BBB warns of romance scams

Burnsville, MN – August 30, 2012 - Romance scams are one of the many Internet schemes that target individuals all over the world. Scammers use dating sites, chat rooms and social networking sites, looking for the “perfect victim.” They target singles of any age and in any locale, creating fake profiles designed to woo singles and convince them to hand over money. The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) warns that while all demographic groups are susceptible to these schemes, criminals tend to focus on people who are over the age of 40, divorced or widowed, as well as elderly and the disabled.

“Online romance scams continue to grow and become more sophisticated each year,”says Dana Badgerow, President and CEO of the BBB. “We’re trying to make consumers aware of some warning signs which might indicate you’re dealing with a scammer when using an online dating service or social networking site.”

According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, of the 314,246 complaints they received in 2011, 5,600 were related to romance scams. Women who are 50 and older are said to be the biggest targets of online romance scams.

In some cases, scammers will send their victims flowers and gifts while using stories of personal tragedy, injury, and other hardships to earn trust and sympathy. Common signs you might be dealing with a scammer include: emails containing poor grammar, misspelled words and requests for money. If an email or message you are sent through a dating service or online chat room contains any of these things, you may be dealing with someone intent on defrauding you.

The BBB provides the following tips for avoiding an online romance scam:

·         Consider using an established dating service. Check out their record first at bbb.org.

·         Don’t get involved with a person who claims to be in love from the word go. Scammers usually use emotional ties to increase the chances of getting your money. If your match asks you to pay for their travel expenses, there is a high probability that it is a scam

·         Make sure you only open emails, attachments, and links from people or dating services you’re familiar with. Install updated anti-virus software, and beware of unsolicited emails with subject lines like, “Someone just sent you an e-card!”

·         Never give credit card or online account details to anyone by email and be very careful about how much personal information you share. Scammers can use your information and pictures to create a fake identity or to target you with another scam.

·         Consider focusing your efforts to meet someone locally. While it’s certainly possible that special someone lives outside your area, there’s also a far higher risk of running into a long-distance scammer when you’re getting to know someone online.

Hwy 75 detour between Kennedy and Hallock begins Aug. 27

BEMIDJI, Minn. --- Motorists traveling on Highway 75 in Kittson County will encounter a detour between Kennedy and Hallock on Monday, Aug. 27, as crews replace a culvert.

Northbound traffic at Kennedy will be detoured east on County Road 7 for five miles, then north on County Road 5 for nine miles and west on Highway 175 for seven miles back to Highway 75.  Southbound traffic from Hallock will follow the same detour in reverse.

The project is expected to be completed by mid-September.

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

NW MN Foundation awards grants

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation recently awarded the Northwest Service Cooperative a $25,000 grant to improve teacher effectiveness. Authentic Intellectual Work (AIW) is a program that allows teachers to share lesson plans and receive constructive criticism in a trusting peer group setting. Because of its great impact in other states and Minnesota School Districts, the Northwest Service Cooperative and five regional superintendents want to implement this key tool in order to improve test scores.

The five pilot schools include Bagley, Clearbrook-Gonvick, Fisher, Kelliher and Laporte. They and the Northwest Service Cooperative are committed to the AIW process and believe it will produce results. With a safe environment to discuss lesson plans, the teacher will get tips and tactics on how to improve student performance. To build peer trust, teachers begin with their weakest lesson plan. Peers can then help the teacher connect with all students by giving positive feedback on the lesson plan.

“The idea is to build lesson plans that reach all students and develop student critical thinking by applying lesson concepts to real world applications,” said Dr. Bruce Jensen, executive director of Northwest Service Cooperative. “This approach does not require the schools to purchase new curricula, and works with the lessons they already use. The potential for success is real and immediate within one to three years,” Jensen said.

NMF Program Officer for Grants Nate Dorr said, “After the pilot phase, there is real potential to expand the program into other schools in Northwest Minnesota. The region has a chance to lead school reform in Minnesota if positive results are shown.”

The project was also supported by the Blandin Foundation, Minnesota Rural Education Association, and the Center for Authentic Intellectual Work housed at UW Madison.

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

IDEA Competition Opens for Applications September 1

BEMIDJI, MN  --  September 1, 2012 marks the beginning of the fifth year of the IDEA Competition.  Over the course of the last four years, nearly $250,000 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.  The competition awards as many as five $10,000 prizes each year to winning ideas.

The cash awards are just one of the benefits. Jay Fisher, from Warroad, MN, was a 2012 IDEA winner for his business idea, Eleven Hockey.  "The IDEA Competition was an engaging experience that helped us with every facet of our business,” Fisher said   “The business plan writing process was a lot of work, but puts our product on a solid foundation going forward.  Winning means that we get to keep working with a great business coach and we are very excited about what the future will bring.”

Jeff Sullivan of NID Inc, located in Bemidji, who was a 2011 and a 2012 IDEA winner, agrees about the benefits of participating in the competition.  “Going through the application process and the workshops have already helped me gain information and tap into resources,” Sullivan said.  “I can also say that the competition offers much more than the financial boost from the prize money. The extra support and technical help throughout the year are additional perks that can have immeasurable benefits for the long term success of a business.  What a great opportunity for the many entrepreneurs of our region.” 

IDEA Competition project coordinator, Michelle Landsverk, says the competition is unique.  “There are a lot of business plan competitions and a lot of invention competitions out there.  IDEA is distinctive, because it’s kind of a hybrid of the two,” Landsverk said.  “What we’re really looking for are people with good ideas and a solid plan for turning those ideas into profitable businesses here in Northwest Minnesota.”

Information about entering the competition can be found on the IDEA website, www.ideacompetition.org. 

IDEA has been made possible by the generous contributions of the following: 360° Manufacturing and Appl ied Engineering Center of Excellence, Blandin Foundation, Bremer Banks of Crookston and Warren, Headwaters Regional Development Commission, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Northwest Regional Development Commission,  Northwest Regional Small Business Development Center, and University of Minnesota, Crookston.

MnDOT seeks input on 20-yr MN State Highway Investment Plan

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation invites the public and transportation stakeholders to participate in developing the 20-year Minnesota State Highway Investment Plan (MnSHIP) beginning with a webinar Monday, Aug. 27.

MnSHIP connects the 50-year transportation vision and policies established in the Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan to capital improvements on the state highway system. A primary outcome of the plan is the establishment of priorities for spending projected capital revenue.

Webinar details and directions on how to view a recorded version can be found on the “Participate” page of the plan website: www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/statehighwayinvestmentplan/index.html.

Other opportunities to participate include stakeholder engagement meetings in October, an interactive web tool, social media updates and draft plan reviews in early 2013. Tentative district meeting dates are:

·         Willmar – Oct. 4

·         Detroit Lakes – Oct. 9

·         Mankato – Oct. 10

·         Duluth – Oct. 11

·         St. Cloud – Oct. 15

·         Twin Cities – Oct. 16

·         Rochester – Oct. 17

·         Bemidji – Oct. 22

·         Twin Cities – Oct. 23

The highway plan will use a risk-based, performance planning process to guide and prioritize future capital improvements on Minnesota’s state highway system. The investments made on the highway network are multimodal. They include:

·         Providing for the safe and expedited movement of freight

·         Connecting customers and businesses to airports and ports

·         Providing safe and efficient passage for transit users, bicyclists and pedestrians

·         Facilitating personal vehicular travel throughout the state

MnSHIP must consider a variety of factors, including state highway system needs that exceed projected revenue, recent federal legislation that requires MnDOT to prioritize improvements on major routes, state legislative requirements, technical expertise and public input, as well as feedback from the governor.

To receive monthly updates, please follow the link on the “Participate” page, or follow the plan on Twitter, @minnesotago, and Facebook, www.facebook.com/MinnesotaGO.

Additional inquiries can be directed to Ryan Wilson, MnDOT Office of Capital Programs and Performance Measures, at 651-366-3537 or ryan.wilson@state.mn.us.

MN organic certification cost share program accepting applications

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota organic farmers and processors can now apply for a rebate of up to 75 percent of the cost of their organic certification. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting applications for the Minnesota Organic Cost Share Program from now until October 31, 2012.

Organic certification is a third-party verification system that assures consumers that the organic products they buy are truly organic, produced in compliance with federal organic regulations. Organic operations are monitored through review of their records and on-site inspections at least once a year.

"The cost share program provides some regulatory relief from a financial burden that is unique to organic farms and other organic businesses," said MDA Organic Program Administrator Meg Moynihan. “Organic growers and processors who sell more than $5,000 of organic agricultural products are legally required to obtain certification at their own expense. Depending on the farm or business size, the cost ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars per year, so this program can be a big help."

Funds for the cost share program come from a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Operations that received certification (or had ongoing certification) between October 1, 2011 and September 30, 2012 are eligible for reimbursement of up to 75 percent of certification-related costs  up to a maximum of $750 per category (crop, livestock, processing/handling, wild harvest). Last year, the MDA disbursed nearly $381,000 to 480 certified organic farmers and processors in the state.

To qualify, applicants must be certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agency. The MDA has already mailed application packets to more than 900 certified organic operations in the state. Any certified organic farmer or processor who did not receive a packet can obtain all the program details and necessary materials on the MDA's web site www.mda.state.mn.us/organic or by calling 651-201-6012.

Row-crop field tour at Carrington

The North Dakota State University Carrington Research Extension Center is hosting a row-crop field tour on Thursday, Aug. 30. The tour will begin at 4 p.m. and conclude with a sponsored supper. Farmers, crop advisers, agricultural industry representatives and those interested in row-crops are invited to
attend.

Participants will view field research trials and receive production recommendations on sunflowers, dry beans, soybeans and corn, according to Greg Endres, NDSU Extension Service area agronomist.

"Our objective is to concisely show and discuss as many research trials as possible to give participants information and ideas they can utilize for their farms or agribusinesses," Endres says.

The tour agenda includes:

* Dry bean variety performance and plant establishment (tillage systems, planting dates and row spacing)

* Corn-growing season review, plant establishment and intensive management (hybrids, plant populations and use of special seed and foliar products)

* Soybean varieties, plant establishment and nutrition, plus special inputs

* Row-crop disease management with emphasis on seed treatments and white mold (sclerotinia)

Tour speakers include NDSU agronomists, plant breeders and plant pathologists, plus industry agronomists.

North Dakota commodity organizations associated with the crops covered during the tour are refreshment and meal sponsors and will provide brief updates on their activities during supper.

Continuing education credits will be available for certified crop advisers participating in the event.

Additional information about the tour is available from the Carrington REC at (701) 652-2951 or on the Web at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/CarringtonREC/.
---- (NDSU Agriculture Comm)

Asham Stompers at Chautauqua and French Festival Aug. 24-26 near Red Lake Falls

History will not only be brought to life, it will be lively. The Red River Jig will be danced as it was 150 years ago beneath the ancient cottonwood trees. Folks will clap to fiddle music as the Metis once did in the campground beside the Red Lake River. There will be singing, trading and storytelling at the Chautauqua and French Festival at Old Crossing and Treaty Park near Huot, Minn. The festival begins Friday, Aug. 24, at 9 p.m. with a bonfire, singing and storytelling.

The Asham Stompers will be one of the highlights of the weekend’s entertainment. The jig and square dance group from Manitoba will perform Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25 and 26. The dancers combine the Red River Jig with square dancing, adding some new steps to the traditional dance of the Canadian Metis. The jig originated from dances of the First Nations, French, English and Scots. The high energy group, formed in 2002, has traveled from Mexico to China and has given more than 100 performances, including six at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Stompers have performed at Folklorama and Festival Du Voyageur in Winnipeg as well as at many curling events, including the World Curling Championships in Grand Forks, N.D.

Dancers ranging in age from six to 60 are Cathy Genaille and Arnold Asham, Charmaine Raynor and Grant Thompson, Shayna Genaille and Patrick McKay, Felicia Morrisseau and Glen Murdock, Skyler Campbell and Dave Raynor, Jacob and Michael Harris and Brandon Couchene. The Stompers perform to music by fiddler Shawn Mousseau of Manitoba.

Back 40, a Franco-Manitoban and country band from St. Laurent, will match the tempo of the Stompers. The band will play Saturday and Sunday afternoons at the park and at a dance on Saturday night at The Spot in Red Lake Falls.

Throughout the weekend, there will be crafts and arts displays and make-and-take crafts. Silent auctions will be held Saturday and Sunday. Fresh baked bread will be available from one only of the only earth ovens in the region. Food, including Tourtiere (meat pie), crepes, ice cream and refreshments will be available.

Admission is free and the public is welcome to all events in the park.

The festival, presented by AFRAN (Association of the French of the North), emphasizes the French heritage of the Red River Valley. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the festival, cake will be served and there will be a drawing for an AFRAN membership Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

The Old Crossing and Treaty Park is on Red Lake Co. Road 3 and seven miles northeast of Gentilly on County Road 11 or 10 miles southwest of Red Lake Falls.

For more information on the Chautauqua and French Festival at Huot, MN., contact Jerry Amiot at 218-289-8889, Anne Healy at 218-253-2833 or Virgil Benoit at 218-253-2270.

(Submitted by Twylla Altepeter)

Hwy 220 detour from EGF to Climax begins August 13

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Motorists traveling on Highway 220 south of East Grand Forks and north of Climax will encounter a detour as crews begin work to improve the condition of Highway 220.

From the junction of Highway 220 and Highway 75 at Climax, northbound traffic will continue on Highway 75 to U.S. Highway 2, then  west on Highway 2 to the junction with Highway 220 near East Grand Forks. Southbound traffic will follow the same route in reverse.

Improvements to Highway 220 include culvert replacement, shoulder work, and resurfacing. The work will provide a smoother, more even surface for motorists.

The detour is expected to be in place for approximately two weeks, weather permitting. 

When the detour is lifted, work will continue with traffic control provided by flaggers and a pilot car. The work is expected to be completed by Sept.28.

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

Hwy 220 & Hwy 1 inslope repair work near Oslo begins August 13

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Motorists traveling on Highway 220 and Highway 1 near Oslo in Marshall County will encounter some minor delays from August 13 to mid-September as crews repair several areas of  the  inslopes previously eroded from flooding.

Traffic will be controlled with flagging and motorists are advised to slow down for workers and equipment in the area.  .

For more information on road conditions and construction, click on www.511mn.org or call 5-1-1.

MnDOT reminds public to share the road during local bicycling event

BEMIDJI, Minn. — Motorists will notice an increased number of bicyclists on northwestern Minnesota highways Aug. 23-26, for the annual Bicycling Around Minnesota event.

About 275 bicyclists will travel from Park Rapids to Walker Aug. 23, to Pequot Lakes Aug. 24, to Wadena Aug. 25 and then back to Park Rapids on the final day of cycling.  

The Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds all travelers to share the road and follow all traffic safety laws. 

The law is clear—bicyclists and motorists share responsibility. There are eight “rules of the road” to improve bicycle safety:

1.    Bicyclists may ride on all Minnesota roads, except where restricted — such as interstates.

2.    Bicyclists should ride on the road and must ride in the same direction as traffic.

3.    Motorists must maintain a three-foot clearance at all times when passing a bicyclist.

4.    Bicyclists must obey all traffic control signs and signals, just as motorists.

5.    Motorists and bicyclists must yield the right of way to each other.

6.    Bicyclists must signal their turns and should ride in a predictable manner.

7.    Bicyclists must use a headlight and rear reflectors when it’s dark.

8.    Bicyclists should always wear helmets and bright reflective gear.

For more information about the 2012 Bicycling Around Minnesota event, visit www.bambiketour.org.

For more information about the “Share the Road” bicycle safety education program, bicycle crash statistics and resource materials, visit www.sharetheroadmn.org.

Red Cross Community Course Schedules - Fargo

FARGO, N.D. (Aug. 7, 2012) — Each year, more than 5 million people learn lifesaving skills in American Red Cross training classes and people in the Jamestown area, can join the ranks of these everyday heroes by taking a class now.

The First Aid and CPR/AED course teaches people how to perform CPR and use an AED, what to do if someone is choking, and how to prevent and respond to other emergencies until advanced medical help arrives. Course participants also learn how to control bleeding as well as how to care for seizures and other sudden illnesses, as well as will be offered for specialization in pediatric lifesaving skills.

The Babysitter’s Training course will give 11-15 year-olds the skills and confidence to safely and responsibly care for children and infants, as well as some tools to help them get started in their own babysitting business.

Caregiving skills take prospective young sitters from feeding to diapering and playtime to bedtime routines. Participants also learn how to handle emergencies such as injuries, illnesses and household accidents.

Red Cross training courses meet OSHA guidelines, feature hands-on skills practice and include 2 year certifications, free digital materials and skill refreshers. Visit redcross.org/training or call 1-800-RED-CROSS for details and to register for a class.

Courses are subject to cancellation without notification. Advance registration is required.

Minn-Kota Chapter 2602 12th St. North, Fargo, ND

                           

Course	Date	Time	Location	Cost
Pediatric CPR/AED Review	8/13/2012	6:00-8:30pm	Chapter Office	$55.00
First Aid Review	8/13/2012	8:00-10:00pm	Chapter Office	$55.00
Adult CPR/AED Review	8/14/2012	6:30-9:00pm	Chapter Office	$55.00
Babysitter’s Training	8/15/2012	9:30am-4:00pm	Chapter Office	$85.00
First Aid Review	8/16/2012	12:30-2:30pm	Chapter Office	$55.00
Adult CPR/AED*	9/6/2012	9:00-10:30am	Chapter Office	$70.00
First Aid*	9/6/2012	9:00-10:30am	Chapter Office	$70.00
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer*	9/6/2012	9:00-10:30am	Chapter Office	$110.00
Adult CPR/AED Review	9/8/2012	9:00-11:30am	Chapter Office	$55.00
First Aid Review	9/8/2012	12:30-2:30pm	Chapter Office	$55.00
Pediatric CPR/AED Review	9/10/2012	6:00-8:30pm	Chapter Office	$55.00
First Aid Review	9/10/2012	8:00-10:00pm	Chapter Office	$55.00
Adult CPR/AED Review	9/11/2012	6:30-9:00pm	Chapter Office	$55.00
Adult CPR/AED Review	9/13/2012	9:00-11:30am	Chapter Office	$55.00
First Aid Review	9/13/2012	12:30-2:30pm	Chapter Office	$55.00
First Aid Review	9/13/2012	6:30-8:30pm	Chapter Office	$55.00
Adult CPR/AED Review	10/13/2012	9:00-11:30am	Chapter Office	$55.00
First Aid Review	10/13/2012	12:00-2:30pm	Chapter Office	$55.00
Pediatric CPR/AED Review	10/15/2012	6:00-8:30pm	Chapter Office	$55.00
First Aid Review	10/15/2012	8:00-10:00pm	Chapter Office	$55.00
Adult CPR/AED Review	10/16/2012	6:30-9:00pm	Chapter Office	$55.00
*Web Based/Classroom-Online component must be completed before class.
Course	Date	Time	Location	Cost
Adult CPR/AED Review	10/18/2012	9:00-11:30am	Chapter Office	$55.00
First Aid Review	10/18/2012	12:30-2:30pm	Chapter Office	$55.00