How to sign up for “Do Not Call”
The Minnesota Department of Commerce has announced how you can register for the “Do Not Call” list.
The Do Not Call list makes it illegal for telemarketers to call any residential phone number that has been registered.
The automated system will allow you to register up to three phone numbers with a single call.
The statewide, toll-free, Do Not Call registration number is 800-921-4110.
Internet registration will also be available through the Department of Commerce Web site: www.commerce.state.mn,us
According to Commerce Commissioner Jim Bernstein, there are roughly 2.2 million residential phone lines in Minnesota. Bernstein said he would not be surprised if half those numbers are eventually registered on the Do Not Call list.
The Do Not Call list was established by the 2002 legislature and signed into law by Governor Ventura.
Although registration started on Monday, Nov. 4, the law does not go into effect until Jan. 1, 2003.
Violators can be fined up to $1,000 for calling people on the list, but the law does not include non-profit groups, political parties or businesses with a prior relationship with the customer.
On the first day of the sign-up, 189,339 Minnesotans signed up for the service, nearly 10 percent of the state’s residential phone customers.
Wisconsin, which started its “no call list” in September, has had more than 720,000 people sign up. and the Web site is still getting 5,000 hits every day.
Nearly 30 states have enacted similar laws, and congress is considering passing a federal law.
Chamber plans Bridal Expo
A new date has been set for the third annual Bridal/Prom Expo.
The event will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19,. at Sharkee's in Luverne. Deadline for vendors to sign up is Dec. 2nd.
The cost for vendors to participate is $75.
If you have further questions, contact the Luverne Chamber of Commerce at 507-283-4061.
Ag update set for November 26th
The annual Rock County Ag Update will be from 1:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 26, p.m. at the Blue Mound Banquet Hall and Meeting Center.
Along with the usual programs that have dealt with taxes, land rents, genetically modified grain issues and marketing, this year will also emphasize the 2002 farm program.
Roger Carlson, Rock County Farm Service Agency, will give a brief overview of the Farm Program and will also discuss what landlords and producers need to do to sign up.
Fraser Norton and Eric Hartman will give updates on the changes in the program and will discuss income and estate tax issues, as well as several farm management and marketing strategies.
The 2003 Ag Resource Guide, which covers a variety of topics such as personal and real estate taxes, commodity marketing, land rental rates, custom rates, crop budget projections, will be available at the meeting.
The annual event is organized by the Rock County office of the University of Minnesota Extension Service and is sponsored by the three Luverne banks.
Publisher Roger Tollefson can be contacted by e-mail at
tolly@star-herald.com