Fountain Hills

Rates COULD be in the Upper 4% by Tomorrow

2009-03-18T17:50:00.003-05:00

This is the actual press release from the Federal Reserve which could cause rates to lower, we'll find out tomorrow.

Press Release

Release Date: March 18, 2009
For immediate release
Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in January indicates that the economy continues to contract. Job losses, declining equity and housing wealth, and tight credit conditions have weighed on consumer sentiment and spending. Weaker sales prospects and difficulties in obtaining credit have led businesses to cut back on inventories and fixed investment. U.S. exports have slumped as a number of major trading partners have also fallen into recession. Although the near-term economic outlook is weak, the Committee anticipates that policy actions to stabilize financial markets and institutions, together with fiscal and monetary stimulus, will contribute to a gradual resumption of sustainable economic growth.
In light of increasing economic slack here and abroad, the Committee expects that inflation will remain subdued. Moreover, the Committee sees some risk that inflation could persist for a time below rates that best foster economic growth and price stability in the longer term.
In these circumstances, the Federal Reserve will employ all available tools to promote economic recovery and to preserve price stability. The Committee will maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 1/4 percent and anticipates that economic conditions are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels of the federal funds rate for an extended period. To provide greater support to mortgage lending and housing markets, the Committee decided today to increase the size of the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet further by purchasing up to an additional $750 billion of agency mortgage-backed securities, bringing its total purchases of these securities to up to $1.25 trillion this year, and to increase its purchases of agency debt this year by up to $100 billion to a total of up to $200 billion. Moreover, to help improve conditions in private credit markets, the Committee decided to purchase up to $300 billion of longer-term Treasury securities over the next six months. The Federal Reserve has launched the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility to facilitate the extension of credit to households and small businesses and anticipates that the range of eligible collateral for this facility is likely to be expanded to include other financial assets. The Committee will continue to carefully monitor the size and composition of the Federal Reserve's balance sheet in light of evolving financial and economic developments
Voting for the FOMC monetary policy action were: Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman; William C. Dudley, Vice Chairman; Elizabeth A. Duke; Charles L. Evans; Donald L. Kohn; Jeffrey M. Lacker; Dennis P. Lockhart; Daniel K. Tarullo; Kevin M. Warsh; and Janet L. Yellen.

Kansas City's St. Patrick's Day Parade

2009-03-16T23:22:00.002-05:00

Aye me little wee lads and lassys.... it's St. Patrick's Day again in Kansas City, Missouri.
Kansas City has a very active Irish following, along with an Irish Fest that happens over Labor Day, we have a great St. Patrick's Day parade downtown!
This year the parade will run Broadway - 33rd Street (Linwood) to 43rd Street from 11 AM to 1 PM.
This is the 36th edition of this Kansas City tradition and the weather appears to be very cooperative!
Follow this link http://www.kcirishparade.com/ for more information....

First TIme Home Buyers Tax Credit Information....

2009-03-16T21:35:00.001-05:00

I have heard that here in Kansas City there have been a couple of instances where accountants have been telling their first time home buyers that they cannot apply for the $8000.00 tax credit until 2009.

THAT is NOT TRUE!

I have a copy of the blank 1040. Go to page 2, under line #69 where it says attach form 5405. I also have also a copy of form 5405 that you will need. You can look at "C" at the top. You can claim it now if purchased in 2009. If they purchase in July, 2009, they can file an amended return and get their $8000 immediately.

However, the drawback is that the EZ form which most of them would file does not accommodate this so they will have to file the regular 1040.

I would be willing to share these forms with whomever wants them.......... just email me at franwhite@kc.rr.com........... in the subject line put TAX FORMS and I'll send them to you as PDF file you can print out.

And if you know someone who is wanting to buy, NOW is the time to do it.....if they are looking in the Kansas City North area, have them give me a call 816-682-3897

Until next time.......

Missouri Sales Tax Free Holiday 2008

2008-07-24T10:25:00.001-05:00

We're in the heat of the summer and I can remember as a kid HATING to go shopping for fall/winter clothes right before school starts!

CHA-CHING! Now as an adult with the Missouri Sales Tax Free Holiday coming up August 1,2,3,2008 I can see how parents can save $$$$ shopping during those days!

Some will read this and say, "What are you talking about Fran?"

Missouri has this great holiday which begins at 12:01 AM on the first Friday in August and it ends at midnight three days later.

It means that you get tax free purchases on certain back-to-school needs like clothing, school supplies, computers and computer software.

The sales tax exemption is limited to:

Clothing - Any article having a taxable value of $100 or less.
School Supplies - Not to exceed $50 per purchase
Computer Software - Taxable value of $350 or less
Personal Computers - Not to exceed $3,500
Computer Peripheral Devices - Not to exceed $3,500
Be sure and consult the Missouri Department of Revenuefor a complete listing of items that are Tax Exempt.

KEEP IN MIND..... that some cities and counties choose not to be a part of this holiday..

Beverly Hills, Missouri, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Platte Woods, Platte City and Smithville I've been told are opting out for this year (2008). But for a complete list of areas not participating be sure to check the Department of Revenue website. They have non-participants listed as:

Sales Tax Holiday - Cities Opting Out

Below is the list of cities that will not participate in the 2008 sales tax holiday. City sales tax in these locations will still be collected on the sale of qualifying holiday items.

Alton
Ashland
Ash Grove
Aurora
Ballwin
Battlefield
Bellerive Acres
Berkeley
Beverly Hills
Black Jack
Blackwater
Bland
Bloomfield
Bolivar
Boonville
Branson
Brentwood
Bridgeton
Byrnes Mill
Cabool
Camdenton
Cameron
California
Canton
Carl Junction
Carthage
Cassville
Centertown
Chamois
Charlack
Chillicothe
Clayton
Clinton
Collins
Columbia
Cool Valley
Cottleville
Crystal City
Des Peres
DeSoto
Desloge
Doniphan
Edmundson
Eldon
Eldorado Springs
Ellisville
Ellsinore
Elsberry
Everton
Fair Grove
Farmington
Fayette
Fenton
Ferguson
Festus
Flint Hill
Freeman
Freemont Hills
Frontenac
Fulton
Garden City
Gerald
Glasgow
Granby
Grandin
Grant City
Green City
Greendale
Half Way
Hartville
Hawk Point
Hayti
Higginsville
Hollister
Holts Summit
Houston
Ironton
Jane
Jefferson City
Joplin
Kennett
Kingdom City
Kirkwood
Koshkonong
Ladue
Laurie
Leadington
Liberal
Licking
Loma Linda
Malden
Manchester
Maplewood
Marble Hill
Marceline
Marlborough Village
Marshfield
Marthasville
Merriam Woods Village
Meta
Moberly
Montgomery
Moscow Mills
Mountain Grove
Mountain View
Mount Vernon
Naylor
Neosho
New Haven
New Madrid
New Melle
Nixa
Noel
Norborne
North Kansas City
Northwoods
Oak Grove
Oakland
Osage Beach
Overland
Owensville
Ozark
Palmyra
Paris
Pattonsburg
Pevely
Platte City
Platte Woods
Poplar Bluff
Purdy
Qulin
Reeds Spring
Richmond
Richmond Heights
Riverside
Rockaway Beach
Rock Hill
Rolla
Savannah
Sedalia
Seligman
Shelbina
Shrewsbury
Skidmore
Smithton
Smithville
Springfield
St Ann
St Mary
St Peters
Ste Genevieve
Stockton
Sugar Creek
Taos
Thayer
Town & Country
Trenton
Twin Oaks
University City
Urich
Vandalia
Velda
Walnut Grove
Warson Wood
Washburn
Waynesville
Webster Grove
West Plains
Willard
Willow Springs

Do You Know What Crime Is Going On In Your Neighborhood?

2008-07-03T16:44:00.002-05:00

I've just learned of www.crimereports.com .... a great website that no matter where you are in the U.S. you can put in an address or a zip code and see what kind of crime is happening in your neighborhood.

It appeared that there was a place to also search for sex offenders.

They give you the option of signing up for e-mail notifications of crimes in a certain area. Of course I had to sign up and see how it worked!

Safety First

2008-06-09T18:12:00.000-05:00

In the summer, people tend to look for ways to light up outdoor spaces for family gatherings, like patios, yards and pool areas. While warm weather brings people outdoors, it is important to be careful when using electrical devices, whether it is a gardening tool, a bug zapper or even just a radio.
Although summer is a time for fun, it's worth it to take a few minor safety precautions that could prevent a major mishap. Most importantly, do not use electrical appliances in wet area — ever ! Be careful using cords around pools, ponds or damp areas. Even wet grass can create a hazard. If you must use electrical appliances around these locations, be sure to use only Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected outlets or extension cords that have the GFCI built into the cord.

Why do I need Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)?
GFCIs can help prevent electrocution. "Ground faults" are often the result of damaged appliance cords or consumers who use electrical products in wet environments, such as bathrooms or swimming pool decks. GFCIs detect any leakage of electrical current in a circuit that might be flowing through a person using an electrical device. When such a loss is detected the GFCI turns electricity off before serious injuries or electrocution can occur.

There are three types of GFCIs. The most common receptacle type GFCI, is similar to a common wall outlet. Additionally, circuit breaker GFCIs are often used as replacements for standard circuit breakers and provide GFCI protection to all receptacles on that individual circuit. Temporary or “plug-in” GFCIs are frequently used in outdoor settings with electric tools, mowers, trimmers and similar devices. Temporary GFCIs should never be used as a permanent alternative to a regular GFCI.

How can I install GFCIs in my home?
An estimated 400 million GFCIs are installed across the country, but there are still many older homes without GFCIs. By installing GFCIs in every home in the United States, the U.S. Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that more than two-thirds of the approximately 300 electrocutions occurring each year could be prevented!

Consumers are encouraged to use a qualified electrician to install receptacle and circuit breaker-type GFCIs. The portable GFCI requires no special knowledge or equipment to install, but it does require testing before every use.

Do I have to test the other GFCIs in my home?
Like all electronic devices, GFCIs can be damaged or wear out, and may need to be replaced over time. Many consumers, however, don't check their GFCIs to verify they are working. And while the electrical receptacles in a GFCI may continue to function, the GFCI circuit may no longer work. As a result, the National Electric Safety Foundation (NESF) encourages a simple test once a month and after any violent thunderstorm.

Whether you have a receptacle-type or circuit breaker-type GFCI, pushing the TEST button should turn off the power of the circuit.

To test a receptacle-type GFCI:

Push the RESET button located on the GFCI to assure normal GFCI operation.
Plug a nightlight (with an ON/OFF switch) or other product (such as a lamp) into the GFCI and turn the product ON.
Push the TEST button located on the GFCI. The nightlight or other product should go OFF.
Push the RESET button again. The light or other product should go ON again.
If the light or other product remains ON when the TEST button is pushed, the GFCI is not working properly and a certified electrician should be called in to assess the situation and, if necessary, rewire or replace the GFCI.

Testing your circuit breaker GFCI:

• Locate the circuit breaker box.
• Verify that the breaker toggle is in ON position.
• Press the TEST button on the circuit.
• The toggle switch should snap to the TRIPPED position.
• RESET and return the toggle to the ON position. Power will be restored.

If the circuit breaker fails to trip when the test button is pressed, it must be checked by a qualified electrician immediately.

GFCIs are Not a Replacement for Common Sense Safety
It is important to remember that GFCIs are only back-up safety devices — you must always use common sense with electrical products. Be sure to take extra care wherever water and electricity are present. Even with GFCIs, electricity and water do not mix.

Fountain Hills Common Area Gets BLING

2008-04-03T05:32:00.003-05:00

If you don't live around the water retention pond you might not have noticed but it recently got some BLING!

Numerous ornamental trees (Redbud and Serviceberry) were planted to dress up the area.

They will be a great addition to Spring, which we all desperately want!

Happy New Year Fountain Hills Subdivision!

2008-01-03T15:03:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to all of my wonderful readers. The holidays are over and it’s time to get back into “real estate” mode.

If you are planning to get your home on the market for Spring, start to get it ready now!

A fresh coat of paint will brighten any room. Clean the carpets. Touch up the molding. Do whatever needs to be done now to get it ready.

My experience has been that Spring market starts in March. It begins to warm and people get in the mood to begin to look for their new homes.

If you need assistance with some ideas on what you could do to get your North Kansas City home ready for spring market, give me a call. I’d love to come by and give you some ideas.

Fran White 816-682-3897

New Year's Customs From Around the World

2008-01-01T19:02:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to everyone in Fountain Hills Subdivision! If you need assistance buying or selling in Fountain Hills, just give me a call 816-682-3897

Christmas Tree Safety

2007-12-01T14:40:00.000-06:00

Click on picture to view a larger version... Happy Holidays!!!

The Neighborhood Is All A-Glow

2007-12-01T08:45:00.000-06:00

Tis' the holiday season and Fountain Hills Subdivision is showing it!

Some of the area homes are seasonly decorated with multi-colored, red or white lights. It really looks nice!

I read somewhere that the LED lights are much more energy saving than the traditional lights and beside they say they are brighter!

The Environmental Defense blog that I found states:

So far, people have promised to switch more than 190,000 bulbs, cutting tons of pollution. This Christmas, pledge to switch!
Save money and cut pollution
LED string lights use much less electricity, reduce pollution from power plants and last longer. And they stay cooler, too. While they cost more than traditional strings of lights up front, the electricity savings easily make up the cost difference within a season or two.

Where to get LED Christmas lights
We are a non-profit and do not receive any money for recommending these sources. If you find this helpful, consider supporting us or signing up for email updates.

Big, small, indoor, outdoor - find a large selection on Amazon.com or GreenHome.com.
Find garlands and big lights at homedepot.com (enter "LED Christmas lights" in the search box).
See a list of national chains (scroll down) that carry LED lights in ther stores, from EnergyIdeas Clearinghouse.
Don't stop there — stuff stockings with more energy-savers!
While you're at it, stuff those stockings with energy savings and reduced pollution. The technology in these earth-friendly bulbs has leapt ahead, and they now come in a range of shapes and sizes.

Happy Halloween!!!

2007-10-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

If you are in need of a REALTOR®, please give me a call!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Water Retention Pond's Function

2007-10-02T14:03:00.000-05:00

I wrote previously about the Water Retention Pond in Fountain Hills Subdivision now I'd like to show you a picture of what it does.

Today we had a killer rain storm in the neighborhood and the Water Retention Pond went to work catching the entire neighborhood rain water and funneling it down to the retention pond. This is function of the drainage system and the pond to handle the rain and keep it from flooding area homes.

This is an example of why it is so important that there aren't yard clippings or anything else dumped in the pond, it actually does have a function and keeps the homes around the pond from flooding.

Fall is Here... Take Care Of Your Curb Appeal From My Ryan Lawn & Tree Guy

2007-10-02T11:45:00.000-05:00

Help Lawns Recover from Summer
Fall watering can go a long way

If your lawn looks a bit rough after the heat and dry conditions summer normally brings, get out your hose. Fall watering is one of the best things you can do to bring your lawn back after a hot, dry summer.

We usually suggest watering each area of your lawn at least 30-90 minutes each time you water, depending on your sprinkler type. If you are restoring your lawn without seeding, plan to water every week in the absence of rain. As the days shorten and the nights become cool, there is less evaporation and watering lasts much longer.

If you have seeded your lawn, you should water daily for three weeks. Continue to water every 2-3 days once this time has passed.

Protection Next Season Starts Now
Our plant protection products prevent disease

As leaves begin to fall for this season, take time to think of next spring. With rake in hand, it is easy to think of deciduous trees, like crabapples and hawthorns, that are commonly susceptible to fungal diseases in the spring.

We must also turn our attention to susceptible evergreens. Scotch and Austrian pines are commonly infected by tip blight during wet spring months. Tip blight was especially bad this year, which means there is a greater risk of tip blight next spring. Of the steps you can take to minimize your pine's risk of infection, prevention is the best method.

All pines can be protected on a preventative basis. Proper timing of our applications can control the fungi and enable you to enjoy healthy trees next season. You can rest easy by placing your trees on our program now. Contact your RYAN Certified Arborist today.

Ready, Set, Rake!
Leaf clean-up important during fall months

As trees begin to shed their leaves for the fall season, grab your rake. It is important to keep up with leaf clean-up, especially on newly seeded lawns.

It may be tempting to use your mulching mower to grind up your leaves. However, this is not the best method. Large amounts of leaves can significantly increase the amount of organic matter in your lawn and may contribute to low pH levels.

High levels of organic matter in the soil in your turfgrass areas can cause lawns to dry out extremely fast during dry spells. If you would like to use your mulching mower to grind up your leaves, be sure to move them to your landscape beds where organic matter is needed. Otherwise, bag the leaves.

Mowing Season is Winding Down
Final mowing height, mower maintenance important

Soon we will be packing away our lawn mowers for the winter season. Before parking your mower, be sure to do a final mowing. (Both warm season and cool season turfgrasses should be cut at two inches for their final mowing.)

Mowing at two inches has improved cold tolerance among warm season turfgrass. It also prevents cool-season turfgrasses to from falling over under the weight of snow.

After mowing the lawn the final time, there are a few important maintenance things to do. First, sharpen the blade. Also, change the oil and add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. This will reduce hassles in the spring when you are ready to get outside and work.

Fall Optimum Time for Feeding Trees
Give trees, shrubs nutrients they need to thrive

Trees and shrubs undergo many stresses throughout the year. This year is no different. From freezing temperatures late in the spring to typical summer stresses, many trees and shrubs would benefit from fertilization.

In addition to assisting with stress recovery, root fertilization can increase plant health and vigorous root and shoot growth.

Landscape Calendar: October
Water cool-season lawns to help recovery from summer stress.
Continue to water newly seeded lawns every 2-3 days.
Call RYAN to fertilize your trees and shrubs.
Plant spring blooming bulbs for early color next season.
Plant pansies to complement spring flowering bulbs. Simply plant the pansies over spring bulbs for a dramatic display. Mulch well.
Remove begonias, caladiums, dahlias and other tuberous plants for overwintering indoors.
Empty ornamental containers and store for winter.
Continue to water and weed landscape beds as needed.

Mortgage News of the Week 9-27-07

2007-09-27T15:05:00.000-05:00

Carol Poppe, Vice President Mortgage
Ph 913-652-7302 cell 913-707-1153
www.fcbloan.com/CLPoppe

MORTGAGE NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF 09/27/2007

UPDATE ON MORTGAGE INSURANCE TAX DEDUCTIBILITY:

A House of Representative panel has met recently to enact a bill that will help ease problems in the housing crunch. Top on their list was changing the law that taxed homeowners on the amount of forgiven debt by lenders. As the law stands, homeowners who short sell their home back to their lender to avoid foreclosure get taxed on the forgiven debt because they treat it as income. The legislation was approved to change this rule.

The big news is that the committee proposed legislation to extend income tax deduction for private mortgage insurance. A temporary one is in place but is expiring December 31, 2007. The new legislation will extend this through December 31, 2014.

The new bill is backed by The National Association of Home Builders, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and the National Association of Realtors.

This new bill will be presented to the House of Representatives for a full House vote after the House Ways and Means Committee approved the bill by voice vote.

Kansas City Area Pumpkin Patches

2007-09-27T10:17:00.000-05:00

This time of year many Kansas Citians enjoy some good old fashioned fun by visiting one of the Kansas City Area Pumpkin Patches.

Click here to get a list of some of them

Proposed Changes to FHA Loan by Brian Brockman with Plaza Mortgage

2007-09-24T22:40:00.001-05:00

NOTE: this bill has been proposed but not yet passed.

FHA Modernization Bill. Key provisions include a sales price limit increase to $271,050 in our area. There is a possible increase to $417,000 and to $730,000 in some areas. The increase to $271,050 would be effective immediately and higher limits may follow depending on how the bill is passed.

It is possible that the down payment would be lowered to 1.5% but then the upfront MIP would have to be included for a total of 3%. The House version includes a $0 down provision but it's doubtful it will be adopted.

The bill would also facilitate the acceptance of Fannie and Freddie condominium projects.

The Senate Banking Committee has approved this bill and there is bi-partisan acceptance. We should expect the process to be completed and signed by the President in the next 30 days.

What does it mean to you? More sales qualify for FHA due to a higher loan limit.
Since FHA is credit history and not credit score driven, more buyers are eligible.

Some FHA reminders - 1) Seller may contribute up to 6% of the sales price, 2) no termite inspection required unless appraiser sees obvious damage, 3) no non-allowables required to be paid by the seller, 4) buyer may currently be in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, 5) loans are assumable - important if rates go to 8%, 6) Occupying borrower not required to have income. Great for parents buying for a college student!

Remember this bill has been proposed and not yet passed!

The Rain Water Retention System in Fountain Hills Subdivision

2007-09-18T18:48:00.000-05:00

Yesterday and today several men spent hours cutting all the weeds and saplings cleaning up the Water Retention System at Fountain Hills Subdivision in Kansas City, Missouri.

It looks fantastic!

Did you know it's illegal to dump grass clippings and sod, oil or dumping of anything into this system? Sure is, and it carries a $500.00 fine if you are caught or reported as having dumped in there.

The residents along the Water Retention System would like the system to keep working in the manner that it was developed for, and don't particularly want to look at your yard waste that some having been dumping.

A better solution would be to put your yard clippings in those brown paper bags that you can purchase at Lowe's and put it out for the City of Kansas City to pick up when they have their lawn waste pick-ups.

For those interested those pick-ups are:

Curbside Leaves and Brush Collection

Public Works Department | Street Light Program | Links
Bicycle Transportation Initiative | Adopt-A-Street Program | Survey Services | Engineering Standards

Schedule for fall 2007

The City of Kansas City, Mo., collects up to 20 sacks or bundles of leaves and brush (excluding grass clippings) from residences at curbside, in the spring and fall.
For fall 2007, residents will receive yardwaste collection on two specific dates. The schedule is as follows:

Northland schedule
(From the river to the northern city limit)

If your trash day is your dates are:
Monday Nov. 5 and Dec. 3
Tuesday Nov. 6 and Dec. 4
Wednesday Nov. 7 and Dec. 5
Thursday Nov. 8 and Dec. 6
Friday Nov. 9 and Dec. 7

Here's what the www.kcmo.org website says about illegal dumping:

Illegal Dumping

Neighborhood and Community Services Department

To report illegal dumping,call (816) 513-1313

Illegal dumping, or depositing material on public or private property without the consent of the owner, is the most common type of environmental crime. Dumping is a significant cause of environmental degradation. It has a negative economic impact on the community, and has been linked to an increase in other types of crime. Through several programs, including education, enforcement and abatement, the City of Kansas City, Mo., is prepared to clean up this problem.

Let's work together to keep our neighborhood as beautiful as possible.

Fall Lawn Tips

2007-09-04T12:30:00.001-05:00

Fall Seeding Instructions
Improve your lawn through seeding

If your lawn hasn't performed well this summer, now is a great time to seed. RYAN can help you improve the quality of turfgrass in your lawn, from seeding for you to selling you our Gold-Tag seed.

If you would like to seed yourself, follow these instructions:
Measure the area to be seeded.
Buy the seed you need. Great lawns start with the best grass. Call RYAN to buy Gold Tag seed.
Mow lawn at lowest setting.
Call RYAN if you think you have thatch. We'll suggest a plan to remove it.
Flag all sprinkler heads and valve boxes.
Put down starter fertilizer.
Apply seed carefully with a cyclone-type spreader.
Rent a verticutter and set it to cut grooves 1/4" deep.
Verticut area twice AFTER SEEDING.
Start watering right away.
Soak lawn thoroughly the first day.
Water daily for three weeks, keep newly seeded area continually moist.

Protect Crabapples, Pines Next Season
Our plant protection products prevent disease

Certain plants are susceptible to fungal diseases during wet spring months. Many crabapples, pines and hawthorns are commonly affected.

Crabapples and hawthorns are affected by apple scab and cedar-apple rust. A common symptom of these diseases is yellowing leaves with spots. Premature defoliation is a common result. Austrian and Scotch pines are prone to tip blight, a foliar disease that causes needles at the tips of the trees to brown.

This can be frustrating as a homeowner because the trees must be protected on a preventative basis. If you noticed any of the above symptoms, give your RYANPro a call. Through our preventative program, we can prevent these diseases from occuring. Proper timing of our applications can control the fungi and enable you to enjoy healthy trees next season.
Iron Chlorosis Still Evident
It's not too late to relieve this condition

In August's issue of our landscape guide, we brought iron chlorosis to your attention.

Pin oak and river birch are commonly affected by this condition. If you would like to learn more about iron chlorosis, visit our resource library: Iron Chlorosis.

Without proper treatment, trees may lose leaves prematurely, or suffer branch and limb dieback. Death can result from severe cases.

If you have questions, or have a tree that needs treatment, give your RYAN Certified Arborist a call. It isn't too late in the season to relieve this condition. We can provide the tree with the iron it needs by injecting an appropriate mixture of iron and water directly into the trunk of the tree.
Feed Trees To Assist Stress Recovery
Give trees, shrubs nutrients they need to thrive

Many of us were affected by the freezing temperatures earlier this spring. This added to typical summer stress, making this a particularly rough year on trees and shrubs.

Your RYAN Certified Arborist recommends our deep root fertilization this fall to help your trees and shrubs recover from all of this season's stresses. In addition to assisting with stress recovery, root feeding can increase plant health and vigorous root and shoot growth.

You can learn more about root fertilization by visiting our resource library: Root Fertilization. Contact your RYAN Certified Arborist to schedule this application this fall.

Landscape Calendar: September
Seed lawn if needed. Remember to water daily for three weeks after seeding.
Prepare new landscape beds for planting in the spring: Kill the grass and till in compost.
Fertilize your lawn to help it recover from summer stress.
Continue to water and weed landscape beds as needed.

NKC School District Receives Good News

2007-08-25T16:38:00.000-05:00

NKC School Districts Scores Improve
The North Kansas City School District received good news last week that the district's test scores on the National ACT and Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) have gone up.

Their MAP scores outperform the state average in nearly every category measured.

Their ACT scores exceed state and national averages.

This was good news for the district since they were previously placed on the "No Child Left Behind" watch list.

President Bush is Reading My Blogs?

2007-08-25T16:33:00.001-05:00

Evidence That President Bush Is Reading My Blogs

I wrote previously about the Saturday morning that we stopped by the Corner Cafe for some of their delicious bisquits and gravy. It was so good.... good enough for the President I guess.

There are many things President Bush did while he was in Kansas City yesterday: snarled traffic, addressed the VFW Convention and ate breakfast at the Corner Cafe.

The Corner Cafe is in Riverside, Missouri, a very small suburb of Kansas City. Most people don't even know that it's there and usually only locals go to Riverside. So I'm thinking that someone in the President's immediate group or the President himself has been reading my Active Rain blog.... how else would he know about their yummy bisquits and gravy?

Mr. President enjoyed his breakfast with other well known Kansas City figures such as George Brett, here's what Wikipedia says about George; Carl Peterson with the Kansas City Chiefs; Terry Dunn from Dunn Construction and Ann Dickinson.

The owner of the Corner Cafe, Ed Rule, just agreed to reserve a room for a "business meeting".... little did he know that it was the President.

So I say keep on reading Mr. President, I'll keep you informed on what's going on in Kansas City and the Kansas City Real Estate market.

Shatto Milk is Udderly Delicious!

2007-08-25T16:32:00.000-05:00

You've heard of the term "milking it for all it's worth"

That's definitely not the case at Shatto Farms...Dairy Farming hasn't been a big money maker for cow milkers in this area because they had to sell it to a dairy co-op. Diary farmers sell milk by weight and 100 pounds is about 11.5 gallons.

For example, Leroy Shatto was making about $10.80 a hundred for his milk and it was costing him $11.00-$11.25 a hundred to produce it.

That was until Leroy decided to start bottling his own milk!

Leroy and his wife got a couple of grants through the Missouri Department of Agriculture to help do some market studies and develop a business plan for Shatto Farms. At the time they were milking 80 cows a day and he wasn't sure if people would buy his milk.

Well they did! In the first months the dairy sold all the milk it could get out of those 80 cows. Two months later they bought 80 more cows and now they have 260 cows.

There are even Kansas City restuarants now that are catching on and using their milk and cream. One restuarant owner who's been a chef in France says, "There is no product like it around here. His butter is as good as any butter I've worked with anywhere."

Hats off to Shatto Milk Company which is a small, family owned and operated, dairy farm located just north of the Kansas City metropolitan area.

I've had their milk and you can find it all over Kansas City now and some in Kansas. It's Udderly Delicious!!

Border Showdown in Liberty

2007-08-25T16:31:00.000-05:00

Liberty Corn Maze Brings "Border Showdown"
The Liberty Corn Maze season will open Labor Day weekend.

This year the 1000 foot X 1000-foot corn maze will bring the "Border Showdown" to Liberty.

Arch rivals MU (Missouri University) and KU (Kansas University) logos are the design for this years corn maze.

What is a Corn Maze you ask? (Hesitating just a second while he gives a spit of tobacco and grabs his suspenders holding up his pants) Bubba Jones, a local corn farmer says:

"Mazes date back nearly 4000 years. In Roman times mazes were found in artwork, in the floors of public buildings (like the Courthouse) and in homes."

Mr Jones continues with, "I hear tell that they weren't considered puzzles back then but were used for rituals and processions."

"Later," Bubba said, "gardens were made in Europe and had some of them there puzzle hedges."

Mr. Jones went on to tell me that the point of the whole maze is to find the center and then go back to the beginning point. Just good clean fun is how he described it.

For more information on hours and ticket prices visit the www.libertycornmaze.com or call 816-781-9196

If you'd like assistance with Kansas City Real Estate, call me.... Fran White 816-682-3897

Kansas City Irish Festival

2007-08-25T16:27:00.000-05:00

Kansas City's Irish Festival will take place once again this year at Crown Center on August 31st thru September 2nd.

It's a grand ole' time with everything Irish: music, food, dancing, clothing, jewelry, decor.

From the size of the crowd you'd think everyone who's Irish in Kansas City attends! This year plans to be bigger and better.

Here's what they are saying about it on their website:

New for Irish Fest '07:

Expanded festival grounds

Kansas City Irish Fest will expand out of Crown Center's Festival Plaza into the streets of Grand Ave. This new space makes room for another main stage, the Boulevard stage, to accommodate the festival's remarkable list of internationally and locally-known performers.

Celebrate the Fest's fifth with $5 off admission

Kansas City Irish Fest is offering a special promotion on Friday, August 31, in celebration of its fifth anniversary▬$5 off regular price adult admission. Discount is only available when tickets are purchased online at www.kcirishfest.com.

The green is getting greener

Kansas City Irish Fest is recycling this year, in partnership with Bridging The Gap and Kansas City Power & Light. Irish Fest expects patrons to empty approximately 25,000 plastic bottles of water and soda over the three day weekend and the festival's goal is to see that not one ends up in a landfill. Next to every trash can will be a clearly-marked recycling container and volunteers with handouts on how to make life "greener."

Show your inner Michael Flatley

Dance Dance Revolution is coming to Kansas City Irish Fest. The festival is putting its own spin on the dance game, calling it Jig Jig Revolution. DDR comes to the Fest courtesy of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Dance Dance Revolution Club.

Irish carnival

Kansas City Irish Fest loves children, as evidenced by the 10,000 kids that came through the Children's Area in 2006. This year, Kansas City Irish Fest is making the area bigger and better-and more of the kiddie carnival that it is. The Children's Area will feature several inflatable moonwalks, Irish-named carnival games and will even have its own ferris wheel.

Children's Ferris wheel

Ferris wheels have garnered international interest in the news lately for their popularity around the world. This year, Kansas City Irish Fest will have one too, albeit on a small scale for the kids.

So, you think you can bake? Knit? Photograph?

Kansas City Irish Fest is supporting a bit of friendly competition this year. The festival is sponsoring Irish soda bread baking, knitting and photography contests for great prizes, as well as bragging rights.

Granting an opportunity for the community

Kansas City Irish Fest is giving back to the community that has done so much to support the festival. Beginning this fall, the fest will award grants to individuals and not-for-profit organizations who are interested in pursuing Irish arts and culture. Applications are available at http://www.kcirishfest.com/.

Enjoy the fest, and who knows maybe you'll see me and my wee little Irish lad there!

Plastic Surgery For Antioch Center

2007-08-25T16:12:00.000-05:00

New Site Plan Breaths Life Into My Old Stomping Grounds= Antioch Shopping Ctr.

I've written previously about Antioch Shopping Center and how it was dying a miserable death.

Well now they have a new and smaller budget to cover the cost of re-developing my old stomping grounds.

The new budget has been approved by the Kansas City Tax Increment Finance Commission.

The total cost of the project is now estimate at $72 million vs. $82 million

The size of Antioch Center is going to be reduced by 55,000 square feet. Sears will stay in it's current location and they will tear down the rest of the mall around Sears and rebuild it.

The area will be reborn and things should start thriving again once the project is done.

If you'd like to look at any Kansas City Real Estateby Antioch, please be sure and get ahold of me!