Master Gardeners to hold plant saleRock County’s Master Gardeners have scheduled their first Farmers Market Plant Sale.The sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 22, in the parking lot of M-M Distributing at 321 W. Hatting. The sale will run from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.Rock County Master Gardeners are encouraged to bring in their extra pre-priced perennials, annuals, etc. to sell. No professional growers will be allowed.Shoppers, you are encouraged to come in and get some great deals on some great flowers.The event will be held rain or shine. If you have any questions, contact Lynn Lopau at 283-4252Would you consider adopting a highway?Throughout southern Minnesota, close to 500 community organizations and families are cleaning nearly 90 percent of the state’s highways.For obvious reasons, the state loves the program.District 7 transportation engineer, Jim Swanson recently said "This is an invaluable service to all Minnesotans and helps to leave visitors with a positive impression of Minnesota as they travel highways throughout the state, especially here in southern Minnesota."So, you think it’s something you might be interested in?Here’s what you should know:Each sponsoring organization agrees to pick up roadside trash along a two-to-three mile section of a state highway for a minimum of two years. Volunteers’ efforts help beautify roadsides and also save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in litter removal costs.Because of those efforts, that money can be spent on other programs to make our highways safer.If you do volunteer, the state of Minnesota will provide you with safety training, orange vests, and trash bags.Once the trash is collected, Mn/DOD personnel remove the bags from the roadside.If you would like to volunteer, contact the state at www.dot.state.mn.us/adopt or phone 800-804-3295.Assisting organ donors A bill making its way through the Minnesota House of Representatives could give some financial relief to those who choose to donate organs.The bill, sponsored by Rep. Doug Magnus, would grant organ donors an income tax subtraction for the out-of-pocket cost that accumulates when making a donation.The bill is called the "Gift of Life Act."According to Magnus, "When people make the choice to help save the lives of others, they are often surprised and overwhelmed by the financial strain that is associated with their sacrifice."Magnus feels the financial sacrifice families have to go through is often a disincentive to those who are considering becoming a donor.Magnus said the recent story about Zach Zwaan, in the Rock County Star Herald reminded him of the importance of the bill.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com
