Entrepreneurs with breakthrough business ideas are encouraged to enter the IDEA Competition, which opens for the fourth year on September 1st. Over the course of the last three years, nearly $200,000 has been awarded to Northwest Minnesota entrepreneurs.
The purpose of the competition is to assist the most promising local entrepreneurs in the commercialization of innovative products, processes and deliveries by connecting them to the best resources available, along with access to the capital it takes to launch a successful venture.
Participants receive:
• Access to valuable tools and resources
• The opportunity to refine their investor pitch
• Attention in the media
• A chance to pitch their idea to potential investors and leaders in the business community
• A chance to win one of five $10,000 cash awards
Visit the website for more information or to enter: www.ideacompetition.org.
IDEA has been made possible by the generous financial contributions of the following: 360° Manufacturing and Applied Engineering Center of Excellence, Blandin Foundation, Bremer Banks of Crookston and Warren, Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Northwest Regional Small Business Development Center, and University of Minnesota, Crookston.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Youth Development Webinar Series Set
The first webinar in the 2011-12 Youth Development "Brown Bag" Webinar Series will be held Oct. 12.
"Impact Through the Experiential Learning Delivery Model" is the title of this webinar.
The North Dakota State University Extension Service and University of Minnesota Extension host the series, which provides live, interactive learning experiences that participants can complete at their own computer during the lunch hour. Participants are able to interact with the instructor in real time and join in interactive discussions, questions and polls.
Other webinars in the series and the dates they will be offered are:
* Dec. 14: "Supporting Military Youth and Families in Your Communities"
* Feb. 8, 2012: "Culturally Responsive Youth Work Matters"
* April 18, 2012: "Natural Spaces: A Place for Positive Youth Development"
All webinars are Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST. This webinar series is free for participants, but registration is required. Register at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YDwebinar2011-12.
Direct questions to Sharon Query at sharon.query@ndsu.edu or Kari Robideau at robideau@umn.edu.
"Impact Through the Experiential Learning Delivery Model" is the title of this webinar.
The North Dakota State University Extension Service and University of Minnesota Extension host the series, which provides live, interactive learning experiences that participants can complete at their own computer during the lunch hour. Participants are able to interact with the instructor in real time and join in interactive discussions, questions and polls.
Other webinars in the series and the dates they will be offered are:
* Dec. 14: "Supporting Military Youth and Families in Your Communities"
* Feb. 8, 2012: "Culturally Responsive Youth Work Matters"
* April 18, 2012: "Natural Spaces: A Place for Positive Youth Development"
All webinars are Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST. This webinar series is free for participants, but registration is required. Register at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YDwebinar2011-12.
Direct questions to Sharon Query at sharon.query@ndsu.edu or Kari Robideau at robideau@umn.edu.
Friday, August 26, 2011
MDA confirms two new emerald ash borer infestations in southeastern Minnesota
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) today confirmed new emerald ash borer (EAB) infestations in Winona County and Houston County. In each case, the infestation was discovered after field staff found a single adult beetle on a purple monitoring trap.
The Winona County infestation is in Great River Bluffs State Park, 17 miles southeast of the city of Winona. It is the first EAB infestation found in Winona County. The Houston County detection is in Veterans Park in La Crescent, and is the second detection in Houston County. The two new infestations are about 8 miles apart.
These discoveries are the latest in a series of EAB infestations discovered in Minnesota since May 2009, joining sites in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Falcon Heights, Shoreview, and extreme southeastern Houston County.
MDA scientists do not know how EAB arrived at the new sites, but they will survey the areas and work with federal, state and local partners to determine the scope of the infestations. Meanwhile, MDA has added Winona County to the list of Minnesota counties under EAB quarantine. This quarantine, which already covers Hennepin, Ramsey and Houston counties, bars people from moving out of the affected county any items potentially infested with EAB. Items subject to the quarantine include firewood, live ash trees, ash limbs and branches, and untreated ash lumber. A full description can be found online at www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/eab/eabquarantine.aspx.
EAB is one of America’s most destructive tree pests. Its larvae kill ash trees by tunneling into the wood and feeding on the tree’s nutrients. Since its accidental introduction into North America, EAB has killed tens of millions of ash trees in 15 states. The metallic-green adult beetles are a half-inch long, and are active from May to September. Infestation signs include one-eighth inch, D-shaped exit holes in ash tree bark and winding tunnels under the bark. The biggest risk of spreading EAB comes from people unknowingly moving firewood or other ash products harboring larvae. There are three easy steps Minnesotans can take to keep EAB from spreading:
1. Don’t transport firewood. Buy firewood locally from approved vendors, and burn it where you buy it;
2. Be aware of the quarantine restrictions. If you live in a quarantined county, be aware of the restrictions on movement of products such as ash trees, wood chips, and firewood. Details can be found online at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/eab/quarantinefaq.aspx; and,
3. Watch your ash trees for infestation. If you think your ash tree is infested, go to www.mda.state.mn.us and use the “Do I Have Emerald Ash Borer?” checklist or call MDA’s Arrest the Pest Hotline (888-545-6684) to report concerns.
The Winona County infestation is in Great River Bluffs State Park, 17 miles southeast of the city of Winona. It is the first EAB infestation found in Winona County. The Houston County detection is in Veterans Park in La Crescent, and is the second detection in Houston County. The two new infestations are about 8 miles apart.
These discoveries are the latest in a series of EAB infestations discovered in Minnesota since May 2009, joining sites in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Falcon Heights, Shoreview, and extreme southeastern Houston County.
MDA scientists do not know how EAB arrived at the new sites, but they will survey the areas and work with federal, state and local partners to determine the scope of the infestations. Meanwhile, MDA has added Winona County to the list of Minnesota counties under EAB quarantine. This quarantine, which already covers Hennepin, Ramsey and Houston counties, bars people from moving out of the affected county any items potentially infested with EAB. Items subject to the quarantine include firewood, live ash trees, ash limbs and branches, and untreated ash lumber. A full description can be found online at www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/eab/eabquarantine.aspx.
EAB is one of America’s most destructive tree pests. Its larvae kill ash trees by tunneling into the wood and feeding on the tree’s nutrients. Since its accidental introduction into North America, EAB has killed tens of millions of ash trees in 15 states. The metallic-green adult beetles are a half-inch long, and are active from May to September. Infestation signs include one-eighth inch, D-shaped exit holes in ash tree bark and winding tunnels under the bark. The biggest risk of spreading EAB comes from people unknowingly moving firewood or other ash products harboring larvae. There are three easy steps Minnesotans can take to keep EAB from spreading:
1. Don’t transport firewood. Buy firewood locally from approved vendors, and burn it where you buy it;
2. Be aware of the quarantine restrictions. If you live in a quarantined county, be aware of the restrictions on movement of products such as ash trees, wood chips, and firewood. Details can be found online at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/eab/quarantinefaq.aspx; and,
3. Watch your ash trees for infestation. If you think your ash tree is infested, go to www.mda.state.mn.us and use the “Do I Have Emerald Ash Borer?” checklist or call MDA’s Arrest the Pest Hotline (888-545-6684) to report concerns.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
electrical safety
Fergus Falls, MN – Otter Tail Power Company reminds its customers and neighbors to be careful during this harvest season. Even though harvest is one of the busiest times of the year for farmers, they and their helpers need to pay as much attention to what’s above their heads as they do to what’s around and below their machines, says Eric Hamm, Otter Tail Power Company’s safety services manager.
“When you’re working long hours and rushing to beat the weather, it’s easy to overlook power lines and related equipment,” says Hamm. “But it’s important to caution employees and family members working with you about potential hazards.” Hamm says safety becomes especially important as hours of darkness increase this time of year. Here are some additional harvest-time safety tips.
• Always hav e a spotter when moving large equipment, such as combines, grain augers, beet lifters, and tillage, irrigation, or excavation equipment, near power lines.
• Maintain adequate clearance between an electrical line and the top of any equipment. Don’t guess; know the height of the lines and the height of your equipment, including antennas.
• Be careful not to snag electrical equipment on the tractor’s rear wheels or with harvesting or tillage equipment in tight turns at the ends of fields.
• Pay special attention when hoisting truck boxes or folding tillage equipment for transport. Might that truck box contact an energized line? Will tillage equipment folded for road travel clear the overhead electrical lines that cross the field approach? When extended, might tillage equipment snag that nearby pole or transformer?
• Lower portable augers or elevators to their lowest possible level before moving or transporting them, and use care when raising them.
• Steer clear of power lines, guy wires, transformers, and junction boxes that may be along the edges of fields, in farmyards, and at grain-handling sites.
• Don’t build new storage bins near overhead electrical lines.
Hamm says to be aware of what might be in the ground as well. Before tilling an unfamiliar field or excavating to install drain tile, use the One Call service to locate buried utilities. The national number to call is 811. Or call your state’s One Call center: 800-252-1166 in Minnesota, 800-795-0555 in North Dakota, 800-781-7474 in South Dakota.
If you are in a vehicle or equipment that’s contacted an electrical source, Hamm says to remain there until help arrives. However, if you’re in danger of fire or explosion, jump with both feet together and shuffle away. Do not allow contact with the vehicle or equipment and the ground at the same time.
If you encounter an electrical accident, make sure the electrical source no longer poses a threat before assisting a victim. If in doubt, call 911 and wait until help arrives. This year, with excess water in many areas, don’t even consider going near a downed electrical line or near water that’s in contact with any electrical component such as a pad-mount transformer. And remember, even victims who don’t appear to be injured should seek medical advice following an electrical shock because injury may not be apparent immediately.
Hamm adds that an electrical outage caused by mishandled farm machinery can impact a number of customers and poses a threat not only to the farm worker involved but also to medically fragile people who rely on electricity for life-support. “We are especially concerned at this time of year when harvest gets into full swing,” said Hamm. “A little planning can help keep everyone safe and productive.”
Otter Tail Power Company, a subsidiary of Otter Tail Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: OTTR), is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It provides electricity and energy services to more than a quarter million people in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To learn more about Otter Tail Power Company visit www.otpco.com. To learn more about Otter Tail Corporation visit www.ottertail.com.
“When you’re working long hours and rushing to beat the weather, it’s easy to overlook power lines and related equipment,” says Hamm. “But it’s important to caution employees and family members working with you about potential hazards.” Hamm says safety becomes especially important as hours of darkness increase this time of year. Here are some additional harvest-time safety tips.
• Always hav e a spotter when moving large equipment, such as combines, grain augers, beet lifters, and tillage, irrigation, or excavation equipment, near power lines.
• Maintain adequate clearance between an electrical line and the top of any equipment. Don’t guess; know the height of the lines and the height of your equipment, including antennas.
• Be careful not to snag electrical equipment on the tractor’s rear wheels or with harvesting or tillage equipment in tight turns at the ends of fields.
• Pay special attention when hoisting truck boxes or folding tillage equipment for transport. Might that truck box contact an energized line? Will tillage equipment folded for road travel clear the overhead electrical lines that cross the field approach? When extended, might tillage equipment snag that nearby pole or transformer?
• Lower portable augers or elevators to their lowest possible level before moving or transporting them, and use care when raising them.
• Steer clear of power lines, guy wires, transformers, and junction boxes that may be along the edges of fields, in farmyards, and at grain-handling sites.
• Don’t build new storage bins near overhead electrical lines.
Hamm says to be aware of what might be in the ground as well. Before tilling an unfamiliar field or excavating to install drain tile, use the One Call service to locate buried utilities. The national number to call is 811. Or call your state’s One Call center: 800-252-1166 in Minnesota, 800-795-0555 in North Dakota, 800-781-7474 in South Dakota.
If you are in a vehicle or equipment that’s contacted an electrical source, Hamm says to remain there until help arrives. However, if you’re in danger of fire or explosion, jump with both feet together and shuffle away. Do not allow contact with the vehicle or equipment and the ground at the same time.
If you encounter an electrical accident, make sure the electrical source no longer poses a threat before assisting a victim. If in doubt, call 911 and wait until help arrives. This year, with excess water in many areas, don’t even consider going near a downed electrical line or near water that’s in contact with any electrical component such as a pad-mount transformer. And remember, even victims who don’t appear to be injured should seek medical advice following an electrical shock because injury may not be apparent immediately.
Hamm adds that an electrical outage caused by mishandled farm machinery can impact a number of customers and poses a threat not only to the farm worker involved but also to medically fragile people who rely on electricity for life-support. “We are especially concerned at this time of year when harvest gets into full swing,” said Hamm. “A little planning can help keep everyone safe and productive.”
Otter Tail Power Company, a subsidiary of Otter Tail Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: OTTR), is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It provides electricity and energy services to more than a quarter million people in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To learn more about Otter Tail Power Company visit www.otpco.com. To learn more about Otter Tail Corporation visit www.ottertail.com.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
UMC Welcome Back Week
CROOKSTON, Minn. – Summer might be drawing to a close, but the University of Minnesota, Crookston is enthusiastically preparing for the beginning of a new academic year. Classes for the new semester begin on August 23, 2011, and returning faculty, staff, and students have a lot to look forward to when they return. Along with several new faculty members in both the Business Department and the Math, Science, and Technology Department, facilities updates have been taking place across the campus.
A laboratory installed last spring in Dowell Hall uses immersive visualization and has a new additional classroom making the combined Immersive Visualization and Informatics Lab an environment where students and faculty can interactively explore complex data. Five screens and three tablet monitors allow for running multiple applications and an opportunity to stretch applications across multiple screens.
Over the summer, the science laboratories in Hill Hall have been completely renovated providing much needed lab space and increased opportunities for research. A major heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) update has been completed in Dowell Hall.
Environmental sciences, the newest degree program on the Crookston campus, will enter its second year. The program offers students a broad range of study in areas like environmental protection, water quality, ecotoxicology, and environmental health and safety to name just a few.
For students interested in learning online, there are three new degrees in information technology management, health management, and communication. Together with online degrees in accounting, applied health, applied studies, business management, marketing, manufacturing management, and quality management there are a total of ten online degree options.
The installation of card-access security doors is nearing completion, and while on-campus living remains a challenge due to increased enrollment, the campus is finalizing an agreement to provide housing for students in the nearby Americas Best Value Inn, formerly the Northland Inn.
Welcome back week for faculty and staff kicks off on Monday, August 15 and includes new faculty orientation, workshops, and other special events. Student-athletes already on campus have begun practice for the fall sports season and new student orientation is slated to begin on Friday, August 19. Students will be volunteering in the community for the annual “Meet Crookston through Service” on Saturday morning, August 20. For more information about events and activities on the Crookston campus, visit www.umcrookston.edu/today.
A laboratory installed last spring in Dowell Hall uses immersive visualization and has a new additional classroom making the combined Immersive Visualization and Informatics Lab an environment where students and faculty can interactively explore complex data. Five screens and three tablet monitors allow for running multiple applications and an opportunity to stretch applications across multiple screens.
Over the summer, the science laboratories in Hill Hall have been completely renovated providing much needed lab space and increased opportunities for research. A major heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) update has been completed in Dowell Hall.
Environmental sciences, the newest degree program on the Crookston campus, will enter its second year. The program offers students a broad range of study in areas like environmental protection, water quality, ecotoxicology, and environmental health and safety to name just a few.
For students interested in learning online, there are three new degrees in information technology management, health management, and communication. Together with online degrees in accounting, applied health, applied studies, business management, marketing, manufacturing management, and quality management there are a total of ten online degree options.
The installation of card-access security doors is nearing completion, and while on-campus living remains a challenge due to increased enrollment, the campus is finalizing an agreement to provide housing for students in the nearby Americas Best Value Inn, formerly the Northland Inn.
Welcome back week for faculty and staff kicks off on Monday, August 15 and includes new faculty orientation, workshops, and other special events. Student-athletes already on campus have begun practice for the fall sports season and new student orientation is slated to begin on Friday, August 19. Students will be volunteering in the community for the annual “Meet Crookston through Service” on Saturday morning, August 20. For more information about events and activities on the Crookston campus, visit www.umcrookston.edu/today.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Bemidji State among Division II ADA Academic Achievement Award winners
CLEVELAND -- The Bemidji State University athletics department made the grade again as it was named among the 2010-11 recipients of the Division II Athletics Directors Association (DII ADA) Academic Achievement Awards today. The DII ADA’s Academic Achievement Awards is a program that recognizes the academic accomplishments of student-athletes at the Division II level across the country.
Ninety-eight institutions submitted nominees for the 2010-11 Academic Achievement Awards, while a total of 3,676 student-athletes are being
recognized this year. The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) had 434 student-athletes honored, a record-high for the program, followed by the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) with 381 nominees. The NSIC previously held the record for most student-athletes honored with 391 in 2008-09.
This year the NSIC was represented by student-athletes from the following institutions: Bemidji State; Concordia University-St. Paul; University
of Mary; University of Minnesota, Crookston; Minnesota State University, Mankato; Northern State University, St. Cloud State University, Upper Iowa University, Wayne State College.
In order for a student-athlete to receive an Academic Achievement Award, the athletics director of the Division II institution must be a current
dues paying member of DII ADA. Also, the student-athlete must:
* have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
* have attended a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college level work
* have been an active member of an intercollegiate team during his/her last academic year
“Congratulations to all of this year’s Academic Achievement Award winners,” stated Division II ADA President Greg Waggoner, director of
athletics at Western State College of Colorado. “We want to thank and congratulate those colleges and universities that took part in honoring
its student-athletes and look forward to continued participation in the future.”
DII ADA is the first organization of its kind to provide educational and networking opportunities; enhancement of acceptable operating standards
and ethics; and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of Division II athletics directors. DII ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 47th year.
Ninety-eight institutions submitted nominees for the 2010-11 Academic Achievement Awards, while a total of 3,676 student-athletes are being
recognized this year. The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) had 434 student-athletes honored, a record-high for the program, followed by the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) with 381 nominees. The NSIC previously held the record for most student-athletes honored with 391 in 2008-09.
This year the NSIC was represented by student-athletes from the following institutions: Bemidji State; Concordia University-St. Paul; University
of Mary; University of Minnesota, Crookston; Minnesota State University, Mankato; Northern State University, St. Cloud State University, Upper Iowa University, Wayne State College.
In order for a student-athlete to receive an Academic Achievement Award, the athletics director of the Division II institution must be a current
dues paying member of DII ADA. Also, the student-athlete must:
* have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
* have attended a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college level work
* have been an active member of an intercollegiate team during his/her last academic year
“Congratulations to all of this year’s Academic Achievement Award winners,” stated Division II ADA President Greg Waggoner, director of
athletics at Western State College of Colorado. “We want to thank and congratulate those colleges and universities that took part in honoring
its student-athletes and look forward to continued participation in the future.”
DII ADA is the first organization of its kind to provide educational and networking opportunities; enhancement of acceptable operating standards
and ethics; and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of Division II athletics directors. DII ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 47th year.
Next Walk N.D. Challenge Starts Sept. 11
If the hot, humid summer weather kept you from being as active as you would like, the Walk North Dakota program can help you get moving again.
The North Dakota State University Extension Service program challenges you to walk 200 miles during an eight-week period. The next session runs Sept. 11 to Nov. 5.
To reach the 200-mile goal, you'll need to walk about 10,000 steps a day at least five days a week. That's the equivalent of walking five miles a day.
"But don't worry if you can't manage that many steps," says Linda Hauge, Walk North Dakota coordinator. "Walk as many steps as you feel comfortable walking, and keep trying to walk a little more each week."
This is how the program works: Put on a pedometer in the morning and record the number of steps you've taken by the end of the day. Then report those steps every two weeks. If you don't have a pedometer, record one mile or 2,000 steps for every 20 minutes you walk.
You can report your progress online at http://www.walknd.com or on a mail-in postcard. You'll receive an email message reminding you when to report if you do it online.
Join Walk North Dakota as an individual or part of a group. Groups that haven't participated in the program should send an email to info@walknd.com. You don't need to live in North Dakota to participate.
The registration fee is $10 for anyone age 19 or older and $5 for youth 18 and younger. North Dakota 4-H'ers can participate free of charge.
Go to the Walk North Dakota website at http://www.walknd.com to register. For more information, contact Hauge at (701) 231-7964 or info@walknd.com.
Since May 2004, when the program started, 4,150 participants have walked 1.6 billion steps, or about 802,734 miles.
The North Dakota State University Extension Service program challenges you to walk 200 miles during an eight-week period. The next session runs Sept. 11 to Nov. 5.
To reach the 200-mile goal, you'll need to walk about 10,000 steps a day at least five days a week. That's the equivalent of walking five miles a day.
"But don't worry if you can't manage that many steps," says Linda Hauge, Walk North Dakota coordinator. "Walk as many steps as you feel comfortable walking, and keep trying to walk a little more each week."
This is how the program works: Put on a pedometer in the morning and record the number of steps you've taken by the end of the day. Then report those steps every two weeks. If you don't have a pedometer, record one mile or 2,000 steps for every 20 minutes you walk.
You can report your progress online at http://www.walknd.com or on a mail-in postcard. You'll receive an email message reminding you when to report if you do it online.
Join Walk North Dakota as an individual or part of a group. Groups that haven't participated in the program should send an email to info@walknd.com. You don't need to live in North Dakota to participate.
The registration fee is $10 for anyone age 19 or older and $5 for youth 18 and younger. North Dakota 4-H'ers can participate free of charge.
Go to the Walk North Dakota website at http://www.walknd.com to register. For more information, contact Hauge at (701) 231-7964 or info@walknd.com.
Since May 2004, when the program started, 4,150 participants have walked 1.6 billion steps, or about 802,734 miles.
Reminder: Keep Education Receipts for Tax Credits and Subtractions
Saint Paul – With the new school year just weeks away, the Minnesota Department of Revenue is reminding parents to save their receipts from school supply purchases. Doing so could qualify them for tax credits or subtractions on their 2011 state income tax returns.
There are two tax provisions that help Minnesota families pay expenses related to their child’s education: the refundable K-12 education credit and the K-12 education subtraction. Both programs reduce the tax parents must pay and could provide a larger refund when filing a 2011 Minnesota Individual Income Tax Return. To qualify, parents must have purchased educational services or required materials during 2011 to assist with their child’s education. The child also must be attending kindergarten through 12th grade at a public, private or home school.
“School supplies can add up quickly,” said Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans. “Holding onto receipts can save parents money, making a big difference on a family budget at a time when it matters most.”
Generally, most expenses paid for educational instruction or materials qualify, including paper, pens and notebooks; textbooks; rental or purchases of educational equipment such as musical instruments; computer hardware and educational software; after-school tutoring and educational summer camps. There are no income restrictions to qualify for the education subtraction; income restrictions only apply to the education credit.
Qualifying Income for Education Credit:
Number of qualifying children in K-12: Your household income must be less than:
1-2……………………………………………................$37,500
3………………………………………………………… $39,500
4………………………………………………………….$41,500
5………………………………………………………….$43,500
6 or more…………………………………..$43,500 plus $2,000 for each additional qualifying child
Even taxpayers who are not required to file an income tax return should do so in order to claim a refund for the education credit.
Stop by the Department of Revenue’s booth at the Minnesota State Fair in the Education Building to receive envelopes for school supply receipts.
For more information, visit the department’s website at www.taxes.state.mn.us or call (651) 296-3781 or 1-800-652-9094.
There are two tax provisions that help Minnesota families pay expenses related to their child’s education: the refundable K-12 education credit and the K-12 education subtraction. Both programs reduce the tax parents must pay and could provide a larger refund when filing a 2011 Minnesota Individual Income Tax Return. To qualify, parents must have purchased educational services or required materials during 2011 to assist with their child’s education. The child also must be attending kindergarten through 12th grade at a public, private or home school.
“School supplies can add up quickly,” said Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans. “Holding onto receipts can save parents money, making a big difference on a family budget at a time when it matters most.”
Generally, most expenses paid for educational instruction or materials qualify, including paper, pens and notebooks; textbooks; rental or purchases of educational equipment such as musical instruments; computer hardware and educational software; after-school tutoring and educational summer camps. There are no income restrictions to qualify for the education subtraction; income restrictions only apply to the education credit.
Qualifying Income for Education Credit:
Number of qualifying children in K-12: Your household income must be less than:
1-2……………………………………………................$37,500
3………………………………………………………… $39,500
4………………………………………………………….$41,500
5………………………………………………………….$43,500
6 or more…………………………………..$43,500 plus $2,000 for each additional qualifying child
Even taxpayers who are not required to file an income tax return should do so in order to claim a refund for the education credit.
Stop by the Department of Revenue’s booth at the Minnesota State Fair in the Education Building to receive envelopes for school supply receipts.
For more information, visit the department’s website at www.taxes.state.mn.us or call (651) 296-3781 or 1-800-652-9094.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
HCSCC offers free admission to all WWII Vets Sunday, Aug 14
Moorhead, Minn., August 9, 2011 – The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County (HCSCC) at the Hjemkomst Center museum will be offering free admission to all WWII Veterans on Sunday, August 14 in honor of the Keep the Spirit of ’45 ALIVE! campaign, a non-profit, non-partisan initiative to preserve the legacy of the men and women of the Greatest Generation.
In addition, the HCSCC will be “Celebrating the Greatest Generation” at their annual fall gala on Friday, Oct. 28, 6 p.m. at the Hjemkomst Center. Join the HCSCC for a night filled with 1940s tunes, great food, and fun times! Tickets are $50 per person or $320 for a table of eight. Tickets will be available Sept. 15 at the Heritage Shop and from HCSCC board members. The HCSCC will be honoring Dr. Roland Dille, emeritus president of Minnesota State University Moorhead, with the 2011 Clay County Heritage Award, created to celebrate the accomplishments of those who make a meaningful contribution to the history and culture of Clay County and the region.
The Hjemkomst Center museum hours are Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, noon – 5 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. Admission rates are adults ($7), seniors and college students ($6), youth, 5 – 17 ($5) and children, 4 & under (free).
In addition, the HCSCC will be “Celebrating the Greatest Generation” at their annual fall gala on Friday, Oct. 28, 6 p.m. at the Hjemkomst Center. Join the HCSCC for a night filled with 1940s tunes, great food, and fun times! Tickets are $50 per person or $320 for a table of eight. Tickets will be available Sept. 15 at the Heritage Shop and from HCSCC board members. The HCSCC will be honoring Dr. Roland Dille, emeritus president of Minnesota State University Moorhead, with the 2011 Clay County Heritage Award, created to celebrate the accomplishments of those who make a meaningful contribution to the history and culture of Clay County and the region.
The Hjemkomst Center museum hours are Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, noon – 5 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. Admission rates are adults ($7), seniors and college students ($6), youth, 5 – 17 ($5) and children, 4 & under (free).
Monday, August 8, 2011
TVOC Head Start applications
Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. Head Start and Early Head Start is currently taking applications for children birth through five years old for the 2011-2012 program year. Head Start provides Early Childhood Education and services to children with special needs. Head Start is a low income eligibility program.
Services available are:
West Adventure Center Preschool: Center based services for Head Start, School Readiness, and Child Care children ages 3-5. Preschool is located at the Norman County West Elementary School.
Norman County Home Based: Home based services for Head Start children ages 3-5 in Norman County.
Early Head Start Home Based: Home based services for Head Start children ages birth-2 in Norman County.
Please call 218-861-6738 or toll free at 1-877-861-6738 today for application information!
Services available are:
West Adventure Center Preschool: Center based services for Head Start, School Readiness, and Child Care children ages 3-5. Preschool is located at the Norman County West Elementary School.
Norman County Home Based: Home based services for Head Start children ages 3-5 in Norman County.
Early Head Start Home Based: Home based services for Head Start children ages birth-2 in Norman County.
Please call 218-861-6738 or toll free at 1-877-861-6738 today for application information!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Dairy Policy Reform Forum Set
North Dakota dairy producers will have an opportunity later this month to learn how national dairy policy reform could impact their dairy operation.
The North Dakota State University Extension Service dairy specialist and other members of the I-29 Dairy Consortium are hosting the Forum on National Dairy Policy and Immigration Reform, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the Best Western-Ramkota in Sioux Falls, S.D.
"This forum is a great opportunity for dairy producers, milk processors and other dairy industry professionals to learn more about important dairy policy
issues and ask questions about how potential changes will impact their own operations," says J.W. Schroeder, NDSU Extension dairy specialist.
National Milk Producers Federation officials will discuss the Foundation for the Future, a package of proposed dairy policy programs that would serve as a new roadmap for dairy policy by focusing on margin protection rather than price.
Attending the forum is free of charge but reservations are required by Aug. 25 because the event is limited to 100 people. To make a reservation, send an email to sddairyproducers@gmail.com or call (605) 692-1775.
The event will include a complementary lunch.
The I-29 Dairy Consortium is a coalition of organizations focused on supporting dairy production in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Members are the Extension organizations at NDSU, Iowa State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska and South Dakota State University, and South Dakota Dairy Producers, the Southwest Minnesota Dairy Profit Group and Western Iowa Dairy Alliance.
More information on the Foundation for the Future is available at http://www.futurefordairy.com.
The North Dakota State University Extension Service dairy specialist and other members of the I-29 Dairy Consortium are hosting the Forum on National Dairy Policy and Immigration Reform, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the Best Western-Ramkota in Sioux Falls, S.D.
"This forum is a great opportunity for dairy producers, milk processors and other dairy industry professionals to learn more about important dairy policy
issues and ask questions about how potential changes will impact their own operations," says J.W. Schroeder, NDSU Extension dairy specialist.
National Milk Producers Federation officials will discuss the Foundation for the Future, a package of proposed dairy policy programs that would serve as a new roadmap for dairy policy by focusing on margin protection rather than price.
Attending the forum is free of charge but reservations are required by Aug. 25 because the event is limited to 100 people. To make a reservation, send an email to sddairyproducers@gmail.com or call (605) 692-1775.
The event will include a complementary lunch.
The I-29 Dairy Consortium is a coalition of organizations focused on supporting dairy production in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Members are the Extension organizations at NDSU, Iowa State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska and South Dakota State University, and South Dakota Dairy Producers, the Southwest Minnesota Dairy Profit Group and Western Iowa Dairy Alliance.
More information on the Foundation for the Future is available at http://www.futurefordairy.com.
Road preservation project in Mahnomen, Otter Tail, Grant counties begins Aug. 10
Road preservation project in Mahnomen, Otter Tail, Grant counties begins DETROIT LAKES, Minn.—Motorists should plan for traffic restrictions and lane closures on highways in Mahnomen, Otter Tail and Grant counties as crews begin a series of preventive maintenance seal coating projects on Aug. 10.
The highway segments scheduled for the preventative maintenance include:
• Highway 113 between Mahnomen County Road 4 and Highway 71
• Highway 108 between Ottertail and Henning
• Highway 210 between Battle Lake and Highway 29
• Highway 78 between Battle Lake and Interstate 94
• Highway 55 between Elbow Lake and the Grant/Douglas county line
A pilot car and flaggers will control traffic during the work. Motorists should plan for daily lane closures in the area where crews are working. Drivers are urged to slow down and be alert for loose gravel and oil spraying in these areas. Crews wi ll be working during daylight hours between sunrise and sunset.
The work is scheduled to be completed in early September, weather permitting.
Seal coating is a preventative maintenance measure that provides a protective layer, reducing roadway deterioration due to sun and moisture.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation urges motorists to always drive with caution, slow down in work zones and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones. For statewide travel information, visit http://www.511mn.org, call 5-1-1 or log on to www.mndot.gov.
The highway segments scheduled for the preventative maintenance include:
• Highway 113 between Mahnomen County Road 4 and Highway 71
• Highway 108 between Ottertail and Henning
• Highway 210 between Battle Lake and Highway 29
• Highway 78 between Battle Lake and Interstate 94
• Highway 55 between Elbow Lake and the Grant/Douglas county line
A pilot car and flaggers will control traffic during the work. Motorists should plan for daily lane closures in the area where crews are working. Drivers are urged to slow down and be alert for loose gravel and oil spraying in these areas. Crews wi ll be working during daylight hours between sunrise and sunset.
The work is scheduled to be completed in early September, weather permitting.
Seal coating is a preventative maintenance measure that provides a protective layer, reducing roadway deterioration due to sun and moisture.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation urges motorists to always drive with caution, slow down in work zones and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones. For statewide travel information, visit http://www.511mn.org, call 5-1-1 or log on to www.mndot.gov.
Disaster Relief Grants Available for Minnesota Veterans and Families
SAINT PAUL, Minn. - As a result of recent tornadoes and storms, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is offering Disaster Relief Grants for reimbursable expenses to Veterans in the following counties: Anoka, Brown, Isanti, Kanabec, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Pine, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Scott, Stearns, Wright, and Yellow Medicine, per the Governor’s Executive Order 11-21.
Veterans, their families and surviving spouses may be eligible for reimbursement assistance funds of up to $750 if they have not received other state or federal assistance.
Veterans and their families should contact their County Veterans Service Officer to apply for a Disaster Relief Grant, or call 1-888-LINKVET (546-5838) and staff will assist them with contact information for a County Veterans Service Officer in their area.
All eligible applications and copies of receipts must be dated between disaster timeframe, as designated by the Governor and/or FEMA. Expenditures must be made no earlier than July 1, 2011, and applications must be sent to MDVA and postmarked no later than Sept. 30, 2011.
Veterans, their families and surviving spouses may be eligible for reimbursement assistance funds of up to $750 if they have not received other state or federal assistance.
Veterans and their families should contact their County Veterans Service Officer to apply for a Disaster Relief Grant, or call 1-888-LINKVET (546-5838) and staff will assist them with contact information for a County Veterans Service Officer in their area.
All eligible applications and copies of receipts must be dated between disaster timeframe, as designated by the Governor and/or FEMA. Expenditures must be made no earlier than July 1, 2011, and applications must be sent to MDVA and postmarked no later than Sept. 30, 2011.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
AWAY IN THE BASEMENT HEADING TO THE FARGO THEATRE
The Church Basement Ladies’ musical continues to delight and serve up a hearty helping of comedy from coast-to-coast. This time, the hilarious antics and charm are sewn into a Christmas setting. Wrapped with sketch comedy, Away In The Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas, is the third installment of the highly successful production originally based on Growing Up Lutheran by Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson.
Away in the Basement will be performed live Friday, November 25, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 26, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, November 27, 2 p.m. in Fargo, N.D., at the historic Fargo Theatre.
Reserved seating costs $35. Groups of 10 or more qualify for a $25 ticket. Applicable fees may apply. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 19, at noon and can be purchased at Tickets300 (300 Broadway, Fargo; open Monday – Friday noon to 6 p.m.), via phone at 701-205-3182 or online at JadePresents.com. Doors open one hour prior to performance; the show is all-ages appropriate.
Away in the Basement takes place in 1959, the day of the Sunday School Christmas Program. The bustle of holiday preparations surrounds the ladies, as they create their own memories of Christmases past and present. As the children rehearse up in the sanctuary, the ladies of the kitchen cook up witty humor, place the final touches on the nativity scene costumes and are called upon yet again to save the day!
The Fargo Theatre is located at 314 Broadway North. Visit JadePresents.com for additional information.
Away in the Basement will be performed live Friday, November 25, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 26, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, November 27, 2 p.m. in Fargo, N.D., at the historic Fargo Theatre.
Reserved seating costs $35. Groups of 10 or more qualify for a $25 ticket. Applicable fees may apply. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 19, at noon and can be purchased at Tickets300 (300 Broadway, Fargo; open Monday – Friday noon to 6 p.m.), via phone at 701-205-3182 or online at JadePresents.com. Doors open one hour prior to performance; the show is all-ages appropriate.
Away in the Basement takes place in 1959, the day of the Sunday School Christmas Program. The bustle of holiday preparations surrounds the ladies, as they create their own memories of Christmases past and present. As the children rehearse up in the sanctuary, the ladies of the kitchen cook up witty humor, place the final touches on the nativity scene costumes and are called upon yet again to save the day!
The Fargo Theatre is located at 314 Broadway North. Visit JadePresents.com for additional information.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Tires, Traction and Compaction Field Day
Soil compaction field demonstrations will be held near Fergus Falls, Minn., on Sept. 1.
Registration for the Tires, Traction and Compaction field day starts at 9 a.m. Education demonstrations and presentations will begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue until 2:30 p.m.
The University of Minnesota Extension and North Dakota State University Extension Service are sponsoring the event.
The Tires, Traction and Compaction field day will focus on the causes and effects of compaction in farm fields. Soil and cropping experts will use four soil pits to demonstrate management techniques that can minimize soil compaction.
Jay Jabro, agricultural engineer at the Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory in Sidney, Mont., will discuss the impact of soil compaction on physical and hydraulic properties and crop yields. Jabro also will report on research he is conducting on the effect of the freeze/thaw cycle on soil compaction.
Randy Taylor, Oklahoma State University Extension agricultural engineer, will discuss the effects of using bias or radial tires and tracks on grain carts.
Mike Sucik, Iowa Natural Resource Conservation Service soil scientist, will discuss soil structure and quality, and field management strategies designed to maintain natural soil structure.
There will be demonstrations highlighting tire vs. track research, and tire and equipment maintenance that will help producers manage and reduce compaction. Exhibitors will be on site to help choose tire configurations, tire maintenance and machinery options to minimize compaction.
Also featured will be a soil compaction pit to demonstrate the compaction caused by tractor tires. In advance of the soil compaction field day, event coordinators will excavate trenches, refill the pits with layers of soil and white powder, drive tractors over the areas and then excavate the pit again to demonstrate how far down in the soil profile that compaction occurs.
There is no charge to attend the demonstrations. However, viewing space around the field demonstration pits may be limited. Preregistration is recommended so the field layout can be adjusted to accommodate participants. To preregister, call (888) 241-3261 or email foxxx055@umn.edu.
For more information, contact John Nowatzki, NDSU Extension agricultural machine systems specialist, by email at john.nowatzki@ndsu.edu or (701) 261-9842 or Jodi DeJong-Hughes at dejon003@umn.edu or (320) 815-4112.
To get to the demonstrations from Fergus Falls, take Minnesota Highway 210 west to French, Minn. From there, go south on 138th Avenue. (turns into 220 Street), then go west on 220th Street for a quarter mile, then south on 135th Avenue for one mile, and west on 210th Street for one mile.
Agricultural producers Don and Dan Bradow will host the site.
Registration for the Tires, Traction and Compaction field day starts at 9 a.m. Education demonstrations and presentations will begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue until 2:30 p.m.
The University of Minnesota Extension and North Dakota State University Extension Service are sponsoring the event.
The Tires, Traction and Compaction field day will focus on the causes and effects of compaction in farm fields. Soil and cropping experts will use four soil pits to demonstrate management techniques that can minimize soil compaction.
Jay Jabro, agricultural engineer at the Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory in Sidney, Mont., will discuss the impact of soil compaction on physical and hydraulic properties and crop yields. Jabro also will report on research he is conducting on the effect of the freeze/thaw cycle on soil compaction.
Randy Taylor, Oklahoma State University Extension agricultural engineer, will discuss the effects of using bias or radial tires and tracks on grain carts.
Mike Sucik, Iowa Natural Resource Conservation Service soil scientist, will discuss soil structure and quality, and field management strategies designed to maintain natural soil structure.
There will be demonstrations highlighting tire vs. track research, and tire and equipment maintenance that will help producers manage and reduce compaction. Exhibitors will be on site to help choose tire configurations, tire maintenance and machinery options to minimize compaction.
Also featured will be a soil compaction pit to demonstrate the compaction caused by tractor tires. In advance of the soil compaction field day, event coordinators will excavate trenches, refill the pits with layers of soil and white powder, drive tractors over the areas and then excavate the pit again to demonstrate how far down in the soil profile that compaction occurs.
There is no charge to attend the demonstrations. However, viewing space around the field demonstration pits may be limited. Preregistration is recommended so the field layout can be adjusted to accommodate participants. To preregister, call (888) 241-3261 or email foxxx055@umn.edu.
For more information, contact John Nowatzki, NDSU Extension agricultural machine systems specialist, by email at john.nowatzki@ndsu.edu or (701) 261-9842 or Jodi DeJong-Hughes at dejon003@umn.edu or (320) 815-4112.
To get to the demonstrations from Fergus Falls, take Minnesota Highway 210 west to French, Minn. From there, go south on 138th Avenue. (turns into 220 Street), then go west on 220th Street for a quarter mile, then south on 135th Avenue for one mile, and west on 210th Street for one mile.
Agricultural producers Don and Dan Bradow will host the site.
Anonymous Donor Makes $31,000 Challenge Gift to Hospice of the RRV
Crookston, Minn.—August 1, 2011—An anonymous donor has made a $31,000 gift to Hospice of the Red River Valley in honor of Judy Dragseth’s 31 years of hospice volunteer service in the Crookston area. The donation is a challenge gift, and will be used to match gifts of $500 or more to Hospice of the Red River Valley. If all funds are matched, the gift will generate at total of $62,000 to advance to mission of hospice care in the region.
A life-long resident of the Crookston area, Judy began volunteering in 1980 when hospice care was just getting started in Crookston. Thirty-one years later, Judy is still serving hospice patients and their families. Judy was notified of the anonymous donation in her name at a recent birthday luncheon with friends.
The gift will have a significant impact on hospice care in the Crookston area, according to Hospice Development Council Member Jenny Amon. “Judy has spent thirty-one years giving selflessly of her time, care and compassion to countless patients and families in the Crookston area, never expecting anything in return,” Amon says. “What an honor to have someone in the community give so generously to recognize her contributions. I am hopeful that several others in the region will feel inspired to give gifts to be matched by this generous donation.”
Gifts of $500 or more to Hospice of the Red River Valley given in 2011 will be eligible for the matching funds. These gifts will be directed to the endowment fund to ensure hospice care into the future. To learn more about giving a gift to Hospice, visit www.hrrv.org or call 1-800-237-4629.
For more information about Judy’s hospice volunteer service, visit http://www.hrrv.org/volunteer-judy.php
A life-long resident of the Crookston area, Judy began volunteering in 1980 when hospice care was just getting started in Crookston. Thirty-one years later, Judy is still serving hospice patients and their families. Judy was notified of the anonymous donation in her name at a recent birthday luncheon with friends.
The gift will have a significant impact on hospice care in the Crookston area, according to Hospice Development Council Member Jenny Amon. “Judy has spent thirty-one years giving selflessly of her time, care and compassion to countless patients and families in the Crookston area, never expecting anything in return,” Amon says. “What an honor to have someone in the community give so generously to recognize her contributions. I am hopeful that several others in the region will feel inspired to give gifts to be matched by this generous donation.”
Gifts of $500 or more to Hospice of the Red River Valley given in 2011 will be eligible for the matching funds. These gifts will be directed to the endowment fund to ensure hospice care into the future. To learn more about giving a gift to Hospice, visit www.hrrv.org or call 1-800-237-4629.
For more information about Judy’s hospice volunteer service, visit http://www.hrrv.org/volunteer-judy.php
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