News

Temperatures started below zero in many parts of the state on December 1st and Minnesotans are used to the cold, but this season might bring a chill we haven’t felt in years. Meteorologists forecast the coldest December in the past 10 years with the average temperatures in the first half of December to stay below the freezing mark with highs this week no warmer than 22 degrees and lows by Wednesday and Thursday night near 10 below zero in central Minnesota. Ice fishing, ski resorts, snowmobilers and others many enjoy the colder conditions with also snow systems also forecasted in the next 10-15 days about every other day of bringing more light snow showers. Iowa is calling for a December with a lot of snow 14+ inches fell last week and another large system Wednesday through Friday could bring another foot to the state to the south with Minnesota not expected to see a lot of accumulating snow later this week just the cold temps.

Healthcare officials are warning residents about a dangerous rise in carbon monoxide poisonings as winter sets in, calling renewed attention to a gas often described as the “silent killer.” Carbon monoxide, which is odorless, colorless and tasteless, can build up quickly in enclosed spaces and, if not treated promptly, can cause serious damage to the heart and brain or even be fatal. There were 12 cases so far in November of carbon monoxide poisoning. Multiple carbon monoxide patients say the gas lack of warning signs makes it especially dangerous, because people may not realize they are in trouble until they become dizzy, lightheaded, or lose consciousness. The Minnesota Regional Poison Center offers these tips for combating carbon monoxide poisoning during the coldest months of the year: Never use a charcoal or gas grill inside a house, garage, closed-in porch, or tent. Do not use charcoal in the fireplace. Have your furnace inspected and adjusted before every heating season. When using the fireplace to burn wood or gas logs, make sure the flue is open and the chimney is not blocked. Have your chimney, fireplace, wood stoves, and flues inspected before every heating season. Do not use a kerosene heater or gas logs for heat unless you have a working carbon monoxide alarm. Never use a generator inside your home – not even in the basement, garage, or porch. Keep it outside, far from the house. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat the house. Never leave a car running inside a garage, even if the garage door is open. Never sleep in a parked car while the engine is running. Get a carbon monoxide detector, with a battery back-up system, for your home. If you have a big house, get more than one detector.

Ryan Webber Conductor of the Heartland Symphony Orchestra invites all to their winter concert Home for the Holidays Saturday at 7:30pm at Charles D. Martin Auditorium in Little Falls and Sunday at 2pm at the Center for the Arts in Brainerd. Free admission but donations are appreciated. Come and hear the holiday favorites and some new ones created by Minnesota conductors and writers. Get more details at this link for heartlandsymphony.com here.