Did You Hear?

DFL candidates announce for November raceDFL party members have announced their candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives as well as the U.S. House of Representative.For Minnesota House District 22A, Kathryn Ness announced she will be seeking the DFL endorsement.Ness, 24, is a native of Pipestone. This is her first run for public office.Ness will be taking on Doug Magnus, a first-term representative from Slayton.In Washington, Joe Mayer, Rochester, is hoping for the chance to take on 1st District congressman Gil Gutknecht.Mayer, who has been a resident of the 1st District for the past 47 years, is a retired teacher, coach and administrator.The DFL convention for the 1st Congressional District of Minnesota will be Saturday, April 17, 2004, at the middle school in Albert Lea, 1601 West Front St.Gutknecht, also from Rochester, is finishing his 10th year in congress.Are you getting ready for Spring Clean-Up?Spring is here and that means it’s time to get rid of all that junk that’s been in your way all winter.This year the pickup dates are April 19 for branch and tree pickup and April 26, 27and 28 for junk.Several things are not allowed. Those items include:
Tires
Toxic or hazardous chemicals
Clothes
Toys
Magazines
BooksTree trimmings are allowed in the pickup, but they have to be in small bundles, and plastic bags are not allowed.When you put your junk out on the curb, you have to separate it according to content: wood, metal and plastic.Because the cost to the city at the transfer station is based on weight, residents are asked to not put anything out on the curb until April 24, so it will not absorb any moisture, causing the city additional tipping fees.The best part Spring Clean-up for some people is the "junking."One person’s contribution to the wood pile may be your new end table for the basement.Are the Asian ladybugs taking over your house?The rising temperatures are nice, but the downside is emerging Asian Lady Beetles.One piece of good news is that the chemical companies are trying to provide you with products to keep them at bay.This year’s bug products include a new generation of products which are odorless, non-staining and water based formulas.The new products not only kill the bugs on contact, but the residue can be effective for up to one year.The insects do not need to consume the pesticide, because, because it’s absorbed through their feet.Passion continues drawing good crowdsMel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, has done very well at the Palace Theatre, with more than 700 people watching the movie through Tuesday night, with Wednesday expected to be a one of the bigger night.For parents of young children, the American Reformed Church is offering a volunteer babysitting service for anyone attending the movie at the Palace on Friday and Saturday night, April 9 and 10.If you would like to take advantage of the free service, bring your children to the main floor fellowship hall between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. The church is located on North Highway 75 in Luverne, across from the Veterans Home.If you have any questions about the service contact Cheryl Thacker at 283-3674.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com