MN State Parks & Trails programs

Families will learn how to pitch a tent, hook a fish, paddle a kayak or canoe, scale a cliff and shoot a bow at nearly 200 “I Can!” programs offered this summer at Minnesota state parks and on state water trails. The newly expanded “I Can!” series of outdoor programs are designed to introduce kids to camping, fishing, paddling, climbing and archery.

“We created the ‘I Can!’ series in response to research that showed declining participation in outdoor recreation by young families,” said Courtland Nelson, DNR Parks and Trails Division director. “These popular programs are designed to introduce the next generation to the outdoors.”

Since the series launched in 2010, thousands of people have been introduced to outdoor recreation and Minnesota state parks and trails. Participation in “I Can Camp!” totaled 877 in 2012, up 51 percent from the 582 who participated the first year.

“I had to drag my kids there, and now they won’t stop exploring,” reported one father who participated in an “I Can Camp!” program. “We consider ourselves on our way to becoming veteran campers,” said a mother who attended the hands-on, learn-to-camp workshop.

All equipment is provided for the programs, along with mentoring from experienced instructors. Some programs require advance registration and a fee; others are free and allow visitors to drop-in anytime. A vehicle permit ($5/one-day or $25/year-round) is required to enter Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. A one-day permit is included with registration for an “I Can Camp!” program.

I Can Camp!
Participants camp overnight and learn basic outdoor skills from an experienced “I Can Camp!” crew at this beginner-level program. All camping equipment is provided (including tents, air mattresses and cook stoves). Participants just bring their own food and bedding (sleeping bags or blankets and pillows). Advance registration is required.

• One-night workshops ($40 for up to six people) are scheduled on Saturdays from June 8 to Aug. 31.
• Two-night workshops ($60 for up to six people) will take place July 12-14, July 26-28, Aug. 2-4 and Aug. 31-Sept. 2.

I Can Fish!
Experienced anglers will offer hands-on instruction to first-timers and those who want a refresher at this free fishing program offered at state parks statewide. All equipment and bait are provided, and no fishing license is necessary for Minnesota residents. Advance registration is not required.

I Can Paddle!
Learn paddling skills from experienced guides while exploring some of Minnesota's most stunning lakes and rivers at programs designed for beginners. Participants will learn how to launch a canoe or sea kayak safely, practice essential paddling strokes and more. No experience or equipment is necessary. Canoes, sea kayaks, lifejackets and paddles are provided. Advance registration is required. Three types of paddling experiences will be offered:

• On the Lake programs – These two-hour programs ($10 per canoe, with each canoe accommodating up to three people), perfect for beginners of all ages, will take place at various Minnesota state parks throughout the summer.
• On the River programs – In addition to the same basic skills included in the “On the Lake” programs, these programs ($25 per canoe, with each canoe accommodating up to three people) will cover how to read a river and river safety. Programs will take place on state water trails (river routes mapped and managed for paddling). Participants must be age 8 or older.
• Sea Kayaking programs – These two-hour programs ($35 per person) will introduce participants to sea kayaking on the Lake Superior State Water Trail. Participants will learn all the basics of sea kayaking while gliding past towering cliffs and the Split Rock Lighthouse.

I Can Climb!
Certified professionals from Vertical Endeavors will teach basic climbing skills and help kids and other beginners scale real rocks at four premier state parks for rock climbing. Helmets, harnesses and other climbing and safety gear are provided. Advance registration is required. Three types of climbing experiences will be offered:

• I Can Climb! – This 90-minute program ($5 per climber), designed for first-time climbers age 5 or older, will be offered at Blue Mounds State Park and Interstate State Park.
• I Can Climb! On the North Shore – This 90-minute program ($5 per climber), for participants age 10 or older, takes place at Tettegouche State Park. Climbers are safely lowered from the top of a cliff above Lake Superior and then climb back up. No experience
  is necessary.
• I Can Climb! Basic Belay and Safety – This program ($35 per participant), for participants age 14 or older, is designed for those who’ve tried one of the other two “I Can Climb!” programs and want to take their climbing skills to the next level. It will focus on knot
  tying, belaying, climbing commands, rope management skills and more.

Archery in the Parks
Trained archery instructors will provide an introduction to archery, along with assistance in shooting a bow in a safe, supervised and supportive setting at these free programs. No experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided. Programs are scheduled statewide May through August. Participants must be age 8 or older. Advance registration is not required.

For more information about any of the programs in the “I Can!” series, including program dates, times, locations and other information, visit www.mndnr.gov/ican (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/can_series.html) or call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Funding for the “I Can!” program series is from the Parks and Trails Fund, created after voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in November 2008. The Parks and Trails Fund receives 14.25 percent of the sales tax revenue and may only be spent to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance

MnDOT Spring Load Restrictions

The ENDING DATE for Winter Load Increases and STARTING DATE for Spring Load Restrictions in the CENTRAL, NORTH-CENTRAL and NORTH FROST ZONES will be Friday, March 29, 2013 at 12:01 AM.

Spring Load Restrictions are already in effect in the SOUTH, SOUTHEAST and METRO FROST ZONES.

Road Restriction maps indicating the locations of weight restricted routes and those state highways open to maximum ten-ton axle weights are listed on the MnDOT Seasonal Load Limits website at www.dot.state.mn.us/materials. Click on “Seasonal Load Limits,” then click on “Spring Load Restrictions (SLR).” Also available is a text list of the restricted segments along with exceptions to the map.

OVERWEIGHT PERMITS

Permits for over 80,000 GVW will continue and new permits will be issued if all axle and group weights are legal. Existing middle-range and full-summer overweight permits end when Winter Load Increases are removed. No middle-range or full-summer overweight permits are issued during the Spring Load Restriction period. Middle-range overweight permits become available within each frost zone when Spring Load Restrictions are lifted. Full-summer overweight permits become available within each frost zone starting two to three weeks after Spring Load Restrictions are lifted.

For questions about enforcement call:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
State Patrol - Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
651-405-6171 (select Option 3, Option 3)

For questions about over legal weight/size "heavy haul" trucking call:
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations - Oversize/Weight Permits
651‑296-6000

The ending dates for Spring Load Restrictions are based on how weather is affecting roadway strength. These dates are established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change. Therefore, the ending dates for Spring Load Restrictions are variable.

As soon as a date is set, MnDOT will report this date on its 24-hour automated message center at 1‑800‑723‑6543 for the USA and Canada, and locally at 651‑366‑5400 for the Minneapolis/St Paul area. This information is also published on the MnDOT Seasonal Load Limits website: www.dot.state.mn.us/materials.

Hwy 2 closed from EGF to Crookston until Tuesday

BEMIDJI, Minn. – (7:00 p.m.) Highway 2 from East Grand Forks to Crookston will remain closed until Tuesday morning according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The Highway was closed at 12:00 p.m. due to high winds causing blowing and drifting snow, and white-out conditions.

Snowplows have been working to clear the road, but crews have been unable to keep up with the conditions. Motorists are advised not to travel until conditions improve and MnDOT and the Minnesota State Patrol open the road.

Motorists should plan accordingly. When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or sentenced to 90 days in jail. In addition, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.

For updated information on road conditions, visit www.511mn.org or call 511.

MN Historical Society Reaches 1,000 Legacy Grant Milestone

ST. PAUL (March 13, 2013) – The Minnesota Historical Society has awarded 64 new Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants of up to $7,000 each (listed by county below). This latest round of grants marks a 1,000-grant milestone since the grants, funded by the Legacy Amendment, began in 2009.

Grants are helping organizations in every Minnesota county preserve and share history, including Isanti County where an arson fire devastated the local historical society. Visit youtube.com/user/minnesotahistory to see a video about the damage and recovery efforts.

“This 1,000-grant milestone is significant. It means that Minnesotans are building a lasting legacy now for future generations by preserving what makes our state a great place to live,” said David Grabitske, manager of outreach services for the Minnesota Historical Society. “While a lot has been accomplished in just three years, the demand for the grants for the cause of history and historic preservation remains strong and enthusiastic.”

Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants are made possible by the Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008. The amendment supports efforts to preserve Minnesota land, water and legacy, including Minnesota history and cultural heritage.

January Small Grant Recipients:
All grants are administered according to professional standards and criteria. Below is the latest round of Small Grant recipients, listed in alphabetical order by county.

Aitkin County, McGrath Historical Committee, Inc., $1,315
Museum Accessibility Improvements: To increase accessibility to exhibits and historical resources within the museum by constructing an entrance ramp and skirting.

Big Stone County, Pioneerland Library System, $1,283
Bringing Minnesota History to the Big Stone County Libraries: To add 57 standard Minnesota history titles to broaden public accessibility.

Carver County, Carver County Historical Society, $7,000
Wooden Structure Restoration of the Peterson North Barn: To begin restoration of the North Barn on the Andrew Peterson Farmstead, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Carver County, Chaska Historical Society, $7,000
Chaska Historical Society: Exhibit Development: To hire a qualified professional to research the effect of changing technologies on Chaska residents, preparatory to designing and installing an exhibit.

Cass County, Heritage Group North, Inc., $5,521
Glen A. Glover Glass Plate Negative Digital Conversion Project: To scan and digitize 118 glass plate negatives for greater public accessibility.

Chisago County, Chisago County Historical Society, $4,753
Long Range Conservation Plan: To hire a qualified professional to write a long range conservation plan for the museum's collections.

Chisago County, Taylors Falls Historical Society, $2,985
Displaying Recently Archived Collections in Taylors Falls Historical Society Visitor Center: To research and develop an exhibit about the history of the Taylors Falls area.

Clay County, Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, $3,200
Bergquist Cabin Historic Structures Report: To hire a qualified professional to prepare a Historic Structures Report for the John Bergquist House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Clearwater County, Clearwater County Historical Society, $1,800
Minnesota Museum Bookshelf: To add 49 standard Minnesota museum administration titles to broaden public accessibility.

Crow Wing County, City of Brainerd, $3,434
Brainerd Historical Markers: To develop historical markers to facilitate public access to stories significant to the Brainerd community.

Dakota County, Dakota City Heritage Village, $6,570
Develop a Disaster Plan: To hire a qualified professional to write a historic site disaster plan.

Dakota County, India Association of Minnesota, $7,000
Oral History & Digitization for Ragamala Dance Company: To document in oral history interviews the history of the Ragamala Dance Company.

Grant County, Grant County Historical Society, $6,400
HVAC Evaluation: To hire a qualified professional to evaluate the heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems in the county museum building.

Hennepin County, AirSpace Minnesota, $7,000
Annotated Innovation Story Timeline Research & Development: To research innovation and invention throughout the history of Minnesota's aviation industry.

Hennepin County, Alliance Francaise of the Twin Cities, $7,000
Historic Structures Report, Phase One: To hire a consultant to develop the first phase of a Historic Structures Report for the Alliance Francaise building, part of the Minneapolis Warehouse Historic District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Hennepin County, Eighth Air Force Historical Society, Inc. - Minnesota Chapter, $3,827
Oral History Transcription of World War II Veterans' Experiences: To transcribe 12 oral history interviews to provide public access to World War II veterans' experiences.

Hennepin County, Minnesota Air National Guard Historical Foundation, $3,650
Minnesota Aviation Innovators Exhibit: Production. To fabricate and install an exhibit on innovators in Minnesota aviation.

Hennepin County, Minnesota African American Museum & Cultural Center, $7,000
Acquisition of Microfilm Reader/Printer/Scanner: To make accessible primary records through a new microfilm reader/printer.

Hennepin County, Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center, $466
Minnesota History Bookshelf: To add 19 standard Minnesota history titles to broaden public accessibility.

Hennepin County, Mindekirken Foundation, $4,000
Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church National Register Evaluation: To hire a qualified historian to evaluate the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church (Mindekirken) for possible inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

Hennepin County, Preserve Minneapolis, $7,000
Mobile Historical Website, Phase I: To set up the Preserve Minneapolis website with updated technology to support the Old Highland Neighborhood Association walking tours.

Hennepin County, Regents of the University of Minnesota (Institute for Advanced Study), $6,974
Oral Histories of Intellectual and Cultural Leaders of Minnesota (2000-2012): To document in 20 interviews the history of Minnesota's arts and cultural leaders.

Hennepin County, Regents of the University of Minnesota (Institute on Community Integration), $6,925
Transition from School to Work for MN’s Youth With Disabilities: An Oral History. To document in 8 interviews the policies that reduced unemployment rates among Minnesota's youth with disabilities.

Hennepin County, Richfield Historical Society, $1,200
Interactive Agriculture and Food Outreach Program: To develop a hands-on outreach program series to share Richfield's history of foodway skills.

Hubbard County, Kabekona Lake Association, $2,050
Preserving Kabekona Lake's Heritage and History: To hire a qualified professional to advise on preserving the institutional history of a northern lake community.

Jackson County, Jackson County, $7,000
Comprehensive Investigation of the Jackson County Courtroom Ceiling, Stenciling and Plasterwork: To hire a qualified professional to develop a treatment plan for the Jackson County Courthouse stenciling and plasterwork.

Kandiyohi County, Kandiyohi County Historical Society, $3,845
Microfilm Kandiyohi County Township Records: To microfilm and make accessible public records for six Kandiyohi County townships.

Kandiyohi County, Willmar Design Center, $7,000
Downtown Willmar Historic District National Register Evaluation: To hire a qualified historian to evaluate the downtown Willmar historic district for possible inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

Lac qui Parle County, Lac qui Parle County Historical Society, $5,080
Disaster Plan Development for Lac qui Parle County Museum: To hire a qualified professional to develop a disaster plan for the Lac qui Parle County Historical Society.

Lake County, Arts on Superior, $7,000
Two Harbors MNopedia Entries: To create 17 entries on Two Harbors history for the MNopedia project for online research.

Lyon County, Lyon County Historical Society, $570
Minnesota Museum Bookshelf: To add 22 standard Minnesota history titles to broaden public accessibility through well-rounded interpretation.

Lyon County, Lyon County Historical Society, $5,900
Camden Vase Display Case and Interpretive Signs: To hire a qualified professional to fabricate an appropriate display and exhibit labels for a significant collections piece.

Mahnomen County, Mahnomen County Historical Society, $1,555
Minnesota Museum Bookshelf: To add 44 standard Minnesota museum administration titles to broaden staff development.

Martin County, Martin County Historical Society, $4,022
MCHS Disaster Planning Project: To hire a qualified professional to develop a comprehensive disaster plan.

Mower County, Mower County Historical Society, $1,078
Mower County During World War II Exhibit Research Project: To research and develop a new exhibit on Mower County during World War II.

Mower County, Mower County Historical Society, $6,922
Acquisition of Austin Daily Herald Microfilm Copies Phase 1: To acquire microfilm copies of the Austin Daily Herald newspaper through 2007.

Nobles County, Nobles County Historical Society, $4,330
Vertical File Inventory and Cataloging Project: To hire a qualified professional to process and make accessible archival materials.

Otter Tail County, Prospect House Museum, $4,221
StEPs Program Assessment: To hire a qualified professional to begin the American Association for State and Local History's StEPs self-assessment program.

Pine County, Pine County Historical Society, $6,500
Evaluation of Air Conditioning/Ventilation System and Monitoring System: To hire a qualified professional to perform an evaluation of the museum's HVAC system.

Pipestone County, City of Pipestone, $830
Minnesota Historic Preservation Bookshelf Starter Kit: To add 47 standard Minnesota historic preservation titles to broaden public accessibility.

Ramsey County, Cathedral Heritage Foundation, $5,152
General Preservation Assessment Survey: To hire a qualified museum professional to conduct a preservation assessment survey on works of art in the Cathedral's collections.

Ramsey County, City of St. Paul, $7,000
Structural Assessment and Work Plan for Pattern Shop at Jackson Street Shops: To hire a qualified professional to complete a structural assessment and work plan.

Ramsey County, Concordia University (Library), $5,285
General Preservation Assessment Survey: To hire a qualified professional to conduct a preservation assessment survey of an art collection.

Ramsey County, Luther Seminary Library, $7,000
Microfilm/fiche Reader/Printer/Scanner: To make accessible primary records through a new microfilm reader/printer.

Ramsey County, Minnesota Legislative Reference Library, $7,000
Digital Access to Historical Documents and Finding Aids from the Office of the Secretary of State (1900-1990): To make accessible to the public documents from the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office, 1900-1990.

Ramsey County, Minnesota Museum of American Art, $5,346
General Preservation Assessment Survey: To hire a qualified professional to conduct a general preservation needs assessment survey and long range collections preservation plan.

Ramsey County, Park Press Inc., $2,000
Demographic Change in St. Anthony Park, Como Park, Falcon Heights, and Lauderdale: To conduct research for a series of articles on the history of demographic changes in Ramsey County.

Ramsey County, The Performance Lab, $7,000
Minnesota Dance Pioneers Oral History Project: To document in three interviews the history of modern dance educators in the 1960s.

Ramsey County, Twin City Model Railroad Museum, $7,000
Signage for "Marketing a Heritage" Gallery: To fabricate and install interpretive panels for the Toy Train Division gallery.

Ramsey County, White Bear Lake Area Historical Society, $4,000
White Bear Town Hall National Register Evaluation: To hire a qualified historian to evaluate the 1885 White Bear Town Hall for possible inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

Renville County, Sacred Heart Area Historical Society, $3,677
Sacred Heart Public School National Register Evaluation: To hire a qualified historian to evaluate the Sacred Heart Public School for possible inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

Rice County, Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf, $1,500
Sesquicentennial History of the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf: To research and develop a history of the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf.

Rice County, Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf, $7,000
MSAD Portable Museum Exhibit: To develop a portable exhibit for campus buildings and the school museum.

Rice County, Northfield Historical Society, $7,000
Item Level Assessment of the NHS Collection: To conduct an item-level conditions assessment of the museum collections.

Roseau County, Greenbush Public Library, $460
Greenbush Public Library Historic Photo Display: To prepare an exhibit marking the 50-year history of the Greenbush Public Library.

Roseau County, Greenbush Public Library, $512
Minnesota History Book Shelf: To add 22 standard Minnesota history titles to broaden public accessibility.

Roseau County, Roseau County Historical Society, $7,000
RCHS Cataloging Project: To hire a qualified professional to accession and catalog archives and documents in the collections.

Scott County, Scott County Historical Society, $4,178
Microfilm Scott County Newspapers: To microfilm two years of Scott County newspapers to broaden public accessibility.

St. Louis County, Armory Arts and Music Center, $7,000
Partial Re-roofing and Roof Repair: To restore the roof of the Duluth Armory, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

St. Louis County, Dorothy Molter Foundation and Museum, $6,833
Development of Collections Management Policy & Procedures and Collections Plan: To hire a qualified professional to develop policies and procedures for museum collections management.

St. Louis County, Minnesota Discovery Center, $7,000
Collections Inventory, Phase III: To begin the next phase of a complete collections inventory, making the collections more accessible to the public.

St. Louis County, North Star Foundation of the Mesaba Range Incorporated, $4,700
Mesaba Park Expanded Oral History Project, To document in 10 interviews additional historical information related to Mesaba Co-op Park.

Wabasha County, National Eagle Center, $7,000
National Eagle Center: Interpretive Exhibit Plan for Mississippi Flyway Exhibit: To research and develop an exhibit exploring the relationship between the natural world and human activity in the Minnesota portion of the Mississippi flyway.

Waseca County, Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center, $7,000
Farmamerica Collections Management Policy and Procedures: To hire a qualified professional to develop a set of collections management policies and procedures.

Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants
The Minnesota Historical Society received a 2011 legislative appropriation to award a total of $10.5 million in Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants during the 2012 and 2013 fiscal years. The grants provide an unprecedented opportunity for non-profit and educational organizations, government units and tribal organizations to preserve and share the state’s history and cultural heritage.

Grants are available for history and historic preservation projects in three tiers: Small Grants of $7,000 or less, Mid-Size Grants between $7,001 and $50,000, and Large Grants of more than $50,001. For more information on the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program, including application deadlines, visit legacy.mnhs.org/grants.

About the Minnesota Historical Society
The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. The Society collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, the Society preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history.

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).