(Distributed March 2006) March is a critical month in our vegetable gardens - early for some things and late for others, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed March 2006) Special rules for victims of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma will ease the eligibility requirements for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).

(Distributed March 2006) "Go fly a kite!" Although the expression is usually derisive, it could be good advice, according to LSU AgCenter family resource management specialist Dr. Karen Overstreet.

(Distribtued March 2006) Many homeowners have several small engines in the garage or tool shed on equipment like a lawnmower or string trimmer. Some may also have a garden tiller, a hedge trimmer, a lawn edger or a chainsaw. Most of these small engines have an air filter.

(Distributed March 2006) Six C.E. Byrd High School students have won honors in the national Foundations for Life character essay contest.

(Distributed March 2006) A Newellton resident won Best of Show at the 20th annual Louisiana State Pecan Show held January 20-21.

(Distributed March 2006) Eating well and being physically active are keys to better health. Following the Dietary Guidelines can help Americans "Feel better today. Stay healthy for tomorrow," according to a slogan of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

(Distributed March 2006) A huge pool of potential volunteers and social activists in the United States – 26 million young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 – remains untapped.

(Distributed March 2006) More than half of all taxpayers pay a tax preparer to file their tax returns. Before using a commercial preparer, however, find out if there is a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site nearby that can help you prepare your taxes for free, advises LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed March 2006) It happens often when children receive a gift. The youngsters often are happier playing with the box than the present. Although amused at first, the gift-givers may soon suspect that their money was ill-spent.