Did you hear?

Import World opens Sioux Falls storeSaying they have been encouraged by patrons of the Luverne market, Jenny Anderson-Martinez and her husband, Arturo, have opened a second Import World store in Sioux Falls.With more than 2200 feet, the new store handles similar items, only a lot more variety.Some of the areas they expanded on include textile embroidering and wood carved items from India and Africa, as well as pewter and ceramics from Mexico.The new store is located at 3815 S. Western in the Independence Plaza.The couple opened their first store in the Palace Theatre building in Luverne in November 2004.Scouting for foodThe bag appearing at your home this Saturday is for the Scouting for Food drive.Cub Scout Pac 280 and Boy Scout Troup 280 will be delivering the bags to local residents to collect canned food items and eyeglasses for the Scouting for Food program.The Cub Scouts will be canvassing the city of Luverne while the Boy Scouts will be covering other Rock County communities including Hills, Beaver Creek, Ash Creek Kenneth, Hardwick and Steen.You will have a week to think about how you want to fill up the bag. The Cub and Boy Scouts will be back on Saturday, October 29, to collect your contribution.All food collected will be donated to the local food shelf.If you have any outdated eyewear you are no longer using they can also find a good home for them.Meth Task Force makes Luverne presentationThe Southwestern Meth Task Force is sponsoring a talk from Omaha, Neb., police officer Chuck Matson.The talk titled "The Ugliness of Drugs – Meth" will be presented three times on Monday, Oct. 24, in Rock County.The presentations will be at 9:30 a.m. at Luverne High School, again at 10:30 a.m. at Luverne Middle School and finally at 1 p.m. at Hills-Beaver Creek High School.The programs are open to the public.If you have any questions, or would like more information, contact Linda Bosch at Rock-Nobles Community Corrections at 283-5077 or Jon Ramlo at 507-372-8285.How to save with rising heat costsWhether you want to blame it on Katrina and Rita or just the big bad energy companies taking advantage of the situation, fuel prices are probably going to go up this winter.The U.S. Department of Energy expects the cost of heating fuels to continue to rise throughout the heating season.One of their estimates puts the increase at 71 percent over the cost of last year’s heating bill.According to the Comfort Institute, that could raise annual home and water heating bills for most homeowners $500 to $800. For many, the bill could be more than $1,000.Although the price of fuel may be out of your control, there are a few things you can do around the house to control those expenses.
Have your duct system tested for leaks. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), gaps, joints and disconnections in the typical home’s duct system are more significant than those around doors and windows.
Get a "blower door" test. Originally designed by the DOE, it pinpoints where your home’s worst air leaks are.
Close your fireplace damper. You might be surprised how many people forget to close it after burning wood.
Replace your furnace filters. Most systems need this done every month.
Have your heating system cleaned and tuned. It reduces the chances of breakdowns and improves safety.
Install a programmable set-back thermostat. Turning down your thermostat 8 degrees for 8 hours a day will save you 8 percent on your home heating cost.
Consider replacing your heating system. If your system is more than 12 years old, it probably wastes 35 percent of your fuel bill.Hunters under 25 must complete firearms safety courseCompletion of a Hunter Education/Firearms safety course is now required to get a hunting license for those younger than 25.A previous hunting license, that does not indicate hunter safety training was completed, is no longer enough to buy a new hunting license in Minnesota for anyone born after Dec. 31, 1979, according to Mike Hammer, the DNR’s Education Program coordinator.Hunters older than 25 or hunters who can prove they received training from another state are not affected.Pheasant season opened last Saturday, and deer season opens on Nov. 5.Failing to complete the Firearms Safety/Hunter Education course as required and unlawfully purchasing a license can be a misdemeanor violation with a maximum fine of $1,000. If a wild animal is taken under the invalid license, the penalties can include loss of hunting privileges, loss of firearms and wildlife restitution cost, in addition to the criminal fine.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com