Ask Mr. Answer Person:

Mr. Answer Person always gets fascinating reader questions.  Here's the latest--Shannon asks: "Hi, I was wondering if you knew where a parent would get a list of certified babysitters in the Decorah/ Cresco area?  I'm not looking for a list of daycare providers, but rather teenagers who have gone through a certification or safety course.  I'm sure this information would be useful for lots of parents in the area."

Mr. Answer Person says: The goods news is that there is such a list.  The bad news is that Winneshiek Medical Center, which has the list, can't release it to the public.

But the Community Programs Coordinator at Winneshiek Medical Center, Beth Holthaus, has a good idea: "Watch the newspapers for kids pictures if they want to contact them.  Sometimes a parent calls me and I call the student with the information and the student may contact the parent if they wish."

Mr. Answer Person should point out that babysitting classes are most often offered during the summertime--in case your want to search back issues of the newspapers.