Kiffmeyer offers voters’ education videoPat Miles, a WCCO radio talk show host, has narrated a voter education video guide, according to Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer.The video is titled "Voting in Minnesota—What You Can Expect."The 15-minute video aims to educate new voters on how to register, how to vote on Election Day, and how to vote by absentee ballot."This is a ‘how to’ video that walks people through the process of how to register and vote," explained Kiffmeyer in a recent press release. "I hope it will educate and inspire young people and new voters so they will feel comfortable and confident being involved."VHS copies of the tape are available for classrooms and other groups by phoning (651) 284-4176.Hospice to host "Tour of Tables"The Hospice organization has planned a luncheon fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 13, called "Tour of Tables."Individual hostesses will bring in their own dishes to set their individual tables and decorate them according to a theme.Some examples given include antique dishes, wedding china which has been passed down, special holiday dinnerware, or even decorating with a sports theme.Proceeds from the event will go to pay for a hospital bed and furnishings for the Hospice in-patient room at the new hospital.If you would like more information, contact Helen Saum at 283-1805.HBC-FFA to host annual corn driveThe annual corn drive for charity is approaching for the Hills-Beaver Creek FFA chapter.Members of the H-BC FFA will be contacting area farmers on Wednesday, Oct. 20.Farmers may also make their donations directly to New Vision Coop in Hills or Beaver Creek.Anyone else who wants to make a donation but has not been contacted by a member should call H-BC High School and ask for the FFA department.A check donation to the H-BC FFA department will also be accepted.The FFA donates the money raised to the McCrossan Boys Ranch and the Alpha Center for Girls.Transmission line upgrade for wind generation moves forwardThe Minnesota Environmental Quality Board recently approved a plan by Xcel Energy to upgrade transmission lines in southwest Minnesota.The new 161-kilovolt line will run 26 miles, connecting the Lakefield Junction substation near Lakefield with the Fox Lake substation near Sherburn.The action by the MEQB clears the way for construction of the line, which will run along I-90 for most of its route.Xcel Energy applied for the permit in November of 2003.According to Xcel, the new lines will allow up to 825 megawatts of wind-generated power to be transmitted to Xcel Energy customers in the Twin Cities and other areas of the upper Midwest.Most of the upgraded investment will be concentrated in southwest Minnesota, including two-dozen substations.The MEQB is still reviewing three other major new transmission lines, including a 90-mile long 345-kilovolt substation near Sioux Falls with the Lakefield substation.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com