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Become an Extension Master Gardener in Lyon County
If you have an interest in plants and gardening and would enjoy sharing that interest with others, apply to become a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteer. Applications are being accepted for the Lyon County Extension Master Gardener Program now until Oct. 1.
Individuals selected for the program begin an internship that starts with the Master Gardener core course training on Jan. 12, 2018. The cours is taught online or in-person at University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Instructors are University of Minnesota Extension educators and faculty.
Following the course, interns will complete 50 hours of volunteer service in the first year, working with local Master Gardener volunteers on a variety of projects that educate the public about gardening and horticulture. You might answer plant questions by phone or at an information booth, write a newspaper column or make a presentation to a community group. The primary projects in Lyon County include the Community Action Garden and Spring Garden Day Workshop.
After completing the internship, you become a certified University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener. To remain certified, Master Gardeners must contribute at least 24 hours of volunteer service annually.
For an application packet and more information, call or text Sue Morton, Lyon County Master Gardeners, at 507-476-8335. For more information about the Extension Master Gardener program, go to www.mg.umn.edu.
MnDOT reminds farm equipment haulers to not remove signs at rail crossings
The Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds drivers of oversized loads and farm equipment not to remove traffic signs placed at railroad crossings. Signs that are removed so loads and equipment can clear the roadway and pass over the tracks pose a safety threat to other motorists.
Signs at rail crossings may include a cross buck, stop signs and stop ahead signs. The location of the signs are dependent on the width of the road crossing the railroad. They are offset from the edge of the traffic lane so they are off the roadway, but remain within the driver's cone of vision, giving them both notification of the crossing and time to react.
Drivers of these loads and equipment should plan their route to avoid damaging signs and structures adjacent to the railroad.
Anyone noticing that a sign located at a rail crossings is missing or damaged should look for a blue sign near the crossing that includes a contact number to call. The caller should include the crossing number, which is also located on the sign.