Around McLeod County

Organizers of the second annual Warm Coats for McLeod Communities drive hope to build on last year’s success. Last year, they distributed more than 1,000 coats to McLeod County residents in need.

This year, they will distribute free new and gently used coats from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, and from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 17, at the McLeod County Fairgrounds in Hutchinson and Pla-Mor Ballroom in Glencoe.

Coats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Parents are asked to bring their children along to ensure a proper fit.

Republican U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman will visit Hutchinson at 1 p.m. Wednesday, not on Thursday as originally announced. He will be at Zella’s, across from Library Square on Main Street, just a few doors north of the McLeod County Republicans campaign office.

County Republican First Vice Chairwoman Diane Robinson said supporters are welcome to visit the campaign office to pick up signs, bumper stickers, buttons and literature.

The office is open from 9 a.m. to at least 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to at least 2 p.m Saturdays. For more information, call (320) 587-6300.

By Nathan Winter
University of Minnesota Extension

Trees are often enjoyed more by people that come after those who planted the tree. Trees help define how a yard in the city will look and the type of landscaping that can be done by determining shade or full-sun types of plants. Businesses and city municipalities also use trees to help make areas more aesthetically pleasing to those who are working within, as well as those who are using those areas for recreation. In rural country settings, trees serve many purposes.

Becky Felling of Hutchinson was among five people to receive awards for significant accomplishments in public health from Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Sanne Magnan this week. The awards were presented Wednesday at the 2008 Community Health Conference in Brainerd.

By Carl Hoffman, University of Minnesota Extension

A recent drop of temperatures into the low 30s reminds us that it is time to move any houseplants that were outside for the summer back indoors. Most houseplants originated in the tropics and will not survive frost and actually have trouble coping with nighttime temperatures in the 40 degree range.

By Carl Hoffman, University of Minnesota Extension

Seeing the boxelder bugs beginning to gather on the south side of my house reminds me that it is time to relay some information on control of these insects to homeowners. The boxelder bugs are gathering on the outside of some homes in large numbers and the multi-colored Asian lady beetles will probably arrive soon. They congregate on the outside of homes as they search for sites to winter over. Many of them may find their way into the home and, although they do not feed or reproduce there, they certainly can be annoying.

From the University of Minnesota Extension

McLeod County Emergency Food Shelf is in desperate need of donations of both food and money as its busiest season of the year begins.

The food shelf was started by residents in April 1983. For 25 years, it has been serving the hungry of McLeod County. By the end of that year, 109 households had been served. In 1984, the first full year of operation, 468 households were served 10,651 pounds of food.