DNR launches new web site
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced the launching of their new Web site last week.
The new site will make it easier to buy a fishing license, reserve a campsite, check trail conditions and get outdoor information online, according to officials at the Mn DNR.
Although the DNR had a Web site previously, the new one is supposed to make it considerably easier to navigate to the information you need, according to Colleen Mlecoch, the DNR's chief information officer.
The improvements include:
Better guides to help navigate the site
New office locator that makes it easier to find the local DNR office
A new online calendar to find park events, safety training courses, and hunting and fishing dates
Easier ways to distinguish whatÕs new and important at the DNR and on the Web
More information about wildlife plants
The URL is still www.dnr.state.mn.us.
MnDOT launches new traveler information service
If you're motoring around the state this summer or next winter, the state now has a new way for you to access weather-related road conditions, construction and congestion by dialing 511, or by logging on to www.511mn.org.
According to Elwyn Tinklenberg, the Minnesota Commissioner of MnDOT, as well as chairman of the National 511 Deployment Coalition, "advanced technology, including 511, is the key to meeting the transportation challenges of the 21st century."
Minnesota was one of six states selected to launch a 511 service after the Federal Communications Commission in July 2000, officially designated 511 as a nationwide number for travel information.
Last December, MnDOT introduced 511 for wireless phone customers, so the free service is now available on cell phones, land lines, as well as the internet.
Traveler information is also available on MnDOTÕs Web site at www.dot.state.mn.us, or by calling 800-542-0220
Another rail repair near Manley
Another railroad crossing near Manley could delay your travel in the southwest part of the county.
This week, from July 2 through July 8, the railroad crossing south of Manley, on County road 17, will be closed for repairs.
Detours will include county roads 4, 52, and 13.
If you have any questions, contact Mark Sehr at 283-5010.
Hot Dog night is July 11th
One more reminder not to miss the 40th anniversary of Luverne's Hot Dog Night.
The Luverne merchants will start serving the 10,000 hot dogs and 300 gallons of drink at 6 p.m. with Tae Kwon Do demonstrations beginning at 6:15 and 7 p.m.
In addition, the Luverne Lions Club and the Rock County Dairy Association will have trailers on hand with some additional goodies.
Ever wonder what tree that is?
If your curiosity of trees far outpaces your knowledge, the National Arbor Foundation has a new publication for you.
"What Tree Is That" is the Foundation's new pocket guide to identifying trees.
The 72 page guide is designed to help you identify 135 different trees in the eastern and central United States.
Naturally, it will help with the most common trees, such as oak, maple, spruce and pine. It also deals with species such as horse chestnut and mockernut hickory, sassafras and shadbush.
The dozens of drawings will help you identify tree leaves or needles and their acorns, berries, seedpods, cones, and other identifying features.
The book is also organized to help identify trees in a simple step-by-step fashion.
To obtain the new tree identification guide, send your name and address and $3 to "What Tree Is That", The National Arbor Day Foundation, Nebraska City, NE 68410.
Publisher Roger Tollefson can be contacted by e-mail at
tolly@star-herald.com