Walz, Hagedorn promote road work

ST. PAUL — Congressman Jim Hagedorn of southern Minnesota visited Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz at the Capitol on Monday to discuss their mutual support for the Highway 14 four-lane expansion project near New Ulm.

Walz and Hagedorn agree that this 12-mile stretch of highway must be completed to improve safety and create economic opportunity for southern Minnesotans.

Hagedorn said members of Congress for southern Minnesota have long-supported the Highway 14 Corridor project, from Republican Ancher Nelsen, first elected in 1958, to Democrat Walz, who was Hagedorn’s predecessor.

Hagedorn says he wrote last week to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and urged her to approve grant funding of up to $25 million for the Highway 14 Corridor project.

Welcome FD wins rescue tube

WELCOME — The Welcome Fire Department has been awarded a grain bin safety rescue tube from Nationwide.

Rural firefighters are often the first and only line of defense when someone becomes helplessly trapped in grain. Unfortunately, many fire departments lack the specialized rescue techniques and equipment necessary for a successful grain bin rescue.

Nationwide will award grain bin rescue tubes and training to 34 fire departments across 17 states.

According to researchers at Purdue University, more than 900 cases of grain engulfment have been reported, with a fatality rate of 62%, in the past 50 years.

Since 2014, the Nominate Your Fire Department contest attracted more than 3,000 nominations, and awarded rescue tubes and training to 111 fire departments across 26 states.

Grain Bin Safety Week was initiated by Nationwide to raise awareness about grain bin dangers and provide education to first responders.

‘Backpack to School’ event slated

FAIRMONT — Wireless World, a Verizon authorized retailer, will give out free backpacks filled with school supplies from 10 a.m. to noon July 27 at the store located at 1249 Goemann Road, across from Walmart, in Fairmont.

Children (K-12) must be present to claim their free backpack. No purchase necessary. A limited number are available while supplies last.

This is the second year of the annual “Backpack to School” program.