United Electric
Kendell Karlson built his grain bin house more that two decades ago.
In the Round
Kendell Karlson’s family makes a grain bin their home sweet home
By Dianna Troyer
No, Kendell Karlson and his family do
not live in a silo. Or a barn.
“It’s a grain bin,” says the Burley resident, whose customers at his auto body
repair shop and towing business have
asked about it. “Sometimes I have to correct people.”
He never had to correct the postal service employees who routed an envelope
to his home south of town.
“Just for fun, my sister-in-law in Salt
Lake City mailed us a letter,” says Cindy,
Kendell’s wife. “She addressed it to the
Grain Bin House in Burley, Idaho, and it
got to us. She never wrote our names on
4
J a n ua r y 2 0 1 5 the envelope.”
Kendell began building the house in
1986 before he and Cindy married. He
had been working for his father’s business, building grain bins.
“We had a farmer who lost his grain
crop in a hail storm,” recalls Kendell. “He
wasn’t able to pay for the grain bin after
we’d erected it, so we had to dismantle it.
It couldn’t be resold, so I put it up on this
property for a garage. As I was building
it, I thought it would be fun to build a
house from a grain bin.”
Kendell hoped local bankers would
agree with him and applied for a loan.
He estimated it would cost 40 percent
less to build a home from a grain bin
than it would to build a conventional
house.
“They took a risk and loaned me the
money,” says Kendall. “It was the first
time they had approved a loan for this
type of house. But they were reassured
because they knew we had a reliable
track record with construction, and our
grain bins didn’t blow over.”
Kendell picked a bin that is 36 feet in
diameter, which would hold 18,000 bushels of grain, he says.
“When I told my dad of my plans, he
thought I was nuts,” says Kendall. “But he
came to watch me put it up and always
gave advice about where to weld.”
First, Kendell had a cement slab
poured for the foundation. Next, he hired
a heating company to install the duct
work.
“Some guys from work helped me
assemble it in the pasture during the evenings,” Kendell explains. “After we put
it together, we used a crane to lift it into
place on the pad. Then I started on the
interior. It took me about a year to finish it.”
The three-story house has about 2,400
square feet. It stands 18 feet tall to the
eaves and 31 feet to its peak.
Kendell built his house to energy-efficient specifications.
“It qualifies as a Super Good Cents
home,” says Kendell. “When it was tested
for air-flow leakage, it was actually too
airtight, so I installed a humidistat. If
moisture builds up, a vent opens to let in
some air. It’s really quiet inside, too.”
Their home is not only energy efficient, it is also low maintenance. With an
exterior of galvanized steel, it doesn’t rust
or need paint.
People often ask the Karlsons what it is
like to live in a round house.
“We tell them it’s about the same as
living in a square house,” says Kendell.
Their four children often invited
friends to come in and see for themselves
what the house was like. It looks conventional, just with shorter wall sections to
conform to the circular shape of its shell.
A metal spiral staircase in the center of
the house leads to the upper levels. The
second floor has four bedrooms—including a master—and two bathrooms. The
third level is a loft bedroom, accessed by
a metal fireman’s ladder secured to a wall.
“This top level right under the peak
was always the favorite room for the
exchange students we’ve had over the
years,” says Kendell.
The house has been featured on local
home tours. The Karlsons also were
asked if they would show the home on a
Home and Garden TV show.
“They wanted us to do about $5,000 in
cosmetic upgrades at our own cost,” says
Kendell. “We didn’t see the need for that,
Kendell and Cindy with their dog, Ko-Ko, by the spiral staircase.
so we declined.”
Although nontraditional to most people, the circular house seemed perfectly
normal to the couple’s children: Kijsa, 25;
Korbyn, 24; Kortni, 21; and Kassidy, 15.
Cindy recalls Kortni drawing a picture of her house for an assignment in
elementary school.
“She drew a circle,” recalls Cindy.
“Her teacher corrected her and drew
a rectangle for a traditional house. At
parent-teacher conferences, we had to
remind the teacher that our house really
is circular.”
As their children grew, Kendell added
a family room and bedrooms off the
kitchen, building it in a traditional rectangular floor plan.
In hindsight, the only change Kendell
would make to the house is not spraying
foam insulation around the windows.
“The woodpeckers have made some
holes in that, looking for the insects that
live there,” says Kendell. “We’ll probably
put metal flashing over the insulation
this spring to keep the birds out.”
He plans to fix the deck and hot tub
Kendell welded a fireman’s ladder to the wall to
reach the third floor of the couple’s home.
off their master bedroom, too.
“It’s just routine maintenance, like
with any other house,” says Kendell.
“We like living here because it’s a little different. It was a challenge to build,
something I wanted to do just for me.
I’m appy to give advice to people who
might want to build their home from a
grain bin.” n
J a n ua r y 2 0 1 5 5
United Electric
Mark Your Calenders!
This year celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with
United Electric at the Annual Meeting
of the Members on Tuesday, March 17,
2015.
The meeting will be held at Minco
High School. So bring your green and
join us for a cooperative celebration! Watch
Ruralite magazine, the website and your
mailbox for details.
Two board positions are up for election. Petitions
to run for the board are available in the office and
must be filed by February 12, 2015, at 5 p.m.
2015 Calendars
The 2015 calendar is available in the office. Stop
by and pick up yours.
Mitten Tree, Food Collection and United
Electric Employee’s Holiday Giving
Thanks to the generosity of United Electric Co-op
members, our mitten tree was loaded again. Your
donations will help area children stay warmer this
winter. We delivered hats, gloves, scarves, coats and
socks to Total Learning Center in Rupert and the
Cassia Pre School special needs program.
Members also donated grocery items that were
delivered to the Helping Hands Mission. Thanks
again for giving this year.
Each year, United Electric employees donate
money to fund a Christmas project. This year the
employees donated Christmas gifts for the residents
of Vista Assisted Living Community and Warren
House. We hope the gifts added a little extra cheer to
their holiday.
Surplus Bucket Truck for Sale
United Electric has a surplus 2000 International bucket truck available for purchase by sealed bid. See our
website or stop by the office for a bid sheet and equipment details. All bids must be sealed and returned to
the office no later the 5 p.m., February 6, 2015.
8
J a n ua r y 2 0 1 5
United Electric
Five Tips for Space Heater Safety
By April Lollar
As temperatures drop this winter, many people will look for supplemental heating sources for their homes. Space heaters can be
a good alternative for those who want to warm one area of their
home without turning up the thermostat on the central heating system. However, space heaters also are responsible for 32
percent of house fires, according to the National Fire Protection
Association.
If you plan to use a space heater this winter, review these tips
from United Electric Co-op to keep you and your family safe.
Materials
What are the components of your space heater made of? Parts
such as metal grating can be hot to the touch and may burn anyone who gets too close. Make sure you buy a heater that is cool
to the touch and has guards over the coils just in case little fingers
get too close.
Placement
While it can be tempting to place a small heater on a shelf so it is
not in the way of pets and children, it is safest to leave the heater
on a level floor on a nonflammable surface. Keeping the space
heater on the floor can keep it from falling over. Remember that
space heaters and bathrooms are not a good combination, unless
the heater is designed for bathroom use. Moisture can damage
the heater. The most important rule about space heater placement is the
three-foot rule. Whether you are using the heater in the bedroom, living room or kitchen, space heaters always should be
kept three feet away from flammable materials and out of the
way of children and pets.
Special Features
Does your space heater have an auto shutoff function if it tips
over? Auto shutoff can be a lifesaver. If you currently own a space
heater without auto shutoff, consider buying a heater with this
important safety feature.
Cords
Never use an extension cord when plugging in a space heater
because it can overheat The space heater should be plugged
directly into a wall outlet, and should be the only thing plugged
in to the wall outlet. Make sure cords are not in a high-traffic
area so they are not a tripping hazard.
Use
Never leave a heater unattended while in use.
J a n ua r y 2 0 1 5 25
Co-op Connections Card
Please support these businesses that participate in the Co-op Connections Card program
Al’s Pizza Shoppe
2510 Overland Ave., Burley
678-3040
Arby’s
594 N Overland Ave., Burley
678-8426
Barry Rental & Equipment
159 W Hwy 30, Burley
678-7368
Two medium pizzas for $14.99 or
$1.50 off any large pizza.
10 percent off purchase.
15 percent off rentals; 10 percent
off purchases excluding whole
goods, such as mowers, skid
steers and construction
equipment.
A&T Construction
194 E 200 S, Rupert
436-0738
5 percent off labor.
Animal Medical Clinic
284 S 600 W, Heyburn
679-4550
5 percent off all cash services.
28
j a n ua r y 2 0 1 5 Barclay Mechanical Services Inc.
100 S 490 W, Paul
438-8108
Clegg’s Service ’n Repair
Brad Clegg, owner
703 W Main, Burley
678-7697
Cell (208) 670-7624
Lube, oil and filter; up to 5 quarts
with card $24.95.
Clayville Insulation
250 E 100 S, Burley
678-9791
Columbia Electric Supply Co.
1027 Normal Ave., Burley
878-9035
slockner@cesburley.com
5 percent on existing residential
insulation.
Wholesale pricing on all cash
sales.
5 percent off metal purchase.
United Electric
Connections Credit Union
510 21st St., Heyburn
233-5544
New members receive a free
welcome gift and your initial $5
deposit.
D.L. Evans Bank
north Burley Branch
397 n. Overland avenue
678-9076
South Burley Branch
2281 Overland avenue
678-6000
rupert Branch
318 S. Oneida
436-2265
Larry’s Electric & Heating
1133 albion ave., Burley
678-4071
www.larryselectric
andheating.com
10 percent discount on filters and
light bulbs bought in the store.
Lee’s Furniture Clearance Outlet
459 Overland ave., Burley
878-4433
Upon showing card, receive up
to a 5 percent discount on
purchase.
Marble-N-Counters
1321 E Main, Burley
878-6042
5 percent discount on any marble
job.
Free small business checking
• Complimentary Visa check
debit/ATM card
• No annual fee Visa with a
business checking account
(upon approved credit)
• Free introductory order of
checks
Member FDIC
Farmers Corner
202 S Highway 27, Burley
678-5130
Free pop with gas purchase.
Greener Valley Computer
2853 Overland ave., Burley
678-0964
5 percent off any software in the
store.
Hansen Sign Company
1625 W 16th St., Burley
678-8892
10 percent off all sign work,
including trucks. Custom T-shirt
at $5+ tax—one per customer.
Mind & Body Wellness Center
2207 Overland ave., Burley
878-9418
20 percent off any services,
15 percent off nutrition. Free
consultation, Ideal Protein
Weight Loss program.
Mini-Cassia Chamber
of Commerce
1177 7th St., Heyburn
679-4793
www.minicassia
chamber.com
Check out our great selection of
Idaho gifts and jewelry. 25
percent discount on all retail
items, excluding consignment
and sale items.
NAPA Auto Parts
501 Overland ave., Burley
678-8311
7 percent discount on regularly
priced items upon presenting
card.
Ponderosa Golf
320 Minidoka ave., Burley
679-5730
Sweetheart Manor
Overland & 42nd St., Burley
678-8692
$1 off green fees, Monday
through Friday before 4 p.m.
10 percent off invitations. Use
Sweetheart Manor for receptions
and tuxedo rental and receive 30
percent discount on invitations.
Pro Paint Inc.
1116 Overland ave., Burley
878-0856
$5 off a $50 purchase.
Quality Tire Factory
822 S Onieda, rupert
436-3900
6 percent discount on regularly
priced items.
Sears Burley
2338 Overland ave., Burley
878-8004
Owned and operated by
ron and judy Fowler
10 percent off any regularly
priced merchandise.
Skaggs Furniture
Overland Shopping Center,
Burley
878-5100
Discount of up to 50 percent on
any non-sale items.
Snake River Bowl
725 Minidoka ave., Burley
679-2695
10 percent off regularly priced
bowling, food or merchandise
(league and tournament bowling
excluded).
Stars Ferry Building Supplies
20 S 300 W, Burley
678-5562
Ted’s Diesel Electric
1141 South Hwy 30, Heyburn
878-4991
10 percent discount once
a month on any rebuilt starter,
alternator or generator.
The Gathering Place
524 6th St., rupert
436-0455
10 percent off purchases,
excluding kits, batting and
quilting machines.
Tony’s Barbershop
1607 j St., Heyburn
(208) 219-0666
Families and walk-ins welcome!
Special price for seniors and
children.
Ward’s Cleaning & Detail
1131 E 18th Lane, Burley
878-5105
10 percent off carpet and
upholstery cleaning; 5 percent off
auto detailing.
Wilson Bates
Appliance & Furniture
2560 Overland ave., Burley
678-1133
Additional 5 percent off the best
sale price of any furniture. Burley
location only.
Free hat with $100 cash
purchase.
UNITED ELECTRIC
CO-OP, INC.
j a n ua r y 2 0 1 5
29
United
Electric
Co-op Inc.
Directors
President Dean Nielsen
Vice President Bruce Beck
Sec./Treas. Cordell Searle
Brent Bowen
Ronald Osterhout
David Phillips
George Toner
John R. West
General Manager
Jo Elg
Engineering and Operations
Trevor Parke
Line Superintendent
Dan Kidd
Executive Assistant
Penny West
Manager of Finance and Admin.
Curtiss Peterson
Community Relations Manager
Chris Seibold
Mailing address:
1330 21st St.
Heyburn, ID 83336
Phone: (208) 679-2222
Fax: (208) 679-3333
Email: uec@unitedelectric.coop
Website: www.uec.coop
Office hours: Monday-Friday,
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
After Hours: (208) 679-4444
ID-29
Co-op Connections at United Electric
Throughout America’s history, electric cooperatives have
thrived, growing to meet local needs in different parts of the
country. Electric cooperatives always have looked for ways to
provide value to our members and our community. In all of
our communities we have been a focal point, a connection, a
touchstone.
In 1998, electric cooperatives across the nation came together
to create a new team to help meet local needs. We call ourselves Jo Elg
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Touchstone Energy champions the value of the cooperative difference, and United Electric is glad to be a part of
the Touchstone Energy team.
What does all this mean to United Electric members?
As a Touchstone Energy cooperative, United Electric is able to offer our members
the Co-op Connections program. Many of you are familiar with the program. The
Co-op Connections Card, a member benefit card, is a money-saving tool offering discounts on everyday expenses at local and national retailers.
The Co-op Connections program is one of the ways United Electric supports local
businesses. It’s a win-win! The members win as they receive a discount at a local business; the local business wins as they see increased customer traffic. Next time you are
at a local business, ask them if they participate in the Co-op Connections program.
Simply show them your Co-op Connections Card and receive their discount. If you
are a local business owner and would like to be a part of this savings program, please
visit us.
Touchstone Energy has been working to increase the value of the Co-op
Connections program. In addition to the familiar prescription discount, the program
now offers discounts on dental, vision, hearing, lab work, imaging and chiropractor
visits. It’s called Healthy Savings.
The new Co-op Connections Card in this edition Ruralite has all the information you need to receive Healthy Savings discounts. The Co-op Connections program insert will answer many of your questions, or you can call us at 679-2222 for
information.
So, while our No. 1 priority is keeping the lights on, United Electric is committed to
bringing additional value to our members and the communities we serve. The Co-op
Connections program is just another way to accomplish that goal.
And best of all, you get these great benefits for free.
Jo Elg, General Manager
UNITED ELECTRIC
CO-OP, INC.
32
J A N UA R Y 2 0 1 5
Co-op Connections is a product of Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, a national alliance of more than
700 electric cooperatives working together to gain greater savings for members.