Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Police Summer Youth Program Registration

Registration/sign-up for the Moorhead Police Department’s Summer Youth Program will be held on Wednesday June 15th at the Moorhead Armory (1002 15th Ave. N.) starting at 4:00 p.m. and will continue until the program is full or 7:00 p.m. We are only able to accommodate a total of 200 youths ages 8-12 year olds so availability is on a first-come first-serve basis. A parent or legal guardian must accompany their child at the time of registration.

This program is free to participants thanks to grant funding through the Minnesota Youth Intervention Program Association (YIPA) by the Department of Public Safety. This program provides an excellent opportunity for police officers to talk about the consequences of bad decisions such as bullying and teach youths how to handle peer pressure and effective conflict resolution. These personal interactions help develop strong relationships and help support positive decision making. The Summer Youth Program started as an opportunity for children in the community to participate in fun activities they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to.

The program is held every Wednesday from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. for 8 straight weeks in the summer and targets all youth in the community. Each four hour day consists of lunch, an educational component and a recreational activity including roller skating, bowling, Thunder Road and swimming!

Moorhead Police Officer Brian Dahl is the coordinator for this program and can be contacted at (218) 790-4259 if you have any questions.

2011 MOORHEAD POLICE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Welcome to the 2011 Moorhead Police Summer Youth Program. All program dates will take place on Wednesdays. Please read the times very carefully so your kids will not miss out. We will be meeting at the Moorhead Armory (1002 15th Ave. N.) at the beginning of each day listed below. A lunch will be provided each day along with an education component for the kids. Looking forward to seeing many youth out this year!!

NO ONE WILL BE PERMITTED TO ATTEND AN EVENT WITHOUT WEARING THEIR T-SHIRT
June 15 Registration at the Moorhead Armory (1002 15th Ave. N. Moorhead)
A parent or legal guardian MUST be present to register child 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

June 22 Lunch: Pizza
Educational Component: Consequences
Activity: Bowling (bring socks) – West Acres Bowl
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

June 29 Lunch: Subway box lunch
Educational Component: Personal Electronic Device/Computer Safety
Activity: Thunder Road
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

July 6 Lunch: Picnic-hamburger or hot dog, chips, cookie
Educational Component: Boats and ATV Safety by DNR – Phillip Seefelt
Activity: Swimming at Buffalo Park (Bring swim suit)
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

July 13 Lunch: Box sandwich lunch
Educational Component: Bullying
Activity: Red River Zoo
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

July 20 Lunch: Hot dog and chips
Educational Component: Peer Pressure
Activity: Skateland (bring socks!!)
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

July 27 Lunch: Pizza
Educational Component: Science Exploration
Activity: MSUM Planetarium/Science Exploration
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

August 3 Lunch: Buffalo Wild Wings chicken
Educational Component: Conflict Resolution, Graduation & raffle drawings
Activity: Inflatable Games, Kickball, Basketball, Humvee rides at Armory
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to contact Youth Intervention Officer Brian Dahl at 218-790-4259 or Louis Ochoa at 218-790-4054.

A Reminder from Norman County Environmental Services

Please help us keep our sites clean when you bring your recyclables to the drop off bins located within Ada and the neighboring communities. When you bring your cardboard to the recycling bins, it would be of a great help to us if you would break down your boxes to maximize the use of the recycling bins. It is a waste of space to put a cardboard box empty into the bin.

Also since the bins are emptied every two weeks, if you come and the bins are full, don’t throw your recyclables on top of the bins or on the ground. With the winds that we have around here, the neighbors don’t appreciate having the recyclables blowing into their yards. And remember only cardboard, paper, glass, plastic, and tin and aluminum cans are allowed to be placed into the recycling bins. Closing the lids after you have made your deposit will also help to keep our disposal sites clean. Thank you for your continued coo peration.

If you have any questions about the Norman County Recycling Program feel free to give Josh a call at 784-5493 or stop in and see him at the office located at the Norman County Highway Department.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Registration now open for Sixth Annual Mann Foundation Symposium

Minnesota teachers, parents and administrators can explore a variety of topics at the Sixth Annual National Ted and Dr. Roberta Mann Foundation Symposium about Children’s Mental Health and Learning Disabilities on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. N., Minneapolis. The Symposium is co-sponsored by PACER Center and the American Dairy Queen Corporation.

Participants at the Symposium will find the event beneficial and inspiring. Past attendees have made these comments about the Symposium:

•"Motivating, encouraging and enlightening. In all the symposiums, meetings and seminars I’ve been to in 14 years, this was the most useful to working every day."

• "Wow! I’ve learned so much today! My teaching will be really changed this coming year, my 30th. This conference will help me to rethink, restructure my teaching for the upcoming year. Thank you!"

Speakers at this year’s Symposium will address many issues regarding children’s mental health and learning disabilities, including proactive, positive teaching strategies and interventions. Keynote speakers will include David S. Goldbloom, Ph.D., senior medical advisor, education and public affairs at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto; Josh Hanagarne, author of the novel “The Knot” and the blog “World’s Strongest Librarian”; and Dr. Read Sulik, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist, pediatrician and adult psychiatrist.

Cost for the Symposium is $15, and lunch will be provided. A certificate for six clock hours is available for those who attend the entire day. Registration for the Symposium is now open and fills quickly. To register, call PACER at 952-838-9000. In Greater Minnesota, call 800-537-2237 (toll free) or visit PACER.org.

PACER Center is a nonprofit parent center for Minnesota families of children and young adults with any disability. PACER provides individual assistance, workshops, publications and other resources to help families make decisions about education and other services for their child or young adult with disabilities.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Westbound Interstate 94 ramps at Highway 9 in Barnesville to close this weekend

DETROIT LAKES, Minn.—The westbound Interstate 94 exit and entrance ramps at Highway 9 in Barnesville will close June 10 to allow crews to pave that area of the interstate. The ramps are scheduled to reopen June 12 in the evening.

The work is part of a resurfacing project between Barnesville and Downer that began May 2. The project is scheduled to be completed July 8, weather permitting.

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.

Public meeting on Hwy 197/71 for Stage Two construction

Bemidji, Minn. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has scheduled a public information meeting to discuss upcoming construction for Stage Two on Hwy 197/71 south of Bemidji.

The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Mn/DOT Headquarters Building, 3920 Highway 2 West in Bemidji.

Stage Two construction is scheduled to begin on June 20 and will consist of the rehabilitation of the existing highway and bridge from Co. Rd. 11 (Carr Lake Rd) to Co. Rd. 2 (north Plantagenet Rd). Larry Randall, Mn/DOT project manager, and other engineering staff will be on hand to discuss project work and time schedules.

To request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, such as an ASL interpreter or other reasonable accommodations, call 651-366-4720 or send an e-mail to janet.rae.miller@state.mn.us. Please request one week in advance of the meeting date.
For updated road condition information, call 5-1-1 or visit www.511mn.org

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Be prepared for summer storms

Fergus Falls, MN – Summer can bring extreme heat and storms, often accompanied by lightning. To help its customers and neighbors be prepared for severe summer weather, Otter Tail Power Company has posted an animated safety message on its web site, www.otpco.com. When users click on the message, they’ll be directed to the Be prepared for summer storms page on the web site for more information and a few brief videos. The web site also directs users to Twitter, where they can sign up to receive information from Otter Tail Power Company during significant outages.

Otter Tail Power Company’s Safety Services Department advises residents and visitors to the area to keep ahead of storms by listening to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio and by checking www.weather.com, commercial radio, and television for the latest heat advisories, storm watches (prepare for severe weather conditions), and storm warnings (severe weather conditions have begun or are about to begin).

Heat is dangerous when it pushes the human body beyond its ability to produce perspiration, which evaporates to cool the body. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has overexercised for his or her age and physical condition. Remember to take breaks, preferably in air-conditioned spaces, during periods of excessive heat.

Otter Tail Power Company’s Safety Services Department also urges you to be prepared for storms and be safe.
• Take shelter in a sturdy building if a thunderstorm catches you outdoors.
• Stay away from doors and windows.
• Use only wireless phones during a thunderstorm.
• Don’t use the shower or bathtub.
• Unplug sensitive electronic appliances such as computers, TVs, VCR and DVD players, etc.
• If your electrical service is disrupted and you use a backup generator, make sure it’s properly wired to prevent feedback when service is restored.
• Prepare an emergency storm kit that includes:
o Flashlight and extra batteries.
o Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information.
o Food requiring no cooking or refrigeration.
o Extra medicine and baby and pet items as appropriate.
o First-aid supplies.
• Call 911 if you notice a fallen or low-hanging power line.

Otter Tail Power Company, a subsidiary of Otter Tail Corporation, is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It provides electricity and energy services to nearly a quarter million people in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To learn more visit Otter Tail Power Company’s web site at www.otpco.com.

Certified Seed Growers Still May Apply for Field Inspection

The North Dakota State Seed Department is extending the application deadline for field inspections due to weather-related problems in the state. Certified seed growers still are encouraged to apply for a field inspection as soon as possible.

"We realize that wet weather has delayed planting in most areas of the state," says Steve Sebesta, deputy seed commissioner. "Considering the difficulties growers have endured this spring, seed growers may not have had time to think about submitting applications for their seed fields. The Seed Department is taking this action to help alleviate further hardship during difficult times."

Applications for field inspections without late fees will be accepted until June 30.

Application forms are available at county North Dakota State University
Extension Service offices or the Seed Department. Electronic forms are available on line at http://www.nd.gov/seed/forms/ndseedform.pdf.

Friday, June 3, 2011

USDA Special Wetlands Initiative Batching Period Announced in the Red River Basin

ST. PAUL, MN May 23, 2011 - $10 million will be available to help eligible landowners in three states reduce flooding, restore wetlands and enhance wildlife habitat in the Red River of the North Basin through the USDA’s Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). Since 1993 the Red River Basin has experienced moderate to severe flooding annually, with record flooding over the last three consecutive years.

“This special initiative funding will emphasize WRP’s ability to mitigate flood damage within the basin by retaining higher levels of flood waters within easement acres,” Don Baloun, State Conservationist said. “Projects funded through this initiative will reduce the costs to our rural private landowners who continue to experience severe damages during these flood events.”

Landowners may sign-up for WRP throughout the year, but the sooner they visit the local county NRCS/SWCD office, the better. Applications accepted by June 17, 2011, will be considered during the first batching period. Additional batching periods will be considered if funding remains after the first period.

USDA is providing the funding for this special WRP initiative in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. These additional funds will allow the three states to accept new applications and fund more WRP easements. Restoring wetlands and associated uplands through this initiative will help retain and slow floodwaters in the Red River Basin, while providing valuable wildlife habitat, water quality benefits and reducing damages from severe flooding.

WRP, administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, is the federal government’s largest private lands wetlands restoration program. It provides voluntary technical and financial assistance to private landowners and Indian tribes to restore, protect and enhance wetlands that have been degraded or converted to agricultural uses. More than 80 percent of the restorable wetlands in the Red River Basin are privately owned.

The Red River Retention Authority and numerous other partners identified a critical need for targeted technical and financial assistance for eligible landowners in the basin. WRP projects funded through this special initiative will result in long-term benefits to taxpayers by reducing funding spent by local and state governments to repair damaged roads, bridges and public areas. Reduced damage to cropland and associated agricultural disaster and crop damage payments will also save taxpayers money in the long term.

For more information about WRP, please visit www.nrcs.

NOHVCC and MN DNR Offer OHV Recreation Management Workshop

May 10, 2011 – Great Falls, MT Registration is now open for the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Management Workshop which will be held at the Houston, MN Community Center on June 9-11. The workshop is being presented by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR).

The workshop is designed to bring together OHV enthusiasts, community and business stakeholders, government agency personnel, and other trail-related stakeholders around managing sustainable OHV recreation in local communities. Indoor and field sessions led by topic experts will cover trail design; maintenance, monitoring, and signing; the benefits trails bring to communities; building effective partnerships; trails and environmental protection; what enthusiasts are looking for; and much more. These principles can also be applied to other natural surface recreational trails such as hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails.

During the field session, participants will walk potential trail areas and learn to apply best management practices and design techniques including what works and what does not. Alternate accommodations are available for the field sessions for people with mobility disabilities.

Participants may sign up for the entire workshop to get the most benefit out of the program, or join for Saturday only. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be served all three days of the workshop. Registration is $50 for all three days/$20 for Saturday only; plus a small registration transaction fee. See the NOHVCC website at http://www.nohvcc.org/Education/Workshops/MNRecWorkshop.aspx for additional information such as lodging and the agenda; as well as for the links to register.

Highway 1 detour east of Oslo begins June 7

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Motorists will encounter a detour from Highway 1 between Alvarado and Warren when construction gets underway Tuesday, June 7, to replace a culvert and resurface the highway.

Eastbound traffic will be detoured north on Marshall County Road 10, to Marshall County Road 4, east to Highway 75 north of Argyle, then south on Highway 75 to Warren. Westbound traffic will follow the same detour in reverse. The detour is expected to be in place until June 25.

The next phase of work to improve Highway 1 from Alvarado to Oslo will begin in late June. This segment of work also will require a detour. Additional information will be provided at a later date.

Motorists are advised to plan for extra travel time when detours are in place.

For state highway road information, call 5-1-1 or log on to www.511mn.org.

Highway 9 detour south of Borup begins June 6

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Motorists will encounter a detour from Highway 9 between Borup and Felton when a culvert replacement project gets underway Monday, June 6.

Northbound traffic from Felton will be detoured west on Clay County Road 34, then north on Clay County Road 11 to Norman County Road 39, then west to Borup. Southbound traffic will follow the same detour route in reverse.

The detour is expected to be in place for two weeks.

For state highway road information, call 5-1-1 or log on to www.511mn.org.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Announces Information Meeting on Wolf Delisting Proposal

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will host a public information meeting about its recent proposal to remove Endangered Species Act protection for the gray wolf in the western Great Lakes region, including Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. The meeting will take place on June 14, 2011, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Davies Theater in Davies Hall at Itasca Community College, 1851 East Highway 169, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to view a presentation, receive information and ask questions about the Service’s proposal.

The proposal, published May 5, 2011, in the Federal Register, identifies the Western Great Lakes Distinct Population Segment of wolves, which includes a core area of Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, as well as parts of adjacent states that are within the range of wolves dispersing from the core recovery area. The proposal would remove ESA protection and return wolf management to appropriate state and tribal authorities.

The proposal also recognizes the presence of two species of wolves in the western Great Lakes area: the gray wolf (Canis lupus), the wolf species currently listed under the ESA, and the eastern wolf (Canis lycaon), with a historical range that includes portions of eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. Recent wolf genetic studies indicate that what was formerly thought to be a subspecies of gray wolf (Canis lupus lycaon) is actually a distinct species (Canis lycaon). To establish the status of this newly recognized species, the Service is initiating a review of C. lycaon throughout its range in the United States and Canada.

The Service is seeking information from governmental agencies, Native American tribes, scientific community, industry and any other interested parties on threats, population trends, and other data that could affect the long-term survival of the Western Great Lakes DPS of the gray wolf. The Service is also seeking information on the status of the eastern wolf (Canis lycaon) throughout its range in the United States and Canada.

Written comments may be submitted by one of the following methods:

- Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments to Docket No. [FWS-R3-ES-2011-0029].
- U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. [FWS-R3-ES-2011-0029]; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042-PDM; Arlington, VA 22203.

Following the close of the public comment period on July 5, 2011, the Service will analyze information received and develop a final rule. The final rule, which will include information gained from the status review of Canis lycaon, is expected by the end of 2011.

For more information on wolves in the western Great Lakes, visit http://www.fws.gov/midwest/wolf

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov.

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE APPLICANT BRIEFINGS SET FOR MINNESOTA COUNTIES AND RED LAKE TRIBAL NATION

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - State disaster officials will hold applicant briefings to help representatives from state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Beltrami, Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau counties and the Red Lake Tribal Nation apply for federal disaster assistance in the wake of the flooding that occurred March 16-May 25.

Officials will explain the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program for debris removal, emergency protective measures and the repair, restoration or replacement of public facilities or infrastructure that were damaged. Under the cost-share program, FEMA Public Assistance funds 75 percent of the cost for eligible work.

Below is a listing of locations, dates and times for the meetings, according to officials from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and FEMA.

Monday June 6, 2011
Norman County
1:30 p.m.
Ada High School Auditorium
604 W Thorpe Ave.
Ada, MN 56510

Tuesday June 7, 2011
Polk County (host), Red Lake County
10 a.m.
University of Minnesota - Crookston
Kiehle Auditorium
2900 University Ave.
Crookston, MN 56716

Marshall County
2 p.m.
Marshall County Courthouse, basement meeting room
208 E. Colvin Ave.
Warren, MN 56762

Wednesday June 8, 2011
Kittson County
9 a.m.
Kittson County Courthouse meeting room
410 South 5th St.
Hallock, MN 56728

Roseau County
1 p.m.
Roseau County Courthouse
606 5th Ave. SW
Roseau, MN 56751

Thursday, June 9, 2011
Beltrami County
9 a.m.
EOC in the Law Enforcement Center (enter on northwest corner of building)
613 Minnesota Ave NW
Bemidji, MN 56601

Red Lake Nation
9 a.m.
Red Lake Reservation
Red Lake, MN 56671


The state invites representatives from local governments and private non-profit organizations in these requested counties to participate in the applicant briefings to share informational materials.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Grant Seeking for Beginners Workshop

Northwest Minnesota Foundation is hosting Grant Seeking for Beginners, to be held July 27, 2011 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Sanford Events Center in Bemidji.

Learn the basics of effective grantseeking from the premier source of Minnesota grantmaking information and knowledge!

At this popular Minnesota Council on Foundations seminar, you'll gain essential information and insight from experts and leaders in Minnesota's grantmaking field. MCF is a well-known and highly regarded source of information and knowledge on the grantmaking field and the grantseeking process and has been offering grantseeking seminars for more than 15 years.

The registration fee is $95 and late registration (after July 20) will be $125. A limited number of $50 scholarships are available to individuals attending this program who reside in or work for a nonprofit located in the 12-county service area of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come-first-request basis.

To register, go to the Minnesota Council on Foundations website event calendar (www.mcf.org/events) and download the registration form. Print and submit with complete information and payment.

The Grantseeking for Beginners seminar will help you:
•Be more effective in researching potential sources for grant support
•Gain an understanding of good proposal development processes, and pinpoint key elements and information to include in your grant proposals
•During a grantmaker panel discussion, see the proposal review and decision-making process from a grantmaker's point of view

Speakers are Lori-Anne Williams, Lori-Anne Williams Writing Services; and, Chuck Peterson, vice president of member relations, Minnesota Council on Foundations. Panelists are Ashli Bowen, executive director, United Way of Bemidji Area; Jim Steenerson, NMF senior program officer – grants; and, Peggy Crandall, NMF grants service associate.

Register now and get more discounts! All Beginning Grantseeking seminar participants also receive discounts on subscriptions to Minnesota Grantmakers Online (MGO), the largest, most comprehensive database of Minnesota grantmakers and grants.

For more information, contact Jane McKelvy (phone 218-759-2057, e-mail janem@nwmf.org.

Public Health, Parish Nursing and Hospice Care Conference to be Held in Mayville June 15

Mayville, N.D.—May 9, 2011—Three local agencies are partnering to present Lifeline to Rural Health: A conference on public health, parish nursing and hospice care on Wednesday, June 15 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Mayville State University, Luckasen Room.

The conference is presented by Traill District Health, Hospice of the Red River Valley and Sanford Health Faith Community Nursing and Health Ministry, and made possible through a grant from the North Dakota Area Health Education Center.

Registration is required by June 7. Registration forms are available by contacting Brenda Stallman at (701) 636-4434 or by visiting the Hospice of the Red River Valley website www.hrrv.org. There is no fee to attend the sessions; however, there is a $10 fee for the luncheon.

The conference includes a session for healthcare professionals from 8 a.m. to noon. Topics include:
The Congregation’s Role in Health Promotion, presented by Pastor Sonja Kjar, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fargo
Stretching our Connections, a panel presentation
Starting Difficult Conversations, presented by Tricia Langlois, MD, Hospice of the Red River Valley

A community session will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Topics include:
Lifting Up, Letting Go, Carrying On, presented by Doreen Rosevold, teacher, librarian, writer and columnist for Farm & Ranch Guide
Journeys of Healing, Stories of Personal Experiences
Your Lifeline to Rural Healthcare, presented by representatives from Public Health, Faith Community Ministry and Hospice

A luncheon open to both healthcare professionals and the public will be held from noon-1 p.m. featuring entertainment by Natalie Sparrow, image, wardrobe, talent consultant and owner of Ultimate Talent and Model Management. There is a $10 fee for the luncheon.