Iowans warned of foreclosure ‘rescue’ scams

Scam-artists are trying to take advantage of Iowans who are caught up in the nationwide foreclosure crisis. Mortgage foreclosure “rescue” schemes ask you to pay hundreds of dollars up-front for so-called assistance or “rescue” from foreclosure – but they just take your money and do nothing to help. The scam puts you deeper into a financial hole, does nothing to save your home, and diverts you from getting real help.

Achieve bathroom elegance without major renovation


(ARA) - The New Year brings a new list of to-do projects, and at the top of your list is the desire to turn your bathroom into an elegant and luxurious space. But renovation projects take time, money and a lot of energy - and you’re short on all of them.<

Top 10 Home Decor Trends for 2009


(ARA) – More and more Americans today are looking at their homes as a place of refuge in a stressful world of challenges and economic instability. Instead of going out to dinner or social events, they’re cocooning with their families. Now, more than ever, their homes need to be restful and soothing, yet stylish at the same time.

Tips help ensure safe, secure holidays

For most Americans, the holidays mean turning on the heat and putting logs on the fire. What this also means is an increased risk for carbon monoxide poisoning or fire. Also, The holidays offer many wonderful opportunities for giving to others, but someone not on the nice list is the local burglar. According to the FBI, a burglary occurs every 14 seconds in the United States, with more than 2 million burglaries in 2007 totaling an estimated $4.3 billion in lost property.

Tips can help prevent roof collapses after heavy snows

The Institute for Business & Home Safety offers the following engineering information to help home and business owners avoid roof collapses. The recent round of severe weather has resulted in roofs collapsing in several states.

Beat the winter blahs with home decorating projects

(ARA) - For many of us, the return of winter means six months of snow, sleet and colder temperatures that force us to take cover indoors. Being stuck inside month after month can leave anyone a little bored. That’s what makes winter an ideal time to tackle easy, do-it-yourself indoor home improvements.

How to cut heating, cooling costs without cutting comfort

(ARA) — Heating and cooling systems account for 56 percent of energy used in a typical home, making it the largest energy expense for most households, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Making smarter decisions about your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system can help you save money on your monthly utility bills.

Preparing for the holidays and cold weather

The Thanksgiving holiday is this week followed immediately by the Christmas season. I’ll just issue a short reminder about kitchen and cooking safety and encourage everyone to be a little extra cautious this week and in the weeks that follow.

Small design changes, big impact

The good news is that it doesn’t take much to turn your current decor into something completely fresh and different. There are plenty of easy, cost-effective ways to change your surroundings for the better.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance sign-up planned Nov. 19 in Clarinda

The West Central Community Action group will accept Low-Income Home Energy Assistance applications on a first-come/first-served basis at Workforce Development Center, 121 S. 15th St., Clarinda, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, or you may apply Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the West Central Community Action office, 500-1/2 N. Broad St., Shenandoah.