urb appeal can go a long way toward making a home more attractive to its inhabitants as well as prospective buyers once the house is put

on the market. Improving curb appeal is a goal for many homeowners, and while many projects aimed at making homes more aesthetically appealing can be costly, there are ways for cost-conscious homeowners to improve their properties without breaking the bank. Put your green thumb to use. A well-maintained

landscape can dramatically improve a home’s curb appeal. Pay attention to the plants, shrubs and trees throughout your property, watering them during periods of little rainfall and trimming them when necessary so your lawn does not look like an overgrown, neglected suburban jungle. Professional landscaping services can help you maintain your property, but even if your budget does not allow for such an expense, you can still make sure your landscape adds to your home’s appeal by keeping a watchful eye on the property and addressing any issues that arise. Maintain your lawn through the colder months of the year as well, making sure no one walks on the grass when frost has settled, as doing so can produce dead spots throughout the lawn. Redo your front door. While their eyes may initially

be drawn to a well-manicured lawn, prospective buyers will eventually find their way to the front door. If your door is especially old, consider replacing it. If your

budget does not allow for such an expense, you can still give your home’s front entrance an entirely new look by installing some inexpensive molding around the door before giving the door a fresh coat of paint. Molding around the front door can make an entrance more impressive, while a new coat of paint can make a home feel warmer and more vibrant. Plant flowers. Another inexpensive way to make a

home more appealing is to plant some colorful flowers around the property. Line walkways with flowers native to your region, as such plants will last longer than exotic alternatives that may not be capable of adapting to the local climate. In addition to lining walkways, hang window boxes filled with colorful flowers or plants outside naked windows. Doing so can make windows seem larger and add some color to your home’s exterior.

Another creative way to make use of colorful flowers is to place a few planters at the foot of your driveway and painting the numbers of your address on the planters.

This can be both effortless and inexpensive, but it can instantly make a home more inviting to prospective buyers. Spotlight certain parts of your property. Many

homeowners focus on improving the curb appeal of their property during the daytime hours, but you can take steps to make a home more appealing at night as well. Solar spotlights placed around trees and other attractive features in your yard can shed light on those areas of your property you’re most proud of, even after the sun has gone down. Solar spotlights won’t add to your energy bill, as they are powered by the sun, and they can make certain accents on your property stand out at night.

Improving curb appeal may sound like a significant undertaking, but there are many ways budget-conscious homeowners can make their home’s exterior more appealing without going broke.

Maintaining plant life on a property won’t cost homeowners a lot of money, but such an effort can add sub-stantial curb appeal to a home.

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Many homeowners take up gardening to transform their homes with beautiful flowers and foliage, while others do so to yield fresh fruits and vegetables. But gardening can be more than just a weekend hobby. In fact, it may be especially beneficial for homeowners to surround themselves with more plants and natural decor, whether in the yard or in the home.

Studies have indicated that gardening can be good for the mind and body. In addition to improving mood and reducing stress, plant life and gardening also may help people have a more hopeful outlook on life. If reaping the benefit of a beautiful landscape is not reason enough to get into gardening, elevating your mood and coping with depression or illness may be even further motivation to start developing your green thumb.

Home-design trends seem to be following suit, offering individuals more opportunities to surround themselves with potentially

therapeutic plants. Explore these emerging and established garden décor trends to try in and around your home. Living wall planters:

A living wall planter can add greenery to any décor without taking up floor or table space. Ideal for outdoor structures, these planters also can be used indoors if you safeguard against leaks and dripping. A living wall planter is a framed device that houses plants in a manner that enables them to be

vertically mounted to a wall surface. While there are commercially available models, you can create your own design and paint or stain it to match the existing décor. Use a soil-free potting substrate to avoid the mess that regular soil may create. Combining fish with

gardening: Enjoy the best of two relaxing worlds by installing a water feature in your yard. Garden retailers offer ready-made kits that can make fast work of establishing a pond or

other water feature in the backyard. Otherwise, there are plenty of water garden companies and installers who can suggest a design and put in your desired water features. Add fish suitable for outdoor life to your pond. These include koi and certain goldfish varieties. Game fish are discouraged because they can destroy pond plants. If an outdoor pond is more maintenance than you desire, consider an indoor aquarium with a combination of fish and live aquarium plants.

Creative furniture designs: Maybe you’re a person who appreciates the unique and whimsical? Tables, benches and chairs can be built with planting channels that enable you to have greenery and garden décor in one piece. Envision a picnic table with a cutout down the center for a thin row of plants or decorative grasses. This is a project the entire family can get behind, as the more creative ideas the better. Improved outdoor

lighting: People who like

to spend time in their gardens and yards may not want to be limited by sunrise and sunset. By incorporating different lighting sources, you can create a retreat that is welcoming at any hour. Although flood lights and overhead lights can illuminate a space, consider ambient and decorative lighting to create the desired ambiance. Functional fire pits

and places: A blazing fire creates a cozy spot to

Page E2 - The Daily Item / The Danville News / The Weekly Item / Friday, June 19, 2015

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The Daily Item / The Danville News / The Weekly Item / Friday, June 19, 2015 - Page E3

Homeowners know that the arrival of spring also marks the re-emergence of insects. While not every insect is harmful, if an infestation grows considerably or if insects begin to move from the outdoors into a home, it may be time for homeowners to call in a professional.

The Entomological Society of America points out that homeowners cannot count on bitterly cold winters to help control the numbers of insects in their yards. Insect ecology is affected by various factors and is not solely dependent on temperature. Furthermore, what occurred one year certainly may not be repeated the next, as homeowners who have had various insect infestations in their yards can attest. One year a yard may be overcome with ants, while the next year it may suffer through an earwig infestation.

The fi rst step homeowners looking to curtail insects in their yards can take is to determine if the insects they see are genuine threats to their lawns. Some bugs emerge and swarm early in the season, but then gradually disappear as spring turns into summer. Other insects may come out of hiding if a homeowner is doing a lot of yard work or construction around a house. Practice a wait-and-see approach to determine if you really have an insect problem or just have stirred up activity.

Homeowners also must decide if it is bearable living with the insects. If insects are not doing any damage or if they can be controlled relatively easily, then you might be able to avoid calling in the professionals. However, if critters like termites and certain species of wood-eating insects are invasive and damaging your yard,

you may need to take action.

Anyone concerned with the side effects of pesticides and insecticides can fi rst try to remedy the problem naturally. Sometimes it’s just a matter of making a yard less hospitable to insects. Remove leaves and clean up debris close to the house, as these can both encourage infestations. Piles of rotting wood or leftover fi rewood can be a food or shelter source for a number of insects. Inspect water spigots for leaks and improve suspect drainage on your property, as these things can be welcoming to bugs that like moist

surroundings. Remove standing water whenever possible to eliminate spots for mosquitoes to incubate larvae.

Natural remedies also may do the trick. Mint, bay leaves, catnip, and garlic can repel insects like roaches and ants. Citrus can be a natural fl ea deterrent. Some homeowners have had success planting marigolds

around their yards to serve as a natural bug repellent because the fl owers produce a scent that many insects fi nd repulsive. Thai lemon grass plants also can be used to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Remember, natural predators, such as birds, bats, spiders, and larger insects, feed on nuisance bugs. Keeping these helpful predators around

may be an effective and natural way for homeowners to control annoying pests.

If an insect problem seems out of control or if you need a professional opinion about the damage being done to your home or landscape, consult with an exterminator. Licensed exterminators have the training and expertise to assess insect concerns

and create a plan of action that will minimize the risk to inhabitants of your home and nearby wildlife. An exterminator will know what it takes to treat insects and maximize the chances of removing the problem promptly and effectively.

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gather on chilly evenings, but fire pits and fireplaces also can be used as impromptu cooking spots for s’mores or frankfurters on a stick. You can purchase a stand-alone fire pit from any number of retailers or build your own with patio pavers and fire bricks to line the interior of the fire pit. Outdoor fireplaces require more work, and you want to hire a mason to ensure proper installation. Enjoyable yard

additions: While plants and seating may take center stage, some people still want to have fun in their yards. There’s an increased demand for

yard designs and décor that can put the fun in backyard living. Bocce courts, ring- or horseshoe-toss setups, as well as bean bag-toss boards, can be incorporated into landscape designs, giving you yet another reason to spend a few hours in the great outdoors, where you can experience a few healthy laughs in the process.

Gardening and spending time outdoors are great hobbies and may even boost your mood. Homeowners can explore the popular trends in garden décor and natural elements that they can enjoy inside and outside of their homes.

Garden-inspired decor brightens spaces and moodGARDEN, From E2

Home improvement projects can turn a house into a home. Homeowners plan scores of renovations to transform living spaces into rooms that reflect their personal tastes and comforts.

Homeowners going it alone may find things do not always go as planned. In fact, a Harris Interactive study found that 85 percent of homeowners say remodeling is a more stressful undertaking than buying a home. But homeowners about to embark on home improvement projects can make the process go more smoothly by avoiding these common pitfalls.

Failing to understand the scope of the project

Some homeowners don’t realize just how big a commitment they have made until they get their hands dirty. But understanding the scope of the project, including how much demolition and

reconstruction is involved and how much time a project will take can help homeowners avoid some of the stress that comes with renovation projects. For example, a bathroom renovation may require the removal of drywall, reinforcement of flooring to accommodate a new bathtub or shower enclosure and the installation of new plumbing and wiring behind walls. So such a renovation is far more detailed than simply replacing faucets.

Not establishing a budget

Homeowners must develop a project budget to ensure their projects do not drain their finances. If your budget is so inflexible that you can’t afford the materials you prefer, you may want to postpone the project and save more money so you can eventually afford to do it

right.Without a budget

in place, it is easy to overspend, and that can put you in financial peril down the line. Worrying about coming up with money to pay for materials and labor also can induce stress. Avoid the anxiety by setting a firm budget.

Making trendy or overpersonal improvements

Homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for the long run have more free reign when it comes to renovating their homes. Such homeowners can create a billiards room or paint a room hot pink if they so prefer. However, if the goal is to make improvements in order to sell a property, overly personal touches may make a property less appealing to prospective buyers. Trends come and

The Daily Item / The Danville News / The Weekly Item / Friday, June 19, 2015 - Page E5

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Some insulations can lose performance over time, sustain damage or simply no longer meet updated building codes. It’s an issue that can be costly, because if your home’s insulation isn’t doing its job, you could be wasting money and resources.

You don’t have to be a trained professional to know you have a problem. Here are several signs that your insulation is lacking:

1. Energy bills. High energy bills are the biggest red flag, especially relative to the size, age or condition of the home. If you have a run-away energy bill, your insulation may need to be upgraded. This can be the case, even in a newer home.

2. Drafts. Do you need to put on a sweater even with the heat on, or does your air conditioner run incessantly without making enough of a difference? That’s a sign of a deficiency in your building envelope.

3. Inconsistent temperatures. Is it warm in one room, but cold in another? Are your walls or interior closets cold to the touch? It’s possible that while your whole home may not need attention,

certain rooms may need to be addressed.

4. Condition of insulating materials. Consider the age of your insulation. Would it stand up to today’s building codes? Is it in good shape or is it crumbly? If your insulation has degraded or isn’t performing, it’s time for an upgrade. But be careful, as certain types of older insulation, such as Vermiculite insulation, may contain asbestos. If you’re unsure, do not disturb it and hire a professional to conduct testing and/or removal. This should not be a do-it-yourself job.

5. You detect pests and/or moisture — insulation — and your building envelope — can be compromised by the presence of pests. Moisture is an even bigger obstacle to optimal thermal performance, as some types of insulation can sag or collapse when damp, leaving voids and causing air to flow in and out of the building envelope.

While some solutions may be more complicated, requiring the opening of the existing wall cavities, others can be addressed more easily. The best way to improve thermal

performance and increase energy efficiency is to upgrade attic insulation. Laying Comfortbatt insulation over existing material to achieve a minimum depth of 16 inches, or an R-value of R50, is a simple DIY project that can generate immediate results. To fully assess your home and explore remediation solutions, consider hiring a professional home energy auditor to evaluate your home’s energy performance. Even in a new home, the results may be surprising.

5 signs your home insulation isn’t working

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Despite other intentions, homeowners often turn their garages into storage centers for random, little-used items, leaving little to no room for the tools and even vehicles that actually belong in a garage. Such homeowners may turn to sheds to store their garage overflow and keep yard equipment at the ready, but storage sheds are not immune to clutter, and homeowners may find the very structure erected to keep them organized requires a bit of organization itself.

A well-organized shed can save homeowners time and energy, as it’s easy to abandon or delay a project if you can’t find that pair of work gloves you stashed. The first step to any organizing project is to take everything out of the shed and determine just what needs to go back in. Items that do not belong in the shed should be moved to their rightful locations or tossed in the trash if they’re no longer needed. Make a pile of anything that will be kept, a separate one for donations and a third for garbage. Take inventory of what you have so you know whether you’re missing any items or you have something and do not need to purchase another.

Now that the entire shed is empty, you can assess just how much room you have. Utilizing vertical and overhead space effectively can free up areas on the floor for larger equipment.

Shelving, racks, pegboards and any other materials that enable you to hang or store items off the floor are good investments. Visit your nearby home improvement retailer to find items that can simplify your storage. You also may be able to put scrap wood to use to make your own storage shelves or a work bench. Extra kitchen cabinets can be installed in the shed to organize additional items.

In order to remember where items go, label or sort them accordingly. Some people like to take organization a step further by tracing the outline of tools hung on the wall so they can be placed back in the same spot after use. This also serves as a visual reminder of which tools are missing and which ones need to be purchased.

Don’t forget to utilize shed doors as additional storage space. Hang frequently used tools, such as rakes and shovels, on the inside of the doors so they will always be easily accessible.

You also can repurpose storage solutions designed for other areas of the home. For example, magnetic knife holders can be mounted to a shed wall to keep paintbrushes organized. These holders also can be used to keep many small metal tools tidy. Metal funnels can hold twine and string. Thread through the narrow end of the funnel for a handy dispenser.

Keep dangerous substances off the floor and out of reach. Gasoline, chemical fertilizers and other potentially dangerous substances should be stored high up to keep pets and children safe.

Make sure the shed floor is sturdy and level. This makes it easier to neatly store larger items. Roll in the lawnmower, wheelbarrow and any other cumbersome items. Now that more things are mounted vertically, you should find that you have more area to move around.

go, and improvements can be expensive. If your ultimate goal is to sell your home, opt for renovations that will look beautiful through the ages and avoid bold choices that may only appeal to a select few buyers.

Forgetting to properly vet all workers

It is important to vet your contractor, but don’t forget to vet potential subcontractors as well. Failing to do so can prove a costly mistake. Contractors often look to subcontractors to perform certain parts of a job, and it is the responsibility of homeowners to vet these workers.

Expecting everything to go as planned

Optimism is great,

but you also should be a realist. Knowing what potentially could go wrong puts you in a better position to handle any problems should they arise. The project might go off without a hitch, but plan for a few hiccups along the way.

Overestimating DIY abilities

Overzealous homeowners may see a renovation project in a magazine or on television and immediately think they can do the work themselves. Unless you have the tools and the skills necessary to do the work, tackling too much can be problematic. In the long run, leaving the work to a professional may save you money.

Page F2 - The Daily Item / The Danville News / The Weekly Item / Friday, June 19, 2015

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Common mistakes made on home renovation projects

Home improvements can be stressful, but homeown-ers can lessen that stress by avoiding common reno-vation mistakes.

Taking the time to clean and organize a shed can help make anyone more productive.

Hanging items vertically frees up more space in a shed or garage.

Secrets to keeping an organized shed

Couches are an important component of living rooms and dens, serving as comfortable places to relax. Sofas will be sat on, slept on and, if young children are in the house, sometimes jumped on.

Homeowners looking for new sofas often prioritize comfort, but they also want a sofa that can withstand the test of time. Although there’s no magic formula, a sturdy sofa should have a lifespan of around 10 years. According to Houzz, quality sofas should feel solid and heavy. They should have joints that are double doweled and fitted with corner blocks that are both glued and screwed (not stapled) into place. Over time, even the sturdiest couch can start to show its age and look a bit past its prime. Don’t fret. There are some easy ways to give that aging sofa a makeover.

Begin by reviewing the service agreement. If you purchased an extended warranty or protection plan on the furniture, you may be eligible for repairs at no cost. Stores will restrict just what is covered under such service plans, and regular wear and tear may be excluded. However, rips, certain stains or opening seams may be eligible for repair. Covered costs means not having to spend any money out of pocket. Cleaning may be another simple fix. Check with

the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning. Certain fabrics require specific cleaning solutions. If you are ever unsure about what to use to clean the sofa, use a mild

solution of soap and water in an inconspicuous spot first. Many carpet and upholstery cleaning solutions can be used on furniture. Use sparingly and test for color-fastness before cleaning the entire couch. For those who are skittish about cleaning the sofa on their own, consult with a professional upholstery cleaning service.

. Fitted slipcovers slide right over the existing couch cushions and can change an outdated

sofa into one that looks brand new. Measuring correctly and buying accordingly will help achieve a seamless look. There also are some easy do-it-yourself fixes for

couches that may be sagging or looking deflated. If seat cushions can be removed, consider placing firm cardboard or wood on top of the springs to provide more firmness. Cushions may begin to sag when the springs underneath begin to lose their elasticity. If the cushions are the problem, replacing the foam in the cushions or the loose-fill stuffing in the pillows can breathe new life into the couch. Foam can begin to disintegrate and lose its shape and integrity. Craft stores, home improvement centers and fabric stores often carry foam products, but those you can’t find might be available via online orders.

Do not give up on a sofa just yet. It may be repaired or given a fresh look to make it appear like new.

How to revitalize an aging sofa

Repairing, cleaning and restuffing can help homeowners get a few extra years out of a sofa.

The Daily Item / The Danville News / The Weekly Item / Friday, June 19, 2015 - Page F3

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Recovery from the recession that began in 2008 has sparked renewed interest in vacation travel. Resort bookings are up, and millions will enjoy exotic vacations in the months to come.

While discretionary spending is increasing, some individuals and families continue to take a conservative approach to their fi nances, and that approach extends to how they spend their time off. Many are still embracing “staycations,” in which families forgo travel in favor of staying home. Staycations may not be as exotic as trips abroad, but there are several ways that families can make their staycations enjoyable and memorable. Invest in your

home or lifestyle. Instead of bankrolling a trip overseas, channel those funds into improvements for your home or yard to create a relaxing atmosphere you can enjoy year-round. Install that pool or landscape the backyard to make it feel like a tropical paradise. Coasting across the water of a lake or ocean is an enjoyable pastime, so repurpose your vacation funds to buy a boat or some jet skis that you can enjoy throughout the warmer months.

Become a tourist in your hometown. Chances are you have never experienced the sights of your hometown the way a tourist might. Plan a few days when you can act like someone visiting your town or city for the fi rst time. Go to the top of that tallest mountain or get a tour of that local factory. Seek out and visit monuments and points of history in your community. Hop on one of those sight-seeing buses and learn something new about where you live. You may just be surprised at what you can discover. Look for hidden

gems. Some local businesses may be willing to open up for “behind the scenes” tours if you ask. This can be a fun excursion for young children. Ask employees of a movie theater if you can see the projection room. Newspaper offi ces may host tours of their facilities. Even a bowling alley can be fascinating to kids if they can see ball-return mechanisms or how equipment is stored. Watching the zamboni machine clean the ice at a rink also may be an entertaining sneak peak into rink operations. Splurge on a show

or sporting event. Attend an event you normally

wouldn’t unless you were on vacation. Take a trip to see a Broadway or Broadway-inspired musical at a nearby theater or take the family to see your local sports team play a home game against its biggest rival. Treat yourself to concession stand snacks and a few souvenirs. Dine out a few

nights. Vacations often entail eating out, especially if meals are not included in a traditional vacation package. Use your staycation as the opportunity to dine at local restaurants you have yet to visit. Indulge the kids one night and put them in charge of choosing the meals. Forget those diet plans for a day or two and savor that triple-scoop ice cream cone. If the cost of dining out has you concerned, select restaurants that offer coupons in community mailers or value packs. Read the newspaper

or community bulletin. Chances are you can fi nd a number of entertaining and low-cost activities sponsored by your town or other organizations close to home. Fireworks displays, movies under the stars, boat tours, and fairs are just a handful of the fun events that may be coming soon.

The Daily Item / The Danville News / The Weekly Item / Friday, June 19, 2015 - Page F5

Homeowners choose renovation projects for a variety of reasons. Although many improvements are made to increase functionality and comfort of a home, several others are seen as worthwhile investments. These investments can add up to a higher resale value when the time comes to sell a home.

Certain projects have a history of providing a greater return on homeowners’ investments than others. The following renovation tips can add beauty to your home and generate great returns when you put the home up for sale.

Invest in your kitchen. Kitchen remodels are a safe bet when it comes to putting money into improving a home. Residents tend to spend a great deal of time in the kitchen, but a dated, poorly functioning kitchen can detract from the value of a home, even if the rest of the home is in good shape. It’s possible to recoup between 60 and 120 percent of your kitchen remodel investment, especially if the kitchen matches up well with the rest of your home. Homeowners should know that a deluxe renovation may not be necessary, as relatively moderate improvements can create a whole new look for a kitchen. Look to paint. One

of the least expensive improvement materials, but one that has a signifi cant impact, is paint. Neutral, modern colors can easily liven up any space. If you paint with low-VOC paint, you also can advertise an eco-friendly home, which is very desireable these days. Put in another

bathroom. Multiple bathrooms are an attractive selling point, particularly in older homes that may not have been equipped with more than

one bathroom. Finding extra space for a bathroom can be tricky, but consider closets, areas under stairs or even taking some space away from another room. Popular home-improvement television channel HGTV advises that half-bathrooms require at least 18 square feet of space, while full baths need 30 to 35 square feet for a stand-up shower or bathtub. Renovate the

HVAC system. Aesthetic improvements aren’t the only ones that add value to a home. Many home buyers are eager to purchase a home that has a new heating and cooling system, as buyers understand that furnaces and air conditioning units are substantial investments that can last for years. Other improvements, such as adding attic insulation or replacing older windows and doors with more energy effi cient options, also are smart bets. Add illumination to

rooms. A dark home is a dreary home. Adding light can mean including more overhead and accent lighting. Under-cabinet task lighting is a nice touch. Inclusion of skylights and sun tubes can bring natural light into rooms that may not have south- or west-facing windows.

Put a deck addition outdoors. Outdoor living spaces have become more desireable, especially as the “staycation” has grown in popularity. Decks and patios can make backyards more appealing. The scope of your investment will depend on the size of the deck and design. Doing the work yourself can cut the cost of decks in half, but only if you have the specifi c tools or experience to tackle such a project. Improve curb

appeal. Adding attractive landscaping and freshening up the entryway to a home can add considerable value to your home, as buyers judge homes by their exteriors. Completely renovated interiors may never be seen if buyers pass up your home because of a less attractive exterior. Classy, subtle changes, like well-placed shrubbery and a green lawn, can work wonders. An inviting front door and well-lit entryway also add curb appeal to a home.

Before making improvements, homeowners should determine if a given project will provide a solid return on their investment.

Finding space to install an extra bathroom in a home can be a worthwhile investment.

Add value to your home with these renovations

How to enjoy this year’s staycation

Make the most of a vacation spent at or nearby home

recession that began in 2008 has sparked renewed interest in vacation travel. Resort bookings are up, and millions will enjoy exotic vacations in the months to come.

spending is increasing, some individuals and families continue to take a conservative approach to their fi nances, and that approach extends to how they spend their time off. Many are still embracing “staycations,” in which families forgo travel in favor of staying home. Staycations may not be as exotic as trips abroad, but there are several ways that families can make their staycations enjoyable and memorable.

home or lifestyleInstead of bankrolling a trip overseas, channel those funds into improvements for your home or yard to create a relaxing atmosphere you can enjoy year-round. Install that pool or landscape the backyard to make it feel like a tropical paradise. Coasting across the water of a lake or ocean is an enjoyable pastime, so repurpose your vacation funds to buy a boat or some jet skis that you can enjoy throughout the warmer months.

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Page F6 - The Daily Item / The Danville News / The Weekly Item / Friday, June 19, 2015