Donating to Haiti
Casey LeMay Reporting

The dreaded April 15th deadline sends some people scrambling to file their tax return. One tax break is missed by many people.Since a 7.0 magnitude earthquake ravaged the country of Haiti, many Americans have donated their time and money to the cause.

Tom Erickson, a Haiti benefit concert attendee said, "After seeing all the devastation on TV and reading about it in the paper, we thought that this was just one small way that we could help."

All proceeds to this concert went to an orphanage in Haiti. Some people in Grand Forks, North Dakota might be more apt to donate to the cause. 13 years ago, they were overwhelmed with donations after a massive flood.

Mark Diers, a resident in Grand Forks stated, "That [Being from Grand Forks] I think helps my response to come out and want to do benefits for disasters, events, organizations and we'll continue to do that."

Supporters of causes like this one may get a tax break. President Obama signed a bill which gives donors to Haiti an extension to file their gift on their tax return.

Tax preparer Holly Isakson tells us, "Anything you make towards Haiti can be taken in your 2009 return even though it was not contributed in 2009. Just for trying to get the support they will allow you to take it in 2009."

Altough, there are some stipulations. Only cash donations made to an IRS qualified charity before March 1 will be accepted for the deduction. Although, donations to disaster funds aren't the only charities tax payers can get a break.

Isakson says, "Any kind of public organization is, 50% of your donation is an itemized deduction and that would be, that would include the universities, medical research studies, the clothing you donate things like that."

While many people's reasons for donating are selfless, there can be great tax benefits in the end. If you decide not to claim your donations to Haiti this year -- you can claim them on your 2010 tax return.

Aging Drivers
Laura Aldridge Reporting

Driving can symbolize independence and freedom. But for some, there comes a time when they have to stop driving permanently.

Many people can get distracted when behind the wheel. Cell phones, the radio and passengers can all contribute to the problem. But for some, just the rules of the road can be overwhelming.

Avis Iverson, a senior citizen driver says, "I think we need to be reminded of all the laws and just bring it to our attention to be more observant too, and the fact that we are getting older and our response times probably not as quick as it was when we were twenty"

AARP offers a course that focuses on refreshing older minds.

AARP Instructor, Kyle Swope says, “The hazard that come with old age; the reduced hearing, reduced vision, reduced reflexes, reduced mobility-all this affects how and why they drive".

Many people wonder at what age do you STOP driving.

Police officer Andy Boen says, "There's people at 65 to 70 years old that have difficulties and there's people that are 85 to 90 that still drive effectively and safely"

There are a number of people who can make the decision to stop someone from getting behind the wheel. 

Boen says, "Looking at determining if a person's eligible to drive is actually a family member, friend or close acquaintance."   

Impaired vision, slow reaction time and poor judgment are all signs to watch in senior driving. But with classes like this, seniors can keep their independence on the road a little longer. Instead of giving up driving, many seniors modify their driving habits. Some changes include only driving during the day, avoiding busy highways, and sticking to familiar streets.

A Sport for the Whole Family
Reporter: Eric Swanson

High school varsity teams are made up of the best athletes around. This year- a single family in North Dakota has made an outstanding contribution to their school’s basketball team.

This is Central Valley High School. And this is Kennedy Henningsgard, an exceptional basketball player who has made her varsity team…as an 8th grader.

Kennedy Henningsgard, a high school basketball player: "Well it was kind of a surprise"    

Her father, Ross Henningsgard says, "She went to practice this year and that was her goal; to start."

Kennedy says, "But I never really thought it would really happen, I thought that it would take a while, not really right away in the season."

But what makes Kennedy's story unique is that she isn't the only Henningsgard on the squad. In fact, she only makes up 1/3rd of the family's varsity bloodline.

Jessica Henningsgard, Kennedy’s sister says, "Siblings don't usually have the same thing in common, like 'everyone' so I think it's pretty cool."

That's right- 3/5ths of the starting basketball team is comprised of sisters.

Taylor Henningsgard, agrees, "I think it's definitely easier to play with the sisters because you already know each other that well so then it makes it less people to have to learn how to play with."

While the three sisters find it easier to play with their siblings- their parents' nerves are often three times more strained come gameday.

Ross says, "It's nice seeing them all play buts it's kind of tough on us to watch all three of them play at the same time."

Their mother, Lorie says, "That's always my first comeback is 'yeah its fun, but it's a lot of pressure; it's a lot of stress."

Ross says, "I just hope they can go out winners as much as possible."

But make no mistake Central Valley is racking up the wins this season. And the 3 sisters are stressing out a lot of opposing defenses along the way. The Central Valley Valiants are in the district three playoffs. And win or lose- the three sisters will be together for at least one more season.

Building Prosthetics
Reporter: Stephanie Waltz

Wheelchairs and crutches are common in a hospital. One man works to free people from depending on these items. We'll spend a day in the life of a prosthetic technician.

Most people don't think about the everyday actions of walking down the street or opening a door. Losing an arm or leg can change this way of thinking. Ken Gaulke, a prosthetic technician, gets people back to a more normal state of mind.

Gaulke tells us, "You got somebody that's coming in on a wheelchair, wondering what's his life going to be in front of him now-is he going to ambulate again? Walk? Is he going to go back to what he was doing for a living beforehand?"

Ken's workplace builds arms and legs.

Paul Edman, a certified prostheist explains, "We design their prosthesis based on their weight, their age, their lifestyle-what their goals are to use the prosthesis, their living conditions, whether they're employed or retired."

Patients count on Ken to make them whole.

Gaulke says, "I do all the technical end of it, and I do help with patients with alignment and stuff, repairs."

Patients can even have their own say for the design of their prosthesis-- such as using fabric instead of pigment.

Gaulke continues, "This is the one I really like, man remember when they used to make bathing suits out of this?"

Nowhere in his job description does it have the rewards that fall closer to the heart.

Gaulke is proud, "To get them up on a test leg and see them take those very first steps, to see that smile come back, man that's worth a lot right there."

Microprocessors are often used in the limbs of modern prostheses. The electronics make it easier for patients to get around.

Shoveling Rooftops
Joe Hansel Reporting

The cycle winter brings affects us all the same way.First snow falls, and then, you hear a familiar sound. However, shoveling the roof is a place that may not cross many people's minds.

Ritchie Haas of Ritchie's Handy Man Service says, "Like this house, it had so much hanging out over the edge that it's going to build up and ice will form on the edges either ripping the gutters off or back up into the house."

Large amounts of snow on the roof can be dangerous to a home. To avoid this, a snow rake can be used to pull light snow off. But some say this tool may not always work effectively with heavier amounts of snow.

Ritchie says , "Those aluminum rakes are worthless now. You have to get up there and shovel it off"

Most roofs are designed so snow won't accumulate.But for other roofs, packing snow can damage the gutters.

Ritchie tells us, "The most important part is to get the bottom four feet of the roof-line cleaned off. That way your gutters can breathe and the sun can get at it"

As the winter cycle continues to bring heavy snow, be sure not to neglect shoveling your roof.Removing snow should be done very cautiously.
Not only is this a strenuous activity, but there is a chance of you damaging your roof's shingles if you are not too careful.