How do you think the state should save money
Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau recently announced a new page on the Minnesota Department of Transportation Web site that allows taxpayers to submit their ideas for reducing expenses and creating greater efficiencies at the agency.
The Lt. Governor, who also serves as the Commissioner of Transportation, wants to get the taxpayers and the department employees involved in the budget-reduction process.
According to Molnau, she plans to review all of the suggestions submitted on the Mn/DOT Web site.
A similar suggestion box has been set up at the Department of Finance to receive ideas on ways to help reduce the state’s budget deficit.
Some of the ideas already submitted include:
Reducing lighting on state highways
Charging tolls on some highways
Closing or selling some rest areas
Do you have a century farm?
The Minnesota State Fair is again looking for candidates for their Century Farm program.
Qualifications for the Century Farm status include:
The farm must be at least 100 years old according to authentic land record
The farm must have been in continuous family ownership for at least 100 years (continuous residence on the farm is not required)
The farm must be at least 50 acres.
Since 1976, a total of 7,709 farms have been designated Century Farms.
Those qualifying receive a certificate signed by the president of the Minnesota State Fair as well as Gov. Tim Pawlenty, along with an outdoor sign signifying Century Farm recognitions.
If you think you qualify, applications are available by writing Century Farms, Minnesota State Fair, 1265 Snelling Avenue North, St. Paul, MN 5108.
Applications are also available at the county extension office or at Minnesota Farm Bureau offices.
Deadline for application is June 1,
Gutknecht opens office in Fairmont
Our new congressman, Gil Gutknecht, is moving a little closer to Rock County.
In addition to his district office in his hometown of Rochester, Gutknecht has now opened a second office in downtown Fairmont.
Gutknecht said, “With offices in Rochester and Fairmont, 95-percent of the people in the first Congressional District will be within and hour’s drive.” Unfortunately, Luverne is in the other 5 percent, at approximately 90 miles from Fairmont.
If you would like to Contact the Congressman’s Rochester office by phone, that number is 507-252-9841.
Girl Scouts had a good cookie year
America continues to have a love affair with Girl Scout cookies.
Since 1995 sales of the cookies are up more than 28 percent in the Minn-Ia-Kota area.
In 2002, Girl Scouts across America sold more than 217,562,732 boxes of Girl Scout cookies.
America’s favorite cookies are Thin Mint, followed by Carmel Delights.
Don’t Forget Prudence
If your Sunday afternoon is open, don’t miss the Prudence Johnson concert at the Palace Theatre this Sunday.
Tickets are only $12 for adults, compared the $22 that people pay in the Twin Cities to see her.
Students and senior citizens are $10.
After the concert, a performing artist reception and CD signing will be held at Carnegie Cultural Center.
While you are there, you can see the wood carving display by the Blue Mound Woodcarves Club.
Advance tickets can be purchased at Carnegie Cultural Center.
Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com
