Our network

Environment

Refrigerator & Freezer Recycling Program Starts May 15th

Submitted by David Springer, ABC 6 Assistant News Director
Tuesday, May 15th, 2012, 10:28am
Refrigerator & Freezer Recycling Program Starts May 15th

The Conserve & Save program, serving Austin Utilities, Owatonna Public Utilities and Rochester Public Utilities, is back for a second year. The program allows people looking for new refrigerators and/or freezers to turn in operating but energy inefficient units for a $35 incentive. The incentive is good for each qualifying appliance, with a maximum of two units per program life.

This is the 2nd year for the program, which generated an incredible response in 2011. The 2012 program starts today, May 15th, and runs through October 31, 2012 or until funds are exhausted.

In order to qualify, the refrigerator or freezer must be 10-30 cubic feet, operating secondary unit, in working order and owned by an RPU customer. The appliance will also be picked up, free of charge, inside the customer's home from the address listed on their billing account.

You can get more information by calling 1-877-341-2259 or at www.rpu.org

View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

High Fire Danger, Burn Permits Suspended

Submitted by Chris Kuball, Storm Tracker 6 Meteorologist
Monday, April 9th, 2012, 7:14am
High Fire Danger, Burn Permits Suspended

     There's an elevated fire risk for much of Minnesota.  Red Flag warnings are in place for much of south Minnesota and northwest Iowa
     It's blamed on low humidity and high winds.  Winds will be breezy for the next couple days with gusts towards 35 mph.
     Any burning outside of a recreational camp fire is strongly discouraged and with any burning, extreme care will be needed.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services Sponsors Essay Competition

Submitted by Phenda Varnie on Friday, February 10th, 11:25 am
Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services Sponsors Essay Competition

Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services’ (FMCS) Fifth Annual Youth Tour Competition is in full swing, attracting participation from 11th graders living in the FMCS service territory.

 

Eligible students from area schools lying within the FMCS service territory are invited to write a 500 word essay on this topic.  Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services is celebrating 75 years in business.  If you could go back in time, describe the role you would have liked to play in our cooperative’s history and why.  Also, provide an example of what you would do to shape our energy future.  A panel of outside judges has been selected and will review the essays and completed application forms.

 

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

Boat Checkpoints for Invasive Species

Submitted by Chris Kuball, Storm Tracker 6 Meteorologist
Monday, February 6th, 2012, 8:41am
Boat Checkpoints for Invasive Species

     If you own a boat... be prepared to be pulled over along the road if you're towing one and face a quick inspection from the state.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

Mower County Humane Society Spay/Neuter Clinic

Submitted by Melanie Bloom, ABC 6 News Anchor
Friday, February 3rd, 2012, 11:50am
Mower County Humane Society Spay/Neuter Clinic

To help control the population growth and unwanted kittens, the Mower County Humane Society and the Austin Vet Clinic is sponsoring another feline spay/neuter clinic during the month of March.

Reservations for appointments will be accepted starting February 6th until they are full.  The clinic is limited to 175 cats.

Your house cat or barn cat will be spayed or neutered at discounted prices.  Shots, flea/tick/wormer and other meds or treatments will also be available.

Make an appointment by calling the Austin Vet Clinic at 433-5225.  Pet porters are required for each cat that is brought for surgery.

Cost:

  • Spay $35
  • Neuter $20
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

Green Jobs Report

Submitted by Mike Schram on Thursday, January 5th, 2:19 pm
Green Jobs Report

Information from Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development:

"Minnesota's Emerging Green Economy: Green Jobs Report 2011," a comprehensive study of the state's green job vacancies and potential for growth, is now available, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced.

"Identifying green jobs and the skills that people will need to work in them will help Minnesota identify economic development strategies, as well as strategies for workforce training and education," said DEED Commissioner Mark Phillips. "With the support of the Workforce Investment Boards, the Governor's Workforce Development Council, and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, we are pleased to release this important research."

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

A Low-Salt Diet for Winter

Submitted by Mike Schram on Tuesday, January 3rd, 5:46 pm
A Low-Salt Diet for Winter

Information from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency:

For years doctors have told people to stick to a low-salt diet.  According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), our waters should follow the same advice.

When snow and ice start to accumulate on Minnesota roads, parking lots, and sidewalks, one of the more common reactions is to apply salt, which contains chloride, a water pollutant.  When snow and ice melt, most of the salt goes with it, washing into our lakes, streams and rivers.  Once in the water, there’s no way to remove the chloride, and it becomes a pollutant.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter