The Minnesota Department of Agriculture posted a news release on Wednesday confirming that the emerald ash borer was found in Olmsted County, which is the fifth Minnesota county to be quarantined.

As of yet it has not been found in Mower County.  To learn more you may visit www.mda.state.mn.us.

The press release also states: “This find is 45 miles away from the nearest EAB find in Winona County near the interchange of Interstate 90 and US Highway 63.  Emerald ash borer larvae kill ash trees by tunneling into the wood and feeding on the tree’s nutrients. Since its accidental introduction into North America, EAB has killed tens of millions of ash trees in 24 states.  The metallic-green adult emerald ash borer beetles are a half-inch long, and are active from May to September. Infestation signs include one-eighth inch, D-shaped exit holes in ash tree bark and winding tunnels under the bark. What you can do to help stop the spread of EAB: (1) do not transport firewood or other ash products that could be harboring larvae. (2) Be aware of quarantine restrictions. (3) Watch your ash trees for infestation.”

The Austin Area High School Cycling Bike club is looking for you.You can find sign up information online in the Minnesota High School Cycle league pit zone or at our office. Bike Club is open to those students in grades 7 to 12 who have the desire to mountain bike. The formal season runs August through October and you must be signed up by Sept. 1 for this season. The fee for the Minnesota league insurance is $50, and race events are $40 each. Sponsorship grants are available. For more information, check out www.minnesota.mtb.org or stop in the Park and Recreation office at 121 Fourth Ave. NE.

The last free Nature Play Program for this summer will be held on Thursday with programs at 9:30 a.m. for seniors and at 1:30 p.m., featuring singer and songwriter Tom Pease.

Tom uses movement, sign language and singing to connect with his audience.  Please RSVP by Wednesday. Even though these concerts are free they like to know how much space is needed.

We are partnering with Austin Youth Hockey to hold Squirt and Mite four-on-four leagues. Squirt will begin Monday, Sept. 8, and mites on Saturday, Sept. 13. Stop in our office to sign up.

Riverside figure skate club will begin their season on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 1 p.m. Figure skating is open to girls and boys age 4 and up. For questions stop at Riverside Arena between noon and 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, and talk with board members or the coach.

Adult volleyball information letters will be out soon as well. If you are interested in forming a fall or winter adult volleyball team, call our office with your mailing information and we will put you on our list.

You can find information on cancellations of our programs by liking us on Facebook as we are putting that information out there when it happens. If you do not have Facebook you can go to the City of Austin web page at www.ci.austin.mn.us, click on departments, click on Park and Recreation, scroll down and click on the Facebook logo and the information will come up.