Home and Garden
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Boards must follow due process to levy a fineDec 04, 2024 11:57 pm - The board of a condominium cannot simply levy a fine if it thinks there has been a violation of rules. It must follow a statutorily mandated procedure.
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Views on garden insects are changing. Why many former ‘pests’ are now valued
Dec 04, 2024 12:42 pm - We’re all familiar with beneficial insects like ladybugs, dragonflies and bees, but it’s high time we reconsider our definition of “pests” and collectively add other, less-familiar insects to the friendly bug list. Native beetles, assassin bugs and even wasps are among those that make significant contributions to the environment despite their threatening appearance.
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It’s time to maintain your tools, organize garageDec 04, 2024 12:23 pm - As the gardening season winds down, it’s a good time to shift your focus to preparation and maintenance. Taking care of your tools and winterizing your garden now goes a long way when spring comes around.
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Want more shrubs? How to make new ones with hardwood cuttingsDec 04, 2024 11:42 am - The easiest way to propagate woody plants like dogwood, forsythia, hydrangea, rhododendron and viburnum, among others, is by taking hardwood cuttings in late fall or winter.
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Inspector overlooks deck damageDec 03, 2024 5:13 am - Who is liable for costs to repair a deck with obviously rotted wood that was covered on the day of the inspection?
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Decorated for the holidays: Tradition and history come alive in annual house walkNov 28, 2024 6:00 am - Six homes will be open for visitors to take in the spirit of the season on the Mount Prospect Historical Society’s Holiday Housewalk. Among them will be the Colonial-style home of a descendant of one of the village’s founding families.
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Hidden ‘junk fees’ for trash pickup or common areas shock, anger tenants
Nov 27, 2024 8:30 pm - Across the country, consumer advocates and policymakers have warned of a rise in extra fees charged by companies that are not obvious in the listed price. Some government agencies are working to address the issue of rising mandatory fees, but for now, these surprise fees continue to proliferate in rental housing.
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Tune up your heating system for maximum efficiencyNov 27, 2024 1:32 pm - What can you do when your utility bill are going up, even though your furnace is relatively new. Yearly upkeep by a professional will help.
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How much is that doggy in the condo?Nov 27, 2024 11:06 am - Charging dog owners a fee per dog is questionable, but until a court clears up the issue, some boards appear willing to take the risk.
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From fashion to sports, coffee table books are great holiday options
Nov 27, 2024 1:04 am - Stumped on a holiday gift? Reach for a coffee-table book. The sometimes pricey, often large-format books are abundant at holiday time. Take care to invest in just the right one to avoid sad or puzzled eyes when your gift is unwrapped.