MN Spring Truck Weight Restrictions

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways will begin March 15 for Minnesota's south, southeast and Twin Cities Metro area frost zones.

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.

Spring load restriction dates and the six frost zones in Minnesota are listed at www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us. Click on "Seasonal Load Limits," then click on "Spring Load Restrictions" for the most up-to-date information.

The information also is available toll-free by calling 1-800-723-6543 in the United States and Canada or by calling 651-366-5400 in the Twin Cities Metro area.

Ending dates for spring load restrictions get decided by monitoring road strength as weather conditions change. All changes are made with a minimum 3-day notice.

Travelers in Minnesota can get up-to-date information on road conditions, construction and weather reports from MnDOT's 511 traveler information service at www.511mn.org.

MN Dept of Commerce Urges Families to Sign Up for Dangerous Product and Toy Recall Alerts

SAINT PAUL, MN – Concern over hazardous chemicals in children’s products and toys has grown in the past several years. In order for Minnesota families to stay informed of potentially dangerous products, the Minnesota Department of Commerce urges parents to stay vigilant about product and toy safety, and hazardous chemicals, and to sign up for product recall alerts. Families then can receive immediate alerts on recalls without having to monitor the news.

“We want families with infants and children to be safe from dangerous products and toys in Minnesota,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. “We will watch for dangerous children's products and toys in the marketplace, and families need to stay alert when it comes to product safety and recalls.”

There are several proactive steps consumers can take to ensure that their homes are free from potentially dangerous products. The Department of Commerce recommends selecting age appropriate toys, observing manufacturer’s warnings regarding safety hazards and monitoring use when necessary. Consumers can also create a toy inventory and record relevant information (manufacturer, serial or model # and purchase dates) to help identify the toy in the event that it is recalled.

Smartphone users can install the RECALLS.GOV mobile application to keep vital safety information in the palm of your hand. The app allows consumers to type in a product’s name to learn immediately whether that product has been recalled due to a safety concern. Photos of recalled products and tips for what to do with recalled products in your home are also available through the app.

In 2013, there have been three different toy recalls, along with numerous baby and child care products. There are several different sources that consumers can rely on for information regarding recalls. Consumers can visit the Commerce Department’s website for an updated list and toy safety tips. Additionally, the Department recommends that consumers sign up directly to receive email alerts from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

2013 Product Recalls:

3/5/2013 Disco Lights Recalled

2/26/2013 Monster High City Motor Scooters

2/26/2013 Hello Kitty City Motor Scooters

2/7/2013 EVO Strollers

2/6/2013 Play Yard Sheets

1/31/2013 World Imports Recalls Bunk Beds

1/31/2013 Kringles Toys and Gifts Recalls High Powered Magnets

1/30/2013 Million Dollar Baby Dressers

1/30/2013 Natart Chelsea Dressers

1/15/2013 Bugaboo Strollers

1/15/2013 Circo Girls Fleece Pajamas

1/15/2013 Children's Two-Piece Pajama Sets

1/8/2013 Fisher-Price Rock 'N Play Infant Sleepers

Consumers can also sign up for alerts at:

· http://www.recalls.gov/

· http://www.saferproducts.gov/Search/default.aspx

· http://www.cpsc.gov/cgi-bin/javascripts/widgetrss.html

Visit the Commerce Department’s website for a list of all recalls, and information related to recalls, helpful tips on toy safety and additional resources for parents. Consumers that are concerned they are in contact with a potentially hazardous product should file a report with the CPSC. Instructions for reporting a product via phone, email, or postal mail are included on their website.

Consumers with further questions can contact the Commerce Department’s Consumer Help Line at (651) 296-2488 or (800) 657-3602.

Questions or consumer complaints can also be directed by email to consumer.protection@state.mn.us or by mail to Minnesota Department of Commerce, 85 7^th Place East, Suite 500, Saint Paul, MN 55101.

Groundwater Awareness Week is good time to test

Private well owners: Do you know what's in your water?

More than 1 million people in Minnesota rely on private wells as their source of drinking water, but too many of them are not tested on a regular basis for things that can make people sick, such as bacteria, arsenic, or nitrate. While wells can provide high quality drinking water, state health officials estimate that at any given time as many as 25 percent of private wells in Minnesota have detectable levels of total coliform bacteria, an indication that surface contamination has entered the well or water system.

National Groundwater Awareness Week was established more than two decades ago to bring attention to the important role that groundwater plays in the health and well-being of people. Properly maintaining wells that tap into groundwater is critical for protecting personal health and the health of the resource. This year's observance, March 10-16, is a good time for well owners to test their water, say state well management specialists.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends that private wells be tested once a year for total coliform bacteria. Testing for nitrate is recommended every two to three years - more often if nitrate has been detected previously in the well or if an infant under the age of six months will be consuming the water. In addition, MDH recommends that every well be tested for arsenic at least once.

Testing your well is up to you. Getting your well tested is a relatively simple process. Your local county health department may provide or arrange for testing services. Commercial (or private) laboratories providing water testing services are usually listed in the Yellow Pages under "Laboratories - Testing." You should check to make sure the laboratory is certified to perform tests that you want. The laboratory will provide directions for collecting and submitting water samples for testing. The costs for analysis are usually in the range of $20 to $40 per test, depending on what is tested. More information on well testing can be found at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/wells/waterquality/test.html.

People with questions about well water contaminants – or other well-related issues – can obtain advice from MDH, their local health department, or local MDH-licensed well contractors. Well specialists are available to answer questions at MDH district offices in Bemidji (218-308-2100), Duluth (218-302-6166), Fergus Falls (218-332-5150), Marshall (507-537-7151), Rochester (507-206-2700), St. Cloud (320-223-7300), and the Twin Cities (651-201-4600).

Crookston listening session to focus on new ag water quality program

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will hold a listening session in Crookston, Minnesota, on Thursday, February 21, to gather input on the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. The new program has been in development over the past year and is designed to accelerate voluntary adoption of on-farm conservation practices that protect Minnesota’s water resources. Farmers who implement and maintain approved conservation plans will be certified and in turn assured that their operation meets water quality goals and standards for a set period of time.

MDA officials are seeking feedback on the program prior to its implementation. Farmers and rural landowners in the northwest region of the state are encouraged to attend the session, Thursday, February 21, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the University of Minnesota Crookston Ballroom.

The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program is the result of a state-federal partnership that includes the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ND Corn Growers host 2013 Cornvention in Fargo

Fargo, Feb. 5, 2013: The North Dakota Corn Growers Association announces their 2013 Annual Cornvention planned for February 20, 2013, at the Holiday Inn, located at 3808 13^th Ave. S., Fargo. This one-day seminar will be held from 7 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and aims to educate agriculture producers in North Dakota on the future and trends of the industry.

Topics at this year’s Cornvention include presentations from V.J. Smith, Ron Nelson of Thurston Genetics, Leon Osborne of UND Regional Weather Info Center, NDCGA scholarship recipients, a review of 2012 wetland issues and outlook on NRCS with state conservationist Mary Podoll, a Northern Plains Nitrogen update with Dave Ripplinger of NDSU and Darin Anderson, Chairman NPN, vendor visits, the Corn Growers meeting, and the drawing for the grand prize.

The North Dakota Corn Growers, in conjunction with the North Dakota Soybean Growers, will also be hosting a social for Cornvention attendees the evening of Feb. 19 at the Holiday Inn Poolside Rooms.

More information on the 2013 Cornvention can be found at ndcorn.org or by contacting Greg LaPlante at greg@ndcorn.org or 701-364-2250.

The North Dakota Corn Growers were organized in 1987 making ND one of the 48 states affiliated with the National Corn Growers Association.

The North Dakota Corn Growers association serves as the activity arm of the North Dakota Corn Council. Corn Growers have currently identified five priorities and have developed action teams to work on these priorities including: grower services, public policy, stewardship and conservation, research, livestock and ethanol marketing.

MN state park and state trail reminder

With fresh snow on the ground and crews busy grooming trails for cross-country skiing at Minnesota state parks and recreation areas, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds visitors about winter trail rules and etiquette.

On groomed trails, with or without a set of tracks, remember:

• Pets are not permitted on ski trails.
• Hiking and snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in Minnesota state parks, except on the ski trails and trails posted “closed” for the winter. (Groomed trails deteriorate when people and animals leave their footprints on them.)
• Winter mountain biking is only allowed on trails designated for that purpose.
• All skiers age 16 and older must carry a current, signed Minnesota Ski Pass with them when skiing in Minnesota state parks.

Ski passes can be purchased three ways:

• Daily ski passes ($6) are sold at park offices where staff is available.
• Self-registration for one-season ($20) and three-season ($55) ski passes is available at all Minnesota state parks except Carley, George H. Crosby-Manitou, Monson Lake and Schoolcraft.
• Ski passes can be purchased using Minnesota’s electronic license system, available at nearly 1,500 locations around the state. To find a location, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/agents.html or call the DNR Information Center between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367.

Many Minnesota state parks rent snowshoes ($6/day), and a few rent cross-country skis ($10/day). For a list of parks with rental equipment, and a list of parks with trails plowed and packed especially for hiking (with or without pets) and snowshoeing, check out the Winter Guide at www.mndnr.gov/parks.

Annual International Dinner Series at UMC

CROOKSTON, Minn. – Travel the world and never leave campus during the popular International Dinner Series at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Dinners in the 2013 series feature Egypt, Canada, and Africa and are scheduled for March 4, 11, 25, and April 3. All dinners begin at 6 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center. Tickets for the dinner series are available by contacting Rae French at 218-281-8339 (rfrench@umn.edu). Adult tickets are $15 per evening or $50 for the entire series. Children under 10 years of age are $10 per evening or $35 for the entire series. Tickets are limited.

“The Power of Egypt” is the focus of the first dinner in the series on Monday, March 4. The following Monday, March 11, will highlight the “Canadian Difference,” and the organization Change Africa will be in the spotlight on Monday evening, March 25. Students representing each of the featured countries will share their favorite dishes and a special presentation related to their home country.

The series concludes with an international dinner and showcase on Wednesday, April 4. The final event is a dinner hosted by the International Multicultural Club and includes talent showcase, along with demonstrations, table displays, and entertainment from countries all over the world. At 4:30 p.m. students will present a showcase of talent followed by the dinner at 6 p.m.

The International Dinner Series is a longstanding tradition at the U of M, Crookston and highlights the culture and cuisine of selected countries annually. To learn more about international programs, visit www.umcrookston.edu/international.