It’s cold out, so be carefulThe Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/Dot) is once again reminding us of the dangers of cold weather.Most notable is the effect the recent influx of cold weather can have on frosty or icy bridge decks, overpasses and ramps.According to Mn/DOT, the driving surfaces of bridges can freeze sooner than the roadway because off-the-ground highway structures are not insulated by the ground.Even when the roadways appear to be dry and safe, the bridge decks can be frosty or icy, particularly early in the morning and at night.Mn/DOT also partnered with other states in sponsoring a Winter Hazard Awareness Week. You can find additional information on the subject at www.hsem.state.mn.us.Enter the Ginger Bread House contestFor the second year, a Ginger Bread House contest will be a part of Winterfest.Who should enter? That could be you, a group of your friends, your family, your business or an organization you might belong to.Each entry will be on display in a Luverne area business.The contest will be divided into three categories, over 18, 13 – 18 and children 12 years of age and younger.The winner of the contest will collect a $50 cash prize, with second place receiving $25.If you would like more information about the contest or complete rules and registration forms, contact the Luverne Chamber office at 283-4061.Help a soldier get home for ChristmasCurrently more than 400 National Guard soldiers from southern Minnesota are training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, in preparation for deployment to Iraq.Prior to departure, the soldiers will receive 15 days leave over the Christmas holiday.Since they are not compensated for travel expenses should they want to return to Minnesota for the holiday, Project Homecoming has been organized to help.According to the group, nearly half of the soldiers lose income when they are called to active duty.The goal of Project Homecoming is to ease the financial burden on the soldiers and their families by helping pay their bus fare home.Would you care to help?Donations for the project can be sent to Project Homecoming, P.O. Box 1251, Mankato, MN 56002.Mankato’s American Legion Post 11 will be overseeing the finances of the project.To adequately plan for the soldiers’ return for Christmas, donations are requested by Dec. 5.In other military matters …The Postal Service is offering free military mail kits.To help address the demand for those wanting to mail packages to their military friends and family overseas, the postal service has created a kit that contains the necessary mailing materials based on the most popular items ordered to send care packages to the troops.The kit contains 10 priority mail boxes, five "Mili-Pacs", one roll of Priority Mail tape, and ten customs forms with envelopes.The kits can be ordered by calling 800-610-8734 and requesting "Care Kit 04".Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com