Home Sweet Home 101 W. Taylor (Highway 34 East), Creston 821 Grand, Afton Move in ready 2 BR ranch home in Afton with hardwood floors and a nice private backyard. Unfinished basement that would make a great family room and another bedroom. See Carter Agency on page 8.
Your Home
Premium location on Hwy. 34 with 6000 sq. ft. finished. Currently with 3 retail businesses with 3 bathrooms, commercial doors and large parking lot. In-floor heat with CA units and divided electric services. Insulated and heated rear storage building with 1560 sq. ft. and 2 overhead doors. See Stewart Agency on page 3.
Look inside to see what these following businesses have to offer: Akin Building Center American Homes by Dave Long Boyd Appliance Center, Inc. Callahan Real Estate Carter Agency Cook Video & Appliance Creston Chamber of Commerce Creston Mobile Home Sales, Inc. First National Bank ISSB J&A Flooring
J&J Plumbing & Heating Orr Heating & Air Conditioning PCSB Bank R Realty Schroeder Plumbing & Electric Southern Prairie YMCA State Savings Bank Stewart Realty Vernie’s Winterstien Construction Zellmer’s Culligan
February 14, 2014
Page 2c— Creston News Advertiser — Friday, February 14, 2014
How to create a rainwater harvesting system Rainwater collection is a way to conserve water that can be adopted by both private homeowners and businesses. Harvesting water during peak times of precipitation ensures water will be on hand during drought or when water restrictions are implemented. Making use of rainwater reduces reliance on underground wells or municipal water systems. Harvesting rainwater also can help prevent flooding and soil erosion. The average homeowner can collect thousands of gallons of rainwater each year. To learn just how much water can be harvested, as well as how many natural resources can be produced from that rain, visit www.save-the-rain. com, where men and women can calculate their rain col-
lection potential by geographic location and average rainfall. Afterward, homeowners may be inclined to establish their own rainwater harvesting systems. Here is how to get started. • Determine your roofing material. Potable water can be harvested from homes with sheet metal or slate roofing. Clay or adobe tiles also may be acceptable. Asphalt, wood shingles and tar roofs may leach toxic chemicals into the water, making it unsafe for drinking. This rainwater may only be collected to use for irrigation methods or washing cars and outdoor items. • Check gutter materials. Some gutters are made with lead soldering components. A commercial lead swab test can help you determine if
there is lead present in your gutters. At a later time you can choose to replace the gutters if you desire a potable supply of water. • Invest in a collection tank or barrel. A number of manufacturers offer pre-
fabricated rain collection systems complete with collection barrels. Otherwise, you can use your own barrel or tank to house the collected water. Ensure it is large enough to handle the volume of water collected.
• Purchase and install leaf guards. If your home is surrounded by many trees, you probably accumulate leaf and tree debris in your home gutters and downspouts. Leaf guards will help keep the gutters clear and increase water flow through the water collection system. • Create a water collection area. A portion of the gutter system should be removed so that it connects to the collection barrel or tank. As the rain falls, it will run down the roof and into the gutters before it streams into the downspouts. The downspout connected to the tank will deposit the water directly inside. Filters can be installed to help block the flow of debris. • Outfit the tank for overflow and water usage. A
spigot and hose connection makes it easy to use the collected water for outdoor purposes. Many rainwater collection systems are designed with an overflow safeguard that will prevent the water from backing up through the system. It will divert the rainwater back out of the downspout when the barrel or tank is full. A rainwater collection system harnesses a natural source of water to be used for gardens and other outdoor purposes. This water doesn’t contain chlorine or other additives, making it relatively clean and safe to use. Homeowners should check to see if a permit is necessary to install a rainwater collection system and then begin gathering water for various uses.
AMANA PresideNtiAl sAviNgs • Stainless Steel •
Refrigerator
4-Piece Kitchen Package
Electric Range
2296
$ Dishwasher
• Spillsaver Glass Shelves • Humidity Controlled Crispers ABB1921BRM
•5 Wash Cycles
• Easy Touch Electronic Oven Controls
Over-the-Range
Microwave
• Heated Dry Option
• Extra Large Oven Window
ADB1100AWS
• Touchmatic Controls • 1,000 Cooking Watts w/10 Power Levels
AER5630BAS
AMV1150VAS
Cook Video & Appliance Financing Available with Qualified Credit
Hwy. 34 East • Creston
641-782-5112
Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm • Sat 8:30am - 2pm
Creston News Advertiser — Friday, February 14, 2014 — Page 3c
“The REAL ESTATE People”
Becky Barker..............641-202-6655 Donna Marlin............515-401-8057 Jewel Baseley.............641-344-6058 Gay Lynn Owens.......641-782-0077 Roger Saxton.............641-202-1260 Stew Stewart..............641-344-1347
Crest Plaza/701 W. Townline, Creston Office 641-782-7197 Broker: Stew Stewart www.stewartrealtyia.com “The Real Estate People”
See all our listed properties, pictures and details at... stewartrealtyia.com
...with us!
Let us show you the way to your next home! — Residential Homes —
PENDING
116,500
98,500
$
$
Building can have 2 store fronts or one store front and one apartment on the main level. It also has 2 full apartments on the second level with one studio apartment. There is also a studio apartment on the main level. Basement has been redone to accommodate another apartment.
189,500 $
89,000
167,500 485,500
Come and look at a beautiful custom built home, overlooking McKinley Lake in the Ryan addition. This 4 bedroom 4 bath home has a large kitchen, walk-in pantry and dining area that opens to a large screen room with a great view. Three car garage with its own entrance to the lower level, walkout basement and ground source heat and air. Call now for your showing!
101 W. Taylor (Highway 34 East) • Creston
Premium location on Hwy. 34 with 6000 sq. ft. finished. Currently with 3 retail businesses with 3 bathrooms, commercial doors and large parking lot. In-floor heat with CA units and divided electric services. Insulated and heated rear storage building with 1560 sq. ft. and 2 overhead doors.
117 W. Montgomery St. • Creston
51,900
$
Store front property on Adams Street with approximately 4000 square feet. Great location with about 40’ of frontage. Priced to sell and ready for new owners!
1445 Marks Way • Creston
$
REDUCED
3BR, 2 bath, move-in ready! Open kitchen. Dining room opens to deck. Master bath with oversized tub and dual vanities. Kitchen appliances included. Garage & carport. Senior living complex provides mowing, snow removal, water, sewer and garbage. Owner anxious make offer!
NOTE: Mortgage interest rates are very, very low! Talk to your mortgage specialist now!
Main Street Creston property for sale. Great location, 40’ storefront with many improvements. Large display area with new commercial entrance door. New furnace and central air, roof coating and tuck-pointing already done for the new owner.
3BR 2 bath, 3-car garage in N. E. Orient. Appliances included, full basement, sunroom and walk-out...almost country living!
100 N. Douglas • Afton
SOLD
$
104 N. Maple St. • Creston
SOLD
625,000
Your tour begins with the drive by for this 6.2 acre lakefront property located one mile west of Creston. Built in 1999, this 4 BR 3.5 bath energy efficient custom home, built by Brad Waltz Construction, has the feel of home with the open kitchen, huge living room and hand built cabinets and numerous easy living innovations. Three car attached garage and two large out-buildings.
62,900
44,000 $
SOLD
SOLD
$
658,500 $
828 Quiet Harbor • Creston
3BR, 3 bath home with modern kitchen open to family room with fireplace. Ground source heat & cooling, newer windows. Large barn and machine shed. 60.8 acres m/l of pasture and crop.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES 203 & 205 W. Adams St. • Creston
114 N. Sunshine Lane • Orient
3BR 2 Bath ranch home with large open floor plan. Appliances included. Large family room, office and storage area in basement. Large rear deck with mature trees and landscaped areas.
39,900
SOLD
PENDING
302 Elm Dr. • Creston
$
375,900
1830 US Hwy. 34 • Creston
1628 Dogwood • Creston
3BR, 3 Bath ranch with fully finished basement. Open floor plan. Private, rear deck. Newer carpet on main level. Full kitchen and dining area + large family room or rec in lower level.
— Manufactured Homes —
$
138,000 $
Country Living at it’s best!
SOLD
SOLD
Great income potential! 2 apartments to rent, one up, one down, both with separate entries. Some remodeling started and you can finish your way. Off street parking.
202 W. Temple • Lenox
$
SOLD
ACREAGES & FARMS
SOLD
1502 N. Elm St. • Creston
$
Ranch home on large lot. 2-car attached garage with storage space between home and garage with overhead door. Selling as is. Appliances included.
3BR, 2 bath new home with country living. Open floor design. Rear deck. Scenic valley. Two-car attached garage.
208 N. Sumner • Creston
26,400
$
2BR home with main floor laundry and lots of storage. Nice breezeway between home and single car garage with patio doors on both ends. No steps.
NEW LISTING 3 BR 1 bath home with new appliances, carpet and paint. 2-car detached garage. New siding.
59,900
63,000
4BR 2 bath home with full finished basement and whirlpool tub. Open front porch and screened rear porch that overlooks the oval pool. Large dining room with built in hutch, butlers pantry and remodeled kitchen. One-car detached garage.
79,000
$
917 W. Howard St. • Creston
1690 Dogwood St. • Creston
2BR 2 bath ranch with 2-car attached garage and full basement with large family room. New windows, furnace/CA and garage doors. Beautiful front porch with lighted railing.
$
64,900
110,000 $
105,000 1405 N. Elm • Creston
114,900
204 N. Sumner Ave. • Creston
$
3BR home with yard space, patio, newer 2-car detached garage. Hardwood floor in dining room, newer vinyl in bathroom. New sump pump in basement.
$
3BR 1 3/4 bath home with ground source heat and cooling, 3-season room, some new flooring, all appliances included. 2-car attached garage.
SOLD
Move-in ready, well maintained home with beautiful woodwork, flooring and landscaping. This home has been transformed from its original state and is a very charming and comfortable home.
814 N. Elm • Creston
Clean well-kept home with open floor plan, beautiful builtin leaded glass hutch in living room. Lots of upgrades with vinyl siding, new windows, furnace and new roof.
SOLD
NEW LISTING 3 BR 1 bath home with some updates and hardwood floors. Selling as is.
703 W. Prairie, Creston
$
1003 N. Birch • Creston
SOLD
118,000
619 N. Mulberry • Creston
604 N. Birch • Creston
$
3 BR 1 bath home with some updates and hardwood floors. Selling as is.
$
$
SOLD
$
$
3BR, 1300 sq. ft. home with 2-car garage. Huge living and dining room. Lots of improvements and renovated basement.
109 S. Jarvis St. • Creston
70,000
SOLD
$
Check with us for new acreage listings ...coming soon!
505 N. Birch • Creston
72,500
86,500
NEW ACREAGE LISTINGS
506 S. Pine • Creston
24,900
201 W. Prairie St. • Creston
FOR SALE
Excellent business space with all new siding.
Page 4c— Creston News Advertiser —Friday, February 14, 2014
The basics of cleaning windows After a long winter of snow and ice, many people are ready for the warmth and sunshine synonymous with spring. But dirty windows can block that sunshine from finding its way into a home. Washing windows can be quite an undertaking, particularly in those homes with many windows on multiple levels. However, there are several time-saving tips available that can cut the work considerably. • Save window washing for a cloudy day. Otherwise, the warmth and sunlight may dry the cleaning solution too quickly and you will be left with streaks on your windows. • Vacuum windowsills and tracks first to remove a good deal of dust and debris. This will reduce the amount of dirt you smear onto the win-
RENEW, REFRESH, RESTORE YOUR HOME Home and Garden Show dows while cleaning them. • Use a combination of a sponge soaked in cleaning solution and a squeegee to get really clean windows. The squeegee helps to prevent streaks and cut down on the time it takes the windows to dry, all the while helping the windows to sparkle. • Window screens may be the culprit behind dingy windows. Hose down the screens with water to clean them, using a mild cleaning solution if water is ineffective. • Working with a partner
can make the task go much more quickly. One person can clean the exteriors of the windows while the other does the interiors. • A mild dishwashing liquid diluted in water can cut through dirt and grime. For stubborn dirt, wash windows with diluted ammonia or vinegar. • Use a glass-cleaning tool to clean hard-to-reach windows. A telescoping cleaning tool and pad can make it safer to reach windows that are high up.
Financing
Simplified.
Our experts are here for you with simplified financing for your home. Contact us today and allow us to provide the lending service you deserve.
SOUTHERN PRAIRIE YMCA
Saturday, March 29 10am-3pm
Thank you to our sponsors: Agrivision American Home Design Center Iowa State Savings Bank iWireless
Midwest Basements Systems POET Biorefining – Corning Service Techs, Inc Winterstien Construction
Home and Garden Show presented by: Southern Prairie YMCA
PRESENTATIONS 11:00 am: Kitchen Remodeling Made Easy
Ronda Katzer, Cinda Long and Tammy Stuart American Home Design Center 12:00 pm: Gardening for Everyone
Jerry Kluver, HyVee Get Growing EWaste Recycling by Prairie Solid Waste Agency Vendor Drawings and Door Prizes Concession Stand by Madison County Cattlemen Ask Jerry Kluver your gardening questions Advanced tickets are $3 per person Tickets available for purchase at the YMCA Day of event tickets are $5 at the door Children 5 and younger are FREE
Paul or Randy | 782.5599 Staci | 347.8423 www.fnbcreston.com
Southern Prairie YMCA and SWCC Technical Center 1201 W Townline St, Creston Member FDIC
All proceeds benefit the Southern Prairie YMCA
Creston News Advertiser — Friday, February 14, 2014 — Page 5c
Home projects perfect for spring The rejuvenating spirit of spring makes this beloved season an ideal time for homeowners to take stock of their homes and properties and address any issues that arose during the winter. While some homes make it through winter unscathed, the harsh weather of the year’s coldest season can add several tasks to homeowners’ springtime to-do lists. While some projects are best left to the professionals, others can be tackled even by those homeowners with little or no DIY experience. The following are a handful of projects tailor-made for spring. Take stock of roof shingles Much like its gutters and downspouts, a home’s roof can suffer significant damage over the course of a typical winter. Shingles may be
lost to harsh winter winds and storms, so homeowners should examine the roof to determine if any shingles were lost (lost shingles might even be lying around the property) or suffered damage that’s considerable enough to require replacement. Summer can be especially brutal on shingles, especially those that suffered significant damage during the winter. If left unchecked or unaddressed, problems with damaged shingles can quickly escalate into larger issues when spring rains and summer sun inevitably arrive, so homeowners should prioritize fixing or replacing damaged shingles as quickly as possible. Check for freeze damage Frozen temperatures can be hard on humans and homes alike, but unlike hu-
mans who can stay inside when temperatures dip below freezing, homes are forced to withstand the elements throughout the winter. External hose faucets are often susceptible to freeze damage. To inspect such faucets, turn the water on and then place a thumb or finger over the opening of the faucet. If your thumb or finger can completely stop the flow of water, the pipe where the water is coming from is likely damaged and will need to be replaced. Examine the lawn for low spots Once a lawn has thawed out, homeowners can patrol their properties looking for low spots in the yard or even low spots within spitting distance of the home’s foundation. Such spots increase the likelihood of flooding.
“Building Dreams” THIS MODEL FEATURES: • 1020 Total Square Ft. • Garage • First Floor Laundry Room • Kitchen Island • Dinette • Great Room • Adaptable for Office • Adaptable for Fireplace • Front Porch • Adaptable for Side Load Garage
Visualize your new home with our computerized 3D tours. An authorized builder for
Blenker Building Systems
Also visit our website winterstienbuilders.com
Right now save an additional 5% off puRchase pRice when you buy 2 or more qualifying products.* *via mail-in rebate for a prepaid mastercard® card
Meal TiMe in no TiMe. FroM STarT To Clean.
January 5, - March 31, 2014
2 or More applianCeS MuST be purChaSed. MuST purChaSe a FreeSTanding range To qualiFy For rebaTe.
B
oyd Appliance Center Inc.
220 N. Pine • Uptown Creston, IA (641) 782-2163 Selling Amana, KitchenAid, Maytag, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Speed Queen & Traeger Grills Servicing most makes and models ~ Locally Owned and Operated Weekdays: 8:30-5:30 • Saturdays: 9:00-12:00
Page 6c— Creston News Advertiser — Friday, February 14, 2014
Your Home Directory AKIN
BUILDING CENTERS 604 Sheldon • Creston • 641-782-3310 M-F 7:30-6 • Sat 8-4 • Sun 10-4 Member of Creston Chamber We accept Creston Bucks!
Plumbing, Heating, & A/C, LLC
Plumbing • Water Heaters • Boilers High Efficiency Heating & A/C Geothermal • Bathroom Remodels Air Purification • Licensed & Insured FREE Estimates in 30 Mile Radius
641.782.7852
Serving Southwest Iowa for 16 Years and Family Owned & Operated.
211 S. Elm | Creston
Selling and Installing ALL types of flooring! World Floor Covering Association Certified Professional Armstrong Certified Certified Floor Covering Installers
Joe Andy
Clara
Our Prices Will FLOOR You!
R new agent!
s
e Welcom
n Sulliva Shellie 9355 0-
515-21
(on the south side of Hwy. 34 by Cook Video & Appliance) 9 am-5 pm • Mon thru Fri — 8 am-1 pm • Sat
641-278-1044
Shellie Sullivan
— Realtor —
804 S. Mulberry • Creston Contact Shellie...
114 North Elm • Creston • 641-782-9408
Email - ssalesreality@gmail.com • 515-210-9355
Home Comfort
105 S. Sumner Avenue • Creston
...look to us for long lasting, high efficiency quality heating and air conditioning systems!
Bill Callahan - Owner/Broker
641-782-2332 www.callahanrealestate.us
Receive up to
1,500
$
Don Irelan • 641-782-5405 Ken Callahan • 641-202-0406 Randy Miller • 641-782-2331 Kim Whittington • 404-909-9327 Aaron Finch • 515-370-1592 Gary Borcherding • 641-344-7455 Bill Callahan • 641-782-2404
in Rebates!
— Owner —
Schroeder Plumbing & Electrical 641-202-1048
Vernie’s Window fashion is our passion...
Scott Coen
Vice President/Branch Manager
602 Sheldon • Suite A • Creston • 641-782-7820 M-F 9am-3pm Lobby • M-F 8am-5pm Drive-Up SAT 8:30am-12pm Drive-Up
...that’s what you’ll find in a home!
Your Modular and Manufactured Home Dealer
Creston Mobile Home Sales, Inc. 1446 Hwy. 34 West • Creston • 641-782-4548 Monday-Friday 8-5 • Saturday 9-3 • Anytime by Appointment
Troy Schroeder SAVE Certified Contractor
The Bank That Service Built
Beautiful Built with Care Affordable
910 North Sumner Ave • Creston, Iowa 50801
be your reality with
Commercial • Residential
Celebrating 44 Years
zellmersculliganwatercrestoniowa.com
Let “R” Realty...
John Spriggs
Jeanette Gildsig
Draperies • Blinds • Window Fashions
701 W. Townline • Creston
641-782-7771 & 641-202-0890
Creston...
A Great Place to Visit, Work and Call Home CRESTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 208 W. Taylor/Hwy 34 • 641-782-7021 www.crestoniowachamber.com chamber@crestoniowachamber.com
Creston News Advertiser — Friday, February 14, 2014 — Page 7c
Equip your home with a sump pump and backup battery In 2012, hundreds of miles of coastline along the northeastern United States were battered and decimated due to Hurricane Sandy. More than a year later, many homeowners were still dealing with the consequences of the devastating storm. Hurricane Sandy illustrated just how destructive water can be. Each year, storms across North America have the potential to flood homes or cause water to enter the basement or first floor. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, a mere six inches of water in a 2,000 square foot home can cause around $40,000 in damage. Homeowners looking to avoid such damages can rely on
sump pumps and backup emergency systems to keep sublevels dry and safe. Sump pumps are frequently used in homes at risk of flooding or in homes where the water table is above the foundation of the home. Sump pumps remove water that has accumulated in a water collecting sump basin built into the foundation of the home. Water may enter through perimeter drains (French drains) built into the basement or directly through the sump basin itself. The pump will send the water away from the house through a series of pipes that could drain into a dry well, into a municipal storm drain or at the curb. Many sump pumps are
hard-wired into a home’s electrical system and will automatically turn on when the water level in the sump basin has risen enough to trigger the pump. A flotation device built into the pump will rise enough to turn on the pump, which will then dispel the water until the device returns to its regular level. When operating correctly, sump pumps are effective at removing water and keeping basements and crawl spaces dry. However, in the event of a power outage, which is common when strong winds accompany flooding rains, a sump pump is rendered useless unless there is a backup battery attached to the sump pump.
Make PCSB Bank Part of Your Plans Apply for a home loan or home equity line of credit today!
SAVE up to
$
1350
in rebates from Alliant Energy...call Glenn for information!
Have Glenn Orr your HVAC SAVE Certified Expert install a new furnace and air conditioning unit and qualify for an Alliant Energy Rebate! Schedule an appointment today!
Glenn & Heather Orr - Owners
641-782-8700
NMLS #479577
Licensed & Insured • Alliant & REC Rebates 20+ Years Experience in the Creston Area
501 W. Taylor Street · Creston
www.pcsbbank.com
(641) 782-8482
Clarinda · Corning · Lenox · Mt Ayr · Member FDIC ∙ Equal Housing Lender
HVAC SAVE Certified professional — 24-Hour Service —
Air Conditioning Units • Furnaces • Plumbing • Geothermal • Radiant Heat Pumps • Water Heater • Sales, Service & Installation Residential & Light Commercial • New Home Plumbing & Installation
Page 8c— Creston News Advertiser — Friday, February 14, 2014
Come In. Be Inspired... After
Cherry Bertch Legacy cabinets in the Embassy door style have been stained with Chestnut.
Before
“See what we can do for you!”
This kitchen features granite countertops in Black Galaxy. The backsplash is tiled with Florida Tile’s Matte Cotton and Brights Black.
Cabinets . windows . Countertops . paint kitChen/bath design “101 Ways to Improve Your Home”
Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 101 N. Walnut • Creston • 641-782-4193
www.americanhomesbydavelong.com
ING
END P E L A
S
606 S. Birch - Unpack and enjoy...all the updates have been done. This 3 BR ranch home has a fenced in back yard and is close to Rainbow Park. Kitchen was completely remodeled in 2009 and all new appliances stay. Priced reduced to $89,000.
500 W. Fremont - JUST LISTED 1 story 3BR home with lots of room and potential, sitting on almost half an acre. $33,000
821 Grand - Afton - Move in ready 2BR ranch home in Afton with hardwood floors and a nice private backyard. Unfinished basement that would make a great family room and another bedroom. $92,000
305 N. Sycamore - Nice 1-1/2 story home with some of the updates done, just ready for you to put your own personal touches to finish it. $49,000
208 N. Maple, Creston, IA 50801 • 641-782-8516 / 888-828-8516
www.carteragcy.com
let us help you BECOME A HOMEOWNER
Visit us today! 504 W Taylor St, Creston • 200 North Main, Lenox • 1-800-508-0142
NMLS# 421412 Member FDIC