Blood Donations Critical at Holiday Time
Just when you thought you couldn't squeeze in even one more thing onto your busy holiday calendar, a local group is hoping you'll take time to keep blood supplies current. The Wright County chapter of the American Red Cross says that blood donation during the holiday period is critical because of sustained or even increased need. There are three Red Cross bloodmobile visits scheduled in Wright County in the coming weeks. The bloodmobile visits Delano on December 15th, Buffalo on December 22nd, and St. Michael on December 23rd. All bloodmobile clinics are from 1 to 7 PM, and though appointments are appreciated, walk-in donors are always welcome. |
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CP Rail Holiday Train Visits Buffalo Saturday
The Canadian Pacific Railway holiday train will stop in Buffalo Saturday evening. The third annual holiday train visit is scheduled for Saturday evening in an effort to spread good will, and to raise money and food donations for the local food shelf. The freight train is decorated with thousands of Christmas lights, and features a boxcar stage where entertainers will present a musical holiday show. The holiday train is expected to pull into Buffalo around 7:15 PM, and will stop at the crossing near McDonald's and the new Subway. Those visiting the train are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or cash donation for the food shelf. |
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Christmas Projects to Help Those in Need in Full Swing
As the holidays approach, volunteers are busy organizing various Christmas projects for the needy across the Wright County area. Projects are available for residents of all Wright County communities, but the organizing agencies differ in each community. Contact local churches or service organizations in your area for more information. Though they no longer organize the Christmas projects, the Wright County Human Services Department can also refer you to the proper groups in your area whether you would like to make a donation, or if you are in need of help this holiday season. |
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Eden Valley Hunter Missing
The search for a missing Eden Valley man continues in Montana, where he had been deer hunting. 52-year-old Allen Theis left for Montana November 21st, and was expected to be back by the end of the month. Authorities found the man's pickup truck near Winifred, Montana. Search planes and tracking dogs have been used to try to locate the man, but so far, have turned up nothing. Family members say it is completely out of character for Theis to be gone for any length of time without checking in with someone. |
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Energy Efficient Gifts Save Money, Resources
A Minnesota energy group is hoping holiday shoppers give environmentally-friendlier gifts this season. J. Drake Hamilton, the science policy director for Minnesotans for an Energy-Efficient Economy says looking for the "energy star" label means you're getting the most energy-efficient technology. She says some energy-saving gift ideas or stocking stuffers might be compact florescent light bulbs, and rechargeable batteries. |
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Environmental Groups Say Becker Power Plant Emits Most Mercury in State
A new report by several environmental groups lists Xcel Energy's power plant in Becker as the top contributor to mercury emissions in the state. Leise Jones with the U-S Public Interest Research Group says mercury is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and small children. For its part, Xcel Energy defends the plant, saying it is within parameters for emissions. Xcel says the Becker plant emits the most mercury simply because it is the largest power producing facility in the state. |
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Funeral Services for Otsego Boy Killed in Car / Pedestrian Crash
Funeral services are scheduled for this morning in Otsego for the youngster who was killed earlier this week when he was struck by a car near his home in Otsego. 11-year-old Dale Moehlmann died Monday evening when a westbound car on County Road 39 struck him as he attempted to cross the road after putting some mail in the family mailbox. Authorities investigating the crash say the 56-year-old Otsego woman who was driving the car was not impaired, and was not speeding. Funeral services for young Dale Moehlmann are scheduled for 11 o'clock at the Christ Lutheran Church of Otsego. |
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Howard Lake Joins Metro Calling Area
Howard Lake area phone customers enjoyed their first day of being part of the extended metro phone area on Wednesday. More than 2/3rds of phone customers voted to accept an increase on their monthly residential or business phone bill in order to be able to place and receive calls to the metro area without a long-distance charge. Howard Lake is the latest in an ever-growing list of Wright County communities to join the Minneapolis-St. Paul extended phone service area, which is one of the largest in the country. |
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Not Too Late For a Flu Shot
Health officials say even though the flu season is a little ahead of schedule this year, it's still not too late to get a flu shot, and have it give you some protection. A series of flu shot clinics in our area that are being held throughout the month of December are being called "Ban The Bug." Flu shots will be given at Wellness On Wheels, or "WOW" van stops throughout the month. For more information, contact Rosemary at Wright County Public Health at (763) 682-7717, or 1-800-362-3667. |
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Otsego Boy Dies in Car / Pedestrian Accident
An young boy from Otsego died early Monday evening when he was struck by a car near his home on county road 39 in Otsego. 11-year-old Dale Moehlmann was struck by the car apparently as he was attempting to cross the county highway after putting some mail in the family mailbox. Authorities say the driver of the car was 56-year-old Donna Steinkopf of Otsego. Officials say she called 9-1-1 moments after the accident saying she thought she may have struck something on the road, but in the darkenss, couldn't see what it was she might have hit. Authorities say the driver was not speeding and was not impaired. Funeral services for the boy who was killed will be held on Friday. |
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Showdown For 18A House Seat Taking Shape
The race for the special election to fill the vacant Minnesota house seat in District 18A is shaping up. The seat recently became open when longtime State Representative Tony Kielkucki of Lester Prairie stepped down to become the Deputy Secretary of State. The house seat has been held by republicans for decades. McLeod County democrats think this could be the election that sees a change. Democrats have nominated retired teacher Lowell Ueland of Glencoe, while republicans endorsed Hutchinson attorney Scott Newman, though he'll be challenged in a primary run-off by Dassel minister LaDon Rydberg. The primary election will be held December 16th, and the special election to fill the house seat will take place December 30th. |
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Vandalism Continues in Buffalo
Recent acts of vandalism have Buffalo police officials asking for the public for help in identifying suspects in the crimes. Police Chief Mitch Weinzetl says several vehicles and buildings have had windows broken out, or shot out with a BB gun or pellet gun. Anyone who can provide information on any acts of vandalism in recent weeks should contact the Buffalo Police. |
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Winter Storm Warning!
Though it won't be a blizzard, Wright County and much of central and east central Minnesota will get another taste of winter weather today. Accumulating snow will fall throughout the day, with 2 to 4 inches expected. Southeastern parts of Wright County could be on the edge of some of the heaviest snow which is expected in the south metro, where up to 6 inches could accumulate. Northwestern portions of Wright County on the other hand may have lesser amounts depending on the track of the snow. Roads are expected to be slippery throughout the day, and motorists are reminded to allow for slower conditions. Following the snow system, temperatures are expected to drop dramatically throughout the rest of the week. KRWC will have weather updates, and weather-related announcements as needed throughout the day. |
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