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Local groups helping hurricane relief efforts

The southeast United States has been devastated by hurricanes this fall season. This year is especially bad with multiple hurricanes hitting in quick succession. Fortunately, local groups are helping in this crisis. This last week a J & R Schugel semi-trailer parked in a New Ulm Public Utilities lot was loaded with household items for donation to those impacted by the storms in rural North Carolina. Perishable food and clothing items were also collected through Friday, but the collection effort has not been done. Refrigerated food items will be collected 2-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, Oct. 21-25 in the public utilities parking just east of German Park.

Financial donations are also being accepted at all South Point banks under “Hurricane Helen.”

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Fall colors are here

Brown County has reached the peak fall color stage. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Brown County has progressed to the red stage of leaf color change. Based on past data, this weekend will be the last chance to see the fall colors in their full glory. By this time next week, most trees will have lost all their leaves or changed to a full brown. Fortunately, there is still time to take a leaf tour. Most of southern Minnesota is still in the yellow or red color stage. The Journal recommends visiting area State Parks such as Flandrau or Minneopa to get the full effect.

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It is still too dry out

All of Minnesota is experiencing drought conditions ranging from abnormally dry to severe. The U.S. drought monitor placed Brown County in an abnormally dry to moderately dry range, while the northeast and southwest portions of the state are in severe conditions. Last week, it was reported that September set a record for one of the driest September in Minnesota history. October is continuing the trend. Last week it was reported the dry conditions were putting extra dust in the air. As the conditions worsen the risk of field fires is on the rise. The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings for 85 of the 87 counties in Minnesota. The dry weather is not expected to change any time soon. No rain is forecasted for the New Ulm area anytime this week.

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