Globe-Gazette from Mason City, Iowa • 4

THE GLOBE GAZETTE TJ Page A4 Sunday Nov. 7, 2004 Jane Reynolds, City Editor (641)421-0564 jane.reynoldsglobegazette.com 1 liSll OS The Globe Answers Your Questions Call (641) 421-0565 Low-income homo energy funds available By MARY PIEPER Of The Globe Gazette I TV Itowi.l fr 5t 1 i-- 1 I. Ji 1 If -r-. I 4 I ji i-i tninln 1 If fssu.r. Pf i i i li i-li irr I iiTiffnnfir-ri mt rtmmmMmm mmmmm umxmmmmx i mu mm mnmmg "ifmmmm mrnr i MASON CITY Applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program are being accepted at locations across the area.

Myrna Long, energy assistance director for the North Iowa Community Action Organization, said 4,700 local applications were received last year. She expects that number to increase this year due to an anticipated rise in heating costs. "When they start getting these bills that are high, they are going to be looking at places to get some help," she said. The program has about the same amount of money as last year, but those who qualify for assistance probably will receive a little more money this winter, according to Long. Last year, some additional payments were made during the summer, but this year, that extra money is being rolled into the winter payments.

April 15 is the last day to apply for funds to pay for winter heating costs. The North Iowa Community Action Organization administers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program locally. The funds are appropriated by the federal government and distributed in block grants to the states. Reach Mary Pieper at 421 -0578 or rnary.pieperglobegazette.corn. MARY GRAHAKVForest Ctty Summit Russ (right) and Rick Schnebly have formed a father-son business partnership for the past 26 years.

At Your ervice Forest City home to rare full-service station By MARY GRAHAM For The Globe Gazette Facts on Weir I was rather curious as to where Bill Weir worked in the Midwest. He is the weekend anchor for "Good Morning America." Bill Weir was named co-anchor of ABC News' weekend edition of "Good Morning America" in May. Weir began his broadcasting career in 1991 as a general assignment reporter and weekend sportscaster at KAAL-TV in Austin, Minn. He worked most recently in television development for the USA and FX television networks. From 1998-2002, he was based at KABC-TV in Los Angeles, where he was sports director and anchor of sports reports each weeknight during the 5, 6 and 1 1 p.m.

newscasts. Prior to going to KABC, Weir joined WGN-TV in Chicago in 1995 as a sports anchor and reporter. Weir is the recipient of four Emmy Awards. A Milwaukee, native, he has a degree in journalism and creative writing from Pepper-dine University, Malibu, Calif. ReliaCard fees Why can child support recovery issue a debit type card through US Bank and then charge $1.50 each time it is used? Linda Woodruff, supervisor at Child Support Recovery, Mason City office, said the fee to use your debit card, called ReliaCard, is an ATM fee charged by US Bank for every ATM transaction.

You may have to pay additional charges at ATMs owned by financial institutions other than US Bank. The ReliaCard can be used at grocery stores and other retail businesses that are a part of the Visa network to make purchases and withdraw cash. There is no fee for this. Some businesses will allow you to withdraw cash in addition to your purchase. Each store or business sets its own policy regarding the amount of cash back allowed.

You can make one free withdrawal per month of up to $5,000 at any Visa network bank teller window as long as there was a deposit that month. Additional withdrawals at bank teller windows are $1 .50 each. US Bank will provide information on fees and services. Memories of Krumbles I was wondering about the breakfast cereal back in the 1950s called Krumbles. Does anyone still make it? It was very good.

Kellogg's was the maker of Krumbles, a bran cereal that it began to market in the early 1900s. The cereal lasted until about 1973. Several sources say the introduction of Kellogg's Mini Wheats may have prompted the end of Krumbles. As a side note: We entertain many requests for information about whether products are discontinued. For someone who lamented the end of Whip 'n Chill, we offer this Web site to those of you who remember the good old days of Fizzies and Joe Bio Bubble Gum: his father in operating the station 26 years ago after he graduated from high school and a technical school in Minnesota.

"Rick was always mechanically inclined," said Russ. "As a child, he liked to take things apart and put them back together again." RUSS GREW UP in Hayfield, where his father managed the elevator, with three older sisters, one older brother and one younger brother. He began working at the station with his brother, Orvin, while in high school. Russ graduated from high school in 1953 when he was only 16 and bought the business with Orvin in 1954. Because they were underage, they had to get a sales tax permit through their father until they turned 21.

"Back then, we competed against 13 other full-service stations in Forest City," Russ said. "It was tough back then. Heck, we were just teenagers. Many people thought we wouldn't make it, but we sure fooled 'em." They received several awards over the years, including a Good Neighbor Award and an Outstanding Service Award through Phillips 66 magazine. During the early years, the station was open from 7 a.m.

to 9 p.m. every day except Christmas. Now they have cut back the hours: The station is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m.

to 1 p.m. Saturday. Along with operating the station, the Schneblys have found time to volunteer on the fire department as well as other community boards. So, does Russ, 68, think about retiring any time soon? "As long as I'm in good health, I'm going to work," he said. "Besides, if I stayed at home I'd drive my wife crazy plus, what would I do?" Mary Graham is a reporter for the Forest City Summit, a Lee Enterprises newspaper.

FOREST CITY As Laura Bakke drives up to the gas pump, Russ Schnebly walks out to her car and greets her by name. They chitchat while Russ pumps the gas, washes the windows, and checks the oil and tires. Welcome to Schnebly's, one of the rare full-service auto stations remaining in North Iowa. "We're the only gas station left that doesn't sell pizza," joked owner Russ Schnebly. For 50 years, Schnebly's has provided the Forest City community with full service.

The business also handles exhaust and brake systems, oil changes, tires and batteries. AS YOU PULL UP to Schnebly's, there is no sign that displays the cost of gas. Russ concedes he charges about four to five cents more per gallon than other places. But, for about 40 cents per fillup, customers receive unparalleled service. He compares his service to that of a waitress.

"If you go out for supper and the bill comes out to $20, youH tip the waitress $3. We only charge 40 cents here." "They offer friendly service," said Bakke, a college student. Tve been coming here ever since I could drive." Schnebly's recently ended its arrangement with Philips 66, so now it can compare companies and get the best deal for its customers. Inside the small, family-run shop, a couple of regulars "shoot the bull" while Russ and son, Rick, take turns waiting on customers and answering the phones. "We have a lot of good, loyal customers," said Russ.

Schnebly's is truly a family-run business. Russ' wife, Ilene, helps with the books and the phones. Rick joined Applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program are available at the following locations: Cerro Gordo County Family Resource Center, 1190 Briarstone Drive S.W., Mason City, (641) 423-7766. Applications taken Mondays through Thursdays. Butler County Butler County Courthouse, Allison, (319) 267-2595.

Applications taken Mondays (all day), Wednesdays (all day) and Fridays (morning only). Floyd County 1206 South Main, Charles City, (641) 228-2893. Applications taken Mondays (all day), Wednesdays (all day) and Fridays (morning only). Franklin County 123 First Ave. S.W., Hampton, (641) 456-3431 Applications taken Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Hancock County Community Education Building, 325 W. Eighth Garner. Applications taken Mondays and Fridays. Hancock County residents also can apply at 215 S. Fourth St.

in Forest City, (641) 585-5863, on Tuesdays (all day), Wednesdays (all day) and Thursdays (morning only). Kossuth County 1 1 7 East Call, Algo-na, (515) 295-2531 Applications taken Tuesdays (all day), Thursdays (all day) and Fridays (mornings only). Mitchell County Osage Day Care Building, 915 Pine Osage, (641) 732-5383. Applications taken Tuesdays and Thursdays. fl Winnebago County 21 5 S.

Fourth Forest City, (641) 585-5863. Applications taken Tuesdays (all day), Wednesday (all day) and Thursdays (mornings only). Worth County 121 E. Elmore St. Suite 3, Manly, (641) 454-3220.

Applications taken Tuesdays and Thursdays. Applications will be mailed upon request. Call (641) 423-7766 or (800) 873-1899. Two hurt in Mason City crash li i 4T i i tK-, lL; A V-- The maximum gross income levels allowed for households to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program are as follows: Single: $3,491.25 (three months) or $13,965 (annual). Two people: $4,683.75 (three month) or $18,735 (annual).

Three people: $5,876.25 (three month) or $23,505 (annual). Four people: $7,068.75 (three month) or $28,275 (annual). Five people: $8,261 .25 (three month) or $33,045 (annual) Six people: $9,453.75 (three month) or $37,815 (annual). i wBEammaaffl i Those applying for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program should bring the following items with them: Proof of income from the most recent three months (check stubs, award letters from Social Security) or most recent federal income tax return Proof of participation in the Family Investment Program (FIP) Proof of child support Proof of pension Social Security numbers for all family members Recent heat bill Recent electric bill fl Recent local telephone bill. SARAH SCHUTTThe Globe Gazette Mason City Fire Department personnel tend to an injured person at the scene of a two-vehicle crash.

By JOHN SKIPPER Of The Globe Gazette evaluated Saturday evening. Davis was treated at Mercy and released. The accident occurred at 12th Street Northwest and Eisenhower Avenue at 2:52 p.m. Platts, driving a 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier, was northbound on Eisenhower when a 2001 Chevrolet van driven by De Lam, 52, of Mason City, entered the intersection and was struck by the car, police said. Lam was westbound on 12th Street.

He was ticketed for failure to yield. The Iowa State Patrol assisted at the scene. Reach John Skipper at (641) 421-0537 or john.skipperglobegazette.com. One person injured when car hits building MASON CITY One person was injured Saturday night when a car reportedly struck the Advance Auto Parts building at 2701 Fourth St. S.W.

No details on the accident were immediately available. Mason City police and the Mason City Fire Department ambulance were dispatched to the scene at about 9:30 p.m. MASON CITY Two Mason City teenagers were injured Saturday when the car in which they were passengers struck a van that went through a stop sign, police said. Miranda Cooper, 15, and Samantha Davis, 15, were passengers in a car driven by Scott Platts, 19, of Belmond. They were taken by the Mason City Fire Department ambulance to Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

Cooper was transferred to St. Marys Hospital, Rochester, where she was being.