No Newsleader
published Dec. 29
The Newsleader office will be closed Dec. 25-29. A Dec. 29 edition will not be published. The office will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2 and we will resume weekly publications beginning Jan. 5. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us to all of you!
Text 911 now available
In an emergency, dialing 911 is a call for help. But people with hearing loss or those who must remain quiet in dangerous situations aren’t able to place a call safely or at all. That is why the Department of Public Safety Emergency Communications Network has worked with agencies throughout the state to develop Text-to-911 on the Next Generation 911 Network. If you have an emergency and can’t call, you have a discreet option available to call for help. So, how should you text 911? Here are the steps:
- Enter the number 911 in the “To” field
- Text your exact address and type of emergency
- Send the message
- Use simple words—no abbreviations, emoji’s pictures or slang.
- Promptly answer questions and follow instructions
The dispatcher will ask if you are able to call. A live call is always preferred but you will need to make the determination if it’s safe to do so. As with any text message, there can be problems with sending, receiving or pauses in the conversation that complicate communications.
If you do not get a response, you will need to call. Two other items are very important, DO NOT TEXT AND DRIVE and only text TRUE EMERGENCIES. Driving complaints, reports of minor accidents with no injury or requests for an officer to call and take a report are NOT emergencies. Technology is an awesome thing; however, like everything, it must be used appropriately and only for its intended purpose.
Kids Can blood drive set Dec. 28 at RCL
A Kids Can blood drive will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28 at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 CR 2, St. Joseph. This is not just one person’s battle with cancer. It’s our community’s fight against cancer and other diseases that require blood donations. Come and support this over-a-decade tradition in bringing a community together to help others. Contact Tamara Huesers at 320-282-8266 OR go to https://goo.gl/YiCWCc and set up your desired time to donate. Childcare is available. We have delicious homemade soups and desserts for donors and Red Cross is giving long sleeve T-shirts to all who donate. Please consider making this part of your day! Thank you in advance! Happy Holidays!
Veteran ID cards now available
“The new Veterans Identification Card provides a safer and more convenient and efficient way for most Veterans to show proof of service,” said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “With the card, Veterans with honorable service to our nation will no longer need to carry around their paper DD-214s to obtain Veteran discounts and other services.”
The VIC provides a more portable and secure alternative for those who served the minimum obligated time in service, but did not meet the retirement or medical discharge threshold. Veterans who served in the armed forces, including the reserve components, and who have a discharge of honorable or general (under honorable conditions) can request a VIC.
To request a VIC, Veterans must visit vets.gov, click on “Apply for Printed Veteran ID Card” on the bottom of the page and sign in or create an account. Veterans who apply for a card should receive it within 60 days and can check delivery status of their cards at vets.gov. A digital version of the VIC will be available online by mid-December.
Help with snow removal this winter
Volunteers are needed to help with snow removal for individuals and families in rural Stearns County. Rural Stearns Faith in Action’s office is located in Cold Spring MN, at 715 First St. N. Volunteers are essential to the program and provide such services as driving to appointments, light housekeeping and/or cooking, and friendly visiting. Just a helping hand. They are a neighbor-helping-neighbor program with the mission to provide assistance to seniors and others in the community experiencing difficult life situations, with the goal of supporting these individuals to stay as independent as possible. Contact Betty, Rural Stearns Faith in Action at 320-348-2316.
CROSS Center Donation and Volunteer needs
CROSS Center is looking for holiday donations of diapers, new toys, personal care products, hair products and sponsors for family holiday gifts. The CROSS Center is also in need of volunteers too. Most positions require lifting and standing, but the time commitment is up to you. Everyone is welcome to help. The CROSS Center mission is to provide encouragement and assistance to residents of Benton County who are experiencing short-term difficulties in meeting their basic needs for food and clothing. Contact CROSS Center at 320-968-7012 or crosscenter@hotmail.com.
