KEEP Helping Some Kansans Pay Heating Bills This Winter

With the winter heating season approaching, qualified Kansas homeowners can obtain low-interest loans to purchase energy efficient heating systems and to make other energy conservation home improvements.

Funds are available through the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation (KHRC). Specifically, it has formed a statewide initiative to promote energy conservation and reduce home heating costs. The initiative is the Kansas Energy Efficiency Program (KEEP).

KEEP was formed in 2006 as part of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' Warm Homes Project.

It provides interest-free loans to qualified Kansas homeowners to make improvements to their homes to increase energy efficiency. KHRC funds half of the loan amounts, up to a maximum of $10,000. Total loan amounts could be higher as determined by the lender. KEEP has no income restrictions.

"This is a great way to help Kansans keep costs down, stay warm through winter and conserve energy," Sebelius said. "I hope many Kansas families consider this as an option."

Sunflower Bank, a family-owned bank with more than a dozen locations across Kansas, is the official lender for KEEP. KEEP will continue as funding is available.

Home improvements allowed under KEEP include:

Interested applicants apply directly to Sunflower Bank at www.sunflowerbank.com. The lender assists the applicant in completing required paperwork to apply for KEEP.

More information about KEEP is available at www.kshousingcorp.org/programs/KEEP.shtml.

Insert from Kansas Country Living magazine, November 2008 issue.

Winter Car Safety Checklist

The winter season is a critical time to ensure your car is operating properly and you are prepared for emergencies. Complete the checklist below before the first cold weather arrives.

• Pack an emergency kit for your trunk. Include blankets, old winter coats, cat litter, water, food, shovel, flares, and anything else you think you may need should you become stranded.
• Check your antifreeze. For best results in most climates, use a mixture of 50/50 water and antifreeze.
• Check your tires. The tread on your tires should be at least 2/32'' in depth. Cold weather can cause loss of tire pressure, so check it regularly.
• Get a brake inspection. The brake disc should be shiny and fairly uniform. Any rough spots or major grooves mean that they disk should be replaced. Less than 1/8" pad remaining on the pad means that the pad should be replaced as well.
• Replace your wipers. There's nothing worse than being in a slushy storm and having inadequate wipers. At best it can be annoying, and at worst it can be downright dangerous.
• Fill your washer fluid - and carry extra. Gas stations tend to run out during storm season, so keep more in your trunk.

      (excerpt from Mortage Matters of Credit Union Mortgage Services Vol. 7 No. 10)     

Monthly Themed Lunches A Tradition At Kellerman's

(Recipes at bottom) Once a month, the folks at Kellerman Insurance and Kellerman Real Estate in Holton get together for a potluck luncheon. It's an idea that started a couple of years ago with a "Green Food Day" to commemorate St. Patrick's Day. All of them enjoyed that luncheon so much that they decided to make it a regular event.

Roger and Cindy Hower are the owners of Kellerman's, and they have eight employees, which include two other married couples.

This small dual company has a very close-knit, family atmosphere. All of them  work full time for Kellerman's, as well as participating in volunteer work. Each of them have very busy schedules and most have children or grandchildren.

All the employees agreed that they enjoy their montly luncheons because it's a way for them to sit down together in a relaxed setting to talk and catch up on each other's lives. It helps keep both companies connected, said Cindy Hower.

The group decided early on to always have a theme for their food day. Most all of them enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. Several in the group love to collect cookbooks so having a theme helps them to narrow their choices of "what to cook".

Themes over the years have included "Red Food Day" in February, "Picnic Food Day," "No-Theme Food Day," and of course all the holidays have their own food day. Diana Rieschick mentions a future theme of "Breakfast Food Day".

During the first year of potluck luncheons, Cindy Hower said she gave each employee a blank cookbook to fill with the recipes of each dish. All of the cooks bring copies of thier recipes for everyone to take home for their cookbook.

"The cookbooks are getting quite thick with so many different recipes, " said Sonja Parry. "People rarely bring the same dish twice."

Many in the group have specialties they have become know for. For example, Cindy's mother Pat Kellerman, makes wonderful salads and everyone raves about her delicious split pea soup.

Cindi Weilert has been dubbed the "cookie queen" of the office, and she often brings her special sugar cookies to the luncheons, but she has kept the recipe itself a secret.

It is interesting to note that not everyone brings a dish every month, but all are encouraged to eat and enjoy. Rieschick said their is always plenty of food, and they have never run out.

Even the men of the group regularly bring food. Occasionally, one of the men will forget to bring something and just claim a good-looking dish as one of their own, Rieschick said. Most of the employees know who the real cook is.

One year around Thanksgiving, Roger Hower and Jeremiah Huyett decided it would be fun to bring a turkey fryer and cook a turkey right outside the office. As they were preparing the turkey, someone noticed that the turkey was still frozen.

They hadn't realized it needed to be thawed so they scrambled trying to find a non-frozen turkey they could still cook. Huyett traveled to Topeka to find one, but their dinner turned out very well after all, the employees said.

The inspiration for September's food day was based on their busy schedules. Parry mentioned that sometimes they would all get so busy they would forget about the food day until the night before. She laughs her husband sometimes has to give her hints to remind her.

September's food day was labeled as "Quick and Easy with a Fall Flair." Some of the recipes were actually prepared in the tiny kitchen before lunch with ingredients picked up at the store on the way to work. Craig and Sara Fox's Four Cheese Lasagne can be prepared ahead of time and baked later.

So the next time you walk by the Kellerman's in Holton and smell something cooking in the air and hear the sounds of laughter, you can be sure it is just the employees enjoying each other's company at their montly potluck luncheon.

Courtesy of Kathy Richards, The Holton Recorder, County Kitchen, Wednesday, September 24, 2008.

GET COOKING WITH KELLERMAN INSURANCE AND REAL ESTATE RECIPE CONTEST

Have fun with us by entering our recipe contest! Send in one or more of your favorite recipes to us no later than October 31, 2008. Be sure to tell us a little about your recipe, where it came from and why you like it.

You can drop them off at our office, mail them to 101 W. 4th St, PO Box 1025, Attn: Sonja Parry,  Holton, KS 66436 or email them to sparry@kellermanrealestate.com. Don't forget to put your name and phone number on each recipe!

We will have a drawing of all our entries on October 31, 2008. The 5 winners will receive a "Get Cookin' with Kellerman Insurance and Real Estate" apron.
Enjoy OUR recipes and share YOUR favorites with us. Hope to hear from you soon!

RECIPES

Ranch Style Coleslaw - Cindi Weilert

1 16oz package Coleslaw blend
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 Cup Ranch Dressing
1/4 Cup Sunflower Seeds

Toss all ingredients. Chill for one hour.

Candied Apples - Sonja Parry 

8 cooking apples, peeled, cut in half, and cored
1 Cup BRACH’S® Cinnamon Imperials (red hots)
2 Cups boiling water

Place Cinnamon Imperials in 9x13 baking dish, pour boiling water over them and let sit while preparing apples. Candies should be partially dissolved by time you have apples ready to place into dish. Place prepared apples (cored side down) into dish over candy mixture, take a spoon to drizzle some of candy mixture over top of each apple. Cover dish with aluminum foil, place in 350º oven for 25-30 minutes or until fork tender. Serve warm.

Surprise Apple Salad - Diana Rieschick

4 to 5 Apples, cored and cut in to bite size pieces
3 )2.07) Snickers candy bars, cut into small pieces
12 oz Cool Whip (more or less)
20 oz. Can Pineapple tidbits, drained
1 Cup Spanish Peanuts

Mix all. Refrigerate until serving time.

Four Cheese Lasagna - Craig and Sara Fox

1 box Lasagna Noodles, cooked according to pkg. Directions
12 oz Cottage Cheese
15 oz. Ricotta Cheese
12 oz. Shredded Colby/Monterray Jack Cheese Blend
Oregano
26 oz. Favorite pasta sauce
Optional: frozen spinach, thawed, drained and pressed

Mix cottage cheese, ricotta cheese and half shredded cheeses with half pasta sauce in large bowl. Start layering with chilled lasagna noodles and alternate with cheese mixture and oregano. Top with remaining sauce and shredded cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until cheese melts and slightly browned. For a helathy kick, add spinach layers.

No Bake Bars - Kristy Wilson

4 Cups Cheerios
2 Cups Crisp Rice Cereal
2 Cups Dry Roasted Peanuts
2 Cups M&M's
1 Cup Light Corn Syrup
1 Cup Sugar
1 1/2 Cups Creamy Peanut Butter
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

In large bowl, combine the first four indgredients and set aside. In saucepan, bring corn syrup and sugar to boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract. Pour over cereal mixture and toss to coat evenly. Spread into buttered 15 x 10 or 9 x 13 inch (depending on how thick you want them) Cool and cut into bars.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies - Cindy Weilert

3/4 Cup Solid Vegetable Shortening
1 Cup Sugar
1 Egg
1 Cup Mashed Banana (2 bananas)
1 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
2 Cups Quick Cooking Oats
1 Cup Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix shortening, sugar, egg and mashed banana well. Add flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir in oats and chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Yield: 4 dozen

Taco Soup - Rob Wilson

1 pound Ground Beef
1 Can Rotel Tomatoes
1 Can Red Kidney Beans
1 Can Pinto Beans
1 Can White Corn
1 Package Taco Seaoning
1 Package of Ranch Dressing Mix

Brown the ground beef and drain. Combine everything in a crock-pot and turn on high for 30 minutes or low eight hours.

Mexican Soup - Cindy Hower

2 15 oz. Cans fo Black Beans, rinsed and drained
16 oz. Diced Tomatoes
2 15 oz. Cans of Tomato Sauce
2 11 oz. Cans of Mexicorn
1 Tablespoon Cumin
1 Tablespoon Cilantro
1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Large Onion, diced
1 1/2 pounds browned and drained hamburger

Combine all ingredients in crock-pot. Cook on low for eight hours.

Shrimp Creole - Roger Hower

1 pound medium Shrimp, shelled and deveined
1 Tablesppon Butter or Vegetable Oil
1 small Red Pepper
1 small Green Pepper
1 medium Onion
1/4 pound medium Mushrooms
1 stalk Celery
1 clove Garlic, pressed
1 14.5 oz. Can Whole Tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Thyme
1 teaspoon Chili Powder
2 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
3 Cups Cooked Rice

Rinse and drain shrimp. Heat half of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and saute, stirring until pink. Remove. Wash, drain and thinly slice peppers, onion, mushrooms and celery. Add remaining butter to skillet along with sliced vegetables and garlic. Saute, stirring until onions and garlic have browned slightly.
Pour off 1/4 cup of juice from Tomatoes and set aside. Add remaining tomatoes and juice to sauteed vegetables and bring mixture to boiling over medium heat. Stir salt, sugar, thyme, chili powder and flour into reserved tomato juice. Stir into vegetable mixture.
Reduce heat and cook until thickened-about three to five minutes. Simmer until vegetables reach desired doneness-anywhere from three to five minutes. Add shrimp and heat through about one minute. Serve over rice.

Fall Fest / Chili Cook-Off

Join us for the Annual Chili Cook-off, Saturday, October 18 on the Downtown Holton Kansas Square. Included this year is a Soup Making Competition and 1st Annual Scarecrow Contest as well as the old classics of Best Salsa and the Famous Jalapeno Eating Contest! There will be pumpkin painting for the kids and a ScareCrow Making competition between local businesses! if you would like to get your organization into some friendly competition, call Craig Fox at 785-305-1636 or Sara Fox today at 785-364-0424.

Click here for the Chili Cook-Off registration

Click here for the Scarecrow Contest entry

Kansas Facts: Geography, Climate, and Natural Resources

• Average annual temperature: 55 degrees
• Average rainfall: 27" a year, ranging from 40" in the southeast to 20" in the west. More than 70% of the annual percipitation falls between April 1 and September 30.
• The western half of the state has as many as 300 clear or partly clear days; 275 such days in the east.
• Kansas is a windy state; an average wind speed of 14 mph makes Dodge City one of the windiest cities in the nation.
• Kansas has five river systems and more than 50,000 streams large enough to be named. The Missouri, Kaw, and Arkansas rivers are considered navigable.
• There are 23 federal reservoirs in Kansas and 40 state fishing lakes. Kansas also has 43 wildlife areas.
• Amount the state's unique topographical features are the  Flint Hills, a bluestem or tallgrass prairie in the east-central part of the state. It is the only extensive, unplowed tract of the true prairie remaining in the U.S. The Flint Hills were a natural habitat for buffalo, once estimated at 60 to 75 million.
• Chalk beds containing some of the world's most extensive specimens of pre-historic fossils are found in Logan and Gove Counties.
• Kansas is amoung the national leaders in wheat production. It would take a train stretching from western Kansas to the Atlantic Ocean to contain all the wheat grown in Kansas in a single year. Kansas grows 18.5% of all the wheat produced in the United States. Only seven nations produce more wheat than Kansas, which in 1982 produced a record 462 million bushels of wheat.
• Kansas has more than 30 million acres of cropland in production.
• Kansas has more than 6 million cattle and is among the leading producers of red meat.
• Kansas leads the nation in the production of helium, ranks 5th in the production of natural gas, and eighth nationally in petroleum production.
• Largemouth bass, bluegill, flathead catfish, Kentucky or spotted bass, striped bass, and walleye are amoung the species of fish found in lakes and streams.
• Sportsmen hunt a wide selection of game. Kansas boasts the largest flock of prairie chickens on the North American continent. Pheasants are Kansas' staple game bird. Other wildlife include quail, turkey, duck, deer, geese, rabbit, and squirrel.

KANSAS FACTS, Published by the Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh, 2nd Floor, State Capitol, Topeka, KS 66612

Carpool Hub

Feel free to use this area as a means of communication for local carpooling in the Holton, Kansas area.

Carpooling allows commuters that live near each other and share a common destination to form the simplest and most common "carpool" arrangement. Carpooling is an ideal cost saving arrangement, particularly for those individuals who commute long distances to and from work each day, have limited access to public transit and few transportation options available to them.

Carpooling Etiquette

Most carpoolers agree that the good company of their fellow carpoolers is a benefit that they really enjoy and hadn’t anticipated. Agreement on a few simple points will ensure that your carpool stays a happy one. Although these points seem to be just common sense, there are a few specific rules that you may want to consider.

The Bottom Line – How Much $$

Settle on reimbursement costs in advance. If there is one permanent vehicle and driver it’s only fair to establish a fare based on fuel, maintenance and parking costs. Agree when fares will be collected and stick to it.

Don’t Be Late

Nothing can disrupt a happy carpool faster than chronically late riders. Establish a time schedule and pick-up points. Establish rules for latecomers and decide how long to wait (5 minutes is standard).

No Stopping – Anytime!

The golden rule of carpooling! Your commute together serves only one purpose – to travel to and from work or school. Save your trips to the grocery store for the weekend and pick-up your dry cleaning on your lunch break.

The Back Up Plan…..

This is particularly important if your carpool has more than one driver. Ensure everyone has a copy of home, work or cell phone numbers and agree in advance what will happen in the event of illness or mechanical problems – it is best to expect the unexpected. An automobile association membership can be a great investment for those rare occasions when the keys are locked in the car or a jump-start is needed.

Insurance – Make Sure You’re Covered

To adequately protect yourself, liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 is recommended as well as underinsured motorist protection. These are a good investment and cost only a few dollars more each year. We also recommend that you notify your insurance provider of your intent to carry passengers.

Vehicle Maintenance

A poorly maintained car can consume between 15 and 50 percent more fuel than one that is properly maintained. A well maintained vehicle will ensure a safe, reliable, comfortable ride that’s better for the environment.

The Little Things…..

Sometimes it is the little things that make a big difference. Consider the close proximity of your carpool partners before applying perfume or cologne in the morning, many people are highly sensitive to certain smells and can become extremely uncomfortable.

Use common sense when making seating arrangements - big people in the front, smaller people in the back. Decide on radio use, smoking policies and other concerns before you start carpooling.

(excerpts from www.carpool.ca)

Open House Etiquette For Homebuyers

Some potential homebuyers avoid open house events because they are unsure of how to interact with the Realtor® or current owners. If you're in the market for a new home, don't miss out on the opportunity to view a property first hand in this informal manner. There are really only a few very simple rules to follow.

• Be respectful of the homeowners and the agent who is hosting the event, but don't feel obligated to offer any personal information other than your name. If you area asked questions which you do not want to answer, you may politely decline.
• Basic guest etiquetts applies. Remove your shoes if asked (or put on provided shoe covers), don't smoke, don't bring your dog with you, and make sure your kids are well-supervised while on the property.
• It's okay to pop into an Open House simply because you're curious about what it looks like inside. Realtors® and homeowners know that word of mouth is great advertising, and assume you may know someone else who would be interested in the property.
• You can generally walk right in. However, you can ring the doorbell or knock if that makes you more comfortable.
• It's okay to ask plenty of questions. That's one of the reasons for an Open House. If it's a particularly busy event, don't be offended if the Realtor® can't answer your questions right away. You may need to wait your turn.
• Be sure to mention you are working with a real estate agent if that is the case. 

         (excerpt from Mortage Matters of Credit Union Mortgage Services Vol. 7 No. 07)                                      

Single Story For Sale in Holton

Gardens and Many Updates to Interior!

• 2,156 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story "Ranch w/ Finished Bsmt" - MLS® $167,500 - Just Listed!!!

Holton, Jackson County  -  All replacement windows in 2003, int gar door June 07, new ext/int paint, heat/air in 2002, Eubanks Cabinets and Laminate in 02, new counters in 08, carpeting in 02, garage doors in 02, garage pad new, roof 04, all appl. 7 yrs or less (freezer not new), new light fixtures, deep closets - fireplace in rec, 2 awesome deck systems @ back w/ numerous gardens and porches, all done by owner since move 6 yrs ago, open kitchen w/ large pantry incl. all appl and deep freeze/washer/dryer. Incl. Home Warranty! 4th BR Possible!

Property information

2 Story For Sale in Onaga

House w/80A m/l has 2 ponds, pasture

• 1,624 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $285,000

Onaga, Pottawatomie County  -  Just 1/2 mi. off Hwy. 16. Long winding drive to house giving great street appeal. Mature pine trees, younger oak trees. Approx. 4 mi. east of Onaga, 1/2 mi. south. Includes hayground, pasture, 2 ponds and 3rd pond under construction. Nice corrals in back with shed. 20x24 extra nice metal bldg. Open kitchen/formal DR. Laundry room walks out to back yard. Full unfinished basement for more possible square footage. Great location with many perks. Contact drieschick@kellermanrealestate.com.

Property information

One and One-Half Story For Sale in Holton

Very Inviting Home

• 1,788 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm 1.5 story - MLS® $92,500

Holton, Jackson County  -  Ready to enjoy BBQ and refreshments? Great shaded back yard setting with alley access to garage. Nicely updated inside the house as well. Centrally located in Historic Holton, KS.
Contact rhower@kellermanrealestate.com for your personal tour.

Property information

Single Story For Sale in Hoyt

Built in 2004

• 2,935 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm single story "Ranch Style" - MLS® $249,000

Hoyt, Jackson County  -  Beautiful home situated on 10A m/l just off Highway 75, minutes from Topeka. Custom Cherry Cabinets throughout with lots of extras. Perfect for families wanting some nice interior living space as well as outdoor area for various activities.

Property information

Single Story For Sale in Holton

Must See to Appreciate!

• 2,623 sq. ft., 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $129,900

Holton, Jackson County  -  Well kept home with landscaped yard. Full basement with office area, full bath, rec room and additional finished room currently used as a bedroom, but has not egress.
Contact rhower@kellermanrealestate.com.

Property information