Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association (WH) asks that members voluntarily conserve energy until 10 p.m. today. There is high energy use expected throughout the region due to high temperatures.

There is enough power to meet the demand, but your cooperation in helping conserve energy is appreciated. Here are some tips for conserving energy, while still keeping your home cool, on hot and humid days:

· Choose meals that don’t contribute additional heat to your home (use a microwave or outdoor grill instead of an oven)

· Delay running the dishwasher until after 10 p.m.

· Delay washing clothes until after 10 p.m.

· Turn off excess lights and keep curtains and draperies closed

· Turn off computers and other electrical equipment when not in use

· Avoid leaving doors open for extended periods of time

· If you are using an air conditioner, turn your thermostat up a couple degrees to save energy

· Consider traveling to a nearby mall, movie theater or restaurant to beat the heat

Additionally, WH will be activating its Off-Peak programs today to conserve energy. For the most up-to-date load management information, Off-Peak customers are encouraged to visit WH’s website, www.whe.org, and click on “Load Management” under the quick links section.

CARVER COUNTY – On July 27th and again on July 31st there have been two very suspicious incidents reported to Carver County Sheriff’s Office. In the first incident, a young woman was home in Watertown when she heard her front door open. She went into the front room to find a white male standing inside her home appearing to be talking to someone on his cell phone). He told her he needed a paper and pen to write down directions. She provided him the paper and pen. He thanked her, and prior to leaving the residence he asked if she had any scrap metal or old batteries to sell. During the incident the homeowner stated the man was very polite. After he left she realized how unsettling the entire incident had been. A similar situation occurred on July 31st in the City of Mayer. It appears the same individual began to enter a home when a woman came to the door. He stated she was just who he was looking for and asked her if she had any scrap metal for sale. She told him to go to the back and speak to her son and daughter-in-law. The man went to the back yard and asked the same question and started walking as though he was going to enter the home. The homeowners told him they had no scrap metal for sale and to not enter their home. The man then left their yard. The homeowners called CCSO to report the incident. When deputies arrived, another neighbor came to report the man had approached him asking if he had any scrap metal for sale. The man is described as a Caucasian male approximately 50 years of age, gray/brown hair and balding on top, approximately 165 pounds, slight build, 5’6”/5”7” tall. A vehicle has not been seen in either instance. It is not known if this man intends harm, but these incidents could be preliminary tests leading to criminal behavior. Report this or similar behavior immediately and provide as much detail as possible. PLEASE: Keep your doors and windows locked even when you are home. If a stranger comes to your door, maintain distance between you and the stranger. Do NOT invite strangers inside your home.

Organizers are seeking volunteers for the Delano Relay for Life, which will take place Friday, July 30, through the night at Delano’s City Park. Volunteers will receive a meal ticket for helping. To volunteer, call (612) 281-4283.