MnDOT urges travelers to use caution in work zones during July Fourth holiday

ST. PAUL, Minn. — As the Fourth of July holiday approaches and motorists from every corner of the state flock to their favorite destinations, the Minnesota Department of Transportation urges extra caution while driving through highway work zones. Motorists traveling in and around the Duluth area especially need to be cautious as crews continue to clean up from last week’s floods.

"As is the case every year, there will be work zones scattered around the state this summer and into the fall, including some affecting the state’s busiest highways and interstates,” said Mike Barnes, director of the department’s District Operations Division. “MnDOT urges motorists to drive with caution in work zones and plan their trips using the 511 travel information service." 

By visiting www.511mn.org or calling 5-1-1, motorists can plan their trips with the latest statewide traffic, construction, weather and travel information.

While the department will suspend work on many projects during the Fourth of July holiday, motorists may still encounter detours and traffic restrictions as well as rough road surfaces and narrowed traffic lanes on heavily traveled routes, including:

Twin Cities Metro area

• Highway 169/Interstate 494 – Bloomington, Edina and Eden Prairie www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/169/.

·         I-694 – Arden Hills and New Brighton

www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/694expand/.

·         I-694 – Oakdale, Mahtomedi, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake and Maplewood www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i694maplewood/.

Northern Minnesota

• Highway 169 – Grand Rapids www.dot.state.mn.us/d1/projects/Hwy169poke/index.html.
• I-94 – east of Moorhead at Buffalo River bridges www.dot.state.mn.us/d4/newsrels/12/05/03i94bridge.html.
• Hwy 53 – Cotton
  www.dot.state.mn.us/d1/projects/Hwy53paleface/index.html.

Central Minnesota

• I-35 – south of Duluth to White Bear Lake www.dot.state.mn.us/d1/projects/i35southofduluth/.
• Highway 23 – St. Cloud to Foley
  www.dot.state.mn.us/d3/hwy23/index.html.
• Highway 10 – Clear Lake to Big Lake www.dot.state.mn.us/d3/newsrels/12/Hwy10clearlaketobiglake.pdf

Southern Minnesota

• Highway 61 – East Indian Creek near Weaver in Wabasha County
  www.dot.state.mn.us/d6/newsrels/12/H61/4-16weaver.html.
• Highway 14 – North Mankato
  www.dot.state.mn.us/d7/projects/14northmankato/.
• Highway 60 – Worthington to Bigelow
  www.dot.state.mn.us/d7/projects/hwy60/.

“While there won’t be much construction activity during the July Fourth holiday, drivers should still watch for equipment, traffic changes and any highway workers who may be present in the work zones,” Barnes said. “We know work zones are challenging at times, but these temporary inconveniences will significantly improve the quality and safety of the state highway system for years to come.”

Holiday travel traditionally leads to more traffic on highways across the state, which can lead to an increase in crashes and traffic fatalities. Minnesota’s Toward Zero Deaths initiative, a multi-agency partnership, uses the “four E’s”—enforcement, education, engineering and emergency medical and trauma services—to improve safety and reduce fatalities and serious injuries.

“TZD’s goal is to reduce the number of traffic fatalities on Minnesota roads to fewer than 350 by 2014,” said Sue Groth, MnDOT state traffic engineer and TZD co-chair. “Since 2003, the initiative has achieved a 44 percent reduction in fatalities (from 655 to 368). We encourage motorists to buckle up and drive safely over the holiday.”

Highway travelers in need of a place to stop and rest can visit MnDOT’s new mobile-friendly rest areas website at www.mndot.gov/restareas/; the site is accessible via Smart Phone. Travelers can preview the amenities at a particular rest area to see if the facility has accessible restrooms, picnic shelters, interpretive information or even a pet exercise area for their dog.

For the duration of the Fourth of July holiday and the remainder of the construction season, MnDOT urges drivers to:   

• Follow posted speed limits; fines double in work zones when workers are present.
• Allow extra space between vehicles.
• Avoid using cell phones while driving.

NWMF announces new Early Childhood Program Specialist

BEMIDJI, MN – June 28, 2012 -- Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) is pleased to announce that Vicky Grove of Thief River Falls has been selected as the new NMF early childhood program specialist. Grove begins her duties June 27.  Lin Backstrom, who held the position since 2003 has resigned.

Grove will work to serve the NMF region by providing support and direction to the 12 early childhood coalitions.  Her biggest role will be working with coalition coordinators and the Thrive Initiative. The early childhood coalitions work within their local communities and the region to help all young children reach healthy development and enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed.

The Thrive Initiative’s focus is strengthening early childhood mental health services for young children and families in the Bemidji, Blackduck and Kelliher communities.

NMF President Nancy Vyskocil said, “We are excited to have Vicky on board with us because of her extensive background in education.  She has been immersed in the culture of education in Northwest Minnesota and has an awareness of what the needs are in our region.”

Grove is a 31 year veteran of special education, serving as a special education teacher and a regional facilitator for early childhood initiatives.  She holds a Master of Education in Special Education, with an emphasis in early childhood, from the University of North Dakota.  Grove continues to serve part-time as a Regional Professional Development Co-Facilitator for Regions 1 and 2, through the Minnesota Centers of Excellence for Young Children with Disabilities, a program affiliated with the Bemidji Regional Interdistrict Council and the Minnesota Department of Education. Most recently, Grove served as a special education teacher for the Red Lake Falls Schools.

Grove was born and raised in Grand Forks and during her school years was involved in vocal music and drama.  Grove’s volunteer affiliations include the Fourtown Grygla Sportsman’s Club, Grygla Lions, Council of Exceptional Children/Division of Early Childhood, Catholic Daughter’s of America and the St. Bernard’s Church Choir. 

“I am very excited to join the staff of NMF and I am looking forward to serving the region’s youngest citizens and their needs to help them prosper in their communities,” said Grove.

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a public, charitable foundation serving 12 counties of Northwest Minnesota by investing resources, creating opportunities and promoting philanthropy.

DNR accepting applications for 2012 Camp Ripley archery hunts

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin accepting applications on July 1 for the 2012 regular archery deer hunts at Camp Ripley near Little Falls.

Hunters may pick from only one of two hunting seasons, Oct. 18-19 (Thursday-Friday; code 668) or Oct. 27-28 (Saturday-Sunday; code 669). A total of 5,000 permits – 2,500 per two-day hunt – will be available. Successful applicants must purchase a valid archery license at least two days before their hunt to participate. The bag limit for this year’s hunt is two, and bonus permits may be used to take antlerless deer.

Hunters may choose from four options to apply for the Camp Ripley archery hunts:
• Through the DNR’s computerized Electronic Licensing System (ELS) at any one of 1,500 ELS agents located throughout Minnesota.
• By telephone at 888-665-4236.
• Through DNR’s Internet licensing link at www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/index.html.
• At the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul.

The application fee for the hunt is $8 per applicant. The application deadline is Aug. 17. Those who apply by phone or Internet will be charged an additional convenience fee of 3 percent ($0.24) per transaction.

To apply, resident hunters 21 and older must provide a valid state driver’s license or public safety identification number. Residents under 21 may also provide a DNR firearms safety training number to apply. Nonresident hunters must apply using a valid driver’s license number, public safety identification number, or DNR customer number from a recent Minnesota hunting or fishing license.

All applicants must be at least 10 years old prior to the hunt for which they are applying. In addition, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1980, must have a firearms safety certificate or other evidence of successfully completing a hunter safety course to obtain a license to hunt or trap in Minnesota.

Hunters may apply as individuals, or as a group of up to four individuals. Group members may only apply for the same two-day season. The first group applicant must specify “Create New Group” when asked, and will receive a group number. Subsequent group applicants must specify they want to “Join an Existing Group” and must use the same group number supplied to the first group applicant.

The archery hunt at Camp Ripley is an annual event. The DNR coordinates the hunt with the Department of Military Affairs, which manages the 53,000-acre military reservation.
Rules for the Camp Ripley hunt are available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/deer/index.html.

MN 20-year Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan for public review, comment

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The public is invited to review and provide comments through July 31 on Minnesota’s draft 20-year Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan, a policy guide for making transportation investment decisions for all of Minnesota. The plan is a result of extensive collaboration during the past year between the Minnesota Department of Transportation and citizens, stakeholders and partners.

“The Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan is an important step in turning Minnesota GO, the recently adopted 50-year transportation vision, into reality,” said Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel. “The plan focuses on lower-cost, high-benefit and multimodal solutions that complement and strengthen the unique social, natural and economic features of this state with the intent of improving Minnesotans’ quality of life.”

The Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan can be accessed electronically at  www.minnesotagoplan.org/docs. It also is available for review in hard copy at the MnDOT Library, 395 John Ireland Blvd., in St. Paul, and the front desk of each of the MnDOT offices listed below. 

A public hearing will be held July 12 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Room G15 at MnDOT, 395 John Ireland Blvd., in St. Paul. The public also may participate via videoconference at MnDOT offices statewide:

Baxter – 7694 Industrial Park Road

Bemidji – 3920 Highway 2 W

Crookston – 1320 Sunflower St.

Detroit Lakes – 1000 Highway 10 W

Duluth – 1123 Mesaba Ave.

Mankato – 2151 Bassett Drive

Marshall – 1800 East College Drive

Morris – 610 Highway 9 S

Owatonna – 1010 21^st Ave. NW

Rochester – 2900 48^th St. NW

St. Cloud – 3725 12^th St. N

St. Paul – 395 John Ireland Blvd., Room G15

Virginia – 101 N. Hoover Road

Willmar – 2505 Transportation Road

Windom – 180 S. County Road 26

Written comments will be accepted through July 31 and should be addressed to:

Kirby Becker

MnDOT Office of Statewide Multimodal Planning

395 John Ireland Blvd, MS 440

St. Paul, MN 55155

Email: Kirby.Becker@state.mn.us

Those unable to attend in-person have the option to participate in an online webinar via Adobe Connect. For details, visit www.minnesotagoplan.org/participate.html.

For more information, contact Kirby Becker at 651-366-3740 or kirby.becker@state.mn.us, or visit www.minnesotagoplan.org, follow the plan on Twitter, @minnesotago, or Facebook, www.facebook.com/MinnesotaGO.

To request an ASL or foreign language interpreter, or other reasonable accommodation for the July 12 hearing, call Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 or 1-800-657-3774 (Greater Minnesota); 711 or 1-800-627-3529 (Minnesota Relay), or send an email to janet.rae.miller@state.mn.us. Please request at least one week in advance.

Donation helps DNR add third K-9 unit

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is adding a third K-9 unit to its ranks thanks to a $9,500 donation from the Lake Superior Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI).

“We believe organizations like ours have to work hand-in-hand with conservation officers because we’re against everything they are against -- poachers and violators of any kind,” said Dale Bruder, Lake Superior Chapter SCI president. “Our board thought it was an excellent idea for the organizations to work together.”

K-9 “Axel” and his partner, Conservation Officer (CO) Pat McGowan of Hastings, have completed nearly 12 weeks of human tracking, obedience and evidence search field training being conducted by CO Travis Muyres, a certified K-9 trainer and experienced DNR K-9 team handler.

The dog comes in “green” said Lt. Todd Kanieski, K-9 unit coordinator. “This allows us to train him how we want him.”

Kanieski added that the internal “working drive” of both dog and handler are paramount to the success of the K-9 team. “Being a K-9 handler carries a lot of extra responsibility,” he said. “The handler must have a proven history of making solid decisions in the field. The dog must be social around people.”

The DNR working dog model is a lot like the civilian law enforcement patrol dog: a dog of steady, stable character that is capable of controlled aggression under certain circumstances, such as on command, when attacked or when the handler is attacked. Conservation officers typically work alone in a 650 square mile patrol area.

The added dimension of a DNR K-9 is the ability to sniff out game and fish violations, a force multiplier noted Kanieski. 

“Searching for trace blood evidence or a shell casing in a large field or wooded area could take multiple officers several hours, but with the right K-9 team, that task can be done in minutes and the area would be more thoroughly searched,” Kanieski said. 

The K-9s are a small part of the DNR Enforcement Division, relying primarily on private donations from organizations like SCI, with a heavy interest in conservation education and humanitarian projects, to support the program.

The ability to protect natural resources was a big reason why SCI made such a generous donation to the DNR K-9 program. Safari Club International is composed of more than 50,000 members and 180 local chapters dedicated to wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian service.

“We see the benefits of establishing good rapport with game agencies, so this fell right in line with what our chapters need to do,” said Derron Wahlen, SCI field coordinator.

Funds to assist with the acquisition of a K-9 are raised through SCI chapter fundraisers soliciting raffle merchandise from mostly outdoors hunting and fishing outfitters, firearms manufacturers and wildlife artists.

Other donors feed the DNR K-9 program as well. KLN Family Brands of Perham, Minn., has been providing its Nutri-Source dog food product to the DNR K-9 program at no charge for years.

“We appreciate the work of DNR conservation officers,” said Matt King of KLN Family Brands.

“They’re a great partner for us, and we hope to continue partnering with them in the future. Our company has always been very supportive of anything that’s good for the state of Minnesota.”

“Without the support of the Lake Superior Chapter of the Safari Club, or our friends at KLN Family Brands, we would not be adding a third K-9 unit,” said Kanieski.

According to Kanieski, the DNR K-9 program is more important than ever. “We have had great success at finding fish/game evidence and shell casings in the field. That evidence helps us in protecting our natural resources. A K-9 makes sure of that.”

Public meeting on Highway 11 construction from Indus to Loman set for June 25

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The public is invited to attend a meeting Monday, June 25, to discuss the Highway 11 resurfacing project from Indus to Loman. The meeting is scheduled from 7 - 8  p.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church community room, 7663 Highway 11, Loman, Minn.

Jeremy Hadrava, MnDOT project engineer, and other engineering staff will be on hand to discuss project work schedules, time frames and traffic impacts.

The resurfacing project will occur July through November and includes widening roadway shoulders and replacing culverts.

To request an ASL or foreign language interpreter, or other reasonable accommodation, call Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 or 1-800-657-3774 (Greater Minnesota), 711 or 1-800-627-3529 (Minnesota Relay). You also may send an email to janet.rae.miller@state.mn.us.

For updated road conditions and construction around the state, call 5-1-1 or click on www.511mn.org.

DNR seeks public comments

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites public review and comment on a proposal to authorize state Grant-in-Aid (GIA) funding for the approximately 45-mile Huntersville West Off-Highway Motorcycle (OHM) Trail in Wadena County.

The majority of the trail is currently open to OHM use. Approximately one mile of new trail will be developed to circumvent planned timber harvesting activities on private land and to connect this trail with the existing Huntersville East OHM GIA Trail system.

Huntersville Township will sponsor the proposal, provide trail monitoring, development and maintenance in cooperation with the Twin Cities Trail Riders OHM Club. The trail primarily runs through the Huntersville State Forest in Huntersville Township of Wadena County, with some segments located on private land and county road right-of-way.

Bringing the existing trail into the GIA system would provide additional resources and funding for trail signing, maintenance, monitoring and repair. The trail will be designated for OHM use, but will be open to nonmotorized uses such as hiking and horseback riding where located on state land. All-terrain vehicles are authorized on a portion of the trail; this use will continue where authorized.

The DNR welcomes public input on the trail proposal. Copies of the proposal and a project map are available for review at www.mndnr.gov/input (http://www.mndnr.gov/input/mgmtplans/ohv/plans/huntersville.html).

The deadline for comments is 4:30 p.m. July 20.

Requests for printed copies of the proposal, or written comments on the proposal, should be directed to: Dave Schotzko, Area Supervisor, DNR Parks and Trails, 3296 State Park Rd. NE, Bemidji, MN 56601; phone 218-308-2367 or toll-free 888-646-6367. Comments also may be sent by email to david.schotzko@state.mn.us  or by fax to 218-755-4063.

Camper cabins now available at Lake Bemidji State Park

Visitors to Lake Bemidji State Park can begin making reservations for four newly installed camper cabins on June 18 for arrival dates starting June 29.

The rustic, one-room cabins provide basic shelter for up to six visitors (or five in wheelchair-accessible cabins) who want a "camping out" experience but who may not have the necessary equipment for typical camping.

"These cabins are perfect for families that would like to introduce their kids to a camping experience, or for those who want to stay overnight at the park but aren't able or don't want to sleep on the ground," explained Pete Harrison, Lake Bemidji State Park manager.
The new cabins are heated for year-round use. Two of them are wheelchair accessible. The cabins do not have indoor plumbing, but they are located in or near the park's campground, where seasonal restrooms, showers and drinking water are available. Vault toilets are available year-round at all locations.

As at other Minnesota state parks and recreation areas, the 12-foot by 16-foot wooden cabins have a table with benches inside, as well as wooden bunk-bed frames with mattresses. Outside, the cabins have a picnic table, fire ring and grill for outdoor cooking.

The cabins are semi-private, with their own view of the park's natural areas. They are also located within easy access of the many miles of trails offered in the park, for both summer and winter recreational use.

The nightly rate for the cabins is $50. Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance of a scheduled first night stay. To reserve a cabin, go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/reservations_campercabin.html.

The Lake Bemidji State Park cabins may be available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis before June 29. Contact the park at 218-308-2300 for further updates.
To learn more about camper cabins, visit www.mndnr.gov.

MN repeals '2% withholding' for individual construction contractors

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Effective July 1, 2012, construction companies in Minnesota no longer have to withhold state income tax for certain self-employed workers used on construction projects.

A recent law change ended the previous requirement to withhold 2 percent from payments to independent contractors in the construction trades, or “individual construction contractors.” These workers include self-employed tradespeople – such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters – or others hired by a construction company for a specific project or task. (The change applies to payments after June 30.)

Independent contractors are required to report and pay taxes on their income, like any other taxpayer. They may request to have state income tax withheld from their payment. The business paying them may agree to such “voluntary withholding,” but isn’t required to do so.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue is updating its Withholding Tax return to reflect the new law for the third-quarter filing period (July 1 – Sept. 30). From that point on, businesses should report any withholding from contractor payments in the “Total Minnesota income tax withheld” field of the return.

This law change doesn’t apply to employees of construction companies. They are still subject to withholding from their wages.

For more information, visit our website at www.revenue.taxes.state.mn. Click on “Businesses > Withholding Tax” and then select “What’s New.”

The 2 percent withholding requirement was repealed under 2012 Minnesota Laws, Chapter 295, Article 2, Section 13(c).

Farm Safety Includes a First-aid Kit

As the pace of farm activities picks up in the summer, the likelihood of accidents also increases.

That means having a first-aid kit on the farm is essential, according to J.W. Schroeder, the North Dakota State University Extension Service's dairy
specialist.

"But because workplaces vary widely in their location and size, the degree of hazards that can occur, the amount of staff training and availability of
professional medical services, Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards do not require farms to have specific contents in first-aid kits," he says.

He recommends starting with a basic range of first-aid items to deal with most types of injuries encountered on the farm.

"Then evaluate your own farm workplace to determine whether you need additional supplies," he advises.

Here are some basic supplies farms should have in their first-aid kit:

* Absorbent compresses, 4- by 8-inch size

* Adhesive bandages, 1- by 3-inch size

* A roll of adhesive tape, 3/8 inch by 2.5 yards

* Antibiotic treatment

* Antiseptic treatment (spray, liquid, swabs, wipes or towelettes)

* Burn treatment for use on minor burns only (spray treatments also can be used)

* First-aid guide

* Medical exam gloves

* Sterile pads, 3- by 3-inch size

* Triangular bandage, 40 by 40 by 56 inches

Some additional items producers may want to include in their first-aid kit, based on the specific hazards in their operation, are:

* Analgesic (should not contain ingredients known to cause drowsiness)

* One or more bandage compresses in 2- by 2-inch, 3- by 3-inch or 4- by 4-inch sizes

* One or more burn dressings at least 12 square inches

* One or more cold packs at least 4 by 5 inches

* Eye coverings

* Eye/skin wash

* Hand sanitizer with a minimum of 61 percent ethyl alcohol

* Roller bandages at least 2 inches wide and 4 yards long, unstretched and individually packaged

"Keep safe and prepared this summer," Schroeder says.

For more first-aid kit recommendations, visit the OSHA website at http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3317first-aid.pdf.

(via NDSU Ag communication)

Oldest house in Moorhead open to public

Moorhead, Minn.– The Historical and Cultural Society (HCSCC) is proud to announce the annual open house at the 1870 Bergquist Pioneer Log Cabin, 1008 7th Street North in Moorhead, on Friday and Saturday, June 22 and 23, 1:00-4:00 pm. The open house is hosted annually by the HCSCC and the Swedish Cultural Heritage Society of the Red River Valley in conjunction with the Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival at the Hjemkomst Center. A free shuttle bus sponsored by the State Bank of Moorhead will pick visitors up at the Hjemkomst Center on the hour at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm, both days. Visitors are also welcomed to drive there.

Visitors can participate in many Swedish craft activities at the cabin and hear about the history of the cabin from HCSCC Archivist, Mark Peihl. Refreshments will be served with accordion music provided by Amy Klein.

The Bergquist Cabin is the oldest house on its original site in Moorhead. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned and maintained by the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County. John Gustav Bergquist, grandfather of former WDAY weatherman Dewey Bergquist, built the cabin in 1870.The Swedish homesteader worked on the railroad, farmed, sold milk door-to-door, and later became a maker of bricks, using local clay.

Admission to the open house is free. Admission is charged for the Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival and Midwest Viking Festival at the Hjemkomst Center.

The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County collects, preserves, and presents the history and culture of Clay County and the region. HCSCC also provides interpretation of the Hjemkomst Viking Ship, Hopperstad Stave Church Replica, and hosts traveling exhibits in 7,000 sq. feet of temporary exhibition space. The Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County is a community resource for 150,000 people in the Fargo-Moorhead metro area and serves an average of 40,000 visitors a year from all over the world.

For more information, call 218-299-5511 or visit www.hcscconline.org. The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County is located in the Hjemkomst Center at 202 First Avenue North in Moorhead.

Highway 11 construction detour to change from Greenbush to Roseau

BEMIDJI, Minn. – A detour currently in place on Highway 11 from Greenbush to Badger is expected to end Tuesday, June 12, and a second-phase detour will begin Wednesday, June 13. Crews continue work to improve Highway 11 from Greenbush to 2.3 miles west of Roseau.

The phase-two detour will direct eastbound traffic at Badger onto Roseau County Road 2 for 11 miles, then north on Highway 89 for five miles and back to Highway 11 in Roseau. Westbound traffic will follow the same detour in reverse.

Traffic on Highway 89 north of Highway 11 will also encounter a detour to accommodate the construction on Highway 308. Southbound traffic on Highway 89 will detour east on Roseau County Road 16 for seven miles, then south on Highway 310 for two miles and back to Highway 11 in Roseau.

Crews expect the new detours to be in place until approximately July 10, weather permitting.

The work is part of a $6.5 million project to improve this portion of Highway 11 by replacing culverts, adding turn lanes and resurfacing the road. Resurfacing Highway 308 from Highway 11 to Highway 89 is also part of this project.

The entire project is expected to be complete in mid-August, weather permitting.

For updated information anywhere in Minnesota, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org.

Weekly public meetings about Highway 9 reconstruction in Ada start June 13

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The public is invited to attend weekly public information meetings to discuss Highway 9 reconstruction in Ada. 

The meetings will be at 10 a.m. every Wednesday beginning June 13 and occur until further notice. They will take place in the Ada Public Works Building, 900 W. Main St., Ada, Minn.

Shawn Groven, project engineer, and other engineering staff will be on hand to give project updates and impacts to area residents and other interested individuals. The project began June 4 and will be complete by mid-September, weather permitting.

To request an ASL or foreign language interpreter or other reasonable accommodations, call Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 or Minnesota Relay Service toll-free at 1-800-627-3529. You may also send an email to janet.rae.miller@state.mn.us.

For statewide construction and road condition information, visit www.511mn.org or call 5-1-1.

Moorhead Police Summer Youth Program

Registration/sign-up for the Moorhead Police Department’s Summer Youth Program will be held on Wednesday, June 13th at the Moorhead Armory (1002 15^th 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 youth ages 8-12 years old, 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.   Minnesota YIPA is an organization that advocates for community-based youth intervention programs.  This program provides an excellent opportunity for police officers to talk about the consequences of bad decisions such as skipping school and educates youth on many safety topics including bike and fire safety.  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 7 weeks in the summer and targets all youth in the community who are available to attend each week.  Each four hour day consists of lunch, an educational component and a recreational activity including roller skating, bowling, Thunder Road and swimming!

Youth Services Coordinator Louis Ochoa and School Resource Officer Brian Dahl are the coordinators for this program and can be contacted at (218) 790-4054 or (218) 790-4259 if you have any questions.

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 13 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. or until all 200 spots are filled.

June 20 Lunch: Pizza

Educational Component: Loss Prevention – Milton Taylor, Scheels LP

Activity: Thunder Road

12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

June 27 Lunch: Buffalo Wild Wings

Educational Component: Bike Safety – Officer Shawn Krebsbach

Activity: Junior High School Musical: Beauty and the Beast Jr.

12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

July 11 Lunch: Hot Dogs and chips

Educational Component: Rx drugs – NDSU Pharmacy Dept.

Activity: Skateland

12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

July 18th Lunch: Subway

Educational Component: Truancy – Larae Goeden

Activity: Galactic Bowling at West Acres Bowl

12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

July 25th Lunch: Picnic

Educational Component: Water/ATV Safety – DNR Phil S.

Activity: Swimming/Activities at Buffalo State Park

12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

August 1st Lunch: Picnic

Educational Component: Fire Safety – Moorhead Fire Dept.

Activity: Gooseberry Park (Games Galore)

12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

August 8th Final Trip: Grand Forks, Canad Inn’s Splasher’s Indoor Waterpark

Lunch: Pizza at Splasher’s

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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

Deadline approaches to apply for Organic Advisory Task Force

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds residents that the deadline to apply for the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force (OATF) is June 26. The OATF advises the Commissioner of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota about policies and programs that will improve organic agriculture in the state.

Due to a statutory requirement for staggered terms, there are eight vacancies this year. Members from the following categories or sectors are needed:

Two farmers using organic agriculture methods;

One organic processor;

One organic wholesaler and/or distributor of organic products;

One member of the University of Minnesota faculty;

One member representing a nonprofit producer organization;

One member representing the interests of the public; and,

One member representing the interests of consumers.

All members must be residents of Minnesota willing to serve a one-year term. Half-day meetings are held three or four times per year; members receive reimbursement for travel.

Task force vacancies are filled through the state's Open Appointments process. The application form is available at www.sos.state.mn.us (click the Open Commissions/Appointments icon) or by calling the Secretary of State's office at 877-551-6767. Applicants should specify the category/sector they represent and submit a cover letter with their applications.

Members will be appointed by the Agriculture Commissioner in consultation with the University of Minnesota.

Minnesota is a leader in organic farming in the U.S, with more than 700 certified organic farms and more than 200 organic processors, according to MDA estimates.

RR Watercolor Society 19TH NATIONAL WATERMEDIA EXHIBITION

Moorhead, MN., June 4, 2012 –

The Red River Watercolor Society and the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County present the 19th Annual National Watermedia Exhibition, which runs June 19 through September 16.  An opening reception will be held from 6 - 8:30 pm on Wednesday, June 20, at the Hjemkomst Center.   Awards conferred include $1000 Gold Medal, $750 Silver Medal, $500 Bronze Medal, and the new $500 Red River Regional Award for an artist from MN, ND, SD or Canada, as well as other awards and door prizes. The event is free and open to the public.

Internationally prominent watercolor artist, author and instructor, Donna Zagotta of Brighton, MI, juried this year’s show. She selected thirty-nine paintings representing the very best in today’s water media from all over the country. This year’s exhibit includes stunning examples of florals, landscapes, figures and still life, as well as abstract, non-objective and experimental pieces with expressive and innovative use of various water media such as acrylic, casein, ink and gouache. 

Donna Zagotta is also conducting a week-long workshop in Moorhead, June 18-25, 2012 for enrolled participants. Please contact Janet Flom at 701-361-7283 or by email at jmflom@cableone.net for further information. 

This activity is supported by the Historical Society of Clay County and in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

RRWS is a nonprofit volunteer organization started in 1989, now with approximately 200 members, serving water media artists in the Red River Valley Area of Minnesota, South and North Dakota.  Its mission is to promote the, display, education and interest in watercolor and other water-based media.

The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County collects, preserves, and presents the history and culture of Clay County and the region. HCSCC also provides interpretation of the Hjemkomst Viking Ship, Hopperstad Stave Church Replica, and hosts traveling exhibits in 7,000 sq. feet of temporary exhibition space. The Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County is a community resource for 150,000 people in the Fargo-Moorhead metro area and serves an average of 40,000 visitors a year from all over the world.

For more information, call 218-299-5511 or visit www.hcscconline.org. The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County is located in the Hjemkomst Center at 202 First Avenue North in Moorhead.