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Many Rural Post Offices to Stay Open

Many Rural Post Offices to Stay Open

Good news for hundreds of rural Post Offices.

The United States Postal Services says they'll stay open but with shorter hours.

As many 3,700 low revenue post offices had been set to close next week.

That includes this post office in hope, though it's still not clear which post offices will stay open.

The Postmaster General says the new plan will save the agency a half a billion dollars a year.

The Proper Way to Sip Tea

The Proper Way to Sip Tea

Did you know there is a proper way to sip tea?

It seems like an odd question, but that is just one of the many things an etiquette class at the Hormel Historic Home is aiming to teach students.

The classes are aimed at young ladies ages 9-14, but adults are welcome.

Among the other lessons is learning the best way to introduce yourself.

The classes will prepare you to attend the finest dinner parties.

Cost is $5.00 per person. Register at the Hormel Historic Home. The class is presented by the library and the Hormel Historic Home.

Extra Seatbelt Enforcement in May

Extra Seatbelt Enforcement in May

Another crackdown, the largest ever, is soon coming to Southeast Minnesota.

Many counties in our area will take part in Minnesota’s upcoming seatbelt enforcement.

On May 21st, extra officers will be patrolling the roads.

More than 400 agencies are participating in this special enforcement wave.

The enforcement will last until June 7th.

A ticket for not buckling up can cost anywhere from $25 to more than $100 with added fees.

National Screen Free Week

Children these days are spending more time with "screens" than in any activity other than sleep, this might be the week to change that.

This week is national "Screen Free Week".

The idea is to reduce the amount of time your kids are spending with screens computers, tv and video games.

Studies show that pre-schoolers are now spending an average of 32 hours each week, staring into some kind of screen.

Excessive screen time has been linked to a number of problems for children, including obesity and poor school performance.

Families are encouraged to reduce "screen time" and spent more time on activities like reading and outside time.

A Reason to Run: Tackling my First Hill Run

A Reason to Run: Tackling my First Hill Run

Journal of a Distance Runner (Thursday April 26th 2012)

 

Hill Runs:

Have you ever tried to run up a hill? It’s not as easy as it looks.

At first, you think, “yeah, I can totally do this.”

After a few feet, you suddenly realize how steep you’re actually climbing.

I was surprised last week when my trainer told me to not only run up a 600 meter hill, but do it 7 times.

Let me tell you one things about hill runs, they stink. 

They’re terrible.

But everyone tells me their worth it.

At first I thought, “you guys are crazy. No way in heck can this be worth it.”

I soon realized how beneficial they can be.

Just a few days ago I was handed a map of the marathon route.

On race day I’m set to encounter a handful of nasty looking monoliths of destruction.

My knees are trembling already.

Police Warn Of Scam Pretending To Help MN National Guard

Police Warn Of Scam Pretending To Help MN National Guard

 

The Albert Lea Police Department responded to the local Minnesota National Guard Armory in response to a peddler scam concern. 

It was reported that someone was going through several neighborhoods, soliciting financial donations in support of Blue Star Moms. It was reported that the money obtained was to go towards the purchase of backpacks for troops overseas.

A person matching the description given was located near 506 Ulstad Avenue – the 20 year old, white male, 601”, 180 lbs, short Sandy Blonde Hair, provided Arkansas identification. 

The Reporting Person’s check was recovered and returned. 

The City of Albert Lea does not currently have a Peddler’s License requirement. If citizen’s have concerns regarding peddlers soliciting, it is recommended they do their research before donating &/or purchasing items. 

A Reason to Run: Only 37 Training Days Left!

A Reason to Run: Only 37 Training Days Left!

Journal of a Marathon Runner: ( Friday April 20th)

 

After several weeks of training  I finally came to one scary realization, in only 37 days I will have to run 26.2 miles!

Even though I’ve logged over 300 miles so far, it’s still an intimidating task.

26.2 miles, 26.2 miles. WOW!

In my long runs I am currently up to 20 miles each Sunday, but it’s that extra 6.2 that still escapes me.

Surprisingly, 20 miles is the most I’ll run until the race itself!

My trainer has forbidden me from running any further than my training schedule will allow.

For some reason, that baffles me. I was always taught that if you’re doing something you’ve never done before, you should try it out alone first.

That way you know what to expect before you run a race in front of thousands of spectators.

I’m told it will all work out in the end. I hope it does.