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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10 -- FallINSIDE THIS ISSUE Council & Commissions 2 HWY 55 Improvements 3 Firearm Safety 3 Safe & Sober 4 Winter Activities 4 Country Daze Update 5 Haunted House 5 Snowplowing Notice 6 Events and Activities 6-7 Maple Hills Community Center 7 Meals on Wheels 7 Home Free Women's Shelter 7 Athletic Association Update 8 C i t y o f C o r c o r a n C i t y o f C o r c o r a n WWHENHEN SSECONDSECONDS CCOUNTOUNT Here is an experiment for you to do. Have a friend or relative drive by your home and time how long it takes to lo- cate the address numbers identifying your house in the daytime and nighttime and also approach from both direc- tions. How long does it take? Those seconds, or maybe minutes, will add to the time it takes for a First Responder to find your home or business and help you with an emergency. The chance of a heart attack, choking, or drowning victim surviving decreases with every second it takes for emergency responders to reach them. A few things you can do that are not only helpful, but are part of the MN Fire Code: Use large numbers – the code states that they must be a minimum of 4‖. The bigger they are, the quicker it is for someone to find them. Make the numbers and/or letters a contrasting color from their background. Remember, they need to be visible from the road to serve their purpose – they are not just for decoration! Mail Box addresses can serve this purpose. However, small lettering, clustering of boxes, boxes on opposite sides of the street, markings on only one side of the box, and sun-faded numbers can all diminish address visibility. Here are a few “extras” you can do. They are not part of the MN State Fire Code, but they could save a life or put a fire out a little quicker: Shine a light on your house numbers. Post a fire number, close to the street, visible from both directions of travel, especially in rural areas. Use reflective house numbers. Make sure there are no trees or shrubs blocking the view to your house numbers. Don’t depend on everyone having a G.P.S. or knowing you ―live just down the street from the Smiths.‖ Other people are also depending on you to make their jobs easier: mail/package delivery persons, utility workers, floral deliverers, pizza drivers, friends, long-lost relatives—the list could go on. When seconds count, whether it is a life- threatening emergency or a hot pizza, make sure you have done your part! City Hall 763City Hall 763City Hall 763---420420420---2288 EXT. 292288 EXT. 292288 EXT. 29 Police Department 763Police Department 763Police Department 763---420420420---8966 Administrative8966 Administrative8966 Administrative Public Works 763Public Works 763Public Works 763---420420420---265226522652 www.ci.corcoran.mn.uswww.ci.corcoran.mn.uswww.ci.corcoran.mn.us Office Hours : MondayOffice Hours : MondayOffice Hours : Monday———Friday 8AMFriday 8AMFriday 8AM———4PM4PM4PM Fall/Winter Newsletter October 2011 CITY OFFICE INFORMATION Mayor Ken Guenthner 763-478-6699 Councilors—Rich Asleson, Tom Cossette George Gmach, Roz Milbrandt City Council Meetings Second & Fourth Thursday of each month @ 7:00 pm Planning Commission Meetings First Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm Parks & Trails Meetings Third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm “Let your voice be heard” Council and CommissionsCouncil and CommissionsCouncil and Commissions Page 2 The Corcoran City Council has been working with city staff to develop a budget and work plan for 2012. The continuing down economy and ever-shifting policies coming from the Minnesota Legislature make it a daunting task to balance the City’s ever-present needs with available funds. The City Council would like to accomplish the following goals next year, all while realizing that the ―tax spigot‖ can’t simply be turned on and off at will: Start construction of the first leg of the Municipal Water and Sewer system. If all goes well, the City’s already existing TIF (tax increment fund) balance will finance the construction of water and sewer lines from the intersection of County Roads 10 and 101 in Maple Grove to County Road 116 just north of County Road 10. The Council is still studying whether any portion of current costs would require an assess- ment to the immediately benefitted properties along the initial route. Re-examine and improve the City’s ability to fund street (asphalt and gravel) construction and maintenance. The Council has received many questions and concerns regarding the current dust control program and the Council hopes to develop an approach to funding paving, asphalt maintenance, graveling, grading, and dust control that is more broadly accepted as equitable. Resolve the location, design, and construction of a Public Works Facility. This project has been in the planning stages for several years, and is badly needed and long overdue. Increase the General Fund reserves beyond the current level of 23 % of annual expenses. The reserve represents the City’s ―money in the bank,‖ which it draws against to fund operations between the two times out of the year it receives property tax distributions from the State, in July and December. In effect, the City has expenses every month, but only receives ―paychecks‖ twice a year. The reserve is the balance on account at the end of the calendar year, but increases in July and December when funds are received and may dip well below the 23% figure during the months in between. The Council has currently targeted a figure closer to 30% as a prudent year-end reserve. City staff wages have been frozen since 2009 and the Council would like to make cost of living increases. The City will continue to make full use of part-time staff where possible and no full time positions will be added next year. On September 8th the Council approved a preliminary, maximum Property Tax Levy for 2012 of $2,829,869, an increase of $97,414 over 2011. From this point until the 2012 Tax Levy Public Hearing on December 8th, the Council will be working to reduce that levy and create a budget that provides necessary service levels and ends 2012 in the black. The preliminary levy approved on September 8th can be lowered but by law cannot be increased. The public is invited to attend any Council meeting over the next two months, as well as the December 8th levy and budget public hearing, to voice comments and ideas on the 2012 budget. The Council and Parks & Trails Commission would like to take this opportunity to thank volun- teer students Lindsey Jacobs, Charles Jacobs and Michelle Hansmann for their efforts to serve the community. Adding the students to this commission has added lots of creative ideas and discussion for future development. With their departure going back to school, it has left three senior high student seats open to serve on this commission. If you would like to serve on the Parks and Trails Commission, please fill out an application by downloading it from the City's website or stopping by City Hall to pick one up. During the summer meetings, the commission discussed ideas for improvements to City parks, some of which are re- placing signs, adding pavement next to playground area, rebuilding the tennis courts, adding T-ball fields and a volley- ball court, adding lighting on ball fields, improving fencing, and improving septic/well and restroom facilities. They will also be discussing the snowmobile trails expansion. If you would like for ―your voice to be heard,‖ Parks and Trails would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone in the community to come join the meetings and share their thoughts. They are a very informal group and try to make the discussions positive, creative and thought worthy. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM in the Civic Center at City Hall. Corcoran is included in the 27,000 acres of land for the Three Rivers Park District. Guide maps to these parks and trails are now available at City Hall. If you would like to speak at open forum, please contact the City Adminis- trator, Dan Donahue, at 763-420-2288 ext. 13. If you have a question or concern for the Council, please email: general@ci.corcoran.mn.us Page 3 This past month Corcoran, Medina, Loretto Public Works and Hennepin County staff were invited by Mn/DOT to a meeting in- volving the scheduled 2012 project for Highway 55 pavement reconstruction. The project involves detouring HWY 55 along county roads in Corcoran and Greenfield. This detour will bring approximately 20,000 cars a day through Corcoran and exacer- bate traffic issues within the City. Several City traffic issues immediately come to mind: · Local access onto CR 116 · Safety at Hackamore and CR 116 · Larkin access and downtown affects to business · Intersection stacking at CR 10/ CR 116 · Pedestrian traffic at St. Thomas the Apostle · Intersection flow at ―Y intersection‖ of CR 10/ CR 50 · Shoulder width on several areas of CR 50 · Local access on CR 50 · Cut through traffic on gravel roads · Additional maintenance costs of gravel roads · Additional police hours for traffic assistance and enforcement The project will begin just west of Pinto Drive (CSAH 116) in Medina and end at Ash St. in Rockford. The project will take a ―Design: Build‖ approach; that is, the design engineer and contractor will be chosen as a team in December. Technically, the project is known as a ―mill and overlay,‖ which will typically replace 4-1/2 inches on the travel lanes and 1-1/2 inches on the shoulders. Safety concerns have been identified within this project and will be corrected during construction. Intersections will be reviewed for ADA compliance and upgraded accordingly. Trees, unacceptable mailbox supports and other hazards will be removed from the clear zone. Three-cable guardrail will be replaced with plate beam, and lengths will be adjusted to meet current standards. Traffic volumes and accident history were reviewed and it has been decided that this project will also include the addition of turn lanes at major intersections, such as at Rolling Hills Road in Medina and Pioneer Trail in Corcoran. Minor drainage concerns have also been identified along this corridor. Improvements will include median replacement, curb and gutter repair, drainage structure repair and replacement. Two cattle passes also will be plugged and abandoned, and a slope failure near Rolling Hills Road and a drainage washout area at Rebecca Park Trail will be corrected. Led by Police Chief Sean Gormley and City Engineer Kent Torve, Corcoran staff are taking a lead role in coordinating a task force to discuss this project. The task force will meet monthly as the expected June 2012 start date approaches. FIREARM SAFETYFIREARM SAFETYFIREARM SAFETY This program is hosted by the Corcoran Police Department. Starting February 1st applications will be accepted. Applica- tions can be obtained on the City’s website. Classes begin in spring each year. The set dates are Sun- days, March 18th and 25th and April 1st, 15th, and 22nd from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and field day April 28th, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You must attend all classes to obtain certi- fication. Check the DNR’s website for other cities hosting this class in the fall. See the City’s website or call the Police Department at 763-420-8966 for more in- formation. Page 4 AS THE HOLIDAY SEASON SOON APPROACHESAS THE HOLIDAY SEASON SOON APPROACHES In the United States, each year between 40-65% of all drivers involved in fatal automobile accidents were driving while under the influence of alco- hol at the time of an accident. The misuse of alcohol is a serious health crisis in the United States. Drinking has also become the number one drug problem of teenagers and children in this country. Blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is the percent of alcohol found in a person’s blood- stream after drinking alcohol. In Minnesota, a person who has a BAC of 0.08% is considered legally drunk. Recent research has proven that the risk of a person becoming involved in an automobile accident begins to increase at 0.05% BAC. At 0.10% the risk increases to seven times more likely, and at 0.15%, 25 times more likely than a person who has had nothing to drink. HOW TO SOBER UP A DRUNK Black Coffee: all you get is a wide-awake drunk Walking: all you get is a tired drunk. Cold Showers: all you get is a wet drunk. Time is the only way to make a person who is drunk sober. The amount of time needed for alcohol to leave a person’s body depends on the weight of the person and how the person’s body works. On average, a 150-lb. person needs approximately two hours to get rid of the amount of alcohol found in one can of beer. Remember, the more a person drinks, the more time a person needs to sober up. If you drink, don’t drive. National Child Safety Council Quality Automotive www.philsauto.com Phone (763)420-2059 Fax 763-420-2079 7590 Commerce Street Corcoran, MN 55340 “For all your Auto and light truck repairs” We now have online scheduling” Certified Automotive Master Technicians Electrical electronics Electrical/Electronics Onboard Computer Diagnostics Tune-ups & Emissions Fuel Systems - Fuel Injection & Diesel Injection Air Conditioning Alignment/Suspension/Steering Brakes, Exhausts & Shocks Tires Engine Repair - Minor & Major Transmissions - Manual & Automatic 4X4 Trucks Used Car Sales Extended Warranties Sales & Service Towing Available Bring in this ad and receive $10 OFF any service above $50.00 Help Support Your Area Businesses DON’T FORGET your RECYCLING BILLS are NOW PAST DUE! A late fee of $10 has been added and you now owe $43.00 If you live on a gravel road, your DUST CONTROL BILL is now DUE. Any bills outstanding as of November 15, 2011, will be classified as delinquent. An additional penalty fee from the county will also be added and assessed against your property taxes in 2012 for bills not paid, and this fee is NOT tax deductible. WINTER ACTIVITIES PARKING REGULATIONS According to the City of Cor- coran Code (Chapter 71 71.01), from November 1 to April 1 motor vehicles cannot be parked on any public street between 1:00 AM and 7:00 AM. In addition, no parking is allowed on any city street at any time if snowfall is 2 inches or greater and until the roads are plowed. CORCORAN'S SKATING RINKS offer fun and recreation for cold weather enthusiasts of all ages. Building and maintaining them depends on many variables. To start making ice, crews need temperatures to be around 0 degrees to –10 degrees F for about a week or so and frozen ground about four inches deep. Then the crews can establish a six-inch base, which will help rinks survive most warm snaps. The final step is to build a smooth ―finish surface‖ on the ice. Public Works likes to get the rinks open the week of Christmas break and keep them open until mid- February, but making base ice requires a lengthy stretch of below- freezing days. If rinks don’t have complete coverage, they can be unsafe for skaters. With an exception of excess snow, weather conditions were normal last year. Five of the last six years were warmer than average, leading to late openings and early closings. Once the rinks are open, depending on weather conditions, the Public Works crew cleans and resurfaces them daily, M—F and weekend mornings. (Roads and public safety are priority.) Warm- ing house hours are 11:00 AM - 9 PM weekends and holidays, and 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM weekdays. During extreme cold weather, the rinks and shelter building may be closed. Before dropping off your children, check for a ―Closed― sign posted on the shelter door. For concerns call the Public Works Department at 763-420-2652. Page 5 Corcoran’s citywide festival was August 19th and 20th, organized by the NW Area JC’s. Visitors to the Corcoran Country Daze were greeted by a large flag draped over the entrance of the Corcoran Park and Ball fields. The traditional nail game and minnow races were in full swing. The softball tournament kicked things off Friday evening, and the night was capped with a great performance by the Rocket Club Band under the big tent that was moved this year to the Stanchion Bar in an effort to draw a larger crowd. Saturday was FREE FAMILY DAY and the main event day. Although tournament play continued, this day was all about kids. Back again was the Big Foot monster truck with a thrilling car crushing display. There were many games and activities including Euro Bungee, pony rides, rock climbing, face painting and crazy hair. Although the line was long, it was worth the wait for a FREE cedar bird house to take home. Volunteers running the booth ran out after 150 were handed out to be built. FREE Ambersticks were given out cour- tesy of the Corcoran Police. The Ambersticks are available to residents of Corcoran and can be obtained at the Corcoran Police Depart- ment. They really aren’t just children IDs. Information about the whole family can be put on one Amberstick . Adults and kids were able to enjoy and shop the Country Store and Market displays. In addition to the tractors on display, there was the 3rd Annual Classic Car Show, which was held with about 20 entries and prizes awarded for People’s Choice to the top three. The results are: 1st place—Randy Hatcher of Loretto with his '71 Plymouth Duster; 2nd place - Lyndon Minks of Corcoran with his '71 Dodge Challenger (which also won the People's Choice); and 3rd place - Darven Vollrath of Hanover with his '65 Chevy SS. The North Memorial Air Care helicopter thrilled the crowds with its fly-in and information about trauma care in the air, while 21 units of blood were collected for the Me- morial Blood Center, which can be used to save up to 63 lives. Along with a demonstration of the Jaws of Life by the local Lo- retto Volunteer Fire Department, most activities went late into the afternoon as tournaments continued to play. Rush River Band took stage under the big top for an evening of great music and dancing. Mark your calendars for next year so you won’t miss the 9th annual Corcoran Country Daze August 17th and 18th, 2012, for good food, music and FREE fun. Proceeds from this event go back to the community through donations, scholarships and many events the NW area JC’s put on each year. Contact Chad Robran or the NW area JC’s for ideas, feedback, spon- sorship or to volunteer next year at 612-965-7539 / www.countrydaze.org. YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND DATES: Oct. 14th & 15th, 21st & 22nd and 28th-31st TIME: 7:00 PM –10:00 PM $10.00 Admission LOCATION: 7205 CO RD 101, Corcoran (Corcoran Lions Park) SPONSERED BY THE Hamel & Corcoran Lions and NW Area Jaycees Visit www.hamellionshauntedacres.com Actors Wanted! Looking for actors to dress up as scary monsters. Costumes provided or bring your own. Contact: Marline @ 763-473-0664 or Gail @ 763-479-6988 Donations go to the local food shelves & back to the community. Disclaimer: Graphic and disturbing – for mature audiences only! Don’t forget to purchase your swing-away mail box post from City Hall before the winter snowfall comes. All Minnesotans born after December 31st, 1976, MUST have a safety certificate to operate a snowmobile in the state. Page 6 SNOW SNOW PLOWING PLOWING NOTICENOTICE The Corcoran Public Works Department and the Hennepin County Highway division would like to caution residents that it is UNLAWFUL TO DUMP, PLOW OR PUSH SNOW FROM PRIVATE DRIVEWAYS ONTO THE HIGHWAY OR CITY STREETS (whether you do it or hire someone to do it). Under MN Statutes, Chapter 160.27, Subdivision 5, viola- tion of the above statute is a misdemeanor. Snow dumped on highways or the right of way can create a hazard not only for motorists, but also for snowplows. Even heavy snowplows have been ditched and damaged when hitting compacted and frozen snow. The person responsible for depositing snow on roadways may also be liable in a civil lawsuit if damages or injuries occur as a result of this action. We urge you, as good neighbors and motorists, not to add to the hazards of winter driving. For more information on snow- plowing in Corcoran, go to the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us under the Public Works Department. In addition to MN Statute 160.27, city ordinances also prohibit the plowing, blowing, shoveling or otherwise placing of snow from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots onto public road- ways. The violations are considered a misdemeanor, punish- able by a maximum $700 fine and/or 90 days in jail. SNOWMOBILE SAFETY It’s that time of year again to think snow and register your youth for snowmobile safety training. There are only 50 slots open for this course, so register early to guar- antee a seat. Students must be 11 years or older by December 1st, 2011 (no exceptions per law). The course is held over a series of evenings at the Cor- coran Civic Center: Thurs, Dec 1st, 6-9 PM; Tues, Dec 6th, 6-9 PM; Thurs, Dec 8th, 6-7:30 PM; and Outdoor Practical Exam Sat, Dec 10th, 9 AM-noon. Youth must be present for all classes to pass. For more information and/or registration, go to NW Trails website at www.nwtrails.net/safety/ htm, or call 952-882-6770. A VISIT WITH SANTA Children ages 10 and under are welcome to visit Santa and get their picture taken as Santa’s elves help. Pick a small gift from be- neath the JC’s tree. Visit Frosty the Snowman and stay for refreshments. The event is FREE with a non-perishable food shelf donation. En- ter your child’s name in one of several large draw- ings. (Need not be present to win.) WHEN: Saturday , Dec. 3rd, 10:00 AM to noon WHERE: Corcoran City Hall Corcoran Youth Softball / Baseball Registration For registration forms, go to their website at: www.corcoranathletic.org Residents can also register at the PANCAKE BREAKFAST Sunday, February 12 , 2012 8:00 AM to Noon SAVE THE DATE THIS BREAKFAST IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC St. Cloud State University Drivers Improvement Program If you are 55+ this course once again will be offered at City Hall and will save you 10% on your auto insurance for three years. There are no written or be- hind-the-wheel tests. 8-hour class for first time students 4-hour refresher for repeat students November 2nd & 3rd (8-hour first-time course) 5:30 PM—9:30 PM December 1st (4-hour refresher ) 5:30 PM –9:30 PM February 21st (4-hour refresher) 5:30 PM-9:30 PM March 20th & 21st (8-hour first-time course) 5:30 PM—9:30 PM To register for these classes call 1-888-234-1294 The City is not liable for dam- ages to obstacles in the road right-of-way (irrigation heads, landscaping, etc). These obstacles should either be removed from the right-of- way or marked clearly so plow drivers can avoid them. Mail boxes are repaired or replaced ONLY if the plow makes direct contact with them. HOME FREEHOME FREEHOME FREE Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women While battering continues to occur in the lives of far too many women and children, 30 years of advocacy and social work in the battered women's movement have led to some important changes. There is far more information available about domestic violence and its impact on the lives of women, children, and men, and there are now resources available to battered women and their children across the state of Minnesota and the nation. Home Free opened in 1980, providing battered women with immedi- ate safety and the opportunity to explore alternatives to living with a violent partner. The Community Program's Domestic Assault Interven- tion Project provides a community-wide response to domestic vio- lence through coordination of law enforcement, criminal justice and social service systems. Services include 24-hour phone response to provide immediate safety and support to victims following an assault, monitoring of police responses, tracking of cases through the court system, systems advocacy, and training of law enforcement, prosecu- tors and court personnel. The City of Corcoran has been a participant in helping fund this organization for Corcoran residents since 2006. This program is de- signed to be used for individual and commu- nity safety. For more information, speak with an advo- cate at 763-559-9008 or call the 24-hour crisis line at 763-559-4945. Page 7 Community Center Projects in Maple Hill Estates In collaboration with Maple Hill Estate community in central Cor- coran, the City of Corcoran is working to procure a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant to provide the funds for a small community center. The community center would provide a safe space for activities currently in place in the neighborhood, such as adult English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, mentoring, a Fare For All food coop distribution site, student tutoring for children in Independent School District 883, and youth art activities. Currently a grant with the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs at the University of Minnesota has provided the City of Corcoran with a student researcher who will be con- ducting a demographic survey to determine if the neighborhood meets the HUD grant requirements. NECK OR BACK PAIN? Stop suffering with just one call for a FREE 20 minute consultation. (Expires December 31, 2011) Most patients are treated and released in a short period of time. Equipped for auto and work injuries, 34 years of experience. Watch an introductory video at www.CHChiro.net Want to quit smoking? I can help! Call for details or go to www.Quit2live.com Meals on Wheels delivers hot nutritious meals to individuals in the communities of Maple Grove, Osseo, Rogers, Dayton, Corcoran and Hanover. All meals are catered by Lynde's Restaurant in Osseo and include a main course, milk, bread, fruit and dessert. If you know someone who may benefit from this service, please call. Volunteers are also needed to drive meals and provide a human connection to Meals on Wheels clients. This enables them to continue to live happily and independently in their own homes. You can help once a month or once a week and we will work around your schedule. Call Stephanie Lehman at 763-267-5182. CORCORAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY PUMPKIN CARVING Pumpkin carving and lots of fun activities for kids. Costume Contest & Refreshments WHEN: October 29th & 30th WHERE: Lawn King, Inc. 7555 CO RD 116 For more information 763-420-2909 www.lawnkingnursery.com Follow the Corcoran Police on emer- gency information, weekly press re- leases, special events and other happenings around the community. Point your browser to: http://twitter.com/corcoranpolice The City is divided into quarters and serviced by four fire departments. The City is divided into quarters and serviced by four fire departments. These fire departments are all volunteer organizations.These fire departments are all volunteer organizations. Join in to support your local Fire Department for food and fun!Join in to support your local Fire Department for food and fun! Oktoberfest Fund RaiserOktoberfest Fund Raiser Rogers Fire AuxiliaryRogers Fire Auxiliary Saturday October 15th, 2011Saturday October 15th, 2011 Schedule of events: 8:30am—12:30pm Rotary Club of Rogers Pancake Breakfast 9:00am—1:00pm I -94 Chamber Business & Home Expo 1:00pm—3:00 pm Rogers Fire Department Open House 5:00pm—Midnight Rogers Lions Beer Gardens 6:00pm—9:00pm Music by Circle Back Band 6:00—Midnight Cover charge begins. Must be 21 to enter. Tickets on sale for $7.00 in advance at Broadway Pizza, Rogers Wine and Spirits, Rogers Muni. Tickets on sale the day of event, $10.00 at the door. 9:00—Midnight Music by Brad Ingram Band Must have purchased a ticket to be in the entertainment center after 6:00 pm Memorial bricks are still on sale. Come visit the garden and enjoy the fall colors. PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 28 HAMEL, MN City of Corcoran 8200 CO RD 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION EXPRESSES THEIR CONCERNS Hello, my name is Kevin Dale, the current past President of the Corcoran Athletics Association. I first became involved with the CAA when my eldest son was 6 years old in 1993. I helped the coaches, Vern and Doug, control a team of 14 T-Ball play- ers. Even today I love watching the youngest of the kids learn the basics of baseball. The huge smiles on their faces with every hit, the moment their foot touches first base, and when they make their first catch, even though it may have been an accident. Two years later I joined the board to help in any way I could. In 1997, I became the President of the association. This Corcoran ball program has been a summer tradition since 1976. The first Board of Directors were President Jerome Cain, Vice President Arvid Prickett, Secretary Mary Treptau and Treasurer Irene Brihan. We need people just like them to maintain this great tradition. In 1990, the previous board suggested raising the T-Ball registration fees to $35.00 and the current board has maintained that cost for 21 years. Most of the current board has been in place for at least 17 years. This board has done a great job of keeping costs down, while improving the programs. But it is now time for these dedicated Corcoran residents to move on with their families. We need young, creative volunteers to continue this great tradition. You don’t have to be a baseball expert or a sports management genius, just someone who wants to help. Are you a recent college graduate looking for a resume builder? Here is a great opportunity to show what you can do! Or a retired person looking for a fun way to serve the community? Show us what you’ve got! The more volunteers we get, the less work for each person. If we don’t get any volunteers, the 200 kids from Corcoran will be driving to Rockford, Maple Grove, Buffalo or Plymouth to play ball, at a higher cost to their families in fees and gas. We need sales people, banquet planners, inventory control man- agers, accountants and people who love to see kids learn sportsmanship. Please help us, contact me, at 763-923-4154. JC’s Annual Holiday Wreath Sale Once again the JC’s will be selling 14” wreaths for $15.00. Residents can expect a phone call sometime in October. Or you can email nwjcgambling@gmail.com to place your order in advance. Include name, phone and address. GIVE THE GIFT OF BEING A GOOD NEIGHBORGIVE THE GIFT OF BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR With carbon monoxide build-ups, icy sidewalks, snowy driveways, and sub-zero temperatures, winter can be a hazardous season, especially for the elderly. If you’re in good shape and living next door to a senior, volunteer to shovel their sidewalk and driveway. And visit them when you can to make sure they’re doing OK. Check if their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries, and see if their doors and windows are cold-weather proof.