Furst Draft

Is the Prairie Island nuke plant on tribal land?

Today in Answer Man: Is Xcel Energy's nuclear power station north of Red Wing on the Prairie Island Indian Reservation or not? Treasure Island gamblers want to know.

Did Thomson Reuters quietly move a big office into Rochester?

Today in Answer Man: Why is Thomson Reuters one of the biggest taxpayers in Olmsted County, what's the big crane doing outside the Kemps ice cream plant on North Broadway, and who sez the Rochester ice bar is the granddaddy of them all?

Today in Answer Man

Today's Answer Man is a masterpiece of juggled numbers: Does Mayo Rochester really see 5 million visitors per year, as reported Wednesday in the Post-Bulletin regarding Zip Rail? Pay your 50 cents, sit back and enjoy today's column.

Big deal in Stewartville

Today in Answer Man: Does anyone know the name of the new company that's moving into Stewartville? We'll see if the Answer Man has any luck where other media have failed.

Slow-and-steady reasons to beware along 20th Street

Today in Answer Man: What's that fence for along the new 20th Street Southeast extension? And more long-gone bars that served up good times in Rochester for a few generations.

Don't forget your pets on Valentine's Day

Here's a good reminder -- you don't want to be shopping for your pet at the last minute on Valentine's Day:

Hi Jay,
Dog and cat owners receive the rarest form of affection -- unconditional love that is more worthy of Cupid's arrow than any well-matched couple.

No wonder pet lovers go hog wild over gifts for their four-legged friends during the holidays -- and Valentine's Day is no exception. In 2011, the National Retail Federation expected consumers to spend 54 percent more on their pets than in 2010. Naturally, this represents yet another opportunity for retailers to make a few bucks, so consider these frugal gift ideas to please your precious pets without blowing your budget.

1. Make it Personal
According to the American Pet Product Association, spending on pets in 2010 is estimated at $47.7 billion. That's a lot of chew toys. Set your gift apart from the pack by personalizing it with your pet's name or picture. You can get this done professionally for a pretty penny, but consider how easy it is to create a photo of your beloved canine for her treat container or food bowl.

2. Tasty Treats
You can find festive treats for cats and dogs alike at most major pet stores, including Petsmart and Petco. Cut down on the cost of these premade goodies and purchase gift cards at a discount from sites like GiftCardGranny. You can save up to 10 percent, leaving room in your budget for a bit more pooch-pampering.

3. Edible Greeting Cards
It's high time someone in the greeting card industry thanked all those cute animals gracing the covers of Hallmark cards with a greeting card of their own. Enter Crunchkins, the creator or edible greeting cards for dogs and cats. For less than $5, you can mail a rawhide card to your dog or a catnip card to your kitty, complete with a heartfelt message conveying your love.

4. Cheap DIY Chew Toys
We all know some kids have more fun with the packaging of a pricey present over the actual contents. The same can be said for your pet, who grasps the connection between price and affection even less so than your toddler. Skip the premade wares and go DIY this Valentine's Day with a homemade tug-of-war rope made of old socks, or a crackly paper bag for your kitty-cat max.

5. Baked Goodies
If you bake cookies for your sweetheart, consider baking a special batch for Fido and Fluffy. You can make delicious treats for your pets out of common ingredients, and feel good knowing just what's going into their bellies. Red Velvet Pupcakes, perhaps? Find this recipe and others at Dogster.com.

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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. She is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com.

For all media inquiries, please contact Andrea Woroch at 970-672-6085 or email andrea@kinoliinc.com.

Front page news

Today on the front: Internet sales tax gets hearing at Capitol, CareFest wrapping up in Zumbro River valley, and Komen for the Cure has issues. #rochmn

Is Runnings in Red Wing part of the Farm & Fleet empire?

Today in Answer Man: Is Runnings in Red Wing connected to Fleet Farm, Farm & Fleet or other big farm stores? Also, are my gift certificates to Maid-Rite Diner and T.G.I. Friday's any good now? #rochmn