Information from Minnesota Department of Transportation

Property owners along state highways are reminded to use only blue or clear reflectors when marking driveway entrances and other objects on highway rights of way, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

People installing reflectors on the highway right of way need to follow these guidelines:

· Reflectors posted near mailboxes and driveways should be blue or clear in color and at least three inches wide.
· Reflectors should be double-sided and positioned so they can be seen from both directions.
· Driveway reflectors should be posted at least 12 feet from the outside edge of the shoulder and no less than five feet above the ground.
· Reflectors should never be placed on mailboxes or permanent posts, including red and orange colored reflectors and any type of reflective tape. Motorists may confuse    reflectors with vehicle lights.

The Austin Area Foundation has the area organizations and groups from throughout the community that will receive its annual distribution of grants.  Funds for these grants are made available through the Austin Legacy Fund - in five years, $38,000 has been given to support local organizations.

For 2011, the Austin Area Foundation will award $12,000 in grants to:

 Historic Paramount Theatre – Basement lobby renovation   $700
 Matchbox Children’s Theatre- Production costs                      $1000
 Northwestern Singers -Musicians and set building                $1000
 Habitat for Humanity Freeborn/Mower-Materials/Labor          $1500
 Austin Symphony Orchestra – Oct 30/31 concert&nb