head to the hospital or birth center (or when to call your home birth midwife), what your options are for coping with pain and so much more.

When you sign up for The Motherly Birth Class, you'll get access to a downloadable workbook and meditations. Plus, you'll be invited to join our supportive private online community (where you can chat with the class instructor!)

Oh, one more thing: Your insurance or flexible spending account might even able to able to cover the cost of this class.

Pregnancy is wonderfulbut it's a lot. You deserve a birth class that works for you and empowers you to have your best birth. Because vaginal or Cesarean, unmedicated or medication, birth is incredible. And you are the star of it all.

You've got this.

Take our completely digital birth class from the comfort of your living room. We'll help you have your best birthbecause you deserve it.

We independently select and share the products we loveand may receive a commission if you choose to buy. You've got this.

See more here:
Target's public breastfeeding policy + nursing rooms are amazing - Motherly Inc.

A native of Pretoria, South Africa, where she grew up surrounded by breathtaking beauty, rich colors and creative people, Ingrid de Villiers has called Southwest Florida home for 24 years. Robb & Stucky has been her workplace home for the past nine of these years. Ms. de Villiers earned a bachelor of arts degree in interior design at London Metropolitan University in London, England. She has received numerous Sand Dollar Awards from the Collier

Building Industry Association for her work on single-family homes, and in 2016 she was the winner of Blink Art Resources annual interior design challenge. Blink is an art marketplace described on its website as a cross between a portfolio, an artist director and a trends reference.

When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer?

I am married to an architect and always loved looking at the homes my husband designed. Whenever we went to bookstores, I would go straight to the interior design/architecture section. One day I realized interior design was my passion. Soon after, I enrolled at London Metropolitan University to study my passion.

Describe your approach to interior design in five words.

Its all about the clients.

Tell us something about your first project.

It was a second home for a couple in Naples. I had to do everything. My mentor guided me though the entire thing and really built my confidence.

What about your most challenging project?

It was a Barefoot Beach condominium for a single guy who had started on it but got stuck. He didnt want to change the bright yellow walls in the den, the bright blue walls in the master bedroom or the bright, bright green walls in the guest room. It worked out great in the end.

And a favorite project?

It was a 5,000-square-foot house that we gutted. The clients loved silver, white, gray, cream and pink with crystals and bling. It was wonderful to work with them because they were open to my ideas. It earned a perfect score in the Sand Dollar Awards.

What is your favorite room in your own house?

The living room. Its very pretty, but its also very lived in.

What things do you consider must-haves for a great room/family room where people gather?

Plenty of comfortable seating. Some storage. And something soft underfoot.

Walk us through the process when you start with a new client.

I normally meet the clients in their home and ask about their style, design preference, budget, etc., to determine if we are a good fit. I take pictures and notes. I get a floor plan. We meet again at the Robb & Stucky showroom and walk the floor, look through fabric samples Then I do a power point design presentation so we can discuss everything involved.

Describe your ideal client.

I love it when clients are open to new ideas and are willing to incorporate different products, textures and designs into their space.

Do you have a design pet peeve?

I dont like a house that looks like everyone elses house. I am an out-of-the-box person and always encourage my clients to do something out of the box that creates interest in their home.

Remodel or start from scratch: Do you have a preference?

I would always prefer to start from scratch. But Id say half of my work is remodeling.

Any trends you especially love?

I love so many of the new furniture lines, fabrics and wallpapers, lighting fixtures and accessories. I especially love it when we incorporate them with traditional, older pieces and designs.

Any words of wisdom for a young person who wants to be an interior designer?

Make sure interior design is your passions. As Vincent van Gogh said: What is done in love is done well. I believe that completely.

What would you be doing if you werent doing this?

Probably something in fashion design.

Originally posted here:
Using her talents to combine trends with tradition | Bonita Springs Florida Weekly - Key West Florida Weekly

If you have limited mobility, its important to consider the design of your home. This includes investing in products that make your living environment more accessible and safer.

One example is a walk-in tub. Its a safer alternative to a traditional tub, which requires you to step over a high threshold. A walk-in tub omits this feature, so its easier to get in. This can give you a greater sense of independence, comfort, and safety.

If youre thinking about investing in a walk-in tub, read on. Well explore the best walk-in tubs, along with alternatives and tips for installation.

A walk-in tub is a bathtub with a door. It lets you walk directly into the tub, rather than stepping over a high edge.

Also, Walk-in tubs have very high walls and an elevated seat, said Ralph Severson, licensed contractor and owner of Flooring Masters. This means you can submerge yourself in water without sitting on the floor.

A walk-in tub has a door with a watertight seal. It also has a faucet that fills the tub with water, just like a standard tub. It may have a handheld showerhead attached to a hose as well.

When youre done bathing, the water flows down the drain. Once the tub is empty, you can walk out of the tub.

You might be a good candidate for a walk-in tub if you have limited mobility. This includes mobility issues related to age, injury, or chronic conditions.

Walk-in tubs are generally not covered by health insurance. However, every insurance company is different, and some states might offer financial assistance. Your healthcare professional can let you know about state programs that may provide financial help.

Currently, Medicare doesnt provide coverage for walk-in tubs.

Medicare only covers durable medical equipment (DME). DME includes equipment and devices deemed medically necessary. A walk-in tub isnt considered a DME, meaning Medicare doesnt provide coverage for related costs.

Again, your state may offer programs that offer financial help.

The tubs on this list were chosen based on their safety features and recommendations from home contractors. We also considered specialty features that might make the tub more enjoyable to use. Finally, we included a range of prices to accommodate different budgets.

The price range for walk-in tubs can vary greatly. Without installation, walk-in tubs may range between $1,800 to $6,000 or higher.

The tubs on this list range in price. Pricing is indicated as follows:

The installation is an additional cost. According to CostHelper.com, replacing a bathtub may cost between $1,500 to $5,000.

Price: $$

For a spa-like experience, consider this freestanding walk-in tub from ANZZI. This walk-in bathtub comes with whirlpool jets that provide a soothing massage, said Ryan Thompson, plumber and owner of Plumbing Informer.

It has a quick-fill faucet, which can quickly fill up the bathtub. This is important because one of the most common complaints about walk-in bathtubs is that they take too long to fill up.

The step-in threshold is 4 1/4 inches tall. Other standout safety features include a showerhead with a 60-inch hose, grab bars, textured flooring, and an ADA-compliant seat. The term ADA-compliant refers to design standards defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, for accessibility.

In addition to the whirlpool jets, other spa features include color therapy lighting and air jets. The tub has a built-in heater to maintain the water temperature as you bathe.

According to ANZZI, all products come with a lifetime warranty.

Price: $$

This tub offers ADA-compliant seating and slip-resistant flooring. It also has a quick-fill faucet and buttons that are designed to reduce stress on fingers and joints, said Severson. The tub has a built-in grab bar, and the step-in threshold is 7 1/4 inches tall.

Severson points out that the tubs drain is powered by a pump, so all the water will drain in about 1 minute. This might be ideal if time and convenience are your priorities.

The tub has specialty features as well. It has 12 adjustable whirlpool massage jets and colored lights, which are used for chromatherapy, or color therapy. Universal Tubs offers a 10-year warranty on the tub shell, frame, and finish, as well as a lifetime warranty on the doors watertight seal.

If you need help choosing a tub, the company invites customers to call their consultants. They can also help you find a certified and licensed installer.

Price: $$$

This walk-in tub by American Standard is designed for smaller spaces. It has a contoured seat for maximum comfort, along with 26 air jets for relaxing water-based therapy. Safety features include push-button controls, grab bar, and textured floor.

It also has an ergonomically shaped neck rest, which is a stand-out feature, according to Severson. This may be ideal if youre concerned about neck support. Most walk-in tubs lack a built-in neck rest.

The tub has a quick-draining system so youre not stuck waiting several minutes to the open door, added Severson. You can also call the companys bath specialists to determine if the walk-in tub is right for you.

American Standard offers a lifetime warranty on the door seal, a 10-year warranty on the tubs shell, and a 5-year warranty on all other parts. The company also offers in-home evaluations and professional installation.

Price: $$

If youre looking for a freestanding walk-in tub, you might like this 52-inch tub by Empava. The Empava 52 has a curved and practical shape that makes it easy and convenient to install in bathrooms, said Thompson. It has safety features like ergonomic control knobs, interior grab bars, and a handrail along the rim. The door is extra wide, and the floor is slip resistant.

A unique feature is the extra-low step-in clearance height, which is less than 4 inches tall. [This] is great for people who dont want to, or cant, raise their feet too high when entering the tub, said Thompson. Empava also offers a 3-year limited parts warranty.

Price: $

If youre looking for an inexpensive walk-in tub, consider this product from Universal Tubs. This is a very safe and affordable tub without the bells and whistles, explained Severson. It still has a slip-resistant floor, safety rail, and a low step threshold.

The tub has also ADA-compliant contoured seating, a quick-fill faucet, and a wide-opening door. Its simpler than other walk-in tubs on this list. If you dont need a whirlpool or powered drain features, this tub performs well at a lower cost, said Severson.

Universal Tubs offers a 10-year warranty on the tub shell, frame, and finish and a lifetime warranty on the door seal. The company can help you find a certified and licensed installer.

If you want to create a safer bathroom environment, walk-in tubs arent your only option.

Other potentially effective alternatives include:

A step-in shower is a pre-fabricated shower that has no threshold to step over. It has a seat or bench that allows you to sit while bathing. This is ideal if you prefer to use a handheld showerhead versus soaking in a tub.

According to Severson, you can install non-slip flooring, safety rails, and comfortable seating in a step-in shower. The floor tile can also be continued throughout the bathroom.

A good option is the Freedom ADA Roll In Shower. Safety features include a folding shower seat, grab bars, and a textured floor. It also meets all ADA guidelines and has a 30-year limited warranty.

If youd like a shower thats built-in and tiled, contact a licensed contractor who is experienced in bathroom remodeling. If possible, work with a contractor who has experience installing accessible showers for people with limited mobility.

Your contractor can install safety features such as a bench, grab bars, and ergonomic doors. They can also provide suggestions based on your budget and personal needs.

For an inexpensive and simple way to make bathing safer, install grab bars in your existing tub or shower. A contractor who has experience designing bathrooms for limited mobility can determine the best location for each bar.

Its worth noting that towel bars arent the same as grab bars. Towel bars lack sufficient support, so using them as grab bars might be unsafe.

A shower bench or chair is another budget-friendly option. When choosing a bench, make sure the feet have a non-slip grip. Some benches fit into the tub, while others are placed over the edge so you can sit and slide into the tub.

To reduce the risk of slipping, place a non-slip mat in your tub or shower. Consider placing a non-slip mat or anti-slip rug just outside of the shower, too.

Some state programs might offer financial assistance for walk-in tub installations. However, Medicare and insurance companies generally dont provide coverage. Walk-in tubs usually arent considered medically necessary.

Many retailers offer financing options that let you pay for a product over time. This wont reduce the overall cost, but it might be easier to pay in smaller portions.

A walk-in tub may be ideal if you have limited mobility. Compared with a standard tub, this type of tub is safer because you dont have to step over a high edge.

Typically, walk-in tubs have safety features like grab bars and slip-resistant floors. You can also get tubs with specialty features like whirlpool jets and colored lights.

Walk-in tubs are available in different sizes, shapes, and configurations. A licensed contractor can determine the best option for your home and needs.

Currently, walk-in tubs arent covered by health insurance and Medicare. However, your state might offer a financial assistance program, and retailers often have financing options.

More here:
5 Best Walk-In Tubs in 2021: Costs, Features & Reviews - Healthline

How do you know if your current digs have potential to become your dream home? Its a question familiar to Victoria Sass, who founded her Minneapolis-area design firm Project Refuge Studio with a focus on renovations that keep young families in old homes. We get people who want to know, Should I invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in this house or not? she says. At some point, its not a good investment if what you really want is a different house. Its like a marriage: Is this the one, or are you trying to make it into something itll never be? Here are five signs you should stay right where you are, and renovate the house to make it suit your needs.

Whether its the home, neighborhood, school system or other local ties, a deep emotional connection to the property is worth listening to. Thats a really good reason to take the time to change your space to make it suit your needs, says Laura Fenton, author of The Little Book of Living Small. For those clients, we suggest renovation to increase square footage and fit their lifestyle, adds designer Juliana Oliveira, the principal of Dallas firm Beyond Interior Design.

Spending money on a property youre already invested in offers more potential to create additional value. With a renovation, you get a lot more bang for your buck in terms of finishes, says Oliveira. There may be some reconstruction costs, but more of your money will go to details that create a lasting impact. A 2019 study by the National Association of Realtors Research Group estimated that a homeowner could expect to recover between 50 and 60 percent of the cost of most renovation projects in the value of the homea $75,000 boost in value on a $150,000 renovation of a new owners suite, for example. (The biggest impact? Replacing or refinishing wood flooring, which saw a return of 100 to 106 percent.) That said, where you renovate matters if youve got resale in mind: Less than 1 percent of real estate professionals said that a new owners suite helped close a sale, while 20 percent reported that a kitchen upgrade sealed the deal for new buyers.

Old homes often come with quirks and charm that cant be replicated by a new build, even with antiqued or upcycled finishes. Whether its a wonky window or the fact that there are no right angles anywhere, if a homes imperfectionsor at least some of thembring you joy, you should stay.

If youre looking to start fresh due to a temporary dissatisfaction with a home you otherwise love, its probably worth making small adjustments and weathering the storm. A friend of Fentons nearly moved out of a beloved Brooklyn two-bedroom because their teens no longer wanted to share a room. I said, Wait a second. Your daughters going to be moving out in four yearsdo you really want to give up this apartment and neighborhood you love for a relatively short season of life? she recalls. They decided to do a light renovation, and theyre so happy they invested in the home they already have rather than look for a bigger one.

In many parts of the country, build-ready lots are in short supply. As developers struggle to keep up with demand, it drives up land prices and makes it difficult for families to move up to a bigger, newly constructed home, says Clark. If this is the case in your area, a major renovation may be a more cost-effective solution.

Living long-term on a construction site is far from ideal. And even if you think you want to tough it out amid the dust and the noise, designers suggest having a plan B just in case. Clients who think that they can live in the home during a renovation and dont have a backup plan on where they could temporarily stay is a red flag for me, says Oliveira. (Contractors dont like interrupting your life any more than you like having them in their spaceand if theyre tiptoeing around you and your family, youre going to pay for it, adds Irving. If they have to come in, set up and then pack up day after day, its a lot less efficient for everyone, and it may be worth the cost of getting out of your house for a bit.)

No matter how closely you hew to your budget, the costs of a renovation can be staggeringespecially if youve encountered one of those aforementioned unpleasant surprises along the way. Sass says budget fatigue often sets in as the project is winding down. People will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars restructuring a space and doing engineering modifications, she says. But then they go really cheap on something like the knobs on their cabinets. That fixture might feel like a big splurge [after a costly renovation], but in the grand scope of the whole project, that's the piece that you're going to see and pass on to the next generation. Don't skimp on that at the end of the day just because you're tired of spending money.

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5 Signs You Should Renovate the House You're Living In - HouseBeautiful.com

The Abilene City Commission will consider accepting bids projected at $445,000 to remodel the second floor of the city building to house the Abilene Police Department.

However, just when that remodel will occur was undecided.

At the next meeting Feb. 22 commissioners will only decide if they want to accept bids.

A feasibility study was presented at Mondays study session.

I think at the stage that we are at now, my understanding is that it is just a feasibility study looking at some options that are available and what it would look like, said Mayor Brandon Rein. Obviously, the next step would be to take it out to bid to see what the exact numbers would come in at.

He said other recent bids have come in below the projected costs in feasibility studies.

I dont think it harms us to move forward to see a closer look at what an actual cost would be, he said.

However, Commissioners Chris Ostermann and Dee Marshall said the timing wasnt right.

Making a decision like this before the actual new city manager, I am hesitant about that only because you yourself (City Manager Jane Foltz) didnt want to fill the fire chief position unless the new city manager was involved, Ostermann said. So, in this process, are we doing this before we make a selection? They wont have any input. That is something I have been thinking about. Maybe they (new manager) would want to do something else.

My thought is, this is a lot of money to be spending right now during COVID and not know for sure what is happening to us, said Commissioner Dee Marshall. I think that is something that should wait a while.

Marcus (Rothchild) will be giving you the 2020 financial review and I think you will be very surprised how well the city is doing, Foltz said.

That could be but I still think we need to tread slowly, Marshall said. I just dont think this is anything we should be considering at this time even though it is a project I think we should do at some point. I just dont think it is feasible right now.

Financial Director Marcus Rothchild said the money will come out of the capital improvement fund which was set aside a few years ago. He said the funds had been collected when the city was considering a new building.

The voters rejected the replacement of the building, he said.

Since we are in an historic building, they would like to see us stay there, he said. But, at the time, money was being set aside each year.

He said the 2020 budget ended with $352,000 in the capital improvement fund. He said the budget includes $350,000 for the capital improvement project.

Marshall said she was concerned about putting all the money to the renovation, leaving little or no reserve.

However, Foltz said tax credits of 25 percent of the project could be available.

It is a great opportunity for us to get some of the cost of this remodel back, Foltz said. Weve already heard from the state historical society, I hear you are remodeling the city building. I said not until we get commission approval. We are just bringing it to the table.

Rothchild said the tax credit could be close to $100,000.

Commissioner Trevor Witt said both Chief Anna Hatter and Assistant Chief Jason Wilkins were involved in the design and that it was important for the users to be involved in the design.

They are the ones going to be using it, he said. It will also help us with employee retainment too, if they have a good space to work in and it is functional and safe.

Architect Bruce McMillan said a key element of the design is bullet resistant glass and bulletproof walls.

This is one area that I would emphasize very strongly and that is the protection of your officers and not having a situation where they are vulnerable, McMillan said. This is a major concern.

Police would take over the second floor and planning and zoning would go to offices on the first floor where the police department is now, Foltz said.

The police department doesnt see people one-on-one much anymore, Foltz said. We have many more opportunities to meet with the public in planning and zoning then we do with the police department.

Current Abilene Police Department facilities on the first floor of Abilene City Hall do not meet the needs of the department, according to the report.

Architect Garric Baker outlined the renovation project.

Space was identified on the second floor of the building that could be remodeled to provide more space and improve the efficiency of APD operations.

The project timeline was estimated to begin late Spring 2021 and conclude in late 2021.

The police department currently resides on the first floor in City Hall, a portion of the fire department area, and it has utilized available space by expanding into the unused auditorium as well.

However, the needs of the department moving forward will see new technology, a need for expanded space, allocated office space, dedicated workstations, an interview room, as well as a functional layout specific to the Department.

Therefore, the Department anticipates moving to the second floor where an open layout can accommodate the needs more suitably than the existing configuration.

The proposed project on the second floor would see the existing landing at the current courtroom receive updates to include finishes, a window for visual security access for the receptionists and new furnishings.

Upgrades within the reception area would entail new finishes, a security door, and bullet-resistant counter and transaction windows. New finishes, modified desks, and storage layouts are provided for the service

center to conduct business in a safe manner.

In the north wing of the second floor, the chief and assistant chief of police would be outfitted with private

offices with direct access to the bullpen, allowing for improved communication with officers. The bullpen would include four workstations, radio docking station, filing and storage space, mailboxes, and a dedicated evidence work area.

Additionally, this space would include a reporting desk where on-duty officers may sit and write their daily reports at the end of their shifts. The patrol sergeant would have a private office. Two investigators would work in a joint office in the northeast corner of the existing space. An interview room located nearest the rear exit and exit staircase would be dedicated for confidential informants, suspects, or individuals being interviewed so they could be escorted into the building, up the stairs, and directly into the interview room in a discreet manner.

Proposed improvements to the existing courtroom include removal of flooring, finishes, court furniture and equipment.

New proposed finishes include installation of an armory, breakroom furnishings with coffee bar, refrigerator, and tables and chairs. Additionally, the space could be arranged in a classroom style layout for training sessions.

Foltz mentioned in her report that City Clerk Penny Soukup said the deadline for filing for the city commission is June 1.

Three commissioners, Tim Shafer, Ostermann and Witt, will be up for election next fall.

Witt was appointed to fill the vacated seat on the Abilene City Commission in 2018.

Voters will elect three commissioners, two to serve four-year terms and eventually be mayor, and one to serve a two-year term.

If necessary, a primary will be held on August 2 with the general election on Nov. 2.

Excerpt from:
Police department renovation on the table | News | abilene-rc.com - Abilene Recorder Chronicle

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Washington University researchers part of team probing inflammation after heart attack

Inflammatory cells are visible as colored areas in this PET scan of a persons torso, with brighter colors indicating denser cell clusters. A bright spot on the heart indicates that inflammatory cells are clustered around a site that has lost blood supply, causing a heart attack. An international team of researchers, including scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has formed a network to study the role of inflammation in heart disease, with a goal of finding new therapies to improve recovery after heart attacks.

When a patient arrives in the emergency room with symptoms of a heart attack, doctors first priority is to restore blood flow to the heart muscle. Over the past few decades, therapeutic advances aimed at getting blood flowing and reducing strain on the heart have improved patients chances of surviving heart attacks to more than 90% from 50%.

However, survivors face a heightened risk of future heart attacks and heart failure, and current therapies do not optimally reduce those long-term risks. Even a brief cutoff of blood supply can trigger an inflammatory response that weakens the heart and leaves it with lasting scars.

An international group of researchers has teamed up to study the biological processes that drive injurious inflammation after heart attacks, with a goal of finding therapies to help people recover more completely and reduce the risk of permanent heart damage. With a $6.5 million grant from the Leducq Foundation, they have established a network called The Inflammatory-Fibrosis Axis in Ischemic Heart Failure: translating mechanisms into new diagnostics and therapeutics network (IMMUNO-FIB HF) to study the intertwined roles of inflammation and fibrosis, or scarring, in driving long-term heart damage.

IMMUNO-FIB-HF is part of the foundations Transatlantic Networks of Excellence, an effort that aims to foster innovative scientific research in cardiovascular and neurovascular disease by bringing together European and North American scientists with complementary expertise. Robert J. Gropler, MD, a professor of radiology and senior vice chair and division director of Radiological Sciences at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology(MIR) at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis,leads the North American effort.

Heart failure progression is one of the leading causes of death in the world, said Gropler, also a professor of medicine. Inflammation and fibrosis are the twin drivers of heart failure progression, but we dont really understand how these processes occur. The idea was to bring together experts in inflammation and experts in fibrosis to unravel the mechanisms and design specific therapies to ameliorate the process.

A heart attack triggers an inflammatory response and sets off a cascade of biological events that can end in structural changes to the heart that impair the organs ability to pump blood, a process called cardiac remodeling. Researchers have tried to find drugs to interrupt this process, but a lack of detailed information on how the process unfolds has stymied efforts to come up with good therapeutic targets.

We know that inflammation is important, but the problem is that the immune system is very complex, said co-principal investigator Kory J. Lavine, MD, PhD, an associate professor of medicine in theDivision of Cardiology. Also an associate professor of developmental biology and of pathology & immunology, Lavine leads the teams effort to identify the immune cell types and molecules that mediate harmful inflammatory responses.

There may be multiple pathways that lead to detrimental cardiac remodeling, and different patients may benefit from different therapies, Lavine said. The challenge is: Can we identify the right immune cells to target, can we figure out how to target them, and can we deliver these therapeutics to the patients most likely to benefit from them?

To better understand the processes at work, the researchers need to be able to see what is going on inside the heart in the aftermath of a heart attack. Co-principal investigator Yongjian Liu, PhD, an associate professor of radiology at MIR, has developed a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent that detects inflammatory white blood cells known as CCR2+ monocytes and macrophages. Another co-investigator has developed an imaging agent for fibroblasts, cells that produce scar tissue. Both imaging agents have proven useful in animal studies. Liu leads the teams effort translating them for use in people, so they can track inflammation and fibrosis in heart attack patients in the days, weeks and months after such events.

Some people recover well from a heart attack, some recover poorly, some have persistent symptoms even after they recover, and we dont understand why, Liu said. Imaging gives us a noninvasive way to see whats going on in actual patients.

By combining these imaging agents with other measures of heart damage and abnormal function, the researchers expect to be able to see how such cells contribute to cardiac remodeling and whether investigational therapies have an effect on these cells. Two experimental therapies are being developed by other groups in the network.

We dont really have treatments available to reduce inflammation and fibrosis in people who have suffered heart injuries, Lavine said. The goal of IMMUNO-FIB-HF is to find novel therapies that block or attenuate these pathways and give people the best chance for their hearts to heal.

Washington University School of Medicines 1,500 faculty physicians also are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Childrens hospitals. The School of Medicine is a leader in medical research, teaching and patient care, ranking among the top 10 medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Childrens hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked to BJC HealthCare.

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Immune therapies for heart disease aim of international research network Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis - Washington...

Now, with work nearly finished, the projects funded by the referendum have brought about changes to every building in the district.

Referendum projects ranged from a $26 million elementary school to a broad array of smaller remodeling and maintenance projects. The district also budgets nearly $2 million of state and local funds to building maintenance each year, and that funding was used in some projects, too.

The work has alleviated overcrowded conditions in the elementary schools and provided more classroom space in other buildings.

Superintendent Jeff Holm started working in the district about a month after the referendum passed. He said he has been grateful to his predecessor Superintendent Jerry Kjergaard and the School Board at the time for pursuing the referendum.

Can you imagine what our challenge would have been (in the pandemic) if we still only had Roosevelt and Kennedy and needed to try to keep kids six feet apart? Holm said. I've felt very grateful to have a third elementary, and a very nice one at that.

Other larger referendum projects were $5.5 million science classroom additions at Willmar Middle School and a $7 million expansion of physical education/athletic facilities at Willmar Senior High School.

The building program included millions in maintenance projects that were past due. Jefferson Learning Center got a new boiler, and four buildings had roof work done. Several buildings, including the Area Learning Center in Garfield School, now have improved fire suppression and ventilation systems.

Aaron Pilarski, buildings and grounds manager for Willmar Public Schools, joined the district as work on Lakeland Elementary was ending, and he turned his attention to Kennedy and Roosevelt elementary schools.

I think that quality buildings reflect on a students education as much as other things, he said.

Kennedy and Roosevelt were well-maintained, but they needed some work. Roosevelt was newer, but Kennedy, which originally was a high school, looked dated, he said.

Both buildings were remodeled to develop collaborative spaces, and corridors were updated. Kennedy needed new windows and improvements to its exterior walls, too.

The Senior High had the biggest price tag among the existing buildings, about $12 million total. In addition to the gym expansions, the work included pool dehumidification, roof replacement and numerous building improvements.

The school was built in the mid-90s and hadnt had many updates, Pilarski said. Music rooms needed work, and an industrial technology expansion was needed to give those classes the room they needed for classes and projects.

The high schools classrooms are clustered around pods, which had never been redone. Remodeling of the pods added new furniture, carpet and paint. Students helped with designing the pods. Each has its own theme.

Pilarski said the referendum projects were done with an eye toward getting as much done as possible with the money available. He found there were some low-cost cosmetic improvements that could add to a buildings visual appeal.

You had to be really wise with it, because there was a lot we wanted to accomplish, he said. Im biased; I think it was really well spent.

School Board Chairman Mike Reynolds said he was impressed with the range of projects and just how well weve stretched our money.

Credit goes to many people, but especially Pilarski, he added.

Weve just done so much with so many things, he said. Our buildings are modern, they're up to date, and theyre safe.

Reynolds and other board members have commented that they hear comments in the community about how nice the buildings look, and they appreciate it.

Its nice to know the parents and community members take notice, he said.

Reynolds said the building upgrades might be noticed by families making decisions about where to send their children, too, but people make those decisions for a variety of reasons.

All we can do is keep making the product we have and the facilities we have top notch, he said.

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Here's what $52 million did for Willmar Public Schools - West Central Tribune

FREEHOLD Municipal officials in Freehold Borough are planning to appropriate $1.78 million toward the cost of improvements at the Freehold Public Library, East Main Street.

Members of the Borough Council have introduced a bond ordinance that provides for the issuance of bonds or notes in that amount to finance the costs. A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for Feb. 16. Council members may adopt the ordinance that evening.

According to the bond ordinance, municipal officials expect to receive an $889,000 grant from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act to help finance the planned improvements at the library.

The improvements at the library are expected to include wheelchair access to the entire facility; two new restrooms that will be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; a kitchenette for staff/program use; and heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades, according to council President Annette Jordan.

Jordan said additional accessibility improvements will be made at the library; there will be designated parking spaces adjacent to library for individuals who have a handicap; the staff office will be relocated; the circulation desk will be repositioned; and there will be a new teen room public space that will be reclaimed from storage and utility areas.

She said safety improvements to the front entrance of the library will preserve the buildings historic character; there will be remodeling and new shelving in the childrens room; updated electric service; a designated conference/study room; and additional shelf capacity, specifically for the childrens, teen and adult fiction collections.

The Freehold Public Library opened in 1904. It operates independently of the Monmouth County Library System and is funded exclusively by Freehold Borough taxpayers.

The library was built with a grant provided by industrialist Andrew Carnegie, who funded the construction of 36 libraries in New Jersey. The Freehold Public Library is one of 17 Carnegie libraries that remain operational in the state.

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Freehold Borough bonds will help to finance library improvements - centraljersey.com