Many schools are opening this week so students, educators, buses and parents will create different traffic patterns throughout the area.  Busy times will likely be different than the summer, so please be “aware”.

There will also be kids going to school who don’t ride in cars or the like. They will be crossings streets, walking, running, riding scooters and bikes!  Please be careful and ready to protect them from poor decisions they may make.

The other day a friend asked, “Why do we need to have fire sirens sounding during the day, but we don’t at night”?  As I understand it, the silent alert to fire fighters, no sirens, at night is a courtesy to us citizens. It works because there is minimal traffic at night and usually fire fighters are the only ones on the streets.  During the day, traffic patterns are heavier and drivers wouldn’t know there is a call if there isn’t a siren.  The siren alerts people to be looking out for firefighters on the way to the Fire Hall and can prepare for fire trucks and other equipment entering streets.  You likely know the fire siren “sounding loud too soft over & over” while the disaster alert is “one continuous loud wail”.  This policy is for safety and efficiency.  Thank you for asking.

The plentiful rains have been perfect for vegetation growth and are perfect for mosquito hatches!  To avoid the West Nile virus, avoid mosquitoes, if you have to be out, limit your skin exposure and use the “proper” insect repellant. 

Our city team has been spraying for mosquitoes though keeping up is challenging at best.  Spraying can be done early morning and later evening to kill mosquitoes while the butterflies and other favorable insects are “sleeping”.  Thank you to our dedicated city employees for their efforts.

PLEASE, remove the weeds from the sidewalks at your businesses and homes. Your property will look so much nicer and I think you’ll like it.

Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.

“It’s a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize just how much you love them.”      ~ Agatha Christie

        Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave Carlsrud