Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Minnesota Commerce Department Warns Businesses of ‘Corporate Compliance’ Email Scam

SAINT PAUL – Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman is warning the state’s businesses about an email solicitation from “Minnesota Corporate Compliance” with an invoice requesting payment to comply with a state business reporting requirement.
The deceptive email solicits businesses ato pay a $125 fee by a certain date in order to maintain proper records.
“This email is a scam and any business that receives the solicitation should disregard it,” said Rothman.  “At first glance, the official-looking invoice may appear legitimate. But it is designed to trick a business into making an unnecessary payment.”
The invoice cites a nonexistent state law about maintaining business records and requests online payment of a $125 annual fee.
While the invoice has a return address for a downtown Saint Paul office building, it does not include a suite number and there is no tenant in the building matching Minnesota Corporate Compliance.
Calls to the phone number listed on the invoice are forwarded to voice mail.
“This type of scam isn’t entirely new,” said Rothman. “Businesses used to get solicitations like this through direct mail or phone calls.  Now it’s done with email and online payment services. But the intent remains the same: to deceive and defraud.”

Science Summer Camps at U of M Crookston


CROOKSTON, Minn. – Learn how to answer questions using science, develop questions in an area of interest, conduct an experiment, or learn to interpret results of an experiment during Science Summer Camp. The Science Summer Camps will be held at the University of Minnesota Crookston on Monday, August 1 through Friday, August 5 and is designed for young scientists in grades 6-9 and another running at the same time for those in grades 10-12 as well as science teachers. Registration for the camps is $90 before July 15 and $100 after July 15. Register at www.umcrookston.edu/camps

Housing is available on campus for $170 for the week and includes evening activities, supervision, along with room and board. Daily sessions begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m. except for Friday which includes poster and oral presentations and concludes at noon. For every five student registrations, one teacher registration is free. Parents and teachers may attend all week but are encouraged to attend the final day.

Studies show that participation in science fair projects increases standardized test scores in the sciences. Participation in a regional science fair can result in trips to the state fair and the international fair along with awards and recognition. For more information on the Science Summer Camps at the U of M Crookston, contact Katy Smith, Ph.D., 218-281-8262.

Friday, April 22, 2016

BBB Reminds of Social Media Spring Cleaning

Burnsville, Minnesota – April 22, 2016 – Spring has sprung and it’s a great time to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. While it’s important to securely dispose of physical documents that contain sensitive information in order to protect your identity, Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota ® (BBB) also recommends adding social media cleaning to your spring cleaning regimen.

“Your digital footprint is something identity thieves keep track of,” said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. “They bank on people oversharing information that they can potentially use to steal your identity.”

Taking steps to guard your identity online is just as important as taking steps to protect it offline. Identity theft is an issue which could potentially affect anyone, particularly those who are active on social media. The information you share through those channels can pile up quickly, especially if you’re a regular user.
Not sure where to start? Here are some basic social media spring cleaning tips to keep in mind:

Be careful what you share. Social media serves as a vehicle to stay in touch with friends and family, but it’s important to keep track of what you share and who can see those updates. If you’re not sure who can access your information, carefully review privacy and security settings to ensure that your information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Take advantage of Facebook’s security checkup feature to manage who sees your Facebook posts, the applications you agree to share your information with, and the personal detail you provide on your profile. In Facebook, you can hide your information – including posts and photos – from people you don’t know by managing your privacy settings.

Personal information. If possible, try to eliminate any personal information in your profile such as your address, phone number, email address, your birthday, or any other information that identity thieves can use to their advantage. Scammers are sometimes able to use this information to crack security questions and gain access to accounts you control.

Clean up your passwords. If you haven’t changed your passwords in recent memory, it might be time to do so. The more complex your passwords are, the safer your sensitive information will be. It’s a good idea to use a different password for each account. Also, never store your passwords on your computer.

Apps and quizzes. In Facebook and Twitter, you can manage which external apps you share your information with. If you choose to utilize an application through social media sites, take a minute to review the permissions to learn more about what personal or account information they’ll have access to and how it will be used. In addition, it’s also important to avoid suspect quizzes. Though Facebook quizzes can be entertaining, it’s important to understand the potential dangers of providing your personal information to unfamiliar third party websites, including the possibility of exposing your device to malware.

For the latest consumer news, fraud alerts and free BBB Business Reviews visit bbb.org

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Fargo's 13th Avenue South Reconstruction Work Beginning Thursday

FARGO, N.D. (April 19, 2016) – Beginning at 6 a.m. on Thursday, April 21st, contractors for the City ofFargo will start work on the 13th Avenue South reconstruction project that is expected to improve one ofthe most-traveled roads in Fargo. On Thursday, drivers, pedestrians, residents and business owners will notice crews installing traffic control devices through the work zone, from roughly the I-29 interchange to 45th Street.

Following traffic control device installation, project work will begin with crews removing center medians through this stretch of 13th Ave. S. One lane in each direction will close to allow room for project work, and traffic will run in the eastbound and westbound outside lanes. This traffic pattern should last approximately two to three weeks and speeds will be reduced to 25 mph.

“Because contractors will be removing the median and parts of the road, there will be increased truck traffic in the area,” said Jeremy Gorden, transportation division engineer for the City of Fargo. “Crews will not only be working in the center, but will be installing temporary light poles on the intersection corners of 13th. Please pay attention to flaggers and keep your eyes on the road, so we can make sure everyone passes safely through the work zone.”

For most of the remaining work, traffic will be head-to-head, one lane in each direction, first on the south side of 13th Ave. then switching to the north side. At least one lane of traffic in each direction will remain open throughout construction and business access will be maintained.

Motorists should plan for delays and are encouraged to be patient when traveling through the work zone. They should also be aware of intermittent intersection closures at 44th Street, 43rd ½ Street, 43rd Street and 40th Street, and limited left hand turns at these intersections.

“This heavy traffic stretch along 13th Avenue is busy without construction,” Gorden said. “The road connects more than 30,000 vehicles per day to hundreds of businesses. We ask that both drivers and business owners be patient as we move through this dynamic work zone together. We look forward to the road ahead, bringing you more safety and better access this fall.”

The reconstruction of 13th Ave. S will run through October and will replace aging infrastructure to improve both pedestrian and motorist safety through the corridor. The project will widen 13th Ave. to a six-lane roadway to accommodate increasing traffic volumes. 

Additional project work consists of:
-          Complete roadway reconstruction of eastbound and westbound driving lanes with median
-          Upgraded storm sewer system
-          Addition of new sidewalks and shared use paths
-          Miscellaneous water main replacement improvements
-          Street light and traffic signal updates
-          New landscaping
This project marks the final phase of the city’s reconstruction plans for 13th Ave. S east of 45th St. and fixes necessary infrastructure and safety improvements highlighted in a 2008 corridor study.

For more information and to sign up for project email updates, visit http://13thavefargo.com/.

I-94, Highway 75 area project in Moorhead begins April 25



DETROIT LAKES, Minn. – The Interstate 94/Highway 75 area project in Moorhead is set to begin Monday, April 25, weather permitting.

The project includes three key elements:
·         Reconstructing the I-94/Highway 75 interchange as a diverging diamond interchange
·         Resurfacing Highway 75 between 22nd Avenue and 35th Avenue/Belsly Blvd with widening in select areas
·         Constructing an additional lane on I-94 in each direction between Highway 75 and 20th Street to facilitate merging, acceleration and deceleration between the ramps.

Work will be completed in four phases between April and October.

The first phase will involve constructing the additional lanes on I-94 and widening work on Highway 75 between 22nd Avenue and 35th Avenue/Belsly Blvd.

Both I-94 and Highway 75 will remain open during this first phase, which is scheduled to run through early June. However, motorists on Highway 75 will encounter lane closures and should expect delays, particularly during peak travel times. Motorists on I-94 will encounter shoulder closures and intermittent overnight lane closures.

Additional information will be released before phase two begins.

Businesses and residents are encouraged to sign up for weekly email updates about the work through the project website: www.mndot.gov/d4/projects/moorhead.

Sellin Brothers of Hawley is the prime contractor for the $13.6 million project. Work is expected to be complete by fall 2016.

To learn more about funding Minnesota’s transportation system visit Get Connected at www.mndot.gov/getconnected.

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or dial 5-1-1.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Local Public Meetings on Sandpiper Pipeline Scheduled

SAINT PAUL, MINN—Staff from the Department of Commerce, the Public Utilities Commission and Enbridge/North Dakota Pipeline Company will be hosting public comment meetings regarding the proposed Sandpiper Pipeline which will run through Northwest Minnesota.
These public meetings will provide Minnesotans an opportunity to learn more about the proposed projects, as well as ask questions and provide input. Comment cards will also be available for people who wish to provide a written statement for public record.
"The Sandpiper Pipeline will help improve the safety of oil transport from North Dakota, as well and bring jobs and property tax revenue to Northwest Minnesota," said Representative Dan Fabian (R-Roseau). "I hope folks will attend one of these meeting and share their input to keep the project moving forward."
"These meetings provide an excellent opportunity for people's voices to be heard regarding the building of Sandpiper Pipeline. Many folks have been frustrated by the politics and process regarding the project, and this will give folks a forum to go on the record and share their thoughts," said Representative Deb Kiel (R-Crookston).
The following local meetings have been scheduled in Crookston and Thief River Falls:
     Wednesday, April 27, 2016, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
     Crookston Inn and Convention Center, 2200 University Avenue, Crookston, MN 56716

     Thursday, April 28, 2016, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
     Ralph Engelstad Arena, 525 Brooks Avenue North, Thief River Falls, MN 56701

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Spring truck weight restrictions to End


ST. PAUL, Minn. Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways will end April 15 for Minnesota's South, Southeast, Metro and Central frost zones, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. There is one exception in the south zone. The spring truck weight restrictions continue on Highway 277 between Glueck and Highway 40 because of soil weakness.
Spring load restrictions are still in effect in the north-central and north frost zones.
Ending dates for spring load restrictions are established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change.
The South Zone extends south from the southern limit of the Central Zone (US 12 – Hennepin county line) to the Iowa state line and east to the Metro Zone and then a line following and including Interstate 35. This zone includes Highway 19 along the southern border of Scott County.
The Southeast Zone extends south from the southern limit of the Metro Zone along, but not including, I-35 to the Iowa state line and east to the Wisconsin state line. This zone includes Highway 19 along the southern border of Dakota County.
The Metro Zone (Minneapolis – St. Paul metro area) includes Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties. This zone does not include Highway 19 along the southern borders of Scott and Dakota counties.
The Central Zone extends south from the southern limit of the North-Central Zone (US 10 – Highway 210 – Highway 18 – I-35 – Highway 48 – Wisconsin state line) to a line following and including US 12 from the South Dakota state line to the Hennepin County line.
Road restriction maps showing the locations of weight-restricted routes and state highways open to maximum 10-ton axle weights are listed at www.dot.state.mn.us/materials. Click on "Seasonal Load Limits," and then "Spring Load Restrictions" for the most up-to-date information.
The information is also available by calling MnDOT’s 24-hour automated message center at 1-800-723-6543 in the United States and Canada or by calling 651-366-5400.
Middle-range overweight permits become available within each frost zone when spring load restrictions are lifted. Full-summer overweight permits become available within each frost zone starting two to three weeks after spring load restrictions are lifted.
Travelers in Minnesota can get up-to-date information on road conditions, construction and weather reports by dialing 511 or visiting www.511mn.org.

Monday, April 11, 2016

Tax Day is April 18: Department of Revenue has tips for taxpayers

ST. PAUL, Minn.This year’s income tax filing season ends on April 18, and as the date approaches, the Minnesota Department of Revenue offers tips to help taxpayers as they get ready to file their returns.
“With just days left in the filing season, we know many Minnesotans are still preparing to file their taxes. These tips can make tax filing easier and protect taxpayers from potential refund fraud through identity theft,” said Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly. “We know people rely on their tax refunds and we are working to review returns as quickly as we can, but protecting taxpayer refunds from thieves means that some returns could take longer to process than in prior years.”
Income tax filing tips:
  • E-file and choose direct deposit. Electronically filing your return and choosing direct deposit for your refund is the most secure and convenient way to file your taxes and get your refund.
  • Enter your name and any dependents names exactly as they appear on Social Security cards. Incorrect names or Social Security numbers can result in refund delays.
  • Double-check bank routing and account numbers used on tax forms for direct deposit. Incorrect account numbers can delay your refund.
  • Complete each form and carry totals to the correct lines. If you electronically file, the calculations are automatically done for you.
  • Do not staple or use paperclips on your paper return. Staples and paperclips on tax returns need to be removed by hand and can slow down processing.
  • If you are paper filing your return with a new address, be sure to place an X in the “Place an X if a New Address” box in the header. Otherwise, the new address may not be picked up by our system, and a refund check or letter may not get to you.
  • If you move after filing your return, contact us right away. That way anything sent to you will reach you, such as refund checks or requests for more information. You should do this even when requesting a direct deposit. Call us at 651-296-3781 or 1-800-652-9094 (toll-free) to change your address.
  • File your return by the April 18, 2016 due date, even if you owe more than you can pay. Pay as much as you can by the due date and contact us as soon as possible to set up a payment plan for the remaining balance. Acting quickly can help to minimize any late payment penalties. For more information about making your payment electronically, visit our website.
For more individual income tax filing tips, check out our Weekly Tax Tip video series.
Criminals continue to prey on taxpayers through threatening text messages, phone calls, and emails. The department and IRS will never ask you to provide, update, or verify personal information through unsolicited emails or phone calls; nor will we threaten to send law enforcement to your home if a debt is not paid immediately, as criminals often claim. You can learn more about scams, steps to prevent identity theft, and the department’s fraud prevention efforts on our website.

Friday, April 8, 2016

Minnesota Grown Directory available now

            ST. PAUL, Minn. –  The Minnesota Department of Agriculture announces the release of the brand new 2016 Minnesota Grown Directory. With a record-breaking number of listings, this issue features food and products available directly from growers statewide. A vast array of farms and farmers markets, fruits and vegetables, meats and poultry, beverages, nurseries and more fill this robust edition of the Minnesota Grown Directory.
Consumers can search the directory by region, product, or name of a specific farm or market. The directory is also available online for web savvy consumers, and a responsive mobile compatible directory makes searching from anywhere not only possible, but convenient. All versions of the directory make it easy to find a local farmer, CSA farm, or product for Minnesotans in all corners of the state.
 The 2016 Minnesota Grown Directory showcases spokesperson Carrie Tollefson, world-class athlete and mom. Tollefson knows the importance of fueling herself and her family with healthy, local foods. She knows firsthand how the directory can connect families with local foods, products, and experiences as they visit farms and farmers markets in several seasons.   
 In addition to information about Minnesota Grown members, readers will also find a series of Fun Facts throughout the directory. As Minnesota Grown Marketing Specialist Jessica Miles explains, “We focused on nine products – including raspberries, carrots, squash, apples, and garlic... The information varies but most of the time it’s nutritional and seasonal.” Fun Facts also offer history blips, storage tips, and new ways to try your favorite Minnesota-grown crops.
 The 2016 Directory also showcases recipes from five chefs featured by Minnesota Cooks – an outreach program of the Minnesota Farmers Union that celebrates family farmers and chefs that favor locally-sourced ingredients. The chefs deliver a wide variety of exciting menu options from a hearty breakfast featuring Minnesota-grown blueberries, to a bouillabaisse with northern flare.
 You can order free, printed copies of the Minnesota Grown Directory by calling Explore Minnesota Tourism at 1-888-TOURISM.  Or, visit www.minnesotagrown.com to place an order or search the online directory.

UMC Commencement Saturday, May 7




CROOKSTON, Minn. – Outdoors enthusiast, fishing expert, and wildlife damage extension specialist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Mandy Uhrich will address the University of Minnesota Crookston Class of 2016 during commencement exercises on Saturday, May 7, 2016. Graduates will take part in the ceremony, which begins at 2 p.m. in Lysaker Gymnasium. All are welcome to attend.

Uhrich, a 2005 graduate in natural resources, started her career with the Minnesota DNR in 2001 with the Farmland Wildlife Populations and Research Center near Madelia, Minnesota. Since that time, she has worked in a variety of roles including the Parks and Trails Division as well as Wildlife. She worked with the United States Department of Agriculture as a wildlife conservation biologist where she was recognized for enrolling 9,650 acres of private land into conservation programs—an outstanding achievement.

She spent the next six years working for the Minnesota Department of Transportation as an operations specialist and integrated resource coordinator managing several natural resource programs and research. In 2013, she returned to the DNR in the position she now holds assisting private organizations, citizens, commercial agricultural producers, and all wildlife staff throughout the state of Minnesota experiencing wildlife damage problems. 

Living amid the lakes in central Minnesota, it is no surprise when Uhrich isn’t at work, she is on the water. In 2016, this professional angler will fish some 30 tournaments for three bass circuits, speak at seminars on fishing, and volunteer her time to encourage women and girls through organizations like Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW), Keeping Kids in outDoor Sports (KKIDS), and others.

A reception in the Northern Lights Lounge, Sargeant Student Center, precedes the commencement ceremony from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to attend both events; no tickets are required. Additionally, a special reception for online graduates will be held at 10 a.m. in the Prairie Room, Sargent Student Center, and a reception for international student graduates will be held following commencement exercises at 4 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center.

On Saturday at 2 p.m., the formal procession of faculty, candidates for degrees, and platform guests will begin from the Sargeant Student Center to the gymnasium led by Mace Bearer W. Daniel Svedarsky, professor and director of the Center for Sustainability. The procession also includes Faculty Marshal Lynnette Mullins, assistant professor in the Liberal Arts and Education Department.

Bringing greetings from the University of Minnesota Board of Regents is the Honorable Darrin Rosha, Independence, Minn., who will also assist with the conferring of the degrees.
University of Minnesota, Crookston Alumni Association (UMCAA) Board President Alisha Aasness 2012 will bring greetings from the UMCAA and welcome the new graduates to the alumni association. The U of M Crookston Community Band under the direction of TJ Chapman, lecturer in the Math, Science, and Technology Department, will perform along with selections during the ceremony by the campus choir under the direction of Associate Professor George French.

Crookston Student Association (CSA) President Tareyn Stomberg, a senior double majoring in animal science and agricultural business from Menahga, Minn., will speak on behalf of the Class of 2016 and pass the torch of education, a Crookston campus tradition, to the incoming CSA president.

The 2016 commencement exercises mark the 108th graduating class to be recognized on the Crookston campus. A live audio stream of the commencement exercises will be available at www1.crk.umn.edu/services/mediaservices/live/

For more information, visit the commencement website at www.umcrookston.edu/commencement.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

BBB Warns of Shady job offer targets area college students


Burnsville, Minnesota – April 5, 2016 –Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota ® (BBB) has received the first local report about an employment scam targeting college students nationwide. This scheme first came to the attention of BBB of Cleveland last fall, when they began receiving reports from concerned college students about possible employment opportunities from questionable entities such as Geneve Leasing Company, Worldwide Shipping Solutions and HYDROCK Inc LLC, which is the entity a University of Minnesota student recently reported has been in touch with them about a suspect job offer. 

The U of M student recognized the posting from HYDROCK Inc LLC as problematic and some online research led him to a press release issued by BBB of Cleveland last November. A representative from that Better Business Bureau reports that in addition to the report from our region, they’ve received calls about this same scam from Ohio State University, Arkansas Tech and Arkansas State just in the last few weeks. BBB notes there is a legitimate company called Hydrock; however, they are located in England and are not associated with these questionable job offers.

“Many college students are looking for work to bring in money while they earn their degrees and others are looking for their first post-graduate job,” said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. “Fraudsters, unfortunately, know there’s opportunity for them, as well, which is why it’s vitally important for students to thoroughly research any employment offers they receive.”

Based on information submitted to BBB, a number of University of Minnesota students received emails from HYDROCK Inc. LLC claiming ‘the position will only require 4-6 hours weekly between Mon- Fri.’ The email further states that the position offers flexibility that allows applicants to choose their hours during the day to avoid conflicts between classes or other employment. However, as with most suspect job offers, scant details are offered as to what the position actually entails.

Bogus job offers have been victimizing job seekers for as long as there’s been a job market. Hopeful applicants typically run across these companies while searching for employment online or through unsolicited job offers after posting their resumes on job sites. While some of the scammers concoct business names, others mimic legitimate companies based here in the US or abroad. Addresses typically provided by the bogus companies either do not exist or are valid addresses at which the scammer is not actually located.
People should always be leery of situations where they receive a check upfront, as this is not how legitimate job offers take shape. In particular, avoid situations where you’re asked to deposit a check and send funds back to the ‘employer’ or unknown third-parties. You should not have to pay for an employment opportunity. Job seekers should also watch out for offers to take part in reshipping schemes. Many times, individuals accept these positions not knowing they’re participating in illegal schemes to reship merchandise paid for with stolen credit cards out of the country.  

In some cases, fake employment ads or phony job offers are nothing more than attempts to gather the personal information of job seekers for the purpose of identity theft. You should never provide your Social Security number - or sensitive personal information - to any company until you’ve interviewed with them in person, vetted both the business and the offer thoroughly, and formally accepted the position.
“There are definitely red flags people should be looking for – such as being offered a position without so much as a job interview,” added Badgerow.

Other warning signs of potential employment scams include:
·         The position involves transferring money or reshipping goods
·         The company is or claims to be located in another country
·         The position does not list education or experience requirements
·         The offer promises significant earning potential for little effort
·         Emails contain grammatical and typographical errors
·         Company claims to be in business for many years but their website was only recently created

Job seekers are encouraged to contact BBB in regard to suspect job offers or to research businesses where they’re seeking employment by visiting www.bbb.org or calling 800-646-6222.

Friday, April 1, 2016

MnDOT, farmers partnership helps improve road safety



ST. PAUL, Minn. – Farmers statewide have the opportunity as they begin planting this spring to play a part in creating safer road conditions next winter by participating in the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Living Snow Fence program.

Under the program, MnDOT pays farm operators to leave standing corn rows, hay bales or silage bags to effectively reduce snow from blowing onto selected state highways. The program agreement typically requires farmers to leave six rows of corn stalks standing approximately 200 feet from the highway centerline.

“The safety benefits of the Living Snow Fence program on local highways are extensive,” said Dan Gullickson, MnDOT’s Living Snow Fence Program coordinator. “Standing corn rows are effective in reducing the amount of snow blowing onto highways. They increase driver visibility, provide safer driving conditions and allow traffic to flow.”

Recent research by MnDOT, the University of Minnesota Extension and the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies shows standing corn rows reduced the severity of injuries on curves by 40 percent.
MnDOT identified 3,700 state highway sites that have snow and blowing snow problems. Blowing and drifting snow on Minnesota highways is a major safety concern. 

“The Living Snow Fence program is a great way for us to give back to our community and be an advocate for safer driving conditions in the winter,” said Louise Kiecker, a farmer in Fairfax, Minn.  “Our family and friends travel that road daily and they know that this stretch of the highway will be clear. I really see our participation in the program as a public service.” 

In addition to improving winter driving conditions, living snow fences help save taxpayer dollars. MnDOT snowplow operators use fewer resources (such as salt, sand and chemicals) on these roadways than they have in the past, resulting in fewer truck trips, less fuel consumption and fewer impacts to the environment.

“We really strive for a targeted approach for living snow fence locations,” Gullickson said. “We specifically choose the areas that use extra snow and ice removal resources.” 

Working in partnership with MnDOT and the University of Minnesota Extension, farmers are compensated on a per acre basis using a “Snow Cost Benefit Tool” developed by the University of Minnesota Extension.

“This tool is designed to assess agricultural and MnDOT expenses to determine a fair and reasonable incentive payment for the farmer or landowner,” said Gary Wyatt, University of Minnesota Extension educator.

“Farmers should also be aware that standing corn rows can be handpicked in the fall by youth (4-H, FFA, etc.) or adult groups for the corn or a donation to the organization,” Wyatt said. 

Farmers or landowners who want more information about the standing corn row program can visit www.mndot.gov/environment/livingsnowfence/.