[unable to retrieve full-text content]6 tips to help prepare for a flood, minimize damage to your home  AccuWeather.com

Two things you’ll want to do is put a sandbag in your toilet bowls and empty out your fridge and freezer.

source https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/6-tips-to-help-prepare-for-a-flood-minimize-damage-to-your-home/70008004

Question: Our chimney is badly stained from weather. A chimney sweep told us chemicals and power washing would not guarantee removing these stains, and a heavy power wash could even damage the brick. How can we safely remove the stains?

Answer: The stains could be mold, dirt, algae or soot, judging from the assessments offered by four Maryland chimney sweeps.

“Trust me, it’s mold,” said Jim Shortley, owner of My Chimney Sweep Service in Potomac, Md. The remedy, he said, is to spray with a bleach-based product labeled for removing mold and mildew, wait 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse. Sometimes he also has to scrub stubborn stains using a synthetic-fiber brush. To keep from bleaching more than the chimney, he covers nearby roofing with a heavy tarp first.

Carlos Aragon, owner of Aragon Chimney Services in Derwood, Md., also said the stains are probably mold. He would inspect to make sure the bricks and mortar were in good condition, then use a pressure washer to remove the stains. That’s the “easiest and fastest” way to clean the exterior of a chimney, he said.

Carmine Ferraro, owner of Colonial Chimney in Germantown, Md., said he thinks the problem is algae and he’d use an algae-removing cleaner, “the same stuff we use on the roof,” and a pressure washer. Both Ferraro and Aragon said they would also coat the bricks with a water repellent after the cleaning to help keep the problem from recurring.

Steve Coates, owner of Chimney Masters in Germantown, said the black stains could be dirt blown off a nearby tree, soot, or a combination of soot and dirt. He would use an acidic cleaner, which bubbles up as it works and requires keen attention to safety and washing everything from the bricks on down to the ground afterward. “Dilute the hell out of things,” he said, adding that if any of the rinse water looked like it were headed to a storm drain, he would direct a hose into the runoff to ensure good dilution. Asked whether a stain that’s just dirt might come off with a gentler cleaner, he said that might work if the stains are not deeply embedded, but it’s a waste of time otherwise. “You’d be up there all day getting nothing done.”

Both Shortley and Coates warned against using a power washer, especially on old bricks. “If you power wash old brick structures, you’re going to blow the mortar out or peel off a layer of bricks,” Coates said.

Given the different opinions, which approach makes sense? You definitely don’t want to damage the bricks or mortar while fixing a cosmetic problem, and you’re dealing with surfaces high up, where it’s hard for you to inspect. So take a cautious approach.

Spraying on a bleach-based product, waiting a few minutes and rinsing it away with water from a hose won’t hurt the bricks or mortar. Hire a chimney sweep and specify that you want the stains treated with a bleach-based cleaner first. Or, if your chimney isn’t too high and you are comfortable being on a ladder, you can do a test patch on your own. The cleaner Shortley uses, Mold Armor Instant Mold & Mildew Stain Remover, costs $5.98 for a 32-ounce bottle at Home Depot. If you want a synthetic-fiber scrub brush, which he uses, also buy the HDX Gong Scrub Brush for $6.98. Be sure to wear goggles in case the spray drifts, as well as rubber gloves and clothing that covers your skin.

Using an acidic cleaner poses more risk both to your plants and chimney. On new masonry, these cleaners are great for removing smeared mortar, but that’s not your situation. The Brick Industry Association, a trade group, warns against using unbuffered muriatic (hydrochloric) or hydrofluoric acid, and it says to always test first. That’s especially important with light-colored bricks, which you have, because they are more susceptible than dark bricks to staining from acidic cleaners.

If the person you hire insists on using a pressure washer, make sure the pressure isn’t so high that it could damage the bricks or mortar. Under the “Read & Research” section of the Brick Industry Association’s website (gobrick.com) a primer titled “Technical Notes on Brick Construction” suggests first saturating the dirty bricks and those below with water at very low pressure (less than 100 pounds per square inch). It says to apply cleaning solution with a brush or a pump sprayer with no more than 30 to 50 psi, followed by a thorough rinse at low pressure (100 to 400 psi). Never exceed
400 psi, it says.

source https://triblive.com/lifestyles/more-lifestyles/whats-causing-those-stains-on-the-chimney/

It’s the time of year when homeowners are thinking about shedding some layers and moving outdoors to enjoy spending time on the deck. Before getting out the lounge furniture and firing up the grill, though, there is work that needs to be done to ensure your outdoor living space is safe and stays looking great throughout the season.

Late spring is a good time to clean the deck to kill mold and bacteria.

“The summer sun keeps it clean, but this time of year a deck has had snow sitting on it,” said Brad Davis, general contractor with Davis Construction Co. in Peterborough.

You can remove debris from between deck boards using a putty knife before thoroughly sweeping the surface. Before applying cleanser, make sure it’s appropriate for your decking material.

A standard deck cleaner works for wood, while a wood composite deck (which needs less maintenance than wood) requires a specifically-formulated cleaner. A vinyl (cellular PVC) deck requires only mild soap and water to remove mold, mildew and dirt.

Choose a dry (60- to 70-degree) and cloudy day when the decking is cool to clean so the sun won’t evaporate the cleaner.

Again, the method used to clean your deck depends on the material. Use a paint roller, garden sprayer or a stiff-bristled brush broom to apply the cleaner on wood; a soft brush to clean a composite deck; and scrub with a stiff broom in a circular motion on vinyl before rinsing.

If you do use a pressure washer, which can be a time-saving method, be sure not to go overboard. Sweep the nozzle along the wood grain at a slight angle about 8 inches from the deck surface.

Move the nozzle at all times while the trigger is engaged. Pressure washing is not recommended for composite decking.

“If you pressure wash, you should watch the PSI (pounds per square inch), especially on wood,” said Davis. “If it’s too high it will leave a coarse grain.”

After a thorough cleaning and drying for 48 hours, a sealant should be applied to protect your wood deck (not required for vinyl) from the elements and keep it in tip-top condition. Consider synthetic sealants, as some oil-based products attract mildew and algae.

Finish options (which cost about $30 a gallon and cover 250 square feet of decking) include clear sealant that let’s wood’s natural grain and color show through; toner that adds a bit of color but fully reveals wood grain and provides protection from the sun’s UV rays; semi-transparent stain that tints the wood, but lets some grain show; or solid stain and opaque color that seal weathering damage and completely cover the grain.

Stain finishes can be applied every other year using the same or a slightly darker color. A two-day period with clear skies and moderate temperatures is ideal for applying sealant. Prior to application, you should lightly sand the deck using a pole sander with 80-grit paper.

Gavin Gunn of Windham Builders in Munsonville has more than 30 years of experience as a general contractor, including building, repairing and upgrading decks.

“The deck needs to be sanded to raise the grain so it will accept the stain because of the tannins in the wood,” said Gunn.  

Next, replace any missing or popped nails and deck screws. If it’s only a slightly protruding nail, you can pound it back in using a hammer.

Be sure to wear gloves, a safety mask, and eye protection when applying stain and sealers. Use a roller to apply the sealer to the decking, covering three or four boards at a time. Use brushes and small rollers for railings, planters, and benches.

Don’t let the sealant dry or puddle. Two thin coats are better than one thick one.

Gunn, who recommends the Sikkens brand of both stain and deck cleaner, suggests laying down tarps underneath the decking for applying sealant to avoid drips soaking into the ground or a body of water — whichever is beneath your deck.

In mid-summer, when the weather is warm and dry, it’s a good time to give your deck’s structure a close inspection. Look for soft or splintered spots, loose nails or deck attachments and split or rotten planks.

Pay particular attention to any areas within 6 inches of the ground or close to sources of water, such as downspouts and planters. Promptly fix any damage that presents a health or safety hazard.

Areas of rot that are no bigger than a silver dollar can be removed with a chisel, and the hole can be treated with wood preservative. Larger areas may require the structural member to be replaced by a professional.

Complete other repairs before your annual deep-clean. Throughout the season, to keep your deck in good shape:

Trim nearby bushes and trees so they are at least 12 inches from the deck to slow mold, moss and rot.

Don’t let leaves and other debris pile up in corners.

Move planters, chairs and tables occasionally to avoid discoloring the decking. Keep nearby gutters and downspouts in good repair.

Prevent water damage all year by regularly sweeping away puddled water, leaves, branches and other debris. Use a plastic shovel if you get more snow than a push broom can handle.

Don’t use natural materials under deck furniture.

Protect the wood deck from scrapes inflicted by chair and table legs and use only rugs made from recycled plastics — natural-fiber rugs absorb moisture and promote mildew.

source https://www.sentinelsource.com/home_and_garden/stacking-the-deck-getting-your-dec-safe-and-summer-ready/article_fda88b12-62d2-11e9-bbcb-6fef4f8f3ee4.html

Topics:

Allergies Asthma

source https://www.pulmonologyadvisor.com/home/topics/asthma/asthma-rhinitis-onset-increased-from-dampness-and-mold/

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Increased grain bin hazards can result from recent floods  NTV

Grain and grain bins pose many safety hazards during normal conditions. Safety risks are even higher once damaged by floodwaters. Assembling appropriate …

source http://nebraska.tv/news/local/increased-grain-bin-hazard-can-result-from-recent-floods

DENVER — During the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral, policemen and other city leaders formed a human chain to save artwork from inside the building, according to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo.

Many of the precious pieces have since been moved to safe locations within the Louvre Museum. It is still unclear how much charring, smoke damage and water damage they may have from the fire.

“I feel pretty confident that stained glass — as an example — will be able to be recovered. Metal sculptures very likely, stone sculptures it’s anyone’s guess what degree the soot can be extracted, particularly if parts of the stone are porous at this point,” said Sarah Melching, Silber Director of Conservation at the Denver Art Museum.

At DAM, a team of specialists called conservators perform the delicate work of preservation and restoration of art in the museum’s collection.

“Part of what we do is a restoration. So if there’s a loss to, say, a painting that was water damaged and some of the image material went away, then we would stabilize it first and then, in conversation with the curator, decide to what level we would restore that missing area,” Melching said.

The conservation team is made up of individuals with training in chemistry, art history and studio art. They are experts at performing chemical tests and procedures, matching colors and performing intricate maneuvers on works of art.

Those are the same skills conservators in Paris will employ when beginning the restoration process of the works from Notre Dame.

According to Melching, the next few days are critical in the preservation of the art that has been saved from the cathedral.

“Within 72 hours, that’s when mold can start to form and that’s kind of a crucial time frame that you want to address for things that are particularly water damaged,” Melching said.

Books, papers and photographs can sometimes be saved from mold by wrapping and freeze-drying the items. According to Melching, conservators may also place items under vacuum to extract moisture.

Soot and smoke will likely be the other big problems facing French conservators.

“There are various kind of chemicals that we can use to clean surfaces,” Melching said.

Some works may simply require clean water and soft cloths. Others may require further bleaching to remove stains. They can also employ a dry cleaning method using a soot sponge, which is similar to a dense cosmetic sponge.

“I think the outcomes will be mostly positive,” Melching said.

It is too early to estimate how long restoration of the Notre Dame artworks may take. Some pieces with little damage could be finished within a few weeks. Others may take substantially longer.

“These are long-term efforts,” Melching said. “I remember when the library in Leningrad burned in 1987. Recovery efforts are still ongoing.”

More information about art recovery efforts can be found here.

AlertMe

source https://kdvr.com/2019/04/17/local-art-conservators-explain-what-it-will-take-to-restore-works-damaged-inside-notre-dame-cathedral-fire/

While first lady Melania Trump and second lady Karen Pence visited Fort Bragg on Monday, a half-dozen military wives gathered by the All American Freeway that leads to one of the main post gates to protest what they say are unfit housing conditions.

In recognition of the Month of the Military Child, the appearance by Trump and Pence included a visit with students at Albritton Middle School on Fort Bragg.

«Right now, they’re thanking the children for their service for Month of the Military Child,» said Tamara Terry, the 26-year-old who organized the roadside protest at noon. «We would rather them be thanked for their service with livable housing and healthy children. Children in military families are 25 percent more likely to serve their country than the average child. Not only are they poisoning current service members, but they’re poisoning future service members.»

Residents at Fort Bragg and other installations have raised concerns about numerous issues, including mold, lead paint, backed-up ventilation systems and falling ceilings in their military housing.

Fort Bragg has conducted tests for mold and taken other steps to address concerns, post officials have said.

Fort Bragg spokesman Tom McCollum said the post’s industrial hygienists, part of the installation’s Defense Occupational Environmental Health Readiness System program, have not found any toxic black mold in its military housing over the last five years. Most mold is black in color, he said, but that doesn’t mean it’s black mold — the most dangerous type.

In February, Secretary of the Army Mark Esper and Gen. Mark Milley, chief of staff of the Army, directed installations across the country to host town hall meetings and walk through military housing to identify issues. The directive followed media reports of questionable living conditions and a survey that showed that more than half of the residents who responded were unsatisfied with the quality of their private military housing.

The six women stood near the exit for the Santa Fe Drive overpass. Traffic streamed by and, on occasion, a driver honked in support of their grassroots cause.

Handmade signs were mounted to the back hatches of a Dodge Journey and a Ford Escape, and the women also held placards that said such things as:

• «Sick soldiers can’t keep America Great! MilKidsCount / We deserve better!!!»

• «Why do we have to live like this?»

• «We are Black and Gold Not Black and Mold!!!!»

• «Everything in our housing went up — Number of Roaches, Mold, Leaks … Corvias, Do your job!!!»

MilKids is short for military kids. Corvias is the property management contractor on post.

One of the protesters said she attributed the small turnout to military spouses who feared a backlash from higher-ups or retaliation from their respective units.

«It’s not just my family affected. It’s a lot of people’s families,» 25-year-od Cacee Nesbit said. «It’s our voice. A lot of people need a voice. People are scared.»

Nesbit said her family moved out of their Fort Bragg home in the Bataan housing neighborhood on April 4 after they received results from a March 8 mold test. The family lived in a hotel for five days, she said, before moving into a hospitality suite. They are waiting on new housing.

«We have mold and water damage,» she said. «I think when our husbands are deployed, they shouldn’t have to worry about their wives and children being home sick.»

Nesbit said she has a 7-year-old daughter who has had health issues and tested positive for mold allergy symptoms in February.

«They may link it to mold, but that doesn’t meant it’s accurate,» McCollum said. «There is mold throughout North Carolina. Mold is a natural part of nature. It’s always been here.»

«Fort Bragg’s policy is to ensure that Corvias will move residents if there are health and safety issues with the homes,» McCollum said.

Late last month, Fort Bragg officials said they estimated that 1 to 2 percent of the 6,150 homes in the installation’s family housing program have «significant challenges» that need to be addressed. On March 27, Fort Bragg officials and a representative of Corvias provided an update of what had been done so far.

Since the directive, 27 families had been relocated, according to Sharon Shores, Corvias’ director for Fort Bragg.

«We take the threat of mold in our homes very seriously because it is a health and welfare issue and hinders readiness,» McCollum said. «And the garrison is there to ensure that Corvias upholds their commitment to safe and healthy homes while ensuring that residents are responsible for day-to-day upkeep of their homes. Such as household chores.»

Terry and her family have been living in a hotel for approximately three weeks. «Because we have unlivable conditions at home,» she said. «Rotted wood, water damage, black mold.»

The family had been living on post in the Nijmegen housing area.

She and her husband have three children, 7- and 4-year-olds and a 5-week-old.

«My oldest son had a cough for about five months and my daughter about three months,» said Terry, who was supporting her youngest son in a baby sling during the protest. «We’d take them to the doctor and were told it was a cold or fever. You don’t keep a cold for five months.»

Terry said that she also has had medical issues that she never had before living in Fort Bragg housing.

Fort Bragg officials and Corvias representatives have apologized during town hall meetings and vowed to address concerns. Corvias has said it is hiring more people and revising operations to better address problems.

Staff writer Michael Futch can be reached at mfutch@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3529.

source https://www.fayobserver.com/news/20190415/military-spouses-protest-housing-conditions

In compliance

Inspected April 1, 2019

• River Rock Academy, Spring Grove
• Hickory Heights Golf Club, North Codorus Township
• Frank Theatres/Queensgate Stadium 13, York Township

Inspected April 2, 2019

• Pizza by Alberto, York Township
• Meadows Frozen Custard, York Township

More: At a glance: White Rose at Bridgewater restaurant in York Township

Inspected April 3, 2019

• Starview United Church of Christ, East Manchester Township
• Red Brick Bakery & Tea Room, Red Lion
• Granfalloons Tavern, York
• Forbidden City Chinese Restaurant, Windsor Township
• Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market, Hellam Township
• Alternative Rehabilitation Communities, Inc., Manchester Township

Inspected April 4, 2019

• Wendy’s No. 6451, Windsor Township
• Roadside Grille, Hellam Township

Inspected April 5, 2019

• Warrington Farm Meats, Warrington Township
• Sun’s Deli and Market, York
• Pizza Boli’s, York
• Nana’s Oven, York
• Derby Dash Kettle Corn, Monroe Township

Inspected April 8, 2019

• Sinking Springs Elementary School, Manchester Township
• Roundtown Elementary School, Manchester Township
• Hanover Senior High School, Hanover
• Amvets Post No. 22, Hanover

Inspected April 9, 2019

• Windsor Manor Elementary School, Windsor Township
• Subway No. 4276, Hanover
• Red Lion VFW Post No. 1446, Red Lion
• Little Flower Farms, Warrington Township
• Larry J. Macaluso Elementary School, Windsor Township
• Hissho Sushi @ Giant No. 6271, Shrewsbury
• Giant Food No. 6271, Shrewsbury
• Dairy Dan Hanover (mobile unit), Conewago Township
• Crabb’s Tropical Treat, Berwick Township
• China One, East Manchester Township
• Astoria Diner, West Manchester Township

Inspected April 10, 2019

• Wellsville Fire Company, Wellsville
• Wal-Mart Supercenter No. 5469, West Manheim Township
• Summer Breeze Concessions, Warrington Township
• Subway, Warrington Township
• Red Lion Area Junior High School, Red Lion
• Mamma’s Pizza, Wellsville

More: Venture, The Dark Parlour and more Royal Square District happenings

Out of Compliance

Inspected April 8, 2019

The Pizza Box & Hoagie Shop, York

• Waste receptacle for disposable paper towels not provided at the handwashing sink in kitchen area.
• Observed mold-like substance inside the tuna at the prep cooler area.
• Damage to door gasket inside prep cooler.
• Dirt and accumulation of food debris observed in interior of prep cooler. Underneath Champion grill has an accumulation of grease. Accumulation of grease build up along all sides of cooking equipment. Hood filters of grill in need of cleaning. Outside area of ice cream cooler is dirty to sight & touch. Observed dirt build up inside coffee roaster. Outer areas of food containers are dirty to sight and touch.
• Food Facility has clogged drains underneath prep table and refrigeration unit.
• Food stored together with chemicals near sink area.
• The Person in Charge did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the PA Food Code as evidenced by incorrect responses to food safety questions.
• Microwave & slicer, a food contact surface, was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Manual can opener is dirty to sight and touch.
• Wall area near the microwave is dirty. Dirty floor areas in the dining area. Accumulation of debris underneath front counter area.
• Food facility inspection indicates evidence of mice droppings throughout facility underneath equipment and front counter areas. At time of inspection facility did not provide proof of pest control services.
• Observed toxic material at sink area, not clearly labeled with a manufacturer’s label.
• Hot dogs in the cold unit stored open with no covering. Food in the freezer also found stored with no covering. Observed open bag of sugar stored inside a dirty basket.
• Observed containers in cooling unit not properly labeled. Desserts in refrigerator in the dining room without label.
• Meat slicer dirty to sight and touch.
• Observed scoop without handle found inside food product.
• Observed single service items uncovered and not inverted in dry storage room.

Manager’s comments: Tim Rahley, owner, said the inspector was at his location Monday and «made sure everything they found was cleaned up or changed. They gave us a clean bill of health …»

Inspected April 9, 2019

Taqueria Y Poposeria La Bondicion, Hanover

Inspector’s comments:

• Soap was not available at the handwash sink.
• Observed the inside of the hood system to have heavy amounts of static dust and grease accumulation.
• Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration.
• The handwash sink located in the mobile unit does not have water at a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• There were no paper towels available at the hand wash sink.
• The Person in Charge did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the PA Food Code as evidenced by incorrect responses to food safety questions. (Handwashing procedures/ wash, rinse and sanitize procedures)
• The Person in Charge does not have adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant inspection.
• Facility does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to an event involving vomitus or fecal matter discharge onto surfaces within the facility. (CORRECTED PROVIDED HANDOUT)
• At time of inspection facility had no sanitizer in which to properly sanitize food contact surfaces
• Observed several refrigerated ready to eat foods prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours, located in the cold hold units, are not being date marked. (CORRECTED)
• Observed handwashing sink not operating at the time of inspection.
• Old food residue, dishes and utensils observed in the handwash sink, indicating uses other than handwashing.
• Plumbing system not maintained in good repair — observed three basin sink gushing out of the PVC piping when operator attempted to turn water on
• Observed flooring of mobile unit is made cracked / roughened / and is not a smooth, easily cleanable surface.

Manager’s comments: Ermegildo Huinil, manager, said he has two food trucks, one is used for events and the other is parked at a particular location for lunch and dinner customers. He said he wasn’t aware there were issues in one of his trucks, and he wasn’t expecting the inspector. He said the issues the inspector found have been addressed and corrected, and he’s ready for a reinspection.

China Café, Fairview Township

Inspector’s comments:

• Observed raw chicken being held at 50.1 degrees Fahrenheit, in the reach-in cooler on make-line, rather than 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below as required. Disposed of food.
• Observed insect webbing on the ceiling, electrical lines, and fire lines near rear exterior door.
• Food Employee did not follow proper handwashing procedure. Soap not used. (Corrected)
• Food Employee did not follow proper handwashing procedure. Food employee did not wash hands for adequate amount of time of at least 20 seconds. (Corrected)
• Food Employee observed changing tasks being between, pealing raw shrimp and making ready to eat food, that may have contaminated hands without a proper handwash in-between. (Corrected).
• Observed loose wiring on one fryer basket, which is a potential physical hazard.
• Observed an accumulation of old food debris on the floor under/wall behind mop sink, prep sink, and hand washing sink.
• Observed an accumulation of old food debris on the floor under shelving in the walk-in cooler/freezer.
• Observed an accumulation of old food debris on the floor under three bay sink.
• Observed an accumulation of old food debris under all equipment on make-line.
• Observed an accumulation of old food debris on the floor behind water heater.
• Observed no chemical sanitizer being used on equipment and utensils after washing and rinsing them, and prior to use. (Corrected)
• Observed hand washing sink to be slow draining.
• Plumbing system not maintained in good repair — observed water leaking from swing nozzle of prep sink.
• Rear exterior side/top of door has a gap that does not protect against the entry of insects or rodents.
• PIC failed to control proper hand washing in the food facility.
• The Person in Charge did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the PA Food Code as evidenced by incorrect responses to food safety questions. PIC was not knowable about proper manual warewashing wash/rinsed/sanitized/air dry. Provided training and corrected on site.
• The Person in Charge does not demonstrate adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant inspection.
• Observed two Food Employee washing their hands in the prep sink and three bay ware washing sinks rather than the designated handwash sink. (Corrected)
• Observed an accumulation of old food debris on the outside of the rice food container in storage area.
• Observed an accumulation of old food debris on all shelves in the walk-in cooler.
• Observed an accumulation of old food debris on the shelf under/top of Wok Grill on make-line.
• Observed an accumulation of old sticky food debris on the handles and tops of both rice cookers in the kitchen.
• Observed an accumulation of dirt and grease of shelf over three bay sink.
• Observed an accumulation of old food debris on the sides of the deep fryers, reach-in cooler, and steam table all on the make-line.
• Observed an accumulation of white mold like residue on the fan guards in the walk-in cooler.
• Observed clean food equipment and/or utensils on shelf over three bay sinks area, stored wet in a manner that does not allow for draining and/or air drying (wet nesting).
• Mops are not being hung to air dry.

Manager’s comments: A manager could not be reached for comment.

Inspected April 10, 2019

Subway, West Manheim Township

Inspector’s comments:

• The Person in Charge does not have adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant inspection.
• Observed food ingredient storage containers, in the pretzel prep area, is not labeled with the common name of the food.
• Observed food (hot dogs, eggs and pizza) was held at 52-55 degrees Fahrenheit, in the front area refrigerator unit, rather than 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below as required.
• Observed front area refrigerator unit maintaining between 52-55 degrees Fahrenheit instead of 41 degrees and below. Unit needs to be repaired or replaced at this time.
• Observed plastic lid of pretzel area ingredient container is chipped/broken and need to be replaced.
• Observed ceiling fans, vents and surrounding areas having a larger accumulation of static dust development and in need of cleaning at this time.
• Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in front area refrigerator unit.
• Observed floor drain and piping underneath three (3) compartment sink in the rear area of the food facility is extremely dirty and in need of cleaning.

Manager’s comments: Manager Amber Koons said everything that was found in the inspection has been corrected. As of Monday afternoon, the location was waiting to be reinspected, Koons said. 

 

Read or Share this story: http://bit.ly/2Gq2unW

source https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/04/16/york-county-restaurant-inspections-mold-like-substance-tuna-mouse-droppings/3473791002/

OTHO, Iowa— An effort is underway in Webster County to preserve part of the state’s history.

The nonprofit historical museum in Otho is home to about 10,000 artifacts at risk of being destroyed.

More than a century’s worth of Webster County history is covered up under one roof. The 83-year-old woman who runs the museum said the leaky roof isn’t holding up, and she needs help funding the museum.

“I just think the county is really interesting,» Phyllis Stewart said.

The museum sits in the old Otho Elementary School donated to the museum 16 years ago.

“Well we never know where the leak is going to be coming in from the ceiling, so we just covered everything up,» Stewart said.

Last fall, growing mold and water damage forced Stewart to close the museum’s doors.

“I would like to be open right now, but with all the leaks you can’t uncover for people to see it, then cover it up when you go home, then go back and uncover it,» Stewart said.

It is preventing her from showing off one of her favorite items in the collection, a wedding dress from 1917.

“We’ve got the picture of her dress, her veil, her shoes, her socks, her under clothes, everything she wore when she got married,” Stewart said.

The bride was Alice Anderson.

“She was our landlord when I was growing up. She and her husband were our landlord. I was astounded when that came in,» Stewart said.

Stewart said she fears the doors will never reopen to the public. Now, she’s turning to Webster County for help.

“It’s not in the budget, but we are going to see what can be done. The county supports the fairgrounds and other opportunities. This is something that isn’t a part of the county budget,» said Webster County Supervisor Mark Campbell.

Stewart has yet to calculate how much it will cost to repair the museum but hopes something can be done preserve Webster County’s history for generations to come.

Stewart said there will be a community meeting at the VFW in Fort Dodge this Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The county will also be there to ask questions.

source https://whotv.com/2019/04/15/83-year-old-woman-needs-help-preserving-webster-countys-history/

With the snow all melted, we are seeing the effects of moisture and rodents on our lawns, trees and shrubs. In some instances they will recover with some help from us. But in others, damage may be extension and require considerable effort and maybe expense to repair.

source http://www.minotdailynews.com/life/living/2019/04/fixing-winter-lawn-and-tree-damage/