Fire chief: Clear vents, gas meters

FAIRMONT — Fairmont Fire Chief Brandon Scott is reminding local residents that snow and ice buildup around their homes can create several problems.

Scott says people need to remember to clear their furnace and dryer vents after the recent snow and wind. He also says they should clear the area around gas meters. Snow buildup can smother the gas meter regulator, which in turn can shut down appliances and the furnace. The buildup also could cause a dangerous gas leak. For safety’s sake, it is recommended that a broom be used, rather than a shovel. Icicles falling from a roof also could damage a gas meter. And dripping ice can coat the meter, damage it and cause a gas leak. It is not recommended to chip ice off gas meters, though, as that too can damage them.

These reminders come in addition to Scott’s earlier warning that residents be sure to clear snow away from fire hydrants, so those hydrants can be located and used in case of an emergency.

Speech team wins Mankato event

FAIRMONT — The Fairmont High School speech team claimed a victory over the weekend in Mankato.

Fairmont won the Mankato East speech tournament, with St. Peter finishing in second place and Jordan in third.

Individual varsity results follow:

Eric Head, fifth in creative expression

Eleanor Hamlet, sixth in discussion

Bergen Senf, first in discussion

Isabell Geiger and Tabitha Thatcher, fifth in duo

Weston Loughmiller, third, extemporaneous speaking

Emily Kerekes, seventh in informative speaking

Ameya Komaragiri, first in original oratory

Izzy Munsch, second in drama

Izzy Munsch, fifth in humorous

Grace Higgins, sixth in original oratory

Apoorva Komaragiri, second in prose

Kaycie Brookens, first in prose

Isabell Geiger, fourth in prose

Annika Wheeler, seventh in storytelling

Ameya Komaragiri, second in impromptu

Annika Wheeler, eighth in impromptu

Weston Loughmiller, third in impromptu

Bethany Linse, fifth in great speeches

Individual novice results were:

Paige Linse, fourth in humorous

Solveig Senf, fifth in discussion

Paige Hainy, third in extemporaneous reading

Katherine Zellmer, fourth in drama,

Briana Joseph, third in oratory