The Conserve & Save program, serving Austin Utilities, Owatonna Public Utilities and Rochester Public Utilities, is back for a second year. The program allows people looking for new refrigerators and/or freezers to turn in operating but energy inefficient units for a $35 incentive. The incentive is good for each qualifying appliance, with a maximum of two units per program life.

This is the 2nd year for the program, which generated an incredible response in 2011. The 2012 program starts today, May 15th, and runs through October 31, 2012 or until funds are exhausted.

In order to qualify, the refrigerator or freezer must be 10-30 cubic feet, operating secondary unit, in working order and owned by an RPU customer. The appliance will also be picked up, free of charge, inside the customer's home from the address listed on their billing account.

You can get more information by calling 1-877-341-2259 or at www.rpu.org

On Thursday, May 17, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., there will be a memorial service to honor  fallen law enforcement officers from Southeast Minnesota.  It will be an outdoor service at the Soldiers Field Memorial. The service will be held rain or shine, but could be cancelled in the event of severe weather.  There will be no makeup date.

Services will be held to recognize the sacrifices of Rochester Police Officers Lloyd Feind, Floyd Haley, Eugene Sutton, Rochester Reserve Officer William Freytag, Olmsted County Deputy Jack Werner, former Rochester native and U.S. Customs Agent Gary Friedli, as well as other fallen officers from the South Eastern region of the state.  This year marks the 35th year anniversary (to the day) of the death of Olmsted County Deputy Jack Werner.

There will be a memorial service for Jay’Corey Jones, a 17 year old, Century High School student who passed away on May 6, 2012. The family would like to give the students and community of Rochester an opportunity to celebrate and honor the life of Jay’Cory Jones. The three high school GSAs (Gay-Straight Alliance), Gay & Lesbian Youth Services, and Peace UCC are working with the family to hold this memorial service. The service will be held at Peace United Church of Christ, at 1503 2nd Ave. NE. The memorial will be on Tuesday, May 15th from 6:00 – 7:30PM. Flowers and cards can be sent to Peace UCC. There is a memorial fund set up for donations at Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, under “Corey’s Fund.”