The Fire Department is making it easier for area residents to unload their empty cans.
    New receptacles for bagged cans only are now located in the parking lots at Pamida, Cenex, Geerts Plumbing and Heating and the New Hampton City parking area east of the Community Center. Two other bins that hold loose cans are located at Fareway and Joe’s Family Foods parking lots.
    The funds realized from the cans will be used for furnishings inside the new fire station. The fire department would be happy to have the recyclable cans and save area residents the trouble of driving to the nearest out of town recycling site.
    In spite of severe weather delays, Peters Construction Co. of Waterloo, the general contractor, should have the structure completed in early November which will allow the fire department to start moving auxiliary equipment into the new building in time for the planned grand opening.
    Chief Geerts said the celebration, tentatively scheduled for late November, will include a ribbon cutting, refreshments and tours for the public.
    In connection with the celebration, the department also plans to raffle a full-size fireman quilt and other prizes. Contact any New Hampton firefighter to purchase raffle tickets.