Building For The Future 2019

January 30, 2019

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

SPECIAL SECTION

Page 2 Wednesday, January 30, 2019/The Country Today

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The Country Today/Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Page 3

Custom chicken coop builder sees success

By Brooke Bechen

Regional Editor | [email protected]

BURLINGTON — Submitted photos One of
Mike Vanderhoef remem- Vanderhoef’s
bers being a 10-year-old The Chicken Coop Co. owner Mike Vanderhoef, who lovingly refers to himself as The most memo-
kid, waiting for his turn to Chicken Coop Guy, is pictured here next to a rabbit cabin he built for a customer. rable projects
run his homemade pine- was this
wood derby car for a 4-H if I could make chicken Chicken Coop Co. in his which only sold custom including cat houses (which chicken coop
competition in his county coops,” he said. “And it just backyard in 2013. The fol- chicken coops to start. Now are much like bird houses, that found its
fair’s farm building. This took off from there.” lowing year was the official the business sells a variety of with a large hole for an home in Dar-
project sparked his interest starting year for the business, unique wood-crafted pieces, outdoor cat to nestle in to), lington. The
in woodworking, leading Vanderhoef started The rabbit hutches, duck coops coop included
him to explore wood shop features such
classes in high school and as a crooked
landing him a job as a finish roof, sky light
carpenter after graduation, and recycled
honing his skills in cabinet cabin win-
making and fine finished dows.
wood work. and other enclosures.
And with the majority
But Vanderhoef always of the pieces custom-made
had ambitions to own his See COOPS, Page 4
own business, finding an
opportunity after connect-
ing with his customers in
construction.

“While working construc-
tion jobs, I was being asked

Page 4 Wednesday, January 30, 2019/The Country Today built into a hillside next to a
log cabin in the middle of the
COOPS woods.

from Page 3 “That coop had some
really neat features like a
for each customer, there’s crooked roof, sky light and
typically never a dull day for recycled cabin windows,”
Vanderhoef in the chicken he said.
coop construction business.
From his shop in Burl- It isn’t unusual for custom-
ington, Vanderhoef receives ers to add their own special
inquiries from customers features to their coops, in-
with a wide variety of needs cluding reclaimed windows,
for their chicken coops. Most stains and paints and more to
inquiries come in from The make them their own once
Chicken Coop Co. website delivered. But the special
and Facebook page, with touches Vanderhoef puts into
most customers from the the coops’ designs are what
Great Lakes area. However, customers appreciate the
the company has shipped a most.
coop as far as Colorado, he
said. “People seem to appreci-
Vanderhoef stays pretty ate the little details of how
busy February through our product caters to both
July, designing coops that the chicken and its human,”
meet his customers’ needs. he said.
On his website, customers
can browse designs and And while Vanderhoef
select a variety of add-on likes hearing from customers
options that are available about how much they, and
or articulate their needs to their animals, are enjoying
Vanderhoef and he can de- their coop, his favorite part
sign something completely of the job circles back to his
custom-made. Submitted photo interest in woodworking and
“Some coops are designed creating something from
Mike Vanderhoef checked out the finished product after completing the first chicken coop he ever built back in 2013, scratch.
by necessity while some are constructed in his backyard in Burlington.
“The daily challenges and
just a thought I had while two weeks to complete they are completed, they are Vanderhoef said since end. Just this past December, engineering feats, and seeing
working on a project and I’ll each coop, constructed with delivered to the customer ful- opening his business, the he built one of his biggest the project done at the end
try and see if it works,” he premium lumber selected ly assembled and ready to be coops he has designed have coops yet — a 6-by-24-foot of the day, are my favorite
said. specifically to withstand placed in just the right spot gotten much bigger, more coop with a screened-in run, parts of being a craftsman,”
It takes Vanderhoef about Wisconsin winters. After on their farm or property. decorative and more high painted to match surround- he said.
ing buildings on the property.
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENTS! One of the most memora- For more information,
Put up a New MPB Building this Year. ble chicken coops Van- visit The Chicken Coop
derhoef has designed and Co.’s website at https://
created was one that went to thechickencoopco.weebly.
Darlington, he said. It was com or their Facebook page,
www.facebook.com/
chickencoopco.

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The Country Today/Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Page 5

Focus on Energy programs recognized

The American Coun- fied LED lightbulbs at and pop-up retail events to more efficient light- established a statewide utilities in the state to
cil for an Energy-Ef- retail locations, a $75 with Wisconsin’s largest ing and refrigeration approach for the Focus bring effective offer-
ficient Economy has rebate for smart thermo- companies and utilities equipment to manufac- on Energy program,” ings to our customers.
recognized two Focus stats (online or at retail provided rebated prod- turing process changes said John Nicol, the It has also allowed us
on Energy programs as locations), an online ap- ucts and one-on-one and strategic energy LEU program director. the flexibility to be
being among the best in pliance research market- customer engagement.” management. “This has allowed the more innovative in our
the nation. place and participation Large Energy User pro- approach, resulting in
in the ENERGY STAR This marks the third The LEU program gram to work closely one of the most cost-ef-
The ACEEE conduct- Retail Products Platform ACEEE Award for Fo- boasts high levels of with manufacturing fective programs in the
ed a national review and pilot. cus on Energy’s Large year-to-year partici- associations and the country.”
identified 53 programs Energy Users program, pation and customer
it deems are exemplary, The program has been which was also honored satisfaction. For projects CONTACT OSSEO PLASTICS FOR ALL
based on their effec- very popular, evidenced in the ACEEE’s two pre- completed between 2015 YOUR NEW CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING
tiveness and innovation by a 2016 evaluation ceding national reviews and 2017, LEU custom-
in helping customers that found Wisconsin in 2013 and 2008. ers will see estimated NEEDS FOR WALLS & CEILINGS.
achieve greater levels of was first among 38 lifecycle energy savings WE HANDLETRUSSCORETONGUE & GROOVE DESIGN.
energy efficiency. The states studied for LED The program offers of more than 6.5 billion
list includes Focus on market share. It has energy expertise and kilowatt hours of elec-
Energy’s Retail Light- also saved a tremendous financial incentives to tricity and more than
ing and Appliance and amount of energy, with about 750 unique cus- 553 thousand therms
Large Energy Users lifecycle electric energy tomers at 1,200 facilities of natural gas. Those
programs. savings from 2014 to across Wisconsin, in- electricity and natural
2016 totaling more than cluding manufacturers, gas savings, combined,
“These programs are 4.23 billion kilowatt healthcare networks, equate to more than 8.2
delivering energy sav- hours. That’s enough to university campuses and billion pounds of burned
ings that help customers meet the electrical needs large commercial facili- coal.
reduce their costs and of 522,625 homes for a ties. Projects include ev-
maintain comfortable, full year. erything from upgrading “Early on, Wisconsin
durable, safe homes and
productive business- “Constant improve- Farm Automation • Sales and Installation • On-Site Farm Service 
es. They also make an ment for customers is a Parts/Sales • Ventilation • Complete Feeding Systems
important environmental program hallmark,” said TRUSSCORE FOR WALLS/ CEILINGS
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Page 6 Wednesday, January 30, 2019/The Country Today

Proper wood burner installation, maintenance keeps risks low

By Jenessa Freidhof ger if not used properly. and when we look at the coverings,” he said. really easily,” he said. farms, is the use of burn
“Where we typically bigger picture, it still “There are nine different Schlecta said it is also pits and barrels. Schlec-
Regional Editor | [email protected] makes sense for us to things that the National ta said, as a general rule
see the problem is when insure these,” he said. Fire Protection Asso- important to use the ap- of thumb, he recom-
STEVENS POINT — wood burners are not ciation allows for, and propriate appliance for mends keeping them at
Wisconsin is one of the installed properly or Schlecta said Ru- they are often laid out in the application. least 100 feet away from
top three states in the contained properly,” he ral Mutual Insurance the owner’s manual, but vegetation, vehicles and
U.S. for the number of said. works to make sure their make sure that you are “You can’t take a buildings.
wood burners, accord- customers understand following those manu- wood furnace that is
ing to Rural Mutual According to Schlecta, the risks involved with facturer guidelines.” designed to be a stand- “Keep in mind, don’t
Insurance Co. Safety for every $1 of premi- using a wood burner. alone outdoor heater use it for burning trash.
and Loss Manager Chris um that Rural Mutual He said the first thing The newer the device, and put it inside of a The DNR gets a little
Schlecta. The cold Wis- Insurance brings in on a people should consider the better designed for building,” Schlecta said. upset about that,” he
consin winters and the building that has a wood when installing a wood safety it is, with some “If you have an outdoor said. “Don’t burn on
abundance of wood are burner, the company is burner is the manu- newer wood burners burner, it has to be out- windy days or when
a perfect combination paying out $1.60. facturer’s label on the coming with very short doors.” there are red flag warn-
to keep Wisconsinites device itself. distances manufactured ings in your county. And
warm, but Schlecta said “There is a loss there into them. Many people want make sure you have a
they also bring fire dan- when we start detail Every wood burner to heat their sheds or water source.”
diving, but we realize manufactured since the Schlecta said one garages and Schlecta
that these are out there, 1970s has a plate on the thing you can’t do with said there are approved Schlecta said it is key
back of the unit stamped a wood burner is have it devices for those struc- to inspect and maintain
Finding news clips with information on inside a shed or garage tures, including some all wood burners and
GoogleTM can’t ... how far from the wall or where fuel or flammable oil burners and pellet other similar appliances
other combustibles the combustible vapors may stoves. annually. With wood
www.WNAnews.com The WNA Clipping Service reads every back of the stove should be present. burners, inspecting
(608) 283-7625 printed page published by our member be installed. “Those are usually for creosote buildup
(800) 261-4242 newspapers — giving you access to the “... (I)f you open up pretty well built and in chimneys will help
large number of articles appearing in print “There are a couple of that door and there is a they don’t have the same prevent chimney fires
that are never posted online. ways that you can short- gas fume or other flam- exposures as traditional and help the burner last
en that distance using mable vapor, if a spark wood burners,” he said. longer.
Timely! Electronic! Easy to use! what is called protective pops out, it could ignite
Another thing to keep
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Starwood Minnesota Century Farm applications due
Rafter Uses
Minnesota families who honor historic family farms to authentic land records,
• Pole Sheds have owned their farms in the state. More than in continuous family
• Free Stalls for 100 years or more can 10,500 Minnesota farms ownership for at least 100
• Pavilion Shelters apply for the 2019 Century have been honored since the years (continuous residence
• Machinery Storage Farm Program. Produced program began in 1976. on the farm is not required,
• Riding Arenas by the Minnesota State Fair and at least 50 acres and
in conjunction with the Family farms are currently be involved in
• Spans up to 72 ft. Minnesota Farm Bureau recognized as a Century agricultural production.
• Up to 12’ Spacing Federation, the Century Farm when three
Farm Program was created requirements are met: A commemorative
Depending On The to promote agriculture and The farm must be at least certificate signed by State
Load You Desire 100 years old according Fair Board of Managers
• Bird Nesting Control President Paul Merkins,
• Better Ventilation Birds just love this barn. GUNITE Minnesota Farm Bureau
& Visibility The webs in these trusses are easy Federation President
• No Feed Alley Post nest areas for birds. They also Silo Relining Kevin Paap and Gov. Tim
Obstruction restrict air flow, which leads to Walz will be awarded to
• Additional Ceiling poor ventilation and moisture qualifying families, along
Height buildup in the building. with an outdoor sign
signifying Century Farm
rSafttaerrwSo, oIndc. Starwood Rafters • Barn Wall Resurfacing • Feed Bunkers status.
Lam-Ply Truss
715-985-3117 Applications are
• Basement Wall Resurfacing • Sandblasting available at mnstatefair.org/
W24141 Starwood Ln., about-the-fair/awards-and-
Independence, WI 54747 The arched rafters create Celebrating 69 Years & Family Owned recognition, at fbmn.org,
a more open barn allowing better Serving Wisconsin Since 1950 by calling the State Fair at
Website: ventilation. Also, since there are no 651-288-4400 or at county
open webs in the trusses, there are 800-801-7070 • Beaver Dam, WI Extension and Farm Bureau
www.starwoodrafters.com no places for birds to nest offices. Applications are
847507_1-31-18 due March 4. Recipients
888-525-5878 will be announced in May.
Previously recognized
families should not reapply.

The Country Today/Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Page 7

Grant program to generate $4.5 million in new solar projects

RENEW Wisconsin’s include Beloit College, funding period builds on round of grant-funding a nonprofit organization support solar power,
Solar for Good program which will convert a the success of Solar for in spring 2019. For more promoting renewable wind power, biogas, local
has issued 36 grants to former coal-fired power Good’s previous rounds information, visit www. energy in Wisconsin. hydropower, geothermal
Wisconsin nonprofit plant into a carbon-neutral in fall 2017 and spring renewwisconsin.org. They work on policies energy and electric
organizations to install student activity center, 2018. During the first and and programs that vehicles.
new solar-electric complete with solar second funding rounds, RENEW Wisconsin is
systems. Altogether, these electric and geothermal RENEW issued more
grants will total more heating; Sawyer County than $200,000 in grants,
than $445,000 and lead to Housing Authority, which helping 23 Wisconsin-
more than $4.5 million in will install solar arrays on based nonprofits invest
new solar investment. six multi-family, low- more than $1.67 million
income housing facilities, in new solar projects.
The new solar arrays, directly offsetting their
planned for installation residents’ utility bills; and The Solar for Good
over the next year, will Primates Inc., a sanctuary program is primarily
add 2.13 megawatts for retired primates from funded by philanthropists
of new solar power to the research and film Cal and Laurie Coulliard
Wisconsin’s electric mix. industry, which plans to of Deerfield. Solar for
This round of funding construct a 30-kilowatt Good grants fund up
featured a diverse group array for their habitats near to 20 percent of an
of awardees from every Westfield. organization’s solar
part of Wisconsin. installation. RENEW
RENEW’s fall 2018 plans to issue another
The winning projects

Precision dairy conference set in Minnesota

The 2019 Precision herd and quality implications of precision Flex Hutch
Dairy Farming Conference control of the ration technologies.
will be June 18-20 at the and feed inventory; and
Mayo Civic Center in adoption, economics, For more
Rochester, Minn. data analysis and other information, visit www.
precisiondairyfarming.com.
Topics will include
robotic milking; Bearing warranty up to 5/10 years!185908_7-4-18
parlor automation;
automated calf feeding;
pedometry and activity
monitoring; precision
technologies to monitor
health, behavior and
productivity; in-line and
on-line milk sensors;
automation and quality
control of on-farm milk
handling and storage;
automation technologies
for feeding the dairy

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