Eh? Guns on boats? It's only a drill

The Coast Guard says you might see some of its "assets" (we guess that's mostly boats) carrying mounted automatic weapons (big guns) today in the Twin Ports.

It's just a drill, or what they're calling "a full-scale underwater terrorism response exercise at various pre-designated sites."

So don't freak out. It's not a live-fire exercise, and the scenario is not based on any specific threat. They say it's just time to put their planning and training to the test and, darn it, we're worth it.

"In a place as strategically important as the Port of Duluth-Superior -- critical to the economic vitality of not just Minnesota but the entire Great Lakes -- armed waterborne patrols are a key part of the Coast Guard's ability to defend others and itself in response to maritime security threats."

Hard-core recyclers needed at festival

The Duluth Superior Eco Rotary club needs a little help this weekend.

The club went and got itself in charge of recycling efforts at the Dragon Boat Festival, and now is looking for volunteers to help.

Can you sort the treasure from the trash? Contact Kay Biga at kbiga@aol.com .

They can help with college costs

Community Action Duluth and Lake Superior College want to help you pay for college.

No, not with cash, with a free workshop called "Show me the Money."

A team from both entities will talk about financial aid, borrowing wisely, understanding subsidized and unsubsidized loans, loans versus grants, and how to get scholarships. The workshop is 6-8 p.m. Aug. 30 at Community Action Duluth, 19 N. 21st Ave. W. Child care and dinner are provided.

Registration is required by Friday. Call Maggie at (218) 726-1665 for details.

Seeking your Sept. 11 stories

Were you in New York City or in the vicinity of the Pentagon during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks? Or were you trying to contact a loved one in one of those places?

We'd like to hear your story to enhance our coverage of the 10th anniversary of those events. Please e-mail John Lundy at jlundy@duluthnews.com or call him at (218) 720-4103.

Fundraisers