OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
HANDS FREE?
Remember the days when multi-tasking would include talking on the phone while cradling the receiver between your ear and shoulder in order to be able to use your hands for something such as washing dishes or feeding a baby?
Fast forward to today when Minnesota law states that the use of a hand-held cell phone is not permitted by an operator of a motor vehicle while that vehicle is in use.
While very few drivers are being stopped for this offense, I did recently witness one driver screaming at a police officer (not in Minneota) because he claimed he wasn't holding the phone with his hands, rather, he was cradling it between his ear and his shoulder. Even the officer seemed confused as to what to tell the man, whose main argument was that if the law allows people to place a phone in a scarf or headwear, he should be allowed to cradle it in his shoulder.
As I left the scene, I wondered the same thing. Searching online for an answer, it is unlawful in Minnesota to hold a cell phone in your hand while driving. However, while it could be considered unsafe to cradle the phone while driving, it is not stated as such in the hands-free law.
It's understandable that if a cell phone should happen to slip out of your cradle while driving, it could create a distraction while you attempt to grab it before it falls between the seats or on the floorboard. However, having a cell phone tucked into a headscarf or head wrap is not against the hands-free cell phone law even though it could just as easily slip out.
The only difference between cradling the phone or having it placed in a headwrap would be if you need to quickly turn your head to watch for traffic or to check the rearview mirror. In that case, chances are cradling a phone would be more difficult to secure it.
It is lawful to talk on the phone in "speaker mode" or "voice command" while driving as long as it is mounted on a dash or lying on the passenger's seat or cup holder.
Eating or drinking while driving is also a distraction but not covered under the "hands-free" law. I've seen people shaving, combing their hair, reading, applying makeup and more while operating a vehicle.
Some driving laws are difficult to understand. For example, a motorcycle driver is not required to wear a helmet, but a motor vehicle driver must wear a seatbelt. Since the issue is about personal safety, it should be up to each operator in this case.
I also believe that since a motorcycle or motor vehicle driver is responsible for the safety of a passenger, a motorcycle passenger should then be required to wear a helmet and a motor vehicle passenger should be required to wear a seatbelt.
To avoid any chance of getting into trouble with the law, or even being involved in an accident, I suggest not cradling the phone on your shoulder.
It also puts less stress on your neck and shoulder. Trust me, I know!
THEY STRUCK GOLD!
As I entered the public school to take a photo of the gold t-shirts that Kevin Anundson of State Farm and Dr. Alex Lentz of Minneota Family Dental had donated to the elementary students last week, I was met by a couple of smiling kindergarten students.
Pulling her shirt out so I could get a better look, one girl said 'Look what I got" as if she had just opened a gift.
I didn't have any idea who the little girl was, but the huge smile on her face revealed her pride in the gift. It also made me feel good that I got to witness the generosity again shown by Minneota businesses; this time shared by Kevin and Alex.
The 330 students and teachers donning the gold t-shirts lit up the gymnasium as they were all seated for the photo I was asked to take.
This type of generosity seems to be contagious in Minneota.
HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH MEAL
Hope Lutheran Church is hosting its annual Swedish Meatball Supper on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 5-7 p.m. The meal will consist of Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied carrots, rolls and butter, cranberries, pie/dessert, and beverages. Takeout will be available.
Also, there will be a bake sale going on at the same time. Baked goods, l;efse, candy, snacks, jams and jellies are a few of the items that have been sold in the past.
This is a delicious meal prepared right in the Hope Lutheran Church kitchen and you won’t want to miss it.
NORTH POLE EXTRAVAGANZA
The annual North Pole Extravaganza is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 11 at the American Legion this year.
This event will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is designed for early holiday shopping, as well as helping out various groups in town.
There will again be a craft and vendor show, Sloppy Joe feed, bake sale, silent auction with proceeds going to the Christmas Angels program, and a visit from Santa Claus who will be arriving via a Minneota Fire Department truck.
Various businesses in town also have sales, door prizes and treats.
Watch the Mascot for further details on this event.