Document losses, expenses as first step in financial recovery after a flood

Flood victims can begin to address the financial issues that accompany disaster soon after securing safe shelter. Documentation is a key to recovery. "You may think you will remember important conversations and details, but chances are you won't be able to remember all of them," says Phyllis Onstad, a family resource management educator with University of Minnesota Extension.  

A notebook and calendar are helpful tools. "Record the date of each entry and the crucial details of the conversation, appointments or meeting," says Onstad. Include actions to be taken or next steps and who will do them. Record the complete name and contact information of the person and agency you are dealing with. 

Here's an example:

June 18
3:30 p.m.: Contacted Peoples Natural Gas Co. (phone number), requested gas shut off as soon as possible. Spoke with Tony Hernandez in Customer Service-Ext 3. They expect to do within 24-48 hours. Call back Customer Service to confirm before going into home. Billing authorized to stop on June 18. 

If you have homeowners or renter's insurance you will need to provide proof of property ownership, estimated value and damage incurred. If you do not have insurance, you may be able to use the property loss as a deduction on your income taxes.

When it is safe to enter the property, document proof of all property loss with photos and written details: manufacturer, model, serial number, age, value new, approximate current value and damage incurred. Remember to also document damage outside of the home. This may be the time to recruit family, friends and co-workers to assist you. 

Keep receipts and record all expenses related to recovery or rebuild efforts. They may be covered by insurance, assistance programs or be deductible on taxes. For examples, remember receipts for lodging,  clean-up supplies, eyewear replacements, doctor bills related to disaster injury, and other related expenses. 

If you cannot stay in your home community, decide who will be your local communications contact. Onstad emphasizes that staying in communication and obtaining timely and accurate information about disaster recovery and assistance programs is another key to your financial recovery.

Immediately after a disaster it is important to receive accurate community recovery information. Attend or send a representative to all community meetings, often conducted by local officials or County Emergency Management. Potential information shared at these meetings include: if cleanup supplies are available, programs available and disaster recovery updates.

Find more educational disaster recovery information on Extension's website at www.extension.umn.edu/disasterresponse/.   

Extension's AnswerLine (800-854-1678) can provide answers to household and family-oriented questions, and is staffed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

Putting the pieces back together after a flood

A natural disaster can strike anywhere at any time, leaving in its wake damage and destruction that affects the financial well-being of survivors. You may be in disbelief, yet anxious to start to put the pieces back together. You may not be able to return to your property until it is declared safe, but you can take steps toward financial recovery. 

Here are actions to take, depending on your situation, suggested by Phyllis Onstad, family development educator at University of Minnesota Extension:

• Notify your homeowners, flood or rental insurance company of the loss. Tell them how to best contact you for claims service. Report the loss even if you doubt the loss will be covered. If you lost your insurance policy, request a copy.
• If you have no place to stay, you may be able to receive a voucher for a hotel room from the local American Red Cross or Salvation Army. If you have home owners or renters insurance, determine if you have coverage for temporary housing.
• When feasible, contact employers to inform them of your situation and determine time you may take off of work, if needed. Let your employer know how to best contact you.
• If an employer notifies you that your place of employment was severely damaged or destroyed and you cannot work; contact your state's unemployment insurance office. Ask about eligibility for unemployment benefits.
• If injured or disabled, you may be eligible for disability insurance; contact your agent.
• If you have natural gas service, call the natural gas company for a safety inspection before entering the home, or request a natural gas shut off for safety purposes. Cancel the account until gas is needed. 
• If the electrical service is unsafe, do not enter. Call the electrical company to disconnect service until repairs can be made.

When authorities have determined that it's safe to re-enter your property, assess damages and begin next steps. Document what you have done, with whom you have spoken, actions to take, contact information, deadlines for disaster assistance applications and appointments. 

• Determine if there are other services to cancel for a period of time, such as phone, softener salt delivery, cable television.
• If you are going to be out of your home or rental unit, provide a change of address to your post office. This will ensure that mail continues to be delivered to you.
• Notify your home mortgage company or your landlord of disaster damage to the property. Tell them how to best contact you. If you have lost your rental or mortgage agreement, request a copy.
• If you have vehicle damage or loss, contact your auto insurance agent. Find out how long it will take to process your claim. Ask if you have coverage for car rental. Let the agent know how to best contact you. Request a copy of your policy if missing. 
• Do not sign anything from insurance companies indicating that this is a final interaction/payment to you, as other disaster-related damages may surface weeks and months from now.
• If you anticipate having difficulty paying bills, call your creditors and explain the disaster loss. Arrange payment plans before you get an overdue notice. 
• Documentation will be required for property loss claims on homeowners and renters insurance, to submit uncovered property losses for income tax purposes, and to verify the need for assistance programs. Documentation should include: manufacturer, model, serial number, age, value new, approximate current value and damage incurred.
• Keep receipts and record all expenses related to recovery or rebuild efforts. They may be covered by insurance, assistance programs or deductible on taxes. Remember receipts for lodging, clean-up supplies, eyeglasses replacement and doctor bills related to disaster injury. 

Find more educational disaster recovery information on Extension's website at www.extension.umn.edu/disasterresponse/. Helpful publications at this website include: 

• Financial Recovery from a Disaster: Where Do I Start?
• Financial Recovery from a Disaster: Planning for Clean Up
• Financial Recovery from a Disaster: Communication and Documentation

Extension's AnswerLine (800-854-1678) can provide answers to household and family-oriented questions, and is staffed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

October “One Book, One Rosemount” events happening at Robert Trail (Rosemount) Library

The following events are happening at the Robert Trail Library in October.  Most are directly associated with One Book, One Rosemount.  All events will be held in the library's meeting room unless otherwise noted.

Author Paul Maccabee will share his findings on John Dillinger and other gangsters in Minnesota on Saturday October 9, 2-4 pm.  Appropriate for ages 12 and older.

The Friends of the Robert Trail Library will read and discuss favorite passages from the One Book selection A Long Way from Chicago on Monday October 11 from 7-8 pm.  Ages 16 & older.

The Rosemount Area Historical Society will tell the story of hobos, the Depot Hotel, and Rosemount during the Great Depression on Tuesday October 12 from 6:30-8 pm.  Ages 16 & older.

A Pie Baking Contest and Pie Social will be held on Wednesday October 13.  Amateur bakers are encouraged to submit an entry before 5 pm and then come to the library from 7-8 pm to enjoy a slice of pie and hear the winners announced. 

The Dakota County Historical Society will present a program on Dakota County in the 1930s (the time period of A Long Way from Chicago) on Saturday October 16 from 1-3 pm

Old time games – hopscotch, marbles, checkers and more – will be played on Sunday October 17 from 2-3 pm.  For ages 6-12.

The Kairos Dance Theater will present a dance program Dances of the Heart on Monday October 18 from 6:30-7:15 pm.  Kairos uses dancers of all ages and abilities, modern and folk dance, improvisation and oral history to build a sense of community and respect for our diverse experiences and histories.  This is a Minnesota Legacy program, suitable for all ages.

Author Ann Zemke will share the heartwarming story of her grandmother, Marjorie Peterson, an Orphan Train Rider, through a very special quilt and talk on Tuesday October 19 from 6:30-8 pm.  Suitable for ages 16 and older.

Explore Family History on the Internet in a class held on Wednesday October 20 from 1-3 pm.  Discover some of the best websites and learn to use Ancestry Library Edition free at the library.  Registration is required and begins on October 6.  Prerequisite: basic Internet knowledge.  Ages 16 and older.  This event will be held in the library's Computer Lab.

PEEPS® for Peck will be a fun activity for teens, ages 12-18, to talk about A Long Way from Chicago and create scenes from the book using PEEPS®.  Saturday October 23 from 2-3:30 pm.

Have you ever wanted to write a memoir, tell your story for yourself or your family?  Learn the basics of getting your thoughts and ideas from pen to paper in a Guthrie Theater Workshop entitled Your Story : Intro to Memoir Writing on Saturday October 23 from 2-3:30 pm.  Registration required.  This is a Minnesota Legacy program.  Ages 16 and older.

Children ages 8-12 are invited to come and share and discuss their favorite passages from Rosemount's One Book selection A Long Way from Chicago on Monday October 25 from 7-8 pm.

The Robert Trail Book Discussion Group will meet on Tuesday October 26 from 7-8 pm to discuss the One Book selection A Long Way from Chicago.  Meetings of the group are open to all readers ages 16 and older, and new attendees are always welcome.

Please call the library for more information on any of these programs or to register, and we look forward to seeing you at the library!  651-480-1200, Robert Trail Library, 14395 S. Robert Trail, Rosemount.

Dakota County to close CR 96 Thursday

Following heavy rains and flooding, Dakota County Transportation staff will close County Road 96 in Greenvale Township on Thursday, Sept. 30 at about 8 a.m. The road

will remain closed until the work is completed on Friday afternoon. For more information, please call the Dakota County Transportation Department at 952-891-7900. 

Wellness Education at Northfield Hospital: “Can’t Eat Wheat” support group meets on October 4

The Northfield area “Can’t Eat Wheat” support group will feature “What’s New? What’s Old What’s Great” at the meeting on Monday, October 4, in the Northfield Hospital Conference Center at 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Mary Bassett, a member of the Northfield group, will provide an update from the national Gluten Intolerance Group conference that was held in Minneapolis this past summer. Then, members are asked to share recipes, websites, new publications or any other information that has been proven helpful.

The Northfield “Can’t Eat Wheat” group focuses on living well with celiac disease, gluten intolerance or wheat allergies. Those who are coping with this condition or are interested in learning more are welcome to attend. There is no cost for this program. For additional information, contact Jody at 507-663-6071, or contact the education office at Northfield Hospital.

Interactive Workshop for First-Time Voters at Farmington Library Oct. 12

The Metropolitan Library Services Agency (MELSA) and the metro public libraries are pleased to partner with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State to bring "Minnesota Votes" voting workshops to dozens of metro public libraries between now and the general election. The Dakota County Farmington Library will host a voting workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m.

These interactive workshops are designed for anyone who is a first-time voter - all ages and election experience levels. The workshops are free and open to the public, and will simulate a day at the polls, from registration to placing your ballot in the ballot counter. While the workshops last between 45-60 minutes, the facilitators will stay as long as needed to answer everyone's questions and ensure that participants are comfortable with the voting process.

"I thank the metro public libraries for their continuing commitment to civic engagement," Secretary of State Mark Ritchie said. "Our office is excited about the opportunity to partner with the libraries to provide voter education workshops that engage voters about the importance of voting and prepare them to be active participants in our democracy." For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library or call 651-438-0250. The Dakota County Farmington Library is located at 508 3rd St., Farmington.

U of M Tourism Center film wins regional Emmy

"Tourism in Minnesota, Ideas at Play," a half-hour special made in collaboration with Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) highlighting the role of tourism in Minnesota's economy, won a regional Emmy award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The award was announced Sept. 25, 2010, at the Upper Midwest Regional Emmy Awards Gala at the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis.

The University of Minnesota Tourism Center video production features the stories of five regional tourism initiatives, highlighting how collaboration among businesses and individuals creates commendable, sustainable contributions to local economies. The program also features the university's role of research and education in supporting community tourism efforts.

"This award is a testament to the collaborative nature of Minnesota tourism," said Ingrid Schneider, director of the Tourism Center. "The film celebrates University and community partnerships, and the film itself was a collaborative effort among our partners."

The program won the Emmy for Outstanding Business and Consumer Program Special. The TPT production team of Steve Spencer (producer), Tom Trow (executive in charge), Joseph Demko, John Kendall, Jim Kron and Valerie Mondor share the award.

"Tourism in Minnesota, Ideas at Play" can be viewed regularly on Twin Cities Public Television stations and online at www.tourism.umn.edu/NewsEvents/Videos.

The University of Minnesota Tourism Center is a collaboration of University of Minnesota Extension and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. For more information on the Tourism Center, visit www.tourism.umn.edu.

Choose your fall tillage methods based on soil conditions

Fall tillage decisions became a lot more complicated because of the heavy rains in September. Flooding and the prospects for another wet harvest season will make effectively using tillage to manage residues more difficult. University of Minnesota Extension research can provide some guidance.

In a dry fall, there are more options for residue management, and deeper tillage will have less negative effect on the soil. Even so, different implements have differing effects on soil structure and residue incorporation. Chisel plows have more of a lifting effect on the soil and the soil tends to fracture along natural plains. Extension research shows that chisel plows can incorporate about 50 to 70 percent of the residue.

A disk has more down pressure. The smearing and shearing effect breaks apart more soil structure than chisels. However, disks are very effective at cutting and sizing residue for decomposition, making planting easier in the spring. Depending on the shape and size of the disk, 40 to 80 percent of the residue is incorporated.

 

If your fields are wet during harvest and ruts are created, the first instinct is to aggressively fill them in. To protect the existing soil structure, just fill in the ruts with light tillage by running equipment at an angle. You may need two or three passes to accomplish this. These areas will not yield as well as the non-rutted area, but there is not much you can do to change this.

 

When the soils are wet and residue management is the main issue, a light tillage pass with a vertical-till implement is useful for sizing and incorporating some residue and introducing air to the soil. Vertical tillage runs 1 to 3 inches deep and uses straight or wavy coulters, a harrow, with rolling baskets being optional. Vertical tillage fluffs-up the remaining residue with shallow penetration and minimal soil movement.

 

Lifting wet soils can create clods. If using a chisel plow or disk ripper, shallow up the shanks, and use narrow points. The wings have a higher potential for smearing the soil. Clods in themselves are not bad going into winter; they will leave more surface area for water infiltration. However, a field with clods is more difficult to break apart and may need multiple tillage passes in the spring to get ready for planting.

 

Keep your options open as things can change quickly. Visit the tillage page on the University of Minnesota Extension website at www.extension.umn.edu/tillage  for more information. By Jodi DeJong-Hughes, University of Minnesota Extension

Nurturing our most important crop through 4-H

The most important crop that we raise in Minnesota is our young people. The future of our state depends on the skills and abilities of the next generation.

The challenge of preparing tomorrow's leaders is one reason I believe so strongly in youth organizations like 4-H, where young people take the lead in addressing today's challenges. Each year, more than 113,000 kids throughout Minnesota participate in 4-H and learn skills that they will use throughout their lives: exploring, learning, gaining confidence and giving back to their communities. 

As we celebrate National 4-H Week Oct. 3-9, 2010, I encourage you to take a look at your local 4-H and recognize the young people stepping up and taking responsibility for their future and ours. This is also a good time to say thank you to the 13,000 Minnesota adults who make a difference by volunteering their time to help 4-H participants each year. 4-H is Minnesota's largest youth serving program, providing young people with opportunities to learn and grow in all 87 counties.

 I am a former 4-H'er who has benefitted from the way 4-H builds leadership ability, confidence and decision-making skills. What 4-H'ers "learn by doing" makes a difference not only in their lives, but in the lives of everyone around them. Minnesota 4-H'ers learn to work hard and set goals in projects ranging from exhibiting livestock to photography to rocketry. Today, there are many ways to get involved in 4-H, including traditional clubs, after-school programs and outreach and community service projects.

A 2009 report on positive youth development from Tufts University confirmed the positive impact that 4-H has on young people. According to the study, young people who take part in 4-H:

• have better grades and are more emotionally engaged with school
• score higher in their ability to make friends and work well with others
• are more than twice as likely to contribute to their communities
• are less likely to experience depression and 47 percent less likely to have risky or problem behaviors

Minnesota is fortunate to have dedicated professionals and volunteers who invest time in programs that provide opportunities and guidance to our youth. At University of Minnesota Extension, we are proud to provide opportunities for 4-H participants to develop their "head, heart, hands and health" for the benefit of their families, their clubs, their communities, their country and their world.

To learn more about Minnesota 4-H, visit www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H. To watch a short video of Minnesota 4-H in action, visit www.extension.umn.edu/source. By Bev Durgan, Dean, University of Minnesota Extension

Learn Beginning Genealogy at Farmington Library Oct. 9

Learn Beginning Genealogy at Farmington Library Oct. 9. Workshop and Ellis Island exhibit highlight immigration experience.

On Saturday, Oct. 9, 10:30-noon, join Vicki Young Albu at the Farmington Library for "Beginning Genealogy: A Brief Introduction to Family History Research."  The free workshop will include:  getting organized, taking inventory of what you know, preparing a research plan, locating resources, and keeping it all straight.  Albu is a founding member of the Dakota County Genealogical Society.  Her interest in genealogy was sparked by her grandmother's tales of arriving at Ellis Island as a child in 1911.

Ellis Island is the theme of a traveling exhibit on display at the Farmington Library from Oct. 4-16.  The Teacher's Discovery Traveling Exhibit features the words and pictures of the millions who made their way to America through the "Golden Door" at Ellis Island.  The exhibit celebrates American history and the immigration experience.

These presentations are part of Dakota County Library's annual Minnesota Mosaic® cultural arts series, which is sponsored by The Dakota County Library Foundation. This project was also funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. All Minnesota Mosaic® events are free and open to all ages. 

Pleasant Hill Library Events

Story Times Feature Bright Smiles and White Teeth At The Library

 

Children and their caregivers will have a chance to polish up on their dental care during story times at the Pleasant Hill Library this week.

     On Tuesday, October 5 at 10:30 a.m., toddlers age 2 to 3 years old are invited to a special story time featuring tooth care and dentists.  A special guest from the Public Health Department will be on hand for demonstrations and questions. 

     On Wednesday, October 6 at 10:30 a.m., preschoolers age 4 to 6 years old are invited to their own story time, also featuring dental care.  Preschoolers will be treated to demonstrations by a representative of the Public Health Department, as well.  At the end of preschool story time, children will be invited to make a craft, which they may take home with them.  All story times are free, and no registration is required.  For more information, call the library at 651-438-0200.

                                            

Baby Story Time Scheduled for October 4 At the Library

 

Babies age birth to 2 years old are invited to the Pleasant Hill Library on Monday, October 4 at 10:15 a.m. for a special story time geared just for newborns and crawlers!.  Baby story time is filled with stories, songs, bounces and playtime.  It's never too early to start a child on the road to reading.  Baby story time is free and no registration is required.  

                                       

Learn to Write Your Personal Memoir at The Pleasant Hill Library

    

Writing your personal memoir can be a wonderful way to share your story.  You may have life lessons to pass on or a fascinating history to share. Even if you are not a writer, you can still create a memoir to provide a family heirloom for future generations .

 Don't let those memories disappear forever.  Pleasant Hill Library is offering a free workshop on Wednesday, October  6 from 2-3:30  taught by  the Guthrie Theater  teaching staff called "Your Story:  Introduction to Memoirs"  If you are thinking about putting your memories on paper, this introductory class is for you!   Learn the basics of getting your thoughts and ideas from pen to paper.  Create an interesting record of your life's most important events that your friends and family will cherish for years to come.  Reservations required. Call 651-438-0200 or register online at www.dakotacounty.us/library.  This is a Minnesota Legacy Program.

 

Enjoy History?  Enjoy Reading? Join the LeDuc Book Club

Are you looking for a group of readers that share your interest in reading books about history?  The LeDuc Historic Estate hosts such a group every first Thursday of the month with a book group that is a partnership between the Dakota County Historical Society and Dakota County's Pleasant Hill Library. The LeDuc Book Group has been meeting for the past several years in the very library that General LeDuc met to discuss literature with his contemporaries.

The group tends to focus on works of local, state, national, and world history, but is not adverse to mixing in historical fiction, the classics, current history "in the making", and even throws in a good mystery once and a while for a change of pace. "We've read books about the First Minnesota Regiment at Gettysburg, the hurricane that destroyed Galveston, Henry Hastings Sibley, a serial killer that stalked the Chicago World's Fair, and the Armistice Day Blizzard that caught many unfortunate duck hunters on the Mississippi just south of Hastings.", reports Allan Cotter, Pleasant Hill Library manager who leads the discussion. "It's been a good sized group (6-8 members) and the atmosphere of meeting the general's own library is very cozy."

The Leduc Book Group meets the first Thursday of the month at the Leduc Historic Estate, 1629 Vermillion Street, Hastings, at 6:30 P.M.  The next book club meeting will be October 7.  The October selection is Open Season, by C.J. Box.  Copies of the book are available at the Pleasant Hill Library.

U of M Extension announces flood web, phone resources

University of Minnesota Extension announced today its coordinated system of online and phone answer resources available for those with flood-related questions. Heavy rains on top of saturated soils over the past week have created flooding in several Minnesota communities. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has declared a state of emergency.

Citizens can access the most up-to-date information on flood response, safety and cleanup by visiting Extension's flood and water website, www.extension.umn.edu/Flood, or calling Extension's toll free phone services, the Flood Information Line (1-800-232-9077) and the AnswerLine (1-800-854-1678).

"When extreme weather creates challenging situations, Extension's role is to respond rapidly with the research-based information people need most," said Extension Dean Beverly Durgan. "Our staff across Minnesota work with state and federal partners and their colleagues in neighboring states to deliver information via community efforts, our website and our phone answer lines."

Extension's online resources include information for families and agricultural producers, for the immediate hazards as well as coping with the long-term aspects of clean-up and family financial recovery.

Extension's Flood Information Line is a resource for questions about water, crops, horticulture and climatology issues. Extension's AnswerLine provides answers to household and family oriented questions, including food safety concerns. Both phone services will refer callers to appropriate state and federal agencies if additional information is needed. 

For more information on disaster response resources from University of Minnesota Extension, visit www.extension.umn.edu/extreme-weather. 

 

 

Dakota County road closure

County Road 96 closed due to flooding

 

County Road 96 is closed in Greenvale Township in Dakota County between Holyoke Ave. and Idalia Ave. due to flooding. A detour is in place. The road will remain closed through the weekend and will reopen on Monday, Sept. 27 if conditions allow. For more information, please contact Dakota County Transportation at 952-891-7900.

Flu Shot Clinics at Dakota County Library

Dakota County Library will host the Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency (MVNA) flu shot clinics from September 30 to October 8 at several branch locations.

Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency is a nonprofit in-home and community health nursing care provider based in the Twin Cities, and is a Mark of Excellence flu shot provider as designated by the Minnesota Department of Health.

Vaccination Clinic Details

Wentworth Library
199 E. Wentworth Ave.
West St. Paul

October 7 4-8 PM
October 8 10 AM-2 PM
October 9 10 AM-2 PM

Robert Trail Library
14395 S. Robert Trail
Rosemount
September 30 4-8 PM
October 1 10 AM-2 PM
October 2 10 AM-2 PM

Pleasant Hill Library
1490 S. Frontage Rd.
Hastings
September 30 4-8 PM
October 8 10 AM-2 PM
October 9 10 AM-2 PM

Heritage Library
20085 Heritage Dr.
Lakeville
October 1 10 AM-2 PM
October 8 10 AM-2 PM

2010 Vaccination Clinic Reminders:
Ages 3 years and older may receive the flu vaccination.
Accepted health insurance plans are listed on the consent form.
Health insurance card(s) or a photo copy (front only) is required for billing insurance.
Picture ID (ex. Driver’s License or Employee Badge) is required. (New for 2010)
Check/Cash Fees for vaccinations are:

Vaccination & Price
Flu Shot- $26.00
*FluMist -$32.00
HD Flu Zone -$50.00
Pneumonia -$57.00

*Nurse will bring FluMIst – and FluMist consent forms – while supplies last.

Please visit http://www.MVNAflushot.org for questions and additional locations.

List of Flood-Related Road Closures

Multiple highways across southeastern Minnesota are closed or partially blocked due to water over the roads, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Long-term Closure (estimated up to one week):

Northbound Highway 52 between Goodhue County Road 11 and Highway 60 near Pine Island due to culvert separation.

Detour: Goodhue County Road 11 to Wabasha County Road 1 to Highway 60 and west back to Highway 52. Expect long delays. Motorists should avoid the area.

Closed Highways: 
NEW Highway 56 south of West Concord 
Detour: Use local roads

Highway 218 at Highway 14 - road and ramps closed 
Detour: Use local roads

Highway 74 north of Elba 
Detour: Use local roads

Highway 58 north of Zumbrota 
Detour changed to Goodhue County Road 10, east to Wabasha County Road 1 then north to Goodhue County Road 16 and west to Highway 58. Motorists should avoid the area.

Highway 60 west of Kenyon 
Detour: North on Rice County Road 26, east on Highway 246, south on Highway 56 and then back to Highway 60.

Partially water-covered or mud-covered highways with a single lane open to traffic: 
Highway 14 west of Owatonna, near Meriden 
Highway 63 north of Zumbro Falls

Flooding is difficult to predict and roads may be closed or restricted without warning. Motorists are advised to check road conditions in advance of travel.

Mn/DOT crews are working around the clock to make highways safe, control flooding and repair roads when waters recess.

Every flood is dangerous to motorists. If you must travel follow these safe driving practices: Expect the unexpected? Flash floods can occur anytime, anywhere. Flooding can knock out bridges, undercut highways and clog roads with mudslides and debris. Mn/DOT will identify which roads are closed and warn motorists of potential pavement break up or soft shoulders that could give way. Drivers are warned not to drive around barricades and to check the state's traveler information Web site www.511mn.org or call 5-1-1 for road conditions, closures and alternate routes. 

NOTE: Please use the low bandwidth option, as current high traffic volumes cause updating delays with the high bandwidth version. Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups. 

When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. In addition, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.

BABYSITTING TRAINING at Northfield Hospital

The American Red Cross and Northfield Hospital prepares young people to be babysitters through a six-hour, one-day class. A certified instructor will focus on leadership, basic care, safety and safe play, as well as some first aid.

Choose from one of two Saturdays, October 9 or October 30. Also available are classes on December 4, January 29, or February 12, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Northfield Hospital. The American Red Cross stipulates that students must be between the ages of 11-14. The cost is $45. Advance registration and payment.

Parkinson’s Support Group on September 29, 2010

The Parkinson's support group will have its monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 29, 2010, at 2:00-3:30 p.m., in the Northfield Hospital Conference Center. 

The Parkinson's Support Group meets most months on the fourth Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. There is no cost for this regional outreach program of Northfield Hospital. For additional information, contact Rafi Dworsky at 507-332-4795 or rdworsky@districtonehospital.com.

Dakota County to hold CPR training at Burnsville Center

Heart Restart: 

Get hands on training that could save a life during the Dakota County Heart Restart Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Survival Program at Burnsville Center. The training will be held Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lower level, Macy's Court.

First responders and survivors of sudden cardiac arrest will provide free training for groups every 15 minutes. The training familiarizes people with basic CPR skills that may help them revive a person who experiences sudden cardiac arrest. The course does not offer certificates or course-completion cards. Door prizes include American Red Cross emergency radios and CPR kits that include a DVD, instructions and a blow-up manikin to reinforce the training or allow people to share what they've learned with others.

The event is sponsored by the Dakota County EMS Council and Take Heart Minnesota. Both have goals to improve the survival rate of victims who suffer out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest. They are also working to place automatic external defibrillators in residential communities and in public places and improving techniques of professional rescuers. For more information, visit www.takeheartminnesota.org.

With a goal of teaching CPR to 10 percent of residents by 2012, the group is increasing community awareness and increasing the chances of survival for victims of sudden cardiac arrest in Dakota County.

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the U.S. with 330,000 deaths each year. In 2008, 4,500 cases were reported in Minnesota alone.

For more information please contact Marty Forseth, Dakota County EMS Coordinator, 651-554-6110 or marty.forseth@co.dakota.mn.us.

 

 

Author Frank Beddor comes to Robert Trail

On Wednesday, October 6, the Dakota County Library welcomes Frank Beddor, author of the popular teen trilogy Looking Glass Wars, and the Hatter M graphic novels.

 

Frank grew up a ski champion in Excelsior, MN but now resides in Los Angeles where he has been a film producer (There's Something About Mary), and a stunt man before he began writing novels for teens. He is currently CEO of Automatic Pictures, a film, television and interactive game production company.

His Looking Glass Wars trilogy  takes the classic 19th century children's tale of Alice in Wonderland off into a truly unexpected literary territory – the battlefields of epic fantasy. The fantasy-based intrigue and dimension-hopping may remind some readers of another little-girl trilogy, His Dark Materials,  but there's also a sci-fi layer over the tale that syncs up with the The Matrix, a different story with key touches of Carroll imagery. The Looking Glass Wars unabashedly challenges our Wonderland assumptions of mad tea parties, sleepy dormice, and a curious little blonde girl to reveal an epic battle in the endless war for Imagination.

On Wednesday, October 6, come and meet the author who created the heroic, passionate, monstrous, vengeful denizens of this parallel world as they battle each other with AD-52's and orb generators, navigate the Crystal Continuum, bet on jabberwock fights and travel across the Chessboard Desert. He'll be at the Robert Trail Library from 3:00-4:30 p.m., and the Galaxie Library from 7:00-8:15 p.m.

 

You can find more about Frank at http://www.lookingglasswars.com/about-folder/FBbio.pdf

Call 651-450-2941 for more information. 

Twins became the first team to clinch a playoff spot and their division!

The Twins became the first team to clinch a playoff spot and their division, after rallying to beat the Indians in the eighth inning and then witnessing the White Sox lose to the A's.

While the Twins will continue to chase the Yankees, whom they trail by one game, for best record in the league and homefield advantage in the playoffs, wrapping up the AL Central with a week and a half left in the season gives manager Ron Gardenhire the luxury of juggling his rotation to his ideal order. He tipped his hand earlier this week, implying that Francisco Liriano, Carl Pavano, Brian Duensing and Nick Blackburn would be his four starters in October.

Duening has been a revelation for the Twins in 2010. He has pitched so well that he was promoted from long relief to likely postseason starter by virtue of his 10-2 record, 2.19 ERA and 1.13 WHIP -- the latter two and his winning percentage are all the best among Minnesota's six primary starters.

Whether the Twins edge the Yankees for the AL's top seed or not, they are likely to draw the Rays in the first round -- as the top seed, they'd draw the wild card anyway, but even as the No. 2 seed they'd draw the wild card because two teams from the same division can't play in the ALDS. If indeed Minnesota plays Tampa Bay, Gardenhire might want to at leas think about starting righthander Scott Baker over the lefty Duensing.

Of the Twins' likely playoff opponents, the Rays are the only team who fares better against lefty starters, going 34-17 (.667) against southpaws and 55-44 (.556) against righties. Baker -- who allowed one earned run and struck out seven over five innings against Cleveland on Tuesday -- has been brilliant against the Rays this year, yielding just one earned run in 15 innings over two starts.

Duensing, however, remains the clear favorite to start over Baker in a possible ALCS with New York or Texas. The Yankees are 31-23 (.574) against lefty starters and 61-36 (.629) against righties; the Rangers' split is even more lopsided, 24-22 (.522) against lefties and 59-45 (.628) against righties. Read more:http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/joe_lemire/09/22/five.cuts/index.html?hpt=T2##ixzz10GoWEhrP

U of M horse owner program offered October 2 in St. Paul

The University of Minnesota Extension Horse Team is offering a fall regional horse owner education program on Saturday, October 2 from  9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the University of Minnesota Leatherdale Equine Center in St. Paul. The cost to attend the program is $20 per person and includes a printed proceeding and light refreshments.    

 

The program features research-based information and knowledgeable speakers. Participants can select between two topics each hour. Topics include equine dentistry, forage research update, nutrition roundtable, fly and pest control, care of elderly horses, how do you roll?, and a question and answer session with presenters. 

 

Registration is required by Wednesday, September 29. Online registration is available at www.regonline.com/FallRegHorseStP. The program is recommended for adults and children over the age of 12 but is open to everyone. Additional information is available at www.extension.umn.edu/horse. Program sponsors are ADM Alliance Nutrition and Purina Mills.

Learn to ‘Eat Smart, Live Well’

Northfield Hospital & Clinics is offering a four-part nutrition class on consecutive Monday evenings, October 11 – November 1, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Center at Northfield Hospital. Kristi Von Ruden, LD, RD, and Courtney Eby, LD, RD, nutrition therapists at Northfield Hospital, will present on four key nutrition topics: "Portion Sizes and Label Reading;" "The Skinny on Fat;" "Fiber and Sugar;" and "Emotional Eating, Stress Hormones, Restaurant Eating and Holidays." Von Ruden says understanding our bodies' needs and the consequences of taking nutritional shortcuts is important to maintaining good health and weight as well as avoiding chronic disease. "We live in a culture that tries to persuade us that bigger is better but we need to be in charge of the food choices we make," Von Ruden said. The fee for the series is $40. One continuing education unit will be available for each session at no additional charge. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Contact Nancy at (507) 646-1035 or moen@northfieldhospital.org.

Happy Anniversary

Galaxie Library celebrates 20 years of service

 

Throughout the month of October, enjoy Japanese style drumming, the story of a former slave, bluegrass music, and American Indian dance as part of the 20^th anniversary of Dakota County's Galaxie Library. In addition to the October programs, a celebration will commemorate the library's anniversary on Thursday, Oct. 14 from 4–5 p.m. at Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley. Rosie the Clown and pianist Collin Taylor will keep visitors entertained, and local dignitaries offer comments to celebrate the library's history. Refreshments will be served.

 

Some of the Minnesota Legacy programs held throughout October at the Galaxie Library in honor of the 20^th Anniversary include:

Mu Daiko Drummers

Experience this energetic and dynamic production of Japanese style drumming, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2 – 3 pm,

 

Faces of Minnesota

Actors from the Dakota County Historical Society explore the roles of former slave, George Daniels, as well as William and Mary LeDuc in the early years of Minnesota Statehood, Thursday, Oct. 7, 7–8 p.m.

 

Singleton Street Blue Grass Band

Join us for an evening of blue grass music and stories celebrating how music has played an important role in immigrant communities, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 7–8 p.m.

 

Larry Yazzie and the Native Pride Dancers

Join in this rhythmic production of American Indian storytelling, music and dancing.

Saturday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m.–noon

 

Celebrity Storytime

Listen to local celebrities, heroes and community helpers share their favorite stories in celebration of Galaxie Library's 20^th Anniversary, Saturday, Oct. 9, 10:15–11 a.m.

 

Minnesota Zoomobile

Live animals, biological artifacts, storytelling and audience participation are used to create a fun, memorable program, Saturday, Oct. 9, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

 

All programs are free and open to the public.

 

Dakota County's Galaxie Library was built in October 1990. After being remodeled, it celebrated a reopening in April 2005. Galaxie Library is one of Dakota County's two busiest locations, circulating more than a million items per year and offering internet access at 27 public terminals along with free Wi-Fi network access for laptop users. For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library.

Printing unplugged at the library

Dakota County libraries offer access to wireless printing

 

Laptop users can now print pages wirelessly at Dakota County library branches. Those who connect to the library's wireless network are now able to print their documents to the library's printer. The cost is 15 cents per page for black and white and 50 cents per page for color copies. Use of the library's wireless services has more than doubled in the last two years. In 2009, the libraries had more than 40,000 wireless connections using more than 67,000 hours. For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library. 

Farmington KCs To Host Pancake Breakfast October 3rd

The Farmington Knights of Columbus Council 2400 will be hosting a pancake breakfast Sunday, October 3, from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Michael, 22120 Denmark Avenue, Farmington, Minn. Pancakes, sausage links, and scrambled eggs will be served along with coffee, juice and water. There is no charge for the breakfast, although Good Will offerings will be accepted.  All proceeds will go towards local charities. The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal non-profit charitable service organization. Proceeds from the pancake breakfast will be donated to a variety of worthy causes in need of assistance.