Ask Mr. Answer Person: A grabbag of questions!

Bill e-mails us: "I've been reading with interest the debate over garbage pick up at locations in rural areas of Winneshiek County and how it should be paid for. I live in the City of Decorah and currently pay $144/year for weekly pick up of trash. Needless to say there is not that much to pick up because we probably recycle 1/2 to 3/4 of our household waste. As a resident of Winneshiek County, can I take my garbage to the free dumpsters in the county? Where are they located? I'm being the devil's advocate, but even with gas at $2.50/gal it might be worth my while to go for "a ride" every 2-3 weeks!"

Mr. Answer Person says: This would be a great loophole, but I'm afraid it doesn't exist. The rural garbage collection sites are staffed by county employees who make sure the dumpsters are used only by rural residents--who are the only ones paying property taxes for the program.

Leslie asks: Is Alan Atkinson, the former head of Winneshiek Medical Center, still getting paid a 'consulting fee'?"

Mr. Answer Person says: The agreement, which pays him $12,600 a month for 24 months, ends April 30th.