Nelson Automotive to close August 1After more than 40 years in the auto repair business, Lyle Nelson has decided to try something else.Nelson’s first experience in the auto repair business was working for Eli Walgrave right out of high school.After working for Walgrave from 1960-62 he left to go to school at Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis for auto mechanics.His first job after graduation was working for John DeBoer Chevrolet in Edgerton, where he stayed from 1964-66.From there, he moved to a position in Luverne with Herman Motors, where he worked for 20 years before opening his own operation.In 1986, he bought the auto repair business of Jarv Boysen on the west end of Luverne’s downtown, where he has been ever since.Effective Aug. 1, Al Stroh, who recently purchased the Bush’s 66 building at 321 E. Main, will buy Nelson’s equipment and relocate it to the former Bush location.The building that Nelson Automotive has been operating out of is for sale. As for Lyle, a new job is in his future, but what that might be, he doesn’t know yet.Lyle said his wife Gloria plans to continue working at Continental Western, so he is hoping to find new employment in the area.Chamber sets dates for WinterfestThe Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce set December 3 through 5 as Winterfest dates.This year’s theme of the festival will be "Traditions of Christmas."Anyone with an idea for a float is encouraged to participate.This will be the 8th annual Winterfest celebration.Last year the event attracted 23 floats or entries from individuals, businesses, organizations, churches and neighborhoods.The lighted Christmas Lane contest will again be part of the weekend.The craft show will be in the Cardinal Gym from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4. If you have any questions, contact the Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce at 283-4075.Gutknecht is having problems sending you mailFirst District Congressman, Gil Gutknecht (your congressman) is having trouble sending you mail.According to Gutknecht, mail sent to Washington. D.C., is experiencing delays from 14 days to several weeks before reaching members’ offices.Gutknecht also noted that because of recent computer viruses on Capitol Hill, e-mail correspondence is being held in cyberspace for up to three months.If you have any correspondence you would like to get through in a timely manner, the best route is to send it to Gutknecht’s Rochester office.His Rochester office address is:Congressman Gil Gutknecht1530 Greenview Drive SW, Suite 108Rochester, MN 55901What tree is that?The National Arbor Day Foundation is making a tree guide available to help you identify 135 different trees found in eastern and central United States.The 72-page guide includes oaks, maples, spruces and pines.Other varieties included are horse chestnut, mockernut hickory, sassafras, shadbush, persimmon, pawpaw, pagodatree and pecan.The book includes dozens of illustrations showing leaves or needles and their acorns, berries, seedpods, cones and other identifying features.If you would like a copy of the book, send $3 to "What Tree is That?" The National Arbor Day Foundation, Nebraska City, NE 68410.You can also go online at arborday.org.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com