MUCH OBLIGED

The Pillager High School Seniors would like to express how much we appreciate Applebee's for hosting our recent breakfast fundraiser. We would like to emphasize how awesome your staff was in assisting us. They turned our experience from work to a valuable and enjoyable opportunity as well.

Katie Hutchison

Pillager Senior Class President

Adopt a Highway volunteers

As Minnesota Department of Transportation crews prepare for the upcoming snow and ice season, thousands of Adopt a Highway volunteers across Minnesota are taking a rest from their efforts to clean up the area highways and saving taxpayers litter removal costs.

"The Minnesota Department of Transportation thanks the dedicated volunteers and their organizations who participate in the Adopt a Highway program," said Bob Busch, MnDOT District 3 engineer in a news release. "Their collective efforts benefit our state by keeping our roadsides attractive and giving visitors a positive impression as they travel our highways."

In central Minnesota, there are about 713 active community organizations cleaning more than 1,600 miles along state highways throughout Aitkin, Benton, Cass, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena and Wright counties. The program began in 1990 with 71 groups.

Adopt a Highway community organizations agree to: adopt a state highway for a minimum of two years; select a segment of highway approximately two miles in length; pick up litter as often as needed, spring through fall, usually two to three times a year; remove roadside debris on both sides of a highway; notify MnDOT after every pickup.

Volunteers are provided safety information, safety vests and trash bags. MnDOT maintenance staff picks up filled trash bags from the roadsides and removes large, heavy or hazardous items.

To participate in the MnDOT's Adopt a Highway program, log onto http://www.dot.state.mn.us/adopt or call a MnDOT district office. In central Minnesota, there are offices in Baxter at 828-5700 or (800) 657-3971 and ask for Mary Nieken; or in St. Cloud at (320) 223-6500 or (800) 657-3961 and talk to Cindy Senger. 'The Lakes Area Food Shelf would like to acknowledge Anderson Cleaners for the many, many years of providing coats to the needy through our local food shelf! This past week he provided at least four dozen coats in all sizes that had been cleaned and ready to provide to those who use our food shelf. So many times these gifts go unnoticed and we just want to let them know they are appreciated!

Lou Timmerman

LAFS Board of Directors

Tour of homes

The Lakes Area Food Shelf would like to thank everyone who went on the 19th Annual Tour of Homes, coming from Duluth to Fargo, N.D., Bemidji to Decorah, Iowa, and many cities in between.

It was a very successful effort by all the businesses who decorated the four homes that were shown. Special thanks to Co-chairs Kim Piehl and Evie Marshall and the 15 members of the committee who spent many hours putting the tour together and decorating.

Thanks to those offering their homes: Dennis and Kay Gerber (decorated by Carriage House Gallery); John and Julie Ingleman (Compliments and Artgarbs); Rolf and Diane Moen (Buffalo Plaid and Green Porch); and Jay and Brenda Sannes residence that was decorated by Woodland Meadows of Nisswa and Baxter.

We are looking forward to 2009 when we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of this event. Proceeds from the tour are a vital part of our $100,000+ budget to operate and provide emergency food to those in our area (Breezy Point, Ideal Township, Jenkins, Rural Merrifield, Nisswa and Pequot Lakes).

All contributions during the coming holiday season are very welcome; direct donations to Lakes Area Food Shelf. P.O. Box 724, Nisswa, Minn. 56468.

Lou Timmerman LAFS Board of Directors

Election thanks

I would like to publicly thank the Crow Wing County auditor's staff and all the election judges who made this year's election go so smoothly. You have all done a wonderful job.

Thank you also to the Brainerd Dispatch and 3WI radio for your coverage. You are a credit to the journalistic field you represent in the service you have provided to Brainerd, Baxter, Crow Wing County.

Steven J. Wolff

Brainerd