It's spring?

Officially, spring began on March 21. However, with the recent winter-type wallop that hit northern Iowa and southern Minnesota, it's a good idea for all of us to be given the reminder not just to keep the shovel out, but also the winter-type of mindset when it comes to safety.

Specifically, this includes driving and tending to maintenance in and around our homes.

Shoveling the walk may not seem like that big of a task. But for many citizens, particularly the elderly, such activity could be hazardous.

Also, we ask that motorists continue to exercise caution when driving on local and state roadways and interstates. Local and state snowplow crews are out in full force and doing their best to keep the roads plowed and safe for all of us.

But even if the roadways seem to be fairly clear, your vehicle won't be able to stop on a dime. Also, having four-wheel drive on a vehicle doesn't make it invincible either, and caution should also be used in how fast people are driving and how much time they are giving themselves to stop.

In short, we're simply asking folks to use common sense and exercise caution.

Taking some of these steps may make all of our days a little longer, or it may take us a little more to get to our destinations.

However, there's no pricetag that can be given for being safe.