Missouri Real Estate News

Trends & Insight for Missouri Home Buyers and Sellers

MISSOURI REAL ESTATE NEWS
Trends for MO Home Buyers & Sellers

Apartments

How Do I Force My Unresponsive Landlord to Make Needed Repairs?

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Q: I live in a rent-stabilized apartment in a medium-size, prewar building in Brooklyn. A couple of months ago, the ceiling in my shower started leaking. Then, a chunk of the ceiling above the leak collapsed. The super covered the hole with cardboard but never actually fixed the leak or ceiling. I have called numerous times, and he always says “tomorrow” but never fixes it. I have also called management twice and sent pictures. The wall seems to be becoming moldy. The cardboard is starting to fall apart. What should I do?

A: There is quite a lot you can do. Start by calling 311 to request an inspection from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. An inspector would most likely issue a violation, which may not solve your problem immediately but would create a paper trail of evidence.

“In general, getting violations placed doesn’t do much,” said Samuel J. Himmelstein, a Manhattan lawyer who represents tenants. “Landlords will rarely respond.”

At the same time, file what is known as an HP proceeding in housing court. It’s basically a lawsuit filed against the landlord, whereby you ask the court to order the repairs. “This is the quickest way to get it done,” Mr. Himmelstein said. These cases tend to move quickly, and the landlord usually settles and agrees to the repairs.

This process should certainly get your ceiling fixed. Resolving the mold might be more complicated. Mold remediation is not cheap and can sometimes be extensive. You would need to prove that you have mold, and your photographs alone will not be enough. You would also have to hire your own expert to determine the extent of the problem and make recommendations for remediation, Mr. Himmelstein said. Mold can pose serious health dangers, so, if you are concerned about it, you might want to take this extra step.

You should also be entitled to a rent abatement for this period of time. Start by asking the landlord for one. If your request is rebuffed — as it probably will be — you can withhold rent entirely. If the landlord took you to housing court for nonpayment, your defense would be that the conditions violated your warranty of habitability, a state rule. You would ultimately have to pay back some of the rent for that period of time, but not all of it.

However, once your ceiling is repaired, you might decide that the rent abatement is not worth the headache of another day in court.

For weekly email updates on residential real estate news, sign up here. Follow us on Twitter: @nytrealestate.

Originally Appeared Here

Prospective home buyers camp out for new housing development

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CRESTWOOD, Mo. – A new housing development in Crestwood has prospective buyers camping out to secure their lots.

The Director of Marketing for McBride Homes said they had 800 people on the interested list. Their grand opening was supposed to be on Saturday, August 19, but on Monday, August 22, someone started camping out.

They had up to 31 campers at Crestwood Crossing Wednesday morning, and more people showed up throughout the day. The development features 81 home sites separated into three different villages of single-family homes. The lots are first come, first serve. Prices range from the low $300,000 to up over $500,000.”

“I just got an email this morning while taking my son to daycare,” prospective buyer Clay Northrop said. “I guess I’m going up to the McBride homesite.”

With access to Grant’s Trail and the Lindbergh School District, the interest is understandable.

Originally Appeared Here

Ryan Breaks Ground on Transit-Oriented Apartment Project in Elmhurst 

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Ryan Companies US Inc. has begun construction on Vyne on Haven, a 200-unit, transit-oriented apartment community at 102 Haven Rd. in the western Chicago suburb of Elmhurst, IL. Ryan is the developer and general contractor for the project and will manage the property upon completion, which is slated for 2024.

Representatives from Ryan joined Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin, city officials and financial partners MetLife Investment Management and Regions Financial Corp. at the Aug. 16 groundbreaking. “Vyne on Haven will meet the pent-up demand for transit-oriented living in the western suburbs,” said Toby Veit, VP of real estate development for Ryan.

He added, “Our goal is to integrate into and enhance the live/work/play community that Elmhurst has become. The downtown area exudes a small-town charm with its cultural events and concerts at Elmhurst City Centre Plaza. In addition, renovation plans are underway for the nearby Union Pacific West Line Metra station.”

Originally Appeared Here

Fed Increases Interest Rate by 75 Basis Points

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On March 14-15, 2020, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) held an emergency meeting in light of the then-blossoming pandemic to cut rates by a 100 basis points to a rate of 0-0.25%. 

But now, in light of last weeks Consumer Price Index report which found inflation increased to 9.1% in June 2022, the FOMC moved to raise the nominal interest rate by 75 basis points from a range of 1.50-1.75% to a current rate of 2.25-2.50%. 

This marks the fourth increase this year and the biggest consecutive rate hike on record. So far this year, the FOMC raised rates in March (+25 points), May (+50 points), and June (+75 points). 

In a prepared statement released at the end of the meeting, the FOMC said: 

“Recent indicators of spending and production have softened. Nonetheless, job gains have been robust in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation remains elevated, reflecting supply and demand imbalances related to the pandemic, higher food and energy prices, and broader price pressures.” 

“Russia’s war against Ukraine is causing tremendous human and economic hardship. The war and related events are creating additional upward pressure on inflation and are weighing on global economic activity. The Committee is highly attentive to inflation risks.” 

“The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2% over the longer run. In support of these goals, the Committee decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate to 2.25-2.50% and anticipates that ongoing increases in the target range will be appropriate. In addition, the Committee will continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities and agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities, as described in the Plans for Reducing the Size of the Federal Reserve’s Balance Sheet that were issued in May. The Committee is strongly committed to returning inflation to its 2% objective.” 

“Recent indicators of spending and production have softened. Nonetheless, job gains have been robust in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation remains elevated, reflecting supply and demand imbalances related to the pandemic, higher food and energy prices, and broader price pressures.” 

“Russia’s war against Ukraine is causing tremendous human and economic hardship. The war and related events are creating additional upward pressure on inflation and are weighing on global economic activity. The Committee is highly attentive to inflation risks.” 

“The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. In support of these goals, the Committee decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate to 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 percent and anticipates that ongoing increases in the target range will be appropriate. In addition, the Committee will continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities and agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities, as described in the Plans for Reducing the Size of the Federal Reserve’s Balance Sheet that were issued in May. The Committee is strongly committed to returning inflation to its 2% objective.” 

Ruben Gonzalez, the Chief Economist at Keller Williams, believes that even as interest rates rise, the housing market will continue to come into line with pre-pandemic numbers. 

“As the Fed continues to march forward with rate increases aimed at countering inflation, the path for mortgage rates is less well-defined,” Gonzalez said. “Mortgage rates have historically moved closely with 10-year Treasuries; however, over the last several months, the spread between the two has widened by a full percentage point.” 

“There are likely several contributing factors to this widening gap. The Fed’s winding down of its balance sheet of mortgage-backed securities has likely played a role,” Gonzalez continued. “Other contributing factors are the perceived risk generated by both rapid home price appreciation, as well as increased pre-payment risk if rates should fall in the next couple of years.” 

“The housing market is now slowing down with home sales down 14% in June, and that trend is on pace to continue through July,” Gonzalez concluded. “Home price appreciation has begun to slow and mortgage rates are a primary factor slowing demand for home purchases. Over the next several months, the housing market will be even more in line with pre-pandemic market conditions.” 

Rates are indiscriminate and affect everybody across the board. Veena Jetti, the Owner and Founder of Vive Funds, a real estate investment firm, also commented on the FOMC’s announcement. 

“This is nothing unexpected or new for seasoned investors. The Fed is trying to combat inflation by raising rates, which interestingly has had little impact in the last several months,” Jetti said. “When inflation is high, more investors will continue to seek investments like income-producing real estate to hedge against inflation.” 

Her suggestions as to the next move investors can take to protect against volatility are:  

  1. Size up fixed rate debt  
  2. Leverage lower to add stability  
  3. Buy rate caps to prevent too much movement  
  4. Trend interest rates up on proformas 
  5. Adjust exit projections to expand cap rates 

“Rising cap rates and rising interest rates give us the ability to identify and transact on more opportunities,” Jetti concluded. Also, it doesn’t hurt to have cash ready to deploy when these opportunities become available. Investors should have a strong understanding of their blended cost of capital and how to maximize that efficiency.” 

Voting for the monetary policy action were Jerome H. Powell, Chair; John C. Williams, Vice Chair; Michael S. Barr; Michelle W. Bowman; Lael Brainard; James Bullard; Susan M. Collins; Lisa D. Cook; Esther L. George; Philip N. Jefferson; Loretta J. Mester; and Christopher J. Waller. 

Originally Appeared Here

Flood damages historic site: Old St. Ferdinand Shrine

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FLORISSANT, Mo. – Leaders from one of Missouri’s oldest churches are working to pick up the pieces after significant flood damage from Tuesday’s torrential rainfall.

The Old St. Ferdinand Shrine has called Florissant home since 1819. The shrine consists of four historic buildings, a convent, church, rectory and schoolhouse all built in the 19th century. Since 1979, all four buildings have been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places as the St. Ferdinand’s Shrine Historic District.

Carol Campbell, director of the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, estimates around three feet of water entered the convent, church and rectory, while at least two feet entered the schoolhouse.

PHOTOS: FOX2 crews capture flash flooding all around STL region

“This is pretty devastating to us, but we have strong faith that it’s going to work out, we’ll rebuild and continue on,” Campbell tells FOX2.

Among the damages includes the original flooring installed in the church in 1821. Campbell says the flooring has buckled from previous floods, but generally gets back into place over time. The shrine is developing a plan to dry the floors over several days.

The shrine also added several new air conditioning units last year, all of which were destroyed by the flooding. In the schoolhouse, many appliances are lost or no longer operational due to flooding. Some benches and tables were also damaged due to flooding.

“It’s a tremendous amount of damage,” said Campbell. “The problem we’re encountering is how we go about assessing that type of damage.”

Campbell says the shrine has been in contact with insurance agencies and some repairs, clean-up and restoration efforts are planned for the site later this week.

The shrine is located at 1 St. Francois Street near Cold Water Creek and Fountain Creek, leading to some enhanced risks for flooding. While that isn’t a new issue, Campbell says the flooding damage is unlike anything that she recalls the church has ever seen.

Trending: Dardenne Creek levee breaks in St. Charles County after flood

Campbell says the shrine survives from the generosity of others, and she remains optimistic amid the ongoing situation.

“We have always rebuilt and we will do it again,” said Campbell.

The shrine will be closed for an undisclosed amount of time. A wedding and a few other upcoming events have been canceled. A GoFundMe has been organized to help the shrine after Tuesday’s flooding.

Old St. Ferdinand Shrine’s church is considered to be one of the oldest standing churches in the 1804 Louisiana Purchase Territory and the state of Missouri. Historians say French settlers arrived to the general area of the shrine in the 1780s. For a closer look at the site’s history, click here.


Originally Appeared Here

Mars Petcare to expand Kansas City manufacturing facility, investing $82 million and creating 95 new jobs

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Leading pet food and products manufacturer Mars Petcare announced today it will invest more than $82 million to enhance its manufacturing facility in Kansas City, creating 95 new jobs. The expansion will increase the location’s production to meet rising demand for dog and cat treats.

“We applaud Mars Petcare for its commitment to Missouri and its continued investment in Kansas City,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Since the facility opened in 2006, Mars Petcare has embraced local talent to create jobs and boost the regional economy. We look forward to seeing the additional positive impact this expansion will have for our state.”

Mars Petcare’s expansion will increase production capacity for GREENIES™ treats by more than 75 percent, or more than 940 million treats per year. Upgrades also include the addition of new processing and packaging machinery, as well as utilities and infrastructure. The facility currently employs more than 260 employees, with new jobs filling positions for Mars Petcare Associates. The average annual salary for these positions is well above the county average wage.

“As the bond between people and their pets has never been stronger, we’re dedicated to answering the ever-growing needs of pet parents and furthering our purpose: A Better World for Pets,” said Ikdeep Singh, Global President, Mars Pet Nutrition. “We’re proud to deepen our commitment to Kansas City and to our Associates who play a critical role in continuing to deliver product innovation to meet the new ways pet parents seek to bond with and feed their pets.”

Mars Petcare’s Kansas City facility is one of more than a dozen sites in the nation and has served as a fundamental hub for treat manufacturing since 2006. Brands produced at the facility include GREENIES™ PILL POCKETS™, GREENIES™ Dog Supplements and GREENIES™ Dental Dog Treats, and Pill Assist™ Cat by ROYAL CANIN®. Construction started earlier this year with completion expected in early 2023.

“Kansas City’s strong workforce and pro-business climate have made it a vibrant and ideal location for manufacturers like Mars Petcare,” said Maggie Kost, Acting Director of the Department of Economic Development. “This expansion is creating more quality jobs and demonstrates confidence in our state’s business advantages. We appreciate our partners’ work on this significant project that will strengthen the Kansas City region’s ability to prosper for years to come.”

“We’re thrilled to have Mars Petcare continue to expand in our community,” said Steven Anthony, Executive Director of Business Development for the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City. “Their growth is indicative of the momentum we’re seeing in new job creation and business attraction as a result of our business-friendly leadership and focus on making KCMO a great place to live and work.”

About Mars Petcare 

Part of Mars, Incorporated, a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love, the 85,000 Associates across 50+ countries in Mars Petcare are dedicated to one purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. With 85 years of experience, our portfolio of almost 50 brands serves the health and nutrition needs of the world’s pets – including brands PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, ROYAL CANIN®, NUTRO™, GREENIES™, SHEBA®, CESAR®, IAMS™ and EUKANUBA™ as well as the Waltham Petcare Science Institute which has advanced research in the nutrition and health of pets for over 50 years. Mars Petcare is also a leading veterinary health provider through an international network of over 2,000 pet hospitals and diagnostic services including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™, Linnaeus, AniCura and Antech. We’re also active in innovation and technology for pets, with WISDOM PANEL™ genetic health screening and DNA testing for dogs, the WHISTLE™ GPS dog tracker, and LEAP VENTURE STUDIO accelerator and COMPANION FUND programs that drive innovation and disruption in the pet care industry. As a family business and guided by our principles, we are privileged with the flexibility to fight for what we believe in – and we choose to fight for: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

About the Missouri Department of Economic Development

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.

For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.

Originally Appeared Here

Lucas Oil Speedway offering 3-for-1 ticket special for drag boat, dirt-track racing weekend

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Fans planning a visit to Lucas Oil Speedway for the upcoming weekend can take advantage of a 3-for-1 ticket special for action on Lake Lucas and the dirt track.

Action begins on Saturday morning and afternoon with the Kentucky Drag Boat Association’s Show-Me Shootout coming to Lake Lucas. Qualifying rounds are set for both pro and sportsman divisions, leading into the elimination rounds on Sunday.

Those purchasing a Saturday drag boat ticket will be admitted free to that night’s Big Adventure RV Weekly Racing Series program, plus Sunday’s KDBA finale.

The Show-Me Vintage Racers will join the normal four divisions on the dirt track as a special guest class. The SMVR cars will be on display on the Dirt Track midway for fans to view up close.

It’s also Fan Appreciation Night Presented by KIX 105.7-Townsquare Media on Saturday night at the dirt track with food and drink specials including $1 nachos and cheese, $2 hot dogs and $2 soft drinks or waters. The Cedar Creek Beef Jerky USRA Modified division will have a special 25-lap, $1,000-to-win feature.

Kids’ Power Wheel Races return: Kids’ Power Wheel races are scheduled during intermission Saturday night on the front straightaway. Youngsters ages 3-9 can enter their own battery-powered Power Wheel cars by signing up for the Frogs Jr. Fan Club on the south end of the Midway prior to the races.

One Kids Power Wheel class will be the 6-12 volt cars and another will be for the 24-36 volt class. No power or speed enhancement modifications will be allowed.

Band on drag boat midway Friday night: Also on Friday night, the Kennie Dee Band will play at the drag boat midway from 8-11 p.m. by the drag boat midway bar tent. The band plays classic rock and country music.

No outside coolers will be allowed on the midway during the band performance.

Tentative Saturday Event Schedule-Subject to change without notice

Saturday Grandstand Admission:

(3-for-1 special – FREE admission to Saturday night dirt track and Sunday drag boats with Saturday drag boat ticket)

Advance Discount Tickets online only (16 and up) – $27

Adults GA/Pit Pass Combo (16 and up) – $30

Seniors (62 and up)/Military GA/Pit Pass Combo (62 and up) – $27

Youth GA/Pit Pass Combo (age 6 to 15) – $10

Kids GA/Pit Pass Combo (age 5 and under) FREE

Family Pass GA/Pit Pass Combo – $70 (Includes admission for two Adults and Up to three Kids Ages 6-15)

*All tickets include access to the Drag Boat pit area.

*All Saturday and 2-Day tickets include entry to the Dirt Track Event on Saturday.

Saturday dirt track admission:

Advance Discount Tickets online only (16 and up) – $12

Adults (16 and up) – $15

Seniors (62 and up)/Military – $12

Youth (6-15) – $5

Kids (5 and under) FREE

Family Pass – $35 (Click Here for more information)

Pit Pass – $30

Sunday-only Drag Boat grandstand admission

Ages 6 and up GA/Pit Pass combo – $10

Kids GA-Pit Pass Combo (ages 5 and under) – FREE

*All tickets include access to the drag boat pit area

To purchase tickets for any event on Lucas Oil Speedway’s schedule, or to inquire about camping information, contact Admissions Director Nichole McMillan at (417) 295-6043 or via email at nichole@lucasoilspeedway.com.

Complete Lucas Oil Speedway event information, archived race recaps, previews and driver features, along with ticket information and schedules can be found by visiting LucasOilSpeedway.com.

Lucas Oil Speedway is located at Highways 83 and 54 in Wheatland, Missouri. A campground with shower and bathroom facilities is also available. With its entrance located just outside the pit gate this sprawling scenic camping facility will continue to enhance the racing experience at the Diamond of Dirt Tracks.

Click LucasOilSpeedway.com for more information and detailed directions to the speedway or call the Track Hotline at (417) 282-5984. The Lucas Oil Speedway EZ Texting number is (417) 804-4141.

In addition, fans can get social with Lucas Oil Speedway by following @LucasSpeedway on Twitter, clicking “Like” at www.facebook.com/LucasOilSpeedway and on www.youtube.com/LucasOilSpeedway

About Lucas Oil Speedway 

Lucas Oil Speedway is considered by fans, drivers and industry insiders to be one of the top five racing facilities in the nation. Located in Wheatland, Missouri, approximately an hour from Springfield, Missouri, and just an hour and a half from the Kansas City metro area, the “Diamond of Dirt Tracks” lives up to its title.

Twenty-One VIP Luxury Suites, HD Jumbo-Tron Screen, Stadium Style Musco Sports Lighting, a Bose Sound System, Go-Kart Slick Track, The Diamond Bar, Track Treasures Gift Shop, the best track food in the country and paved pits are a few of the spectacular amenities setting the Diamond of Dirt apart. This year marks the 12th season for the Liquid Quarter Mile Drag Racing Lake, “Lake Lucas.” New for 2017 was all-purpose built Off Road facility featuring a host of regional events.

Lucas Oil Speedway’s dirt oval track plays host to some of the largest and most-popular events in the Midwest with national and regional touring series appearing frequently including: The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, POWRi Midget National Series, Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League, United States Modified Touring Series, ASCS Sprint Cars and the Lucas Oil MLRA.

In addition to the special events, the Lucas Oil Speedway Weekly Racing Series features the Late Models, USRA Modifieds, USRA Stock Cars and USRA B-Mods.

2022 Official Lucas Oil Speedway Marketing Partners

Arizona Sport Shirts

“The Official Merchandise Provider” of Lucas Oil Speedway

Bill Roberts Chevrolet-Buick

“The Official Truck” of Lucas Oil Speedway

Dixie Chopper

“The Official Mowers of Lucas Oil Speedway”

General Tire

“The Official Tire” of Lucas Oil Speedway

Lucas Oil Products

“The Official Oil” of Lucas Oil Speedway

 MAVTV

“The Official Television Network” of Lucas Oil Speedway

Optima Batteries

“The Official Battery” of Lucas Oil Speedway

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper

“The Official Soft Drink” of Lucas Oil Speedway

RacingJunk.com

“The Official Classifieds” of Lucas Oil Speedway

Rugged Radios

“The Official 2-Way Communications Provider” of Lucas Oil Speedway

 Sunoco Race Fuels

“The Official Fuel” of Lucas Oil Speedway

Super Clean

“The Official Sponsor” of Lucas Oil Speedway

2022 Lucas Oil Speedway Supporters Include:

AM Pyrotechnics, Arizona Sport Shirts, Ash Grove Aggregates, Berry Tractor and Equipment Co., Big Adventure RV, Bill Roberts Chevrolet-Buick, Bolivar Auto Sales & Detailing, Bolivar Farmers Exchange-MFA, Boone’s BBQ Barn, Boubin Tire/American Racer, Branstetter & Lightfoot LLC, Bridal Cave, BWI Sanitation, Camden on the Lake Resort, Candlelight Creations-Dick’s Wild Root Horseradish, Casey’s, Cedar Creek Beef Jerky, Citizens Memorial Healthcare, City Magnet, Clearlight Inn, Comfort Inn-Bolivar,DirtonDirt.com, Dixie Chopper, eBay Motors, Eibach Springs, Evans Pipe & Steel Co., Farmers Insurance Agent Kristy Reynolds, Fast Shafts by Axle Exchange, Foley Equipment-Cat Rental Store, Frog Signs, Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, Hermitage Lumber, HICKAMO Country Store, Highway 54 RV Park, Hobbytime Motorsports, Hoosier Race Tires, Impact Signs Awnings Wraps, In the Garden of Eden, Kettle Treats, Keyser Manufacturing, Kluhsman Racing Components, Kona Ice, Lucas Cattle Company, Margaritaville Lake Resort, Midwest Sheet Metal, Miller Welding, Missouri Department of Tourism, Missouri Division of Tourism, MyRacePass, Nutrien Ag Solutions, OakStar Bank, O’Bannon Bank, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Ozark Golf Cars, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper, Ozarks Community Health Center, PEM, Pitts Homes, Pitts Realty, Pitts Cattle, ProThings Apparel, RACEceiver, Racinboys.com, RacinDirt.com, RacingJunk.com, Rains Ice Company, Real Racing Wheels, Rod End Supply, Ron Jenkins Accounting & Tax Service, Rugged Radios, Ryan E. Murphy Law Firm LLC, SBU Athletics, Safety Kleen, Scott Furniture, Simpson Racing Products, Southwest Electric Cooperative, Stillwater Resort, Sunoco Race Fuels, Sunflower Resort, TA/PETRO, US Army Corps of Engineers-Pomme de Terre, Vietti Marketing Group, Wheatland Motel, White’s Marine Center, Wild Animal Safari, Woods Supermarkets, Wrisco Industries.

Originally Appeared Here

St. Louis Animal shelters seek donations and foster families after flooding

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ST. LOUIS – The flooding Monday night through Tuesday morning impacted animal shelters across the St. Louis area that have suffered property damage and need donations and foster families to help.

After 10 puppies drowned, the 15 dogs that survived were taken to an animal hospital in Wentzville.

“Luckily, it seems like all the adults did ok and relatively minor injuries,” said Jacob Lucas, Veterinarian from Animal Talk Medical Center.

Other shelters like St. Clair Animal Control had several local animal rescues to help move their dogs from the standing water.

Trending: Dardenne Creek levee breaks in St. Charles County after flood

Gateway Pet Guardians took in 21 dogs who are fostered that were given away either temporarily or permanently with the goal to be adopted in the coming days. They said only a few dogs were not fostered.

“Today, we got over 1,000 foster applications which is the most we’ve ever gotten at one time,” said Alisha Vianello, Executive Director for Gateway Pet Guardians. “People want to help animals and it’s been the most inspiring thing.”

In Maryland Heights at the Humane Society of Missouri, five kennels were filled with adult dogs elbow-deep in water, the dogs were not harmed, but there was a lot of damage to the building.

“It was very difficult, with no elevators, it’s just up and down stairs and hauling all of the stuff,” said Dr. Julie Brinker, Veterinarian for the Humane Society of Missouri. “Because anything that was sitting in that water was potentially contaminated by sewage.”

PHOTOS: FOX2 crews capture flash flooding all around STL region

With flooding from the nearby creek, the entire basement was flooded with roughly nine inches of water. The Humane Society said they lost five rooms to water damage and almost a ton of food.

The Humane Society of Missouri said they will have to get the rest of the floor inspected before making repairs to walls with holes in them and floors covered in mud.

If you would like to donate, sign up to be a foster parent, or need emergency shelter if you’ve been affected by the flooding, visit the Gateway Pet Guardians website at https://gatewaypets.org/.


Originally Appeared Here

Hodges finds his USRA Modified groove in first full season at Wheatland

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Dustin Hodges of Centralia celebrated his first-career Lucas Oil Speedway feature victory earlier this season. (GS Stanek Racing Photography)

Dustin Hodges had competed at Lucas Oil Speedway occasionally over his racing career, but decided prior to the 2022 to commit to the haul from Centralia on a regular basis for the Cedar Creek Beef Jerky USRA Modified division.

“We finally came to a point and said, ‘it’s time to learn that track.’ Man, that place is a little bit of a different animal to most any other track,” Hodges said. “The car needs a little something different there so … we tried to commit the time to make the laps and find out what it takes to make the car happy, to get around that place fast.”

Hodges has indeed been fast in his No. 22 Vanderbuilt chassis, picking up his first Lucas Oil Speedway feature victory on July 9. He has 10 top-five feature finishes and is second in points, 49 behind Dillon McCowan, entering Saturday’s 25-lap, $1,000-to-win main event on Fan Appreciation Night Presented by KIX-105.7 Townsquare Media.

The 33-year-old Hodges said that feature win “was pretty awesome.”

“We’ve been racing there a number of years,” he added. “Of course, we’ve only been there hit and miss. To finally get a win … that’s been the one track we raced at we haven’t been able to get a win. So that was nice. It really meant a lot to finally get the monkey off our back and get it done there.”

Hodges said he got his start in Modified racing 13 years ago after competing in motocross as a youngster.

“It got to a point where I wasn’t going to be able to do that anything,” Hodges said. “I got an opportunity to jump in a Modified for a guy. He figured I was fearless in motocross and wanted to put me in a seat belt with a roll cage and see how I’d do. It kind of took off from there.”

So he competed in a Modified at Callaway Speedway in Fulton, near his hometown, in those early years and was inspired by Danny Crane, a top-flight Modified competitor who now, ironically, is Hodges’ engine builder.

“After that I bought my own car and we moved to a B-Mod and ran that for about four or five years,” Hodges said. “Then I felt it was time to move up to the (USRA) Modified.”

Asked if the motocross background translates to car racing, he said it does in some ways such as throttle control.

“That and the competitive part were comparable,” he said. “But as far as learning set-ups and all that stuff, it was a different animal.”

Hodges said he became friends with Zack VanderBeek, a national-touring Modified competitor from Iowa, and that has really benefited his program.

“I watch and I learn from Zack,” he said of the USMTS driver. “He’s been a blessing, being patient with me and allowing me to learn a lot of set-up stuff. He’s really sped the learning curve for me.”

Joining VanderBeek on the USMTS circuit would be an ultimate dream, but Hodges said the finances simply are not there to make that happen.

“I maintain a job and have a family, a wife and a two-year-old,” he said. “If I could pick up that one sponsor that it takes to go on the road, I’d love to make it happen and see what we could do.”

Meanwhile, Hodges said his goals the rest of the way are to win as many races as he can. He has six overall, including the one at Wheatland.

“It would be nice to go ahead and win the points championship at Callaway,” he said of the Friday-night venue. Racing for a title at Lucas Oil Speedway is not realistic because he’s going to have to miss a race or two late in the schedule due to vacation commitments.

“I would like to finish top-10 in USRA (national) points. That would be pretty neat,” he said. “Unfortunately, we’re gonna miss a few races near the end of the season. But if we could still finish top 10, that would be pretty cool.”

Hodges’ crew includes his uncle John Doerr and friend Kyle Harrison. Team sponsors are Danny Crane Race Engines, Foundation Recovery Systems, Mid-America Carpenters Union, Melloway Fast Traps, Iron Gate Real Estate, The Drain Doctor, Rich and Chris Mobile Home Transport, Danny Means Drywall, Show-Me Heating & Air and Flood Zone Motorworks.

“I’m just a local guy trying to make it work in a very expensive sport,” Hodges said.

Food and drink specials on Saturday night will include $1 nachos and cheese, $2 hot dogs and $2 soft drinks or waters. The Ozark Golf Cars USRA B-Mods, O’Reilly Auto Parts USRA Stock Cars, Hermitage Lumber Late Models and Show-Me Vintage Racers also will be in action.

The SMVR cars will be on display on the Dirt Track midway for fans to view up close prior to the action. Gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 6:30 and racing at 7:05.

Drivers can pick up free tickets: Upon check-in at the pit office, drivers in attendance this Saturday can receive 50 free general admission tickets for the Aug. 27 Rempfer Memorial Season Championship Night. Drivers with the most tickets used on Aug. 27 will win one free season pit pass for 2023.

Drag boats and 3-for-1 ticket special: Fans planning a visit to Lucas Oil Speedway for the upcoming weekend can take advantage of a 3-for-1 ticket special for action on Lake Lucas and the dirt track.

Action begins on Saturday morning and afternoon with the Kentucky Drag Boat Association’s Show-Me Shootout coming to Lake Lucas. Qualifying rounds are set for both pro and sportsman divisions, leading into the elimination rounds on Sunday.

Those purchasing a Saturday drag boat ticket will be admitted free to that night’s Big Adventure RV Weekly Racing Series program, plus Sunday’s KDBA finale.

Kids’ Power Wheel Races return: Kids’ Power Wheel races are scheduled during intermission Saturday night on the front straightaway. Youngsters ages 3-9 can enter their own battery-powered Power Wheel cars by signing up for the Frogs Jr. Fan Club on the south end of the Midway prior to the races.

One Kids Power Wheel class will be the 6-12 volt cars and another will be for the 24-36 volt class. No power or speed enhancement modifications will be allowed.

Band on drag boat midway Friday night: Also on Friday night, the Kennie Dee Band will play at the drag boat midway from 8-11 p.m. by the drag boat midway bar tent. The band plays classic rock and country music.

No outside coolers will be allowed on the midway during the band performance.

Tentative Saturday Event Schedule-Subject to change without notice

Saturday Grandstand Admission:

(3-for-1 special – FREE admission to Saturday night dirt track and Sunday drag boats with Saturday drag boat ticket)

Advance Discount Tickets online only (16 and up) – $27

Adults GA/Pit Pass Combo (16 and up) – $30

Seniors (62 and up)/Military GA/Pit Pass Combo (62 and up) – $27

Youth GA/Pit Pass Combo (age 6 to 15) – $10

Kids GA/Pit Pass Combo (age 5 and under) FREE

Family Pass GA/Pit Pass Combo – $70 (Includes admission for two Adults and Up to three Kids Ages 6-15)

*All tickets include access to the Drag Boat pit area.

*All Saturday and 2-Day tickets include entry to the Dirt Track Event on Saturday.

Saturday dirt track admission:

Advance Discount Tickets online only (16 and up) – $12

Adults (16 and up) – $15

Seniors (62 and up)/Military – $12

Youth (6-15) – $5

Kids (5 and under) FREE

Family Pass – $35 (Click Here for more information)

Pit Pass – $30

Sunday-only Drag Boat grandstand admission

Ages 6 and up GA/Pit Pass combo – $10

Kids GA-Pit Pass Combo (ages 5 and under) – FREE

*All tickets include access to the drag boat pit area

To purchase tickets for any event on Lucas Oil Speedway’s schedule, or to inquire about camping information, contact Admissions Director Nichole McMillan at (417) 295-6043 or via email at nichole@lucasoilspeedway.com.

Originally Appeared Here

Home inspection startup PunchListUSA raises $39 million in Series A

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Charleston, South Carolina-based real estate tech firm PunchListUSA, which calls itself the first platform digitizing national home inspection data, closed on a $39 million Series A funding round this week.

PunchListUSA has now raised more than $49 million in equity capital since its inception in 2018.

Sweetwater Private Equity and Morpheus Ventures led the latest funding round with additional investors including Home Depot Ventures, Second Century Ventures and Palm Drive Capital. PunchListUSA plans to use the funding to invest in proprietary technology to create instant repair and renovation estimates and open offices, which it aims to expand footprint to more than 30 markets through 2023.

”We are building our team and technology to break down barriers,” said Min Alexander, co-founder and chief executive officer of PunchListUSA. “Our singular mission is to make homeownership more accessible and sustainable for the 220 million owners in the U.S.”

Founded in 2018 as a contractor services company serving real estate agents in Charleston, South Carolina, PunchListUSA is now focused on intuitive online ordering, tracking and pricing transparency for homeowners, brokers and institutional investors.

While home inspection is regarded as one of the traditional analogy industries, the platform uses proprietary technology and property data to deliver home repair, renovation and lifecycle services through process automation and direct integration, according to its website. The platform currently holds a five-year exclusive agreement with Pillar to Post, one of the U.S.’s largest home inspection services providers, to offer customers instant repair estimates.

According to the firm, consumers can obtain instant and accurate repair pricing by providing their inspection report PDF file. Each estimate is connected to a turnkey fulfillment solution backed by a network of more than 5,000 tradespeople, in-house project managers and a one-year warranty.

PunchList works with more than 150 national and regional brokerage companies and since the third quarter of 2021, added 25 new institutional partners, including iBuyers, single-family rental operators and portfolio investors for renovation and maintenance services, the firm said.

Originally Appeared Here