In lieu of some of the recent fires we have had in our area lately, some things have come to mind.

Angels wear helmets and yellow coats and volunteer their time and risk their lives to help others. I can never say enough about the value of the firemen and first responders in our communities.

Firemen and first responders are quick on the scene and do what they can to help people in need. They spend hours going to meetings and training sessions to keep up to date on the latest fire fighting equipment and technics, as well as emergency medical knowledge, and it shows.

As citizens we can help them by keeping our homes as safe as possible so that fires will not easily start. Fires travel fast and it doesn't take long before they can completely destroy a home or business, and can even take people’s lives along the way.

It is very important for people to install smoke alarms in their homes in several different areas. We also need to remember to check the smoke alarms often to make sure that the batteries still have a charge so that they can warn you and your families that a fire has started in your home or business.

And if a fire were to occur I hope that you and your family have discussed what needs to be done so that you can safely exit your home, as well as have established a meeting place, so that you will know if everyone has been able to get out of your home.

Let’s remember to thank this great group of people. I am glad they are willing to help in times of need.

In regards to some of the new inventions that have been developed, people have discovered some great ways to put them to good use.

One of them is to take your car keys to bed with you. Yes, your car keys.

This tip was pointed out to me by a neighborhood watch coordinator and I thought it should be passed along.

The next time you come home for the night and you prepare to lay your car keys on the counter, take them to your bedroom and lay them on your bedside table so they are there when you retire for the night.

If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button on the key set from your car. The alarm will sound and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.

Your car keys, which you already have, can serve as a security alarm system — and it requires no installation.

Do a test. Most alarms on the keys that operate our vehicles now will go off from most everywhere inside your home and the alarm will keep sounding until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key chain. It will work if you park in your driveway or garage.

If your alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house or car, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds of hearing the alarm, your neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want people to see them.

Also remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there too. It could save a life or stop a sexual abuse crime.

It could also be used for emergencies too, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. People can use the alarm system on their key chain to alert people if they have fallen outside, or inside too, which will alert people there is a problem.

I am sure glad that someone pointed out this great idea to me about putting our car keys to good use in case of an emergency, and I hope you pass them along to your family and friends. You never know when it may be something that could help save you from harm.

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Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements.  In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me. 

If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.

This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:

• Thursday, March 19th: Samuel Bartness, his 3rd; Laverne Klocek, Jill Rye, Jill Neitzell, Tyler Crabtree, Bethany Butler, Tori Lynn Sage, Wyatt Marcus Westergrin

• Friday, March 20th: Jayda Moon, Tricia Renae Hanson, Nicole Christensen, Neva Lembke, Gary Reichl, Jim Butler, Tammy Harpel Nielsen, Winfred Bergdale, Shelly Hoeve, Billy Jo Johnson Schwierjohann, Dennis Olson

• Saturday, March 21st: Amy Foster, John Krell, Doris Krause, Trent Steven Pence, Kelly Marie Dobberstein, Phillip Ingvaldson, Pam Farr, Kent Paulson, Diane Marlin, Kelly Nelson, Brody Grunwald, Darrell & Cindy Farr

• Sunday, March 22nd: National Goof Off Day! Gordy Carroll, Brenna Lynn Hagen, Shannon Johnson, Karin Lieberg, Bob Sommers, Leah Elaine Bergerson, Jerry Peterson, Nancy & Jerry Walterman, Dennis & Glenda Blouin

• Monday, March 23rd: Chris Newgard, Penny Obermoller, Alan Edwardson, Troy Johnson, Troy Wagner, Jason Dwight, Alexi Jo Kitzer, Alex Dobberstein, Delaney Sue Vander Syde, Alexander James Thompson, Peter Bergerson, Chris Rutheford, Phyllis Anderson, Rick & Liz Wangsness

• Tuesday, March 24th: Gail Ottesen, Seth Chad Staloch, Dave Meixner, Kurt Hanson, Laurie Phagan, Wes & Ruth Neidermeier, Angie & Cory Klemmensen, Tony & Sandra Tonsing, Lonna & Dean Broitzman

• Wednesday, March 25th: Melissa & Brandon Van Hal, their first, Brad Hagen, Michelle Ritz, Pam Anderson, Faith Jensen, Tom Marlin, Trevor Loverink, Bernice Farr Mattson

• Thursday, March 26th: Amber Luella Theobald, Nikita Zelpha Peterson, Mary Lou Faldat, Jackie Draayer, David Hanson, Ray Coxworth, Lonnie Misgen, Ginger Cornelius, Dillon Hanson, Daryl Jensen, Duane Morreim, Amy Dobberstein, Marge Wobschall, Mary Lou Spurr, Gerrit & Jean Molenaar, Jeff & Robin Christensen, Jennifer & Matthew Dinneen

• Friday, March 27th: Kim Weckwerth Farr, Jim Ottesen, Verona Winegar, Tom Lund, Tina Jensen Wangen, Jodi Loverink, Neil Born, Ralph Randall, Todd & Sheri Utpadel, Wes & Julie Schroenrock

• Saturday, March 28th: Jordan Brye Wagner, Katie Ann Lee, her 10th; Daryl Van Ravenhorst, Alan Olson, Paul Marlin, Josh Stevens, Daniel Suelter.

It is your special day...get carried away. Enjoy the day!