Now
Fair
78°
High
83°
Low
68°
Full Forecast

Jobs

Cars

Homes

Rentals

Alerts

Subscribe
Home > Local
Bookmark Us   •   Make Us Your Homepage

'Makeover' house has roof, but no Pennington

Comments 38 comment(s)  
E-mail Story E-mail Story
Print Story Print Story
Share  Share
Text Size: 
Tools Sponsor

By CINDY LANGE-KUBICK / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Nov 01, 2006 - 12:28:36 am CST

By late afternoon Tuesday the siding was up, the roof was on and the Ty Pennington watch was officially over on Platte Avenue in north Lincoln.

Word was out on the street: Pennington, the spiky-haired star of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” had left town.

Kansas, maybe, said one of the dozens of spectators watching the 4,000-square-foot English Tudor go up just down the block.

Story Photo
Volunteers continue to work on the construction of the Machacek home during filming of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" in Havelock on Tuesday afternoon. (Jill Peitzmeier)

Related Link(s):


Special section: Extreme Makeover: Lincoln Edition

“We heard he was in Illinois,” said Andi Wernke.

He’s coming back tomorrow, claimed her friend Amy Cassner.

“And he’ll be here for the rest of the week.”

Duane Hartman of Hartland Homes, the local construction company in charge of the build, confirmed that Pennington had indeed left the state to feel the love at another EHMO site.

ABC has two production crews, he said. Pennington and company land and do a “door knock” and spend a day or two filming and working, then fly off to do a “move that bus” scene, before returning to the original site.

“They go back and forth.”

Brenda Farrington, a local media coordinator, said Pennington was in Chicago Tuesday and would return later in the week.

Hartman, on the other hand, had left the home-in-the-making for just three hours since Monday.

He figured by early morning Wednesday volunteer workers would  have the plumbing, electrical work, heating and air-conditioning in and be at work installing kitchen cabinets and wood trim in the six-bedroom, six-bathroom house.

In the meantime, stone went up on a chimney for the outdoor fireplace, a La Paz Mexican Restaurant van drove up with dinner and an inflatable Dairy Queen ice cream cone mascot wandered the busy, busy street.

Well, at least for a few hours. Around 4 p.m. the cone’s handler called it quits.

She called out to the bouncy mascot walking down the sidewalk behind her.

“Joe, let’s go deflate you.”

Reach Cindy Lange-Kubick at 473-7218 or clangekubick@journalstar.com


$1 Sunday Delivery - Subscribe Today!
Local > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules
All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.
(optional)
   
Hide Comments Hide Comments   Newest First Newest First  
Allen wrote on November 1, 2006 3:49 am:
" Let's see here... If Hartland Homes is in charge of this project and they are finishing it in a week, then this house is set up for a disaster. This is probly the nicest house Hartland Homes has ever worked on. It is also the most difficult, because the house is not shaped like a square box. "

 Kris wrote on November 1, 2006 5:32 am:
" Um ... SIX BATHROOMS? Tell me that's a typo. Please. "

 Waterlily wrote on November 1, 2006 6:31 am:
" Too bad LJS doesn't respect other people's opinion. I posted a comment yesterday AM around 6:30...don't see it. I said nothing different than anyone else regarding the choice of recipients on the EHMO project. Where is the need? They all look pretty healthy and capable of working to me. And a trip to Paris to boot...nice timing Ken for a proposal. If they were wanting to get married and "blend" their families that much, why not be like the rest of the human race and figure out a way to do it? Too bad CBS had to let Nebraska down. My opinion people...I do have that right...right? "

 John Holmes wrote on November 1, 2006 7:16 am:
" Waterlily, how did CBS let Nebraska down? "

 Dan wrote on November 1, 2006 7:40 am:
" Here come the wieners. You know its ABC money, time, and film crews. Its ABC choice to do whatever it feels like doing for anybody. If they wanted to build Warren Buffet a new house, its there choice not yours. There are winners and losers in life. This family just got a gift of a lifetime. Be happy for them. "

 Jeremy wrote on November 1, 2006 7:51 am:
" Why is there so much debate over whether or not this family is "deserving"? We should just be happy that someone in our community gets this experience, and enjoy the week with them! "

 Nebraska person wrote on November 1, 2006 7:58 am:
" I think there are more needy people in Nebraska that could have used a better house. I would like to know how they decided this family deserved it. You see blended families every where and they are making it!!! "

 Sean wrote on November 1, 2006 7:59 am:
" I can't believe some of the sour grapes exhibited by the opinions posted by several individuals. Something good is being done for someone else and many people want to do nothing but criticize the decision. The short story is this - something good is happening for a family in Lincoln. Period. End of statement. Why should that be a bad thing? If this truly were the community we claim it to be we should be happy for them. I certainly am. A little envious? Perhaps. But, why should that keep that family from benefitting from the charity of others? Kudos to EMOHE and the dozens of donors and volunteers that are bringing this family's dreams closer to reality. "

 Jason wrote on November 1, 2006 8:12 am:
" I agree with you Waterlily in that I think there are families more deserving. But, it isn't your RIGHT to get anything printed in this paper or on their comment site. It's a PRIVATELY owned paper, and nobody's opinion can claim squatter's rights just because you click the "post comment" button. Your free speech right extends to you starting your own paper, not the right to have everything you say printed in it. And by the way if you want to have your opinion posted, it probably helps if you get the show's network right. "

 Alan wrote on November 1, 2006 8:26 am:
" The reason your comment is not on here is because this is a new article for today. See date above. If you posted a comment yesterday then it would not be on here it would be on yesterday's article. "

 Dee wrote on November 1, 2006 8:47 am:
" How cool is this! Extreme home makeover is in Lincoln building a home for someone. Wow! And yet someone is commenting on why they are there, I don't remember anyone mentioning that they search for the most deserving family just a family with a need and the right set of circumataces to be able to fulfill that need. If you know someone more deserving have you nominated them? Come on, be pro-active don't just sit back and criticise the choices of others. If you are not part of the solution.... "

 Tammy wrote on November 1, 2006 8:58 am:
" Wow, people are complainaing about someone else getting a break. There are needy families everywhere. This family is better off because they took a chance and submitted it to ABC. They were chosen by ABC. They are living a dream and don't ruin it because you are jealous. The builder might not be the best but I'm sure that it is better than what they had. Remember all of the volunteers that are working around the clock. I'm sure they are doing everything within code and so on. Be thankful for what you have and obviously not in need or you would have submitted a tape to ABC. I'm sure the Machacek family is thankful for what they had before this happened and for what they will have. "

 Geri wrote on November 1, 2006 9:17 am:
" For the millionth time, it is not who is most deserving, it is about making an interesting TV show. "

 Unknown wrote on November 1, 2006 9:54 am:
" I cannot believe that some of the Lincoln community are complaining about this family getting a home. To those that feel this way I would love to say get a life. I am glad this family is getting there dream home and able to be under one roof together. "

 Kennedy wrote on November 1, 2006 10:07 am:
" I think you nay sayers need to stop your whining and be happy for this family. Who cares of they aren't the most destitute family in town? At least they both have jobs and work for a living. They appear to be good citizens! I'd much rather see this new home go to someone who works for a living, instead of someone who can't hold a 9-5 job because they are too lazy to work or someone who lives off welfare! I say congratulations to these people and I am happy for them! "

 Get a Life already!!! wrote on November 1, 2006 10:45 am:
" I am baffled by the way people can hate so much. The very idea that someone can poop on someone else’s good luck and dreams without even knowing them or their situations is sick. You all should be ashamed of your comments. Can you really sit here and say no way are they deserving of such a prize? Please keep your pessimistic and angry comments to yourself. Give Lincoln something it truly needs, some optimism and pocket the disrespect. Do us all a favor, if you do not have something nice to say, then do not say anything at all. They do deserve this because they asked for it. Please give it a rest and go volunteer; you might actually have fun!!!!! "

 Not so great wrote on November 1, 2006 11:23 am:
" All you people that think this is so great, how about you talk to the next door neighbors of this place. One neighbor had his shed torn down by the city last year because it was too close to the alley but yet this house can be built the same distance from the alley?!? Interesting! So will the city tear this house down?!? I feel so sorry for the neighbors. "

 Blue shirt wrote on November 1, 2006 11:24 am:
" I'll say this once: quit reacting to the naysayers. Keep up the good work volunteers...You're almost there! "

 BC wrote on November 1, 2006 11:40 am:
" Everybody relax it's not your money so don't worry about it. Just let these people enjoy there lives without your negative judgements "

 Courtney wrote on November 1, 2006 11:46 am:
" Does anyone know what time the big unveil of the house will be on Friday? I'm very happy for the family and would love to see the reactions on their faces when they come home to their new house and the whole community to support them. I think it is absolutly amazing what this show does for the families, and how it can bring a community together!!! "

 Karina wrote on November 1, 2006 12:43 pm:
" I am a huge fan of EHMO and generally enjoy the stories that go with. I think my biggest gripe is just to remind everyone whether you're happy for this family or not, to volunteer and do good deeds all year round. Just because a major company with big money is in town and there is alot of publicity to go with, people's hearts open up. Why not do this year round?? Think about it folks! "

 Time on my hands wrote on November 1, 2006 12:50 pm:
" During a discussion with others, the following questions came up: Doesn't a new foundation have to cure or dry out for a period of time before building? How'd they do that? If a home has an existing loan, wouldn't the lender require it to be paid in full before demolition? How'd they handle that? Will the new home be difficult to appraise since there aren't others like it in the area? Or are their others like it in the area? Just wondering...best wishes and congratulations to the recipients of this good fortune. "

 Lisa wrote on November 1, 2006 1:03 pm:
" I can't believe how quick you people are to judge. It is obvious that all of you with negative posts are not familier with the Fullerton family. That being said I'm confident that you have not seen the tape nominating this family for an EHMO. How do any of you know that this family has not seen more than thier fair share of hard times. ABC always does a wonderful job of giving the viewer a background as to why this family is deserving. I am familier with and do know a little bit of background on the Fullerton family, and trust me they are very deserving, I hope that all of you "naysayers" are ashamed of yoursleves after you watch this episode on TV. I say congratulations and best wishes! "

 Dan wrote on November 1, 2006 1:39 pm:
" A additive can be added to concrete to make it cure faster. It's not cheap and the work time is greatly reduced. They use this additive on highways so that they can open that portion to vehicle traffic in a matter of a day compared to a week. I'm sure all legal aspects with this house has been taken care of by ABC. Permits and inspections are also paid for on a hourly bases so that they don't have to wait for a inspector to show up. Anything is possible with enough money. "

 Tiff wrote on November 1, 2006 1:47 pm:
" Why do people keep trying to turn this into a negative situation, Im sure that this family is deserving, we do not all know the story yet, we only know the little bits and pieces that we have heard. And to those out there that keep wondering about the foundation, the use an expensive additive in the cement to make it cure faster. Also to all of those out there that are worried about codes, there is someone on sight at all times to make sure that things are done to code. Also I'm sure that they did not just tear the house down and build a new one, I'm sure they like anyone else had to get building permits, and they know where the house can and cant go, they wouldn't put it to close to the alley if it was not permitted. EVERY ONE NEEDS TO STOP COMPLAING ABOUT THIS AND JUST BE HAPPY THAT A FAMILY IN LINCOLN HAS BEEN CHOSEN!!! "

 Neighbor wrote on November 1, 2006 1:56 pm:
" Don't feel sorry for the neighbors...we are very excited to have something like this happen in our own neighborhood. We are excited for the Machacek/Fullerton families. All of the naysayers should have applied for themselves to be on the show. Being jealous and negative isn't going to help anything nor is it going to bring us down as a community. They are deserving and best wishes to them on becoming one family....FINALLY!! "

 WHATHEHECK wrote on November 1, 2006 2:08 pm:
" You deserve it - I deserve it - we all deserve a new home. Stop whining and look at the PR that Lincoln will get!! "

 just talking wrote on November 1, 2006 2:18 pm:
" Although I am really happy for the family that is getting their dream home, I do believe that they could have helped someone more deserving like the family with autistic children whose house and foundation are in dire need of restoration or someone else. I have been in the same place of trying to bring two families together in a run down house and no one lifted a finger to help. Anything we needed done we did ourselves and together as a family. It was, afterall, their decision to bring two families together and they could have sold that house and moved to another....Come on SIX bathrooms??!!! I am happy to have just one. And what's with the marriage proposal? Is it just because they are getting a new house that they even want to get married or what? "

 Kennedy wrote on November 1, 2006 2:39 pm:
" Did you send in an audition tape to be on the show? If not, then get over it. These people took the initiative to get this new home, and as Lisa said previously, they may be very deserving. What makes your crumbly foundation any more deserving than theirs? You obviously didn't understand the many stories that were written. It clearly said that they wanted to get married but could sell the house because of the foundation and all those people couldn't live in a 2 bedroom house. In any case, it doesn't matter. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and DO SOMETHING about it. These people did, and they got a huge reward. "

 Louise wrote on November 1, 2006 3:32 pm:
" After about the 10th EHMO article, I would have figured that people would get the formula down for these chat rooms and try to avoid it: Post #1 or #2=Comment about whether the family deserves it; Posts #3-98=Comments constantly rehashing the fact that one or two people are being negative. In the future, don't even give the negative posts an acknowledgement because that is what they are fishing for. "

 a couple more questions wrote on November 1, 2006 5:02 pm:
" Do they have to pay off the mortgage on the old house? How much do you think bills will be for a 4,000 sq ft home? If my wife was in charge of the thermostat at a place like that, the bills would be pretty close to our current mortgage payment, LOL. Is there any kind of warantee on the house? I know I'd want one if Hartland Homes was the builder. I heard a rumor that they were grandparents, is that true? Thanks for your answers and keep up the good work. "

 To Whatheheck wrote on November 1, 2006 6:37 pm:
" Lincoln will get PR from surrounding towns and villages. Yeah we really need that. Nationwide it means nothing!!!! Some people that watch that show probably does not know what a Lincoln Nebraska is until they watch the show, and then will never hear that name again and they couldnt care less!!! "

 Mark wrote on November 1, 2006 7:53 pm:
" Who cares!! I dont watch the show and dont care. I'm sure it will not pass code anyway. "

 co-worker wrote on November 1, 2006 8:12 pm:
" congrats kenny and family. i think it great you got this.hope the nay sayers dont ruin it for you be happy and enjoy it. "

 Jaime wrote on November 1, 2006 9:10 pm:
" Who cares they are doing a good deed. I don't see many people around this area doing a good deed. Let them be happy. If you wanted to be on the show then you should've made a tape and sent it in. What is world coming to people judge others by how they look, feel, dress, and if you are high on the economic status or if you are the poorest person around. People in America are so eager to judge and not give people a chance. Maybe there is a reason why these 2 families are getting a new house. We need to just be supportive and wait for the episode to air. "

 A Havelock neighbor... wrote on November 1, 2006 10:43 pm:
" This has been an exciting time for Lincolnites. Has anything came to Havelock like this before? Let us let go of our selfishness, envy,jealousy,and judgement of this couple and be happy for them. "

 TO Waterlily: wrote on November 1, 2006 10:58 pm:
" I posted twice in previous days too regarding the "need" factor and they never got printed. Seems the LJS, since its up to its ears in donating to and promoting this; has a vested interest in ensuring most posts here are of the happy type, not negative. How will a guy who couldn't afford to fix his bathroom sink going to afford the heating, cooling and taxes on this home? "

 jlc wrote on November 1, 2006 11:10 pm:
" to the people who are judging these people, who are you too judge? Are you God? I think not. These people are trying to raise a family and unite their families into one, more power to them. I am happy for them and the people who are on here and complaining should get a life of their own! "

Ads by Yahoo!

More Stories In Local