06 Broadcaster Press March 6, 2012 www.broadcasteronline.com Fight higher fuel prices with AAA’s gas-saving tips Retail gasoline prices have hit an all-time February high, according to AAA. The current South Dakota average price for a gallon of selfserve regular gasoline now stands at $3.498, up 27 cents over the last two months, making many motorists uneasy about what to expect in the coming months. “Every driver is impacted by the increased cost of fuel” said Marilyn Buskohl, spokeswoman for AAA South Dakota. “But there are several easy things we can do to stretch each tank of gas and to find the lowest fuel prices when it’s time to fill up.” •Properly inflate tires. Only 17 percent of cars have all four tires properly inflated, yet the U.S. Department of Energy reports that proper tire inflation can improve fuel economy by up to three percent. It’s important not only to check tire pressures at least once a month, but also to make sure it’s done correctly. A recent survey found that 85 percent of motorists don’t know how to properly check tire pressures. It’s best to check the pressures when the tires are cold and have not been driven recently. Tires should be inflated to levels recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, not the pressure levels stamped on the tire sidewall. The proper pressure levels can be found on a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb or in the owner’s manual. • Be gentle on the gas and brake pedals. One of the easiest and most effective ways to conserve fuel is to change driving styles. Instead of making quick starts and sudden stops, go easy on the gas and brake pedals. If there is a red light ahead, ease off the gas and coast up to it rather than waiting until the last second to brake. Once the light turns green, gently accelerate rather than making a quick start. The U.S. Department of Energy reports aggressive driving can lower a car’s fuel economy by up to 33 percent. • Let AAA find lowest gas prices. Click on Fuel News & Tools in the AAA News & Safety section of AAA.com to: check gas prices station-by-station with AAA’s free Fuel Price Finder, check national, state and city average prices via www.AAAFuelGaugeReport.com, and access AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator, which can figure your total fuel bill for your particular trip based on your particular vehicle. AAA’s TripTik smartphone app provides motorists with the most current and accurate gas price data available, by drawing on credit card transactions at more than 100,000 stations nationwide. Drivers can find the lowest gas prices close to home or on the road. The AAA app’s GPS technology enables users to quickly locate stations on a map and see the price for all available grades of gasoline. Visit AAA.com/Mobile. • Drive the speed limit. slowing down to observe the speed limit is safer and can conserve fuel. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that each 5 mph driven over 60 mph is like paying an additional 24 cents per gallon for gas. Leave yourself plenty of time to reach your destination to avoid feeling rushed so you can arrive safely and with a little more fuel in the tank. • Plan errands in advance. When running errands, try to combine multiple tasks into one trip. Several short trips starting with a cold engine each time can use twice as much gas as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Also, plan the route in advance to drive the fewest miles. Online mapping tools such as AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner are available to help plan routes and are free to all motorists at AAA.com. • Lighten the load. A heavier vehicle uses more fuel. Lighten your vehicle by cleaning out the trunk, cargo areas and passenger compartments. Also try to avoid using a car’s roof rack to transport luggage or other equipment— especially over long distances on the highway. A loaded roof rack affects the vehicle aerodynamics and creates extra drag that reduces fuel economy. • Keep up-to-date on vehicle maintenance. Keeping a car running properly helps achieve maximum fuel economy. Be sure to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, and do not ignore vehicle warning lights that indicate something is wrong. Warning lights can signal problems that will greatly decrease a car’s fuel efficiency. Check and replace air filters. Clogged filters can cause up to a 10percent increase in fuel consumption. SESQUICENTENNIAL HIGHLIGHTS By Cleo Erickson Excerpts from the Plain Talk 1972 The Coyotes have dominated the NCC Tourney and the Tanagers triumph in the Holiday Invitational. The City Council opened bids for a new civil defense fire siren. The low bid of $1,900.00 was awarded to Learn Communication of America, Inc. At the same meeting, new salaries were set for the City Manager at $13,500.00 and for the City Engineer at $13,926.00. The Senior Citizen Center at 214 East Main was a busy place on New Year’s Eve. Fifty five citizens saw the New Year in with a pinochle and pitch party. Oyster stew and all the trimmings were served at the close of the evening by Vera and Harlan Emerson. The Clay County Historical Society historical column will make its appearance in this issue of the Plain Talk on Feb. 10, 1972. The initial columns will be taken from the files of the Dakota Republican in 1882. On February 9, 1982 it reads as follows: “The building boom still continues”. The City Council voted to double the sewer service charge for Vermillion. The increase would amount to about 80 cents per month for a single family. The estimated annual income for the city would be between 38,000 and 40,000 annually. Meals on Wheels — dinner’s ready — chicken today! And another hot meal is delivered by the Meals on Wheels program initiated by the Vermillion Civic Council in July of 1968. The new Middle School opened in February of 1972. In the special election held in Vermillion, 1,128 votes were cast, with 714 voting yes to keep the City Manager Form of Government and 414 voting no. From the Dakota Republican, Feb. 16, 1882, reprinted in the Plain Talk here are some interesting facts: “Meckling is getting to be the liveliest part of the County. Blanchard furnishes the fun for the burg.” “Hogs are not worth anything; don’t bring them in, you can only get 6 cents for them on foot.” “Burbank is flourishing. Mr. Spencer has been offered $7.00 per acre for some of his land there, but he “can’t see it”. The parking meters in January of 1972 took in $1,038. The April 1882 Plain Talk reports the news that the notorious Jesse James, who has been engaged in a majority of trail robberies for a good many years, was killed in St. Joseph, Missouri last Monday. If this proves true a noted desperado has been put out of the way of doing more harm and the express men will breathe easier. Now the Ford brothers, who killed Jesse James, have been threatened with the vendetta by the banditti of Missouri and Tennessee. On April 21, 1972 a fire call came in at 2:30 a.m. saying the Co-Ed Theatre was on fire. It was almost completely destroyed. The City Council approved a rate increase for a family membership to the swimming pool. The new fee will be $15.00 per family. The child fee of $5.00 and the adult fee of $9.00 will remain the same. “The Day’s Gone By” column of May 4, 1882 tells us that the calaboose is anchored near the court house. Some of the young professional gentlemen around town are trying to start a reading club. A flatboat, on the Missouri River near Frank Verzanies, performs all the duties of a ferry boat. Captain Tom Ryan is Master of the craft. There is one point which our Scandinavian friends should bear in mind relative to their schools, and that is to Since 1915 Orthopedic Work/ Arch Supports 312 W. 3rd, Yankton • 665-9092 On-Hand & In-Stock! NO WAITING! 5 Introducing the NEW NAPA Radiator Program • Great Parts • Great Warranty a municipal band in Vermillion for the summer. From the “Day’s Gone By” column it states that in June of 1907, Vermillion will be compelled to pass through another summer without a circus. Flaming posters are adorning the walls of towns all about us, but evidently Vermillion has been passed by. Boston Shoes to Boots Shoe Fast – Neat – Looks New! Repair 7 9 8 3 2 1 4 6 YOUR RADIATOR HEADQUARTERS! Cox Auto have a teacher who can speak properly the English language”. In 1972, the average hotel employs one person for every six guests. The Vermillion Chamber of commerce will hold an Antique Flea Market on Saturday, June 10, 1072. The market will open at 9:00 am on Main Street and close at 5:30 pm. Call the Chamber office to reserve a spot. Band director Jim Johnson announced today plans of organizing su|do|ku Solution © 2008 KrazyDad.com 1 2 3 8 9 3 5 4 1 6 4 6 2 5 7 6 8 7 9 2 5 4 1 3 8 9 7 6 4 5 7 9 8 2 1 2 1 5 7 3 8 3 9 6 4 4 6 5 8 7 9 1 6 8 3 4 2 2 3 1 5 4 7 9 2 3 5 9 8 1 7 6 1007 Broadway Ave. • Yankton • 665-4494 Spring Farm Machinery Consignment AUCTION Want to learn more about the future of the solid waste and recycling programs in your area? The City of Vermillion is working with the City of Yankton, Clay County, and Yankton County to complete a Solid Waste Strategic Planning Study that considers solid waste, recycling and landfill alternatives. Join us at a public meeting to talk directly with project team members and City officials regarding the Planning Study. PUBLIC MEETING INFORMATION When: Thursday, March 15th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Where: Vermillion City Council Chambers, 25 Center Street For more information about the City of Vermillion’s Solid Waste and Recycling program contact Bob Iverson at (605) 677-7076, or visit: www.vermillion.us/departments_solidwaste.aspx Wednesday, April 4th Located: Girard Auction Facilities, Wakonda, SD Call today to consign! Advertising Deadline: March 15th Tractors, Trucks, Tillage Equip., Hay Equip., Livestock Equip., Vehicles, Construction Equip., Trailers, Boats, Campers, Tools & more. Strong demand for clean, usable equipment regardless of age. Call Marv, Ken or Mike Today Toll Free: 1-866-531-6816 Girard Auction & Land Brokers, Inc. (605) 267-2421 www.GirardAuction.com