Ole Pappy

If you’re a fugitive of the law, the Minneota Senior Center probably wasn’t a good place to be hiding out on Tuesday. Minneota Police Chief Bill Bolt brought Sheriff Eric Wallen and Highway Capt. Casey Meagher together for a meet and greet answer session and the biggest topic of conversation was the new “Hands Free” law going into affect on August 1. The new law allows a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions — but ONLY by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone.

Capt. Meagher said there will be a $50 fine if caught — but added, “There are other fees and court costs.” Chief Bolt said the reason for the law is because people forget what they’re doing.

“We’re hoping to cure a lot of problems by taking the phone out of people’s hands.” “There’s going to be a big learning curve for everyone,” said Capt. Meagher. The Minneota Chief also indicated officers are available to help citizens if they don’t know how to tap into “Bluetooth” devices in their vehicles. “We can help,” he said.

Capt. Meagher chirped in, “Or you can ask your children or grandchildren,” he laughed. “This is a very good change in the law that needed to be made,” said Chief Bolt. Sheriff Wallen is a Minneota native, Capt. Meagher lives north of Minneota and of-course, Chief Bolt lives in the community. So it was only natural for the officers to hold this session in this community.

Also on hand was Jonathan Monterroso, the Minneota summer intern who calls Marshall home. And, hey, in addition to the question/answer sessions, Root Beer Floats were distributed, with Chief Bolt’s daughter Cora was on hand to help.

LAUGH A LITTLE: Fashion Help The patient goes to the dentist and says, “I have yellow teeth, what should I do?” The dentist replied, “Wear a brown tie.”

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: As my Ole Pappy used to say, “If you only pray when you’re in trouble .... you’re in trouble.” Ole Pappy had deep faith in God. He believed prayer was the only way to live life and he believed in communicating with God. He taught me that! Thanks Ole Pappy!