BBB Advises Extreme Caution With Fake Tech Support Scam

Burnsville, Minnesota – January 17, 2013 – The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) is noting an uptick in reports of the “Tech Support” scam. Consumers have contacted the BBB in recent days reporting phone calls from people identifying themselves as computer technicians and telling potential victims they’re calling because they’ve noted issues with their home – or business – computers. The BBB is urging people not to be fooled by these calls, as they are not legitimate and are designed to either solicit credit card numbers or gain remote access to computers, which could lead to personal or financial information being compromised.

“As in most cases, there’s a level of plausibility to this scam,” said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. “Scammers tell consumers they’re calling because of an operating flaw or because they’ve noticed their computers are running slow. And many older computers do run slow. However, consumers need to know these cold calls are bogus. When you have a computer problem, you call the expert. It’s not the other way around.”

In many instances of this scam, people report the callers have foreign accents. They also sometimes identify themselves as being with Microsoft.

According to Microsoft, once these scammers are given access to a computer they can install malicious software, steal personal information, take control of the computer remotely or direct customers to fraudulent websites where they are asked to enter their credit card information.

The BBB offers these tips to avoid the Tech Support scam:

· Don’t trust cold calls. Remember, computer firms don’t call you about a problem – you call them. Also, never give out your personal information over the phone to someone you don’t know. If a caller claims there’s a problem with your computer, simply hang up.

· Protect your computer – All computers should always have the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a secure firewall.

· Find a computer repair firm you can trust. If you are having computer problems or technical issues, visit bbb.org to find a BBB Accredited Business you can depend on.

The mission of the Better Business Bureau is to be the leader in building marketplace trust by promoting, through self-regulation, the highest standards of business ethics and conduct, and to instill confidence in responsible businesses through programs of education and action that inform, assist and protect the general public. We are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact the BBB at bbb.org or 651-699-1111, toll-free at 1-800-646-6222.

Legacy Amendment Arts Grants Available

Arts organizations, non-profit organizations and schools are all encouraged to apply for arts grants. The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council in Warren is accepting applications for a variety of grants in literary, performing, and visual arts. The Arts Council serves the Minnesota counties of Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau. Therefore organizations, schools, cities or individuals applying must be from those counties.

The Arts Legacy grant category is mainly geared towards funding non-profit arts organizations but other agencies and schools and perhaps even artists within our region can also apply. Each applicant may apply for a maximum of $10,000.00 with a 10% cash match requirement. One-on-one assistance is available with the application form. Public art projects and proposals that bring about lifelong learning and access to the arts are encouraged. More examples of highlighted projects are on our web site at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org in the grants awarded section. The next deadline is February 1, 2013. Most likely funds will remain after this deadline so additional deadlines will occur on the 1^st of each month in this category until funds are depleted. Therefore, if you are not prepared for this deadline contact our office and find out if you can still submit on March 1, 2013.

Funds also remain in our arts legacy school residency grant program. This program is for school districts to sponsor in an artist for a week-long residencies. ; Artists that are listed on www.Compas.org, in their artist roster, work well for this program. Grants are for $2,100 and cover most of the costs of the residency. These grants are available on a first come, first served basis with up to two grants per school district in our service region. The grant application is available on our website. Apply soon!

Application materials for all the grant programs are available from Mara Wittman, Arts Council Director, NWRDC, 115 South Main, Warren, MN 56762, (218) 745-9111 or through the agency website at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org in the grants section. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 and by funds from The McKnight Foundation.

Recycling Dumpsters in Ada to relocate

Norman County Environmental Services would like to inform residents that the recycling dumpsters located behind the Ada Body Shop and at the Norman County Highway Department in Ada are moving. They will be moved just west of the New County Salt Shed and North of the Valley Square building within a fenced in area. They will be moved on January 30^th.

Please help us keep our sites clean when you bring your recyclables to the drop off bins located within Ada and the neighboring communities. When you bring your cardboard to the recycling bins, please flatten your boxes to maximize the use of the recycling bins.

Also since the bins are emptied every two weeks, if you come and the bins are full, don’t throw your recyclables on top of the bins or on the ground. And remember only cardboard, paper, glass containers, plastic containers, and tin and aluminum cans are allowed to be placed into the recycling bins. Closing the lids after you have made your deposit will also help to keep our disposal sites clean. Thank you for your continued cooperation.

If you have any questions about the Norman County Recycling Program call Norman County Environmental Services at 784-5493

38th Annual Ag Arama at UMC

CROOKSTON, Minn. – A campus legacy continues with hosting of the 38th annual Ag Arama at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The weekend of events, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, January 25-26, 2013, is hosted by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department and includes activities for the entire family. The theme for this year’s event is “Where I Come From,” and the event is dedicated in honor of Kent Freberg, a long time faculty member in agriculture.

Most of the Ag Arama activities take place on Saturday, Jan. 26, in the University Teaching and Outreach Center (UTOC) located on the north edge of the campus. New this year will be a petting zoo to be held at the same time as the games.

Contests in agronomy, animal science, horticulture, and natural resources highlight Ag Arama weekend. They serve as an opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge and skills and have a chance to interact with alumni and faculty members. Ag Arama is planned and operated by a committee of students advised by Terrill Bradford and Brenda Miller, who both teach in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department.

On Friday evening, the Animal Science Association sponsors a chili feed from 5 to 7 p.m. in UTOC for $5 per person.

On Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., the animal showmanship contests begin and the public is welcome to watch the competition as it unfolds in both novice and experienced categories. Students compete in western and English horse showmanship, lamb lead, and dairy, beef, sheep, and swine showing. The novices are paired with experienced students prior to the contests to prepare for the day. Alumni showmanship will take place at 12:30 p.m.

From 9 a.m. to noon, an agricultural industries show features some of the latest in agricultural equipment. At noon, the Round Robin Showmanship will begin. Coronation of the Ag Arama royalty takes place at 1 p.m. followed by the presentation of specialty awards and the sweepstakes presentation.

Royalty Candidates

Queen candidates are Katie Hagen, a junior agricultural business major from Epping, N.D.; Sam Zuck-Roscoe, a senior animal science major from Jamestown, N.D.; Sara Scott, a senior animal science major from Spiritwood, N.D.; Sarah Morris, a senior animal science major from Ramsey, Minn.; and Victoria Martin, a senior animal science major from Worland, Wyo.

Princess candidates are Amanda Guimont, a freshman, agricultural business major from Anoka, Minn.; Chloe Nelson, a freshman biology major from Little Falls, Minn.; Dacia Eberle, a freshman animal science major from Dazey, N.D.; Molly Justison, a senior Equine Science major from Minneapolis, Minn.; and Olivia Fischer, a sophomore animal science major from Kimball, Minn.

King candidates are Alex Cull, a senior double major in agricultural business and agricultural systems management from Cavalier, N.D.; Ben Wuebkers, a senior animal science major from Freeport, Minn.; Donovan Rupprecht, a junior animal science major from Thief River Falls, Minn.; Dustin Wiese, a senior animal science major from Pequot Lakes, Minn.; and Leonard Will, a senior agricultural systems management major from Thief River Falls, Minn.

Prince candidates are Brady Breitenfeldt, a sophomore animal science major from Frazee, Minn.; Mike Dodes, a sophomore agricultural systems management major from Ada, Minn.; Paul Kartak, a sophomore animal science major from Monticello, Minn.; Sam Haugen, a sophomore agronomy major from Fertile, Minn.; and Dylan Sather, a freshman agricultural business major from Gary, Minn.

Games and activities for the family

Several games and competitions, including men's and women's crosscut saw contests and log splitting, begin at 2:30 p.m. Other games include bean bag toss, three and five legged races, roping game, grain race, egg toss, buffalo rope game, rope jumping, along with the petting zoo.

Alumni social and dance

In the evening, a dinner will be served at the Crookston Eagles Club from 6 to 7 p.m., along with an alumni social from 6 to 8 p.m. also at the Eagles. Cost of the dinner is Swiss steak $9 and walleye $11.

Capping off the weekend will be dancing to "Silverado" from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Eagles. Admission is $8.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 27 bachelor’s degree programs, 18 minors, and 39 concentrations on campus--as well as 10 degrees online--in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of 1,800 undergraduates from 25 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. “Small Campus. Big Degree.” To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.

Hospice Seeks Volunteers

Hospice of the Red River Valley seeks volunteers to provide friendly, companionship visits to the people it serves. Can you talk? Listen? Hold a hand? If so, we have patients who need you.

Volunteers provide friendly visits, run errands, do light housekeeping, or fix meals. Other volunteer opportunities include helping out in the office or at Hospice special events.

If you can see yourself doing something like this, call Hospice of the Red River Valley at 800-237-4629 or visit hrrv.org/volunteer.

MnDOT releases State Aviation System Plan for public review, comment

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The public is invited to review and comment on Minnesota’s State Aviation System Plan through February 12. The SASP is a 20-year plan guiding the orderly development of the state’s system of 135 publically funded airports.

This plan describes and assesses the current aviation system performance and provides guidance for future aviation development in Minnesota. A performance-based planning approach is used to address identified goals and strategies for the system. An investment plan has also been prepared as part of the SASP to identify system needs and costs over the 20-year planning period.

The SASP is the result of extensive effort and collaboration over the past two years between the Minnesota Department of Transportation, stakeholders, partners and citizens. This will be the final opportunity for the public to provide input on the plan.

The SASP is the first mode specific plan MnDOT has presented to the public since adoption of Minnesota GO, the 50-year transportation vision, and a new Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan in September of 2012.

The State Aviation System Plan can be accessed electronically at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/aero/avoffice/planning/saspdraftchapters.html. It also is available for review in hard copy at the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics, 222 Plato Blvd East and the MnDOT Library, 395 John Ireland Blvd., both in St. Paul.

A public hearing will be held February 4 from 4 p.m to 5 p.m. in Room G15 at MnDOT’s main headquarters at 395 John Ireland Boulevard in St. Paul. The public also may participate via videoconference at the following MnDOT offices statewide:

· Baxter – 7694 Industrial Park Road

· Bemidji – 3920 Highway 2 W

· Detroit Lakes – 1000 Highway 10 W

· Duluth – 1123 Mesaba Ave.

· Mankato – 2151 Bassett Drive

· Rochester – 2900 48^th St. NW

· St. Paul – 395 John Ireland Blvd., Room G15

· Willmar – 2505 Transportation Road

Written comments will be accepted through February 12 and should be addressed to:

Aviation Planning - SASP

MnDOT Office of Aeronautics

222 Plato Boulevard

St. Paul, MN 55155

Email: aviationplanning.dot@state.mn.us

Those unable to attend in-person may participate in an online webinar via Adobe Connect. For details, visit http://www.dot.state.mn.us/aero/avoffice/planning/getinvolved.html.

For more information, contact Ryan Gaug at 651-234-7190 or aviationplanning.dot@state.mn.us, or visit http://www.dot.state.mn.us/aero/avoffice/planning/sasp2011.html.

To request an ASL or foreign language interpreter, or other reasonable accommodation for the February 4 hearing, call Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 or 1-800-657-3774 (Greater Minnesota); 711 or 1-800-627-3529 (Minnesota Relay), or send an email to janet.rae.miller@state.mn.us. Please make a request at least one week in advance.

Tips for buying & using portable electric space heaters

Fergus Falls, MN – Many people use supplemental heaters to add comfort to selected areas in their homes rather than raise overall indoor temperatures. To help ensure efficiency and safety, Otter Tail Power Company offers these tips for buying and using portable electric space heaters.

• Don't fall for claims of added efficiency on overpriced electric space heaters. “All electric space heaters operate at 100 percent efficiency. Because they convert all of the electricity they use to heat, they all are equally efficient. So, don’t fall victim to a scam,” says Theresa Drexler, Senior Market Planning Specialist at Otter Tail Power Company. “Electric room heaters that sell for several hundred dollars are not more energy efficient. Portable heaters of equal wattage will cost the same to operate whether the unit’s purchase price is $40 or $400.”
• The only feature of an electric heater that affects the amount of heat the unit can generate is wattage. “A 1,000-watt heater uses 1 kilowatt-hour per hour of operation no matter what type of heater it is,” says Drexler. She adds that heat pumps are the only option that can claim greater efficiency because these units capture free heat from the environment. “Remember, to best manage your costs, operate the lowest total wattage possible to keep you comfortable,” she says.

Low-wattage radiant heaters, some rated at just a few hundred watts, also are available for supplemental heat in small spaces such as office workstations. While still hot to the touch, these units do not have fans so they heat only directly in front of them.

• The type of heater you choose can help you feel more comfortable. “For example, an electric heater that distributes warmth from a greater surface area, such as a portable baseboard or a radiator-shaped heater, can increase comfort by distributing heat more evenly,” Drexler says. “A small fan-forced heater of the same wattage will produce the same amount of heat but at a higher intensity and be more localized. But either will heat your room.”
• Select a portable electric heater that has a thermostat so it doesn't run all the time. “A unit with a thermostat can help maintain a constant temperature and not overheat an area. If using a heater without a thermostat, consider operating it on a timer to avoid wasting energy,” says Drexler.

“A thermostat also may help avoid safety issues should the heater be left on when no one is home or attending it,” adds Otter Tail Power Company Safety Services Manager Eric Hamm, who offers this additional safety advice.

• Select the proper wattage for a portable electric space heater so it doesn’t overload your electrical wiring and create a fire safety issue. “Portable electric heaters come in a variety of wattages. The most common are 1,000-watt and 1,500-watt units, and some have low, medium, and high settings. Don’t be tempted to buy a higher-wattage unit because of the additional heat it can deliver unless you know you have adequate capacity in your home wiring,” says Hamm. “The smaller the wattage the less likely it will overload your wiring.”
  • One sign of an overloaded circuit is blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.
  • If the outlet, or the wall surrounding it, becomes warm after the heater has operated for a while, the wiring is overloaded. Discontinue using that outlet for your heater or consider a lower-wattage heater.
  • Do not plug your heater into an electrical circuit that has several other items already served on it.
• Look for a portable electric heater that automatically shuts off if tipped over and that has protective casing over the heating element to avoid the potential for burns.
• Keep portable electric space heaters away from flammable materials such as curtains, bedding, newspapers, etc.
• Make sure that the outlet where you plug in your portable electric space heater is tight fitting.
• Never use a portable electric space heater or any electric appliance near wet areas such as bathtubs and sinks.
• Avoid using an extension cord but, if one is needed, be sure it has at least 12-gauge wire.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure a portable electric space heater is UL labeled.

If you have questions about electrical safety, energy conservation, energy prices, or about how an electric space heater might affect your electric service bill, call Otter Tail Power Company’s Idea Center at 800-493-3299. Also check our web page: http://www.conservingelectricity.com/ElectricSpaceHeaters.asp.

This news release is posted on our web site: https://www.otpco.com/NewsInformation/NewsReleases/Pages/default.aspx.

 

Otter Tail Power Company, a subsidiary of Otter Tail Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: OTTR), is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It provides electricity and energy services to more than a quarter million people in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To learn more about Otter Tail Power Company visit www.otpco.com. To learn more about Otter Tail Corporation visit www.ottertail.com.