Spring truck weight restrictions begin March 18 for central frost zone

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways begin March 18 for Minnesota's Central frost zone, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Winter load increases and overweight permits remain in place for the state's North-Central and North frost zones. Spring load restrictions are already in place for the South, Southeast and Metro frost zones.

MnDOT limits truck weights to prevent damage to roads weakened during the spring thaw. Ending dates for spring load restrictions will be established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change.

The Central frost zone extends south from the southern limit of the North-Central Zone (Highways 10, 210, 18, Interstate I-35 and Highway 48 to the Wisconsin state line) to a line following and including Highway 12 from the South Dakota state line to the Hennepin County line.

Road restriction maps showing the locations of weight-restricted routes and state highways open to maximum 10-ton axle weights are listed at www.dot.state.mn.us/materials. Click on "Seasonal Load Limits," and then "Spring Load Restrictions" for the most up-to-date information.

The information is also available by calling MnDOT’s 24-hour automated message center at 1-800-723-6543 in the United States and Canada or by calling 651-366-5400.

Spring truck weight restrictions begin March 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways begin March 14 for Minnesota's South, Southeast and Metro frost zones, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Winter load increases and overweight permits remain in place for the state's Central, North-Central and North frost zones.

MnDOT limits truck weights to prevent damage to roads weakened during the spring thaw. Ending dates for spring load restrictions will be established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change.

The South Zone extends south from the southern limit of the Central Zone (US 12 – Hennepin county line) to the Iowa state line and east to the Metro Zone and then a line following and including Interstate 35. This zone includes Highway 19 along the southern border of Scott County.

The Southeast Zone extends south from the southern limit of the Metro Zone along, but not including, I-35 to the Iowa state line and east to the Wisconsin state line. This zone includes Highway 19 along the southern border of Dakota County.

The Metro Zone (Minneapolis – St. Paul metro area) includes Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties. This zone does not include Highway 19 along the southern borders of Scott and Dakota counties.

Road restriction maps showing the locations of weight-restricted routes and state highways open to maximum 10-ton axle weights are listed at www.dot.state.mn.us/materials. Click on "Seasonal Load Limits," and then "Spring Load Restrictions" for the most up-to-date information.

The information is also available by calling MnDOT’s 24-hour automated message center at 1-800-723-6543 in the United States and Canada or by calling 651-366-5400.

Gonvick LINK Site to Remain Open Until Further Notice

The Gonvick LINK Site, of the Lake Agassiz Regional Library, will remain open until further notice.

A previous information release stated that March 6 would mark the last day of services for the LINK Site, however, further funding discussion is taking place and the Gonvick LINK Site will remain open indefinitely.

Reminder: The Zinghoppers reading enrichment program, sponsored by LARL and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, will continue to take place on Monday, March 24 at 9:30 a.m. The Zinghoppers are an Emmy Award-winning musical group that specializes in fun, interactive programming for young children and families. 

The event will be held at the Gonvick Community Center.

For more information on all LARL locations, news, and events visit the Library’s website at www.larl.org.   

Peterson seeking submissions for Congressional Art Competition

(WASHINGTON DC) – U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson is inviting high school students from across the Seventh Congressional District to submit their artwork for the 2014 Congressional Art Competition.

The competition is open to all high-school students, and the overall winner of each participating district will be displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel leading into the U.S. Capitol.

"I hope students from across the district who love art will consider entering this competition," Peterson said. "This is a great way for young artists to show their talent at the U.S. Capitol for a year."

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nation-wide competition.  Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in each congressional district.

Art works entered in the contest may be up to 28 inches by 28 inches by 4 inches (including the frame) and may be up to 3 inches in depth. The art work may be:

Paintings - including oil, acrylics, and watercolor

Drawings - including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers

Collage (must be two-dimensional)

Prints - including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints

Mixed Media

Computer Generated Art

Photography

All entries must be an original in concept, design and execution. Paintings/drawings/etc that are a reproduction of another artists work (including photographs) do not qualify for this competition.

HOW TO APPLY:

In an attempt to reach students from across the entire 7th District, this year my office will be handling all Congressional Art Competition submissions online to ensure accessibility for all students.  To encourage participation, selection of the winning artwork will be made based on the photograph submitted with the application.  Selection of the winning artwork will be made in early May, and further instructions will be sent to the winner.  The deadline for all submissions to my office is April 29, 2014.  To apply for the Congressional Arts Competition, please submit a photograph of the artwork, via email, to congressional.art@mail.house.gov

Mahnomen Public Library to Temporarily Relocate

The Mahnomen Public Library, a branch of the Lake Agassiz Regional Library, will be moving to a temporary location during an 8 to 10 week asbestos abatement project.  

The Mahnomen Public Library will be closed March 10-17, and will reopen on March 18 at the WETCC Wellstone Building, located at 175 S. First St.; one block west of the current Library location. 

The temporary location will offer a limited collection, but will continue to offer new release books and magazines for all ages, DVDs, and public computer access. Library customers may continue to request materials and pick up requested items. 

“The City of Mahnomen is happy to proceed with this project,” said Jeff Cadwell, Mahnomen City Administrator. The renovation project will include new carpet and paint, and is expected to be completed by the end of April.

Steven Dahlberg, Interim President of the White Earth Tribal and Community College (WETCC), was also willing to assist the Lake Agassiz Regional Library system and the City of Mahnomen, allowing the Library to use the WETCC-owned Wellstone Building as a temporary location.  Dahlberg stated, “The Library is important to the community, and we want to help keep the doors open during the project.”

The Library’s open hours starting March 18 will be: Tuesday 1 to 7 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday noon to 6 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information on the renovation project, contact the Mahnomen Public Library at 218-935-2843 or mahnomen@larl.org. For information on all LARL locations, news, and events visit the Library’s website at www.larl.org.     

Commerce Department Reminds Minnesotans to Stay Safe About Heating

SAINT PAUL, MN – With continued bitterly cold weather – the coldest winter three decades – not only has it taken a toll on home budgets, but also homeowners may look to alternate heat sources to stay warm.  The Minnesota Department of Commerce, however, urges Minnesotans to be safe about space heaters and carbon monoxide as the deep freeze continues across the state.

“We are reminding everyone to stay safe during Minnesota’s extreme cold weather,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman.  “The sub-zero temperatures and high heating costs have created very hard times for many Minnesotans.  Now is the time to review safety to protect families and seek financial assistance which is available for many eligible households struggling to make ends meet.”  

Use Alternative Heat Sources Safely

The State Fire Marshal (SFM) reminds residents to use caution when using alternative heating sources such as space heaters.

·         Keep anything flammable -- including pets and people -- at least three feet away from heating equipment.

·         Make sure portable space heaters have an automatic shut-off.

·         Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

·         Space heaters need constant watching. Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep. Never place a space heater close to any sleeping person.

·         Make sure all cords on electric heaters are in good shape and checked periodically for any frays or breaks in the insulation surrounding the wires.

·         Check the cord and outlet occasionally for overheating; if it feels hot, discontinue use.

·         Place the heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes.

·         Use a heater that has been tested to the latest safety standards and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. These heaters will have the most up to date safety features; older space heaters may not meet the newer safety standards.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning

·         Make sure CO detectors are working throughout your home; Minnesota law requires CO alarms in every single family and multifamily dwelling.

·         Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances each year to ensure they are adequately vented and properly maintained. CO testing should be part of the inspection.

·         Make sure furnace exhaust vents, air intake hoods, and chimneys are clear of snow and ice in order to keep the heat on and prevent carbon-monoxide poisoning.

·         Do not idle cars in garages, either attached or unattached, for any length of time. In both cases, start your car and exit the garage immediately. Dangerously high levels of CO will accumulate even if the garage door is open.

·         Provide adequate ventilation when using a fireplace, wood stove or space heater.

·         Portable propane camping equipment and gas barbecues are approved for outdoor use only. Never use them inside cabins, tents, fish houses, or other enclosed shelters.

·         If your car is stuck in snow, make sure that the tail pipe is cleared before starting the engine.

·         During power outages, do not use gasoline engines or burn charcoal in enclosed spaces, including garages, even if the door is open.

·         Never use kitchen stoves, gasoline heaters, or other alternative methods to heat your home if running into financial hardship.  Please contact the Department of CommerceEnergy Assistance Program to learn how you can apply for assistance to pay home heating costs.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Minnesotans who need financial assistance to pay heating bills may find help through the Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The Department of Commerce administers LIHEAP in Minnesota, which helps low income households, especially those with seniors, children, veterans and people with disabilities with their heating bill.

Earlier this month, Governor Dayton increased the eligibility for LIHEAP assistance.  Minnesota households earning less than 60% of the state median income are eligible for energy assistance.  The expansion of the program now means that, for example, families of four earning less than $52,370 a year or a home of two earning less than $35,612 are now eligible.

In addition, the Commerce Department increased Crisis Benefits from $500 to $1,000 for Minnesotans heating their homes with propane and heating oil and changed the eligibility requirement from a propane tank at less than 20% full to less than 30% full to ensure timely delivery of fuel before tanks reach critical levels.

To apply for energy assistance, visit the Energy Assistance section of the Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources website or by calling 1-800-657-3710.  Consumers will be connected to the local service provider in their community for additional information and the energy assistance application.

Propane Assistance

Minnesotans affected by the propane shortage in need of financial assistance or concerns about pricing can call the Propane Emergency Hotline at (800) 657-3504 in Greater Minnesota or (651) 297-1304 in the Twin Cities.