R&J News

BBB Advice for Spring (Drain) Cleaning

2012-03-06T14:25:00.002-06:00

Saint Paul, MN – March 6, 2012 – As spring draws near, many homeowners begin the process of spring cleaning, which often includes getting their drains cleaned. Drain cleaning rids your home of unwanted odors, and helps avoid clogged sinks, overflowing toilets, and laundry room floods. The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) advises consumers to prepare themselves and do preliminary research before hiring someone to clean their drains this spring. Consumers should be aware that not all drain cleaners are licensed plumbers. However, many plumbers do perform drain cleaning services.

Drain clogs have many different causes, with the most common causes involving weather, remnants of materials that are flushed down toilets or sinks, or tree roots growing through breaks in the pipes. Homeowners are responsible for the section of pipe running from the home to its connection with the city pipe, which is usually found under the street. Your local water and sewer department can tell you what your responsibility is and consumers should check with them before having any work performed.

Because regular home maintenance may not take care of drain issues completely, many homeowners look to professional drain cleaning and plumbing businesses to solve these problems.

“It’s important for consumers to know what questions to ask their prospective drain cleaners so they can avoid misunderstandings and potential complications” says Dana Badgerow, President and CEO of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota.

The BBB recommends following these tips to help ensure a painless drain-cleaning experience:

Get references from friends and relatives and contact the Better Business Bureau to obtain free Business Reviews on any companies you consider hiring. Visit www.bbb.org or call 651-699-1111, toll-free at 1-800-646-6222.

Explore a variety of options. Shop around and get more than one estimate. Homeowners can expect different companies to suggest different options for solving problems, which also means varying price points. Some of the different options may include taking a video of the line, which helps to determine the best course of treatment to solve the drain back-up issues, as well as any possible collapse of the pipe. It’s also a good idea to ask companies what they charge for this service upfront.

Call before you dig. Homeowners should also have 'call before you dig' services out before any digging is started. Many drain cleaning companies will include this call as part of their service package, but ask ahead of time. Let the drain cleaner know if any other utility work has been performed in the past few years.

Beware of additional fees. Ask about trip fees and other additional fees. Understand that most companies cannot give a true and accurate price quote without seeing the extent of the problem in your home.

Keep the company informed. Before the drain cleaners begin any work, inform them if you (or someone else) have recently tried a chemical or other treatment to clean your drains. Several chemical treatments do work but may need additional time to take full effect. In addition, some of the chemicals a homeowner may use might have harmful effects on the people working to clear the drain or may react badly with treatments performed by the drain cleaning company.

Make sure you understand the process. Get information from the company about what kind of techniques they’ll use to clean your drains. If they use che micals, make sure to verify that they will not cause problems for the pipes you have and that they are compatible with other drain cleaning products you might buy and use in the future. Oftentimes, drain cleaners will offer to sell you some of the same product they use so you can maintain your drains after their work is completed.

Ask about the company’s warranty. Make sure to find out all the details about follow-up and potential issues that could arise in the future. Some companies will offer a one year warranty, while others offer a six month warranty.

Do your research. Find out what caused the problem and how often it may occur in the future. Consider main line repairs, which can be expensive, but will often resolve the problems for many years to come.

For more tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org/us/bbb-news.

UMC Granted Full-Continuing Approval for MN Teacher Licensure in Early Childhood

2012-03-06T14:21:00.000-06:00

CROOKSTON, Minn. – The University of Minnesota, Crookston has been granted full-continuing approval from the Minnesota Board of Teaching to prepare individuals for Minnesota teacher licensure through June 30, 2019. UMC currently offers a licensure program in Early Childhood Education and is seeking to add a licensure program for Elementary Education beginning in the fall 2012 semester. The Board took the action during their February meeting and also commended campus leadership for their expeditious response to the findings report and for evidencing full compliance to the required standards. Full-continuing approval has a seven-year interval and is determined by the Board of Teaching.

The approval follows a visit by an assessment team in October 2011, when the campus hosted a three-day visit to review data gathered since 2007 related to the 54 standards established by the Board. These standards are meant to ensure that teacher candidates have the opportunity to learn, develop, and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required for teacher licensure. The evaluation team, chaired by Teacher Education Specialist JoAnn Van Aernum, delivered a report to the campus in early December 2011, and a recommendation by the team was sent to the Board for consideration in their final decision.

“This current action taken by the Board of Teaching to provide UMC its full 7-year continuing approval clearly affirms the quality of our faculty and curriculum,” noted Jack Geller, Ph.D., head of the Liberal Arts and Education Department. “Equally important, it sets the stage for the addition and growth of the Elementary Education licensure program here at UMC,” he added.

The Board of Teaching, created in 1973, provides leadership for improvements in teacher education programs in order to assure that the state has well-qualified, professional teachers. The Governor appoints eleven members to the Board of Teaching: six classroom teachers, one higher education faculty member, one school administrator, and three members of the public, two of whom must have spent some time on a local school board. The Board determines the standards and practices that will serve the state's teachers and teacher preparation institutions. For more information, visit http://education.state.mn.us/mde/index.html.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 26 bachelor’s degree programs, 18 minors, and 36 concentrations, including 10 online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of 1,600 undergraduates from 25 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. “Small Campus. Big Degree.” To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.

Spring truck weight restrictions begin March 9 for central frost zone

2012-03-06T14:15:00.000-06:00

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways will begin Friday, March 9 for Minnesota's central frost zone, Winter load increases and overweight permits remain in place for the state's north-central and north frost zones.

MnDOT limits truck weights to prevent damage to roads weakened during the spring thaw.

Spring load restriction dates and the six frost zones in Minnesota are listed on MnDOT’s website at www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us. Click on "Seasonal Load Limits," then click on "Spring Load Restrictions" for the most up-to-date information.

The information also is available toll-free by calling 1-800-723-6543 in the United States and Canada or by calling 651-366-5400 in the Twin Cities Metro area.

Ending dates for spring load restrictions are established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change. All changes are made with a minimal three-day notice.

Travelers in Minnesota can get up-to-date information on road conditions, construction and weather reports from MnDOT's 511 traveler information service. Dial 5-1-1 or visit www.511mn.org.

MDA seeking candidates for Ag Water Quality Cert Advisory committee

2012-03-05T17:16:00.000-06:00

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is seeking candidates to serve on an advisory committee to help develop the Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program. The new program is the result of a January 17 agreement by Governor Mark Dayton and federal officials, with the goal of enhancing Minnesota’s water quality by accelerating adoption of on-farm water quality practices.

The committee will provide recommendations to MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson regarding the development of the program, as well as its particular features and focus. The committee will be convened and staffed by MDA, and will serve at Commissioner Frederickson’s discretion. Committee composition will be established by Commissioner Frederickson, with membership from the following:
• 2 farmers or ranchers;
• 2 representatives of general farm organizations;
• 3 representatives of commodity or livestock organizations;
• 1 representative of agriculture-related business;
• 1 representative of crop consultants or advisors;
• 2 representatives of environmental organizations;
• 2 representatives of conservation organizations; and
• 2 representatives of local government units.

In addition, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, the University of Minnesota Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will be invited to provide technical support.

Commissioner Frederickson will select members following the open appointment process in Minnesota Statutes 15.0597. Ideal candidates will have relevant experience and expertise in agriculture, conservation and/or water quality management. Preference will be given to candidates with relevant experience and expertise in agriculture and water quality; experience in agricultural, conservation or water quality program implementation; and experience in Minnesota. In addition to the committee members, MDA may ask other technical experts to attend meetings to provide support. The committee will serve for the length of time necessary for development and early implementation of the program, but not more than two years. The first meeting will be held in early June.

Applications for the committee will be accepted by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office from March 5 through April 16, 2012. The application can be submitted online at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=5. MDA’s website has more details about the committee at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/awqcprogram.aspx.

Public meeting on Highway 11 construction

2012-03-05T17:14:00.000-06:00

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The public is invited to attend a meeting Thursday, March 8, to discuss improvements planned for Highway 11 from Baudette to Clementson this year. The meeting is scheduled from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Lake of the Woods ambulance garage, 111 First Ave. SW, Baudette, Minn.

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

The Highway 11 project was originally scheduled to start in fall 2011, but was delayed due to bid letting.

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, NWTF mentored women's turkey applications due April 2

2012-03-05T17:12:00.000-06:00

First-time adult women turkey have the chance to go afield and learn from an experienced National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) volunteer during mentored hunts being offered this spring, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said.

"The adult women turkey hunters will learn life-long outdoor skills and how to be a responsible hunter," said Mike Kurre, mentoring program coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "Thanks to the NWTF, their outdoor coaches will help create the next generation of family oriented hunters."

Women are encouraged to sign up with a friend or adult daughter for an educational adventure in wild turkey hunting. An application and general information for the mid-May wild turkey hunt is available at www.mndnr.gov/discover. The application deadline is midnight on Monday, April 2. Participants will be selected through a random lottery if oversubscribed.

This program is based on the successful mentored youth hunts where, during the last 10 years, more than 1,700 youth have been introduced to this unique, educational hunting experience. With women being one of the fasting growing segments of the hunting society, the need is there, Kurre said.

Most hunts will occur Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20, at several locations in Minnesota's turkey range, which generally covers the southern and western half of Minnesota. Hunts include a mandatory turkey clinic leading up to an actual hunt. All participants will hunt on private land, thanks to the generosity of private landowners and the NWTF volunteers who obtained permission.

To be eligible, a female hunter must be 18 on or before Saturday, May 19. All participants must possess a valid firearms safety certificate, purchase an apprentice hunter validation, or be born before Dec. 13, 1979. The program is for first-time turkey hunters only. Participants will be assigned a NWTF volunteer coach, who must accompany them throughout the entire hunt.

Participation in the hunts is only restricted by the number volunteers and private lands that are available. People who have an interest in providing a quality experience in turkey hunting, have hunting land and are members of NWTF, should contact the NWTF at www.nwtf-mn.org for information about participating.

Sen. Franken to Host 2nd Annual Minnesota Delegation Hotdish Off

2012-03-05T15:02:00.002-06:00

This Wednesday, March 7th, Minnesota’s Congressional Delegation will come together for Sen. Al Franken’s second annual hotdish competition. Sen. Franken started the friendly “Hotdish Off” last year as a way to bring the delegation together to put partisanship aside and focus on Minnesota.

Each participating delegation member will submit a hot dish—traditional Minnesota fare, similar to a casserole—on behalf of their office. Former Congressmen Vin Weber (R-Minn.) and Gerry Sikorski (D-Minn.) have agreed to judge the competition for the second year in a row and Minnesota State Society member Tom Geier will tally the votes and announce the winner. Last year, Sen. Klobuchar won the competition with her now famous “Taconite Tater-Tot Hotdish.”

The Minnesota Congressional Delegation 2012 “Hotdish Off” will be held from 1-2pm EST on Wednesday at the Capitol Visitor’s Center, room SVC 201/200 in Washington, DC

Spring truck weight restrictions

2012-03-02T14:26:00.002-06:00

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways will begin March 5 for Minnesota's southeast and Twin Cities Metro area frost zones, and March 6 for the south frost zone.

Winter load increases and overweight permits remain in place for the state's central, north-central and north frost zones.

MnDOT limits truck weights to prevent damage to roads weakened during the spring thaw.

Spring load restriction dates and the six frost zones in Minnesota are listed on MnDOT’s website at www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us. Click on "Seasonal Load Limits," then click on "Spring Load Restrictions" for the most up-to-date information.

The information also is available toll-free by calling 1-800-723-6543 in the United States and Canada or by calling 651-366-5400 in the Twin Cities Metro area.

Ending dates for spring load restrictions are established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change. All changes are made with a minimal three-day notice.

Travelers in Minnesota can get up-to-date information on road conditions, construction and weather reports from MnDOT's 511 traveler information service. Dial 5-1-1 or visit www.511mn.org.

NDSU Barley Research and Risk Management Featured at Carrington Workshop

2012-03-01T16:25:00.002-06:00

Barley research at North Dakota State University and the Carrington Research Extension Center will be highlighted during a workshop on March 20 at the Carrington REC.

The workshop will begin with registration at 9:30 a.m. and the program starting at 10. Lunch and breaks will be served free of charge.

Featured will be a presentation about a new risk management tool by Joe Christianson, Cargill Malt global risk management specialist. Other topics and speakers are:

* Barley feed update - Vern Anderson, Carrington REC animal scientist

* Disease review and management - Robert Brueggeman, NDSU barley pathologist

* Production research review on weeds, fertility and rotations - Greg Endres, Carrington REC cropping specialist

* New generation variety development in barley and small grains - Richard Horsley and Martin Hochhalter, NDSU barley breeding program

* Barley quality in malting and brewing - Alberto Jimenez-Diaz, NDSU barley and malt quality project

* Business of barley production - Steve Metzger, Carrington REC farm business management instructor and coordinator

Sponsors include the American Malting Barley Association Inc., Anheuser-Busch Inc., Cargill Malt, NDSU Institute of Barley and Malt Sciences, Malteurop North America Inc., MillerCoors, North Dakota Barley Council, North Dakota Grain Growers Association, NDSU Extension Service, Carrington REC and Rahr Malting Co.

Lunch is free but preregistration is requested. To preregister, contact Linda Schuster at (701) 652-2951 or linda.schuster@ndsu.edu or Karen Hertsgaard at (701) 231-5384 or karen.hertsgaard@ndsu.edu.

MnDOT seeks public input on ATIP Plan

2012-02-29T15:58:00.000-06:00

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The public and other stakeholders are invited to provide input on the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Area Transportation Improvement Program Plan for construction projects from 2013 to 2016. The public comment period for the ATIP is March 2 to April 2, 2012.

The ATIP is a four-year program for state and federally funded transportation investments of significance for the northwestern region of Minnesota. Each draft ATIP includes a prioritized list of projects that help solve transportation problems and achieve long-range objectives for the area. The principal investment emphasis is on preservation, safety and operational improvements in the existing transportation system and seeks balanced decisions, which promote effective and efficient transportation.

The ATIP is the result of recommendations that come from the Area Transportation Partnership, which is comprised of members from cities, counties, townships, tribal governments, transit providers, metropolitan planning organizations, regional development commissions and Mn/DOT. The ATPs integrate state and local priorities within their areas and submit those projects for inclusion into the draft State Transportation Improvement Plan.

To view and provide comment on the ATIP, visit the DOT website. To request a hard copy of the plan, contact Joe McKinnon, Mn/DOT District 2 planning engineer, at 218-755-6554 or joseph.mckinnon@state.mn.us.

Short-term lane closures on Highway 75 in Warren

2012-02-29T14:21:00.000-06:00

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Motorists traveling on Highway 75 in Warren will encounter some minor delays and short-term lane closures on Johnson Avenue between First Street South and Second Street North during the week of March 5.

The closure will impact driving and parking lanes during regular business hours for about three days. In addition, no oversized and overweight vehicles will be allowed through the work zone.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will conduct soil borings to investigate a minor past petroleum release from an underground tank at the former LF Knutson & Sons site, located at 125 E. Johnson Ave. The release is not harmful to the public and the MPCA will determine if any corrective actions are necessary.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation urges drivers to be extremely alert near workers and equipment in the work zone.

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

Essentia Health Ada partnering with Norman County West School

2012-02-28T15:12:00.000-06:00

Tuesday, February 28, 2012, Ada, MN – Essentia Health is excited to have the opportunity to partner with Norman County West School in Halstad, MN to offer athletic training to students through the Physical Therapy department of Essentia Health Ada.

Essentia Health’s Kristin Meinz, MSc, ATC has been working with Ada-Borup High School and Norman County East High as an athletic trainer since last fall. She has been providing the schools with additional awareness, education and training on concussion assessments for coaches and athletes – based on the ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) evaluation system. Now Norman County West students will have access to Kristen’s services at the school 1 day per week. Student athletes are encouraged to visit with Kristen regarding injury recovery and prevention.

Meinz received her Master of Science in Sports Medicine from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and was previously employed by Fountain Valley School of Colorado as well as Joseph Volleyball Inc in Colorado Springs as a Certified Athletic Trainer. She is a certified athletic trainer and a member of the National Athletic Trainer's Association.

Meinz is originally from St. Cloud, MN and most recently lived in Colorado Springs before relocating to this area in August of 2011. She enjoys reading, cooking/baking, running and is a big fan of the Minnesota Twins.

For more information, please contact the Essentia Health Ada at 218-784-2727 or visit our blog at www.wereherewithyou.org.

MDA announces new formalized emerald ash borer quarantine

2012-02-27T15:01:00.000-06:00

St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) recently formalized a new emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine for parts of the state. Last summer EAB was discovered in Winona County, making it necessary to update the quarantine. Through the regulatory process, an emergency quarantine was put in place until comments from the public could be received. Staff took those comments into consideration and the updated quarantine was then signed and made official by MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson. The new formal quarantine includes Winona, Hennepin, Houston, and Ramsey counties.

Any material that might contain EAB, such as firewood, ash logs, ash bark chips, etc., is consider a “regulated article” and cannot be moved out of an emerald ash borer quarantine. The only way to move these regulated articles out of an EAB quarantine is to receive a compliance agreement with the MDA and treat the material so there is no risk of spreading EAB.

“It is important that government and the private sector are working together to slow the spread of this and other invasive pests that harm our environment and economy,” said Geir Friisoe, MDA’s Plant Protection Division Director. “We try allow businesses to operate as normal as possible while protecting the state from the threat of emerald ash borer.”

EAB is one of America’s most destructive tree pests. Its larvae kill ash trees by tunneling into the wood and feeding on the tree’s nutrients. Since its accidental introduction into North America, EAB has killed tens of millions of ash trees in 15 states. The metallic-green adult beetles are a half-inch long, and are active from May to September. Infestation signs include one-eighth inch, D-shaped exit holes in ash tree bark and winding tunnels under the bark. The biggest risk of spreading EAB comes from people unknowingly moving firewood or other ash products harboring larvae.

The quarantine gives MDA the authority to take action against any company or individual violating the quarantine. Details of the quarantine can be found online at the MDA website. .

Time to sign up for hunter education

2012-02-27T14:28:00.000-06:00

Right now is prime time to sign up to take a Firearms Safety Hunter Education class offered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

"If you want to go hunting this fall and need to take a Firearms Safety Hunter Education class to get your first license, or to be eligible to hunt now is the time get into a class. There are lots of dates and locations this spring to choose from around the state," says Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR Enforcement Education program coordinator.

Classes are taught by DNR Certified Volunteers in their local communities typically spring and early fall. To become certified, students attend both classroom and field instruction. The course provides students with basic safe firearms handling skills, wildlife identification, outdoor skills and responsibility that accompany hunting and firearms use.

Don’t wait, classes fill-up fast. To find a class, visit: the dnr website or call 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367

MN DOT road update

2012-02-26T11:49:00.000-06:00

BEMIDJI, Minn.— (11:30 am) The Minnesota Department of Transportation advises no unnecessary travel in the northwest area of the state due to blowing heavy snow and reduced visibility.

MnDOT snow plow operators are doing their part to make highways safe. If you do need to travel motorists should remember to:

• Check road conditions at www.511mn.org or call 511; it takes time to get roads back to good driving conditions.
• Headlights on for visibility to other drivers.
• Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
• Stay back at least five car lengths behind the plow, far from the snow cloud.
• Stay alert for snowplows that turn or exit frequently and often with little warning. They may also travel over centerlines or partially in traffic to further improve road conditions.
• Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions. Snowplows typically move at slower speeds.

For additional tips on safe winter driving, go to www.mndot.gov/workzone.

For updated information on road conditions, call 511 or click on www.511mn.org.

2nd Annual Halstad Vintage Snowmobile Show Results

2012-02-25T12:53:00.000-06:00

Over 65 sleds were registered in the 2nd annual Vintage Snowmobile Show in Halstad. People came from as far as Bagley, Barnesville, Moorhead, and everywhere in between to show off their sleds. There was 5 categories that were judged at the show. Here are the results:

Best “Rat” Sled: Hunter and Amber Lee of Hendrum, 1973 Polaris Colt
Best Original Sled: Tom Baker of Ada, 1975 Arctic Cat El Tigre Z
Best Restored Sled: Shane Egge of Barnseville, 1971 Polaris Charger 488
Judges Choice: Howard Olson of Detroit Lakes, 1974 John Deere 295/s
People’s Choice: Lee Peterson of Bagley, 1970 Puma Mod 634

Here are the pics of the winners in order of listed from above:

Climate Change Seminar Set for March 7

2012-02-23T16:10:00.002-06:00

Globally, 2011 was the 11th warmest year since records began in 1880, says Adnan Akyuz, North Dakota's state climatologist and assistant professor of climatology in North Dakota State University's Soil Science Department.

The annual global combined land and ocean surface temperature was 0.92 degree above the long-term average of 57 degrees. This marks the 35th consecutive year (since 1976) that the annual global temperature was above the 20th century average.

The annual average temperature for the contiguous U.S. in 2011 was 53.8 degrees, which was 1 degree above the long-term average and making it the 23rd warmest year on record.

"While the annual average temperature through the contiguous U.S. has increased by 0.12 degree per decade since 1880, it has increased 0.26 degree per decade in North Dakota during the same period, which is the largest increase in the contiguous U.S.," Akyuz says.

Akyuz reviews climate change globally and regionally and looks at the agricultural implications to the northern Plains.

Akyuz will host a seminar on climate change on March 7 from noon to 12:50 p.m. The seminar will be held in Sudro Hall, room 21, which is on the NDSU campus.

The seminar will be interactive to encourage real-time audience participation using a student response system. The real-time response will give participants the opportunity to discuss the perceptions the public has about climate change.

MnDOT seeks public input for statewide bicycle planning study

2012-02-23T15:37:00.000-06:00

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The public, local government officials and transportation supporters are invited to provide input for Minnesota’s statewide bicycle planning study at one of eight meetings statewide.

- Feb. 28 in Mankato – MnDOT Mankato Office, 2151 Bassett Drive, Mankato, Minn.
- Feb. 29 in St. Paul – Hamline Midway Public Library, 1558 W. Minnehaha Ave., St. Paul, Minn.
- March 1 in Bemidji – Bemidji City Hall Council Chambers, 317 Fourth St. NW, Bemidji, Minn.
- March 6 in Rochester – University Center Rochester, Heintz Center classroom HA 102, 1926 Collegeview Drive SE, Rochester, Minn.
- March 12 in Willmar – Willmar Municipal Utilities, 700 SW Litchfield Ave., Willmar, Minn.
- March 13 in Detroit Lakes – Detroit Lakes Public Library, 1000 Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes, Minn.
- March 14 in St. Cloud – Whitney Senior Center, 1527 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, Minn.
- March 15 in Duluth – Duluth City Hall Council Chambers, 411 W. First St., Duluth, Minn.

All meetings will take place from 4 to 6 p.m., and attendees should plan to stay the entire time. The event will begin with a brief project description followed by a series of group discussions.

Those unable to attend in-person may join a statewide webinar discussion on Wednesday, March 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Webinar details will be posted at www.dot.state.mn.us/bike/study.html.

“Minnesota is often recognized as one of the top bicycle-friendly states in the country, and the best way to continue improving is to learn from constituents who use the highways, bike lanes and shoulders to bike,” said Tim Mitchell, MnDOT bicycle and pedestrian coordinator.

Participants will provide input on:

- What is working to make bicycling a safe and usable transportation option
- What needs to be improved to make bicycling a safe and usable transportation option
- Ideas for future bicycling accommodations on Minnesota roads
- Barriers to making improvements

All feedback will help MnDOT improve and develop consistent policies and practices for including bicycle components, such as wide shoulders or bike lanes, on future highway and bridge construction projects. It also will help MnDOT develop a new electronic and printable statewide bicycle map. Future public comment opportunities will take place as the project moves forward.

The public also may submit written comments on the project website, email greta.alquist@state.mn.us or mail to Greta Alquist, MnDOT Office of Transit MS 315, 395 John Ireland Blvd., St. Paul, MN, 55155

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). Alternatively, send an email to janet.rae.miller@state.mn.us. Please request at least one week in advance.

For more information on the project, visit www.dot.state.mn.us/bike/study.html.

2011 spring light goose action begins March 1

2012-02-23T15:07:00.000-06:00

Interested participants are reminded that the spring conservation action on "light" geese (snow geese, blue-phased snow geese, and the smaller Ross's goose) will open Thursday, March 1, and run through Monday, April 30.

The action is allowed under a federal conservation order that permits the take of "light" geese during the spring.

A required spring light goose permit may be obtained through any Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) license agent, via telephone at 888-665-4236 or online at www.mndnr.gov/buyalicense. The permits are free, but there is a $3.50 application fee to cover the cost of issuing the permit. No other license, stamp or permit is required to participate.

Customers using the phone will receive a temporary authorization number in lieu of the permit until it is mailed to the applicant. Internet customers will be able to print their own permit when completing the transaction, and will not receive a permit by mail.

Most regulations that are in place during fall waterfowl season also apply during the spring season, including nontoxic shot requirements and federal baiting regulations. In addition, all refuges closed to either duck or goose hunting during fall seasons will remain closed during the spring season. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset. No daily or possession limits apply. Use of electronic calls and unplugged shotguns are allowed.

The conservation order season is in place in an effort to reduce the population of snow geese and Ross's geese that breed in the Arctic coastal areas and around Hudson Bay. High populations of these birds have caused considerable habitat damage to these fragile ecosystems.

Minnesota has participated in this spring conservation action each year since 2000. Harvest of light geese has varied from a few hundred to several thousand birds each spring.

"Minnesota is on the extreme eastern edge of the spring migration corridor for snow geese through the Upper Midwest," said Steve Cordts, DNR waterfowl specialist. "In addition, March weather, particularly snow and ice conditions, have a major impact on spring migration, migration routes and migration timing of snow geese in Minnesota. With such a mild winter and lack of snow cover, migration this year could be much earlier than normal."

A summary of regulations will be available from license vendors, DNR wildlife offices or by calling the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367.

High Tunnel Gardener Workshop Set for March 6

2012-02-23T15:01:00.000-06:00

The North Dakota State University Extension Service in Cass County and University of Minnesota Extension in Clay County are sponsoring a high tunnel workshop for home gardeners and commercial growers on March 6.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Clay County Family Service Center at 715 11th St. N. in Moorhead, Minn.

A high tunnel is a nonpermanent structure with no electrical service and no heating. A single layer of greenhouse plastic covers the frame and lasts two to three years. Vents are opened and the sides rolled up manually.

The plants in the tunnel are protected from frost by mulch or row covers.

High tunnels are becoming very popular because they allow home gardeners and commercial growers to produce an early crop and extend the end of the growing season. Also, fruits and vegetables grown in high tunnels often are of very high quality.

Topics to be discussed during the workshop are:

* Basics of high tunnel production

* Pushing the profit pencil with high tunnels

* Current and upcoming crops for high tunnels

* Irrigation and fertigation

* Pick you own raspberries

* Raised beds and children

* Horticulture trials in Clay County

* Climate change and regional implications

The registration fee is $20 if paid by March 1. After March 1, the fee is $25. The fee includes a box lunch.

For more information or to register, contact Todd Weinman at (701) 241-5707 or Randy Nelson at (218) 299-7338.

Gov Dayton Announces Membership of Transportation Finance Advisory Committee

2012-02-23T14:04:00.000-06:00

Feb. 23, 2012 - Today, Governor Mark Dayton announced the members of the Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner’s Transportation Finance Advisory Committee. Governor Dayton announced the establishment of this group on January 12.

About the Advisory Group, Governor Dayton said, “After traveling the state and meeting with business owners across Minnesota over the past several months, I have been reminded of how essential transportation infrastructure is to business success in Minnesota. Workers need to be able to get to and from work, and businesses need to be able to get goods to and from their markets. We must either improve our transportation systems or else suffer the consequences of their decline. I have asked Commissioner Sorel to gather the best and the brightest minds together to help us find new, innovative ways to finance improving our transportation systems.”

The Advisory Committee will identify investment opportunities to support a thriving economy and a high quality of life for Minnesotans over the next twenty years, select and analyze the potential of various revenue sources and non-traditional approaches to transportation financing, as well as examine opportunities for public-private partnerships to invest in transportation improvements. The group will also help develop a strategic marketing plan to obtain public support for the investment plan and any additional steps needed to obtain the funding.

MnDOT will staff and facilitate the Advisory Committee meetings, according to MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel. “We are bringing together a cross section of some the best in transportation and finance from across the state,” Sorel said. “The intellectual synergy of these people should lead us to some new ways of thinking about how we finance transportation in Minnesota. The group will prepare a written report of its recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by December 1, 2012.

Members of the Advisory committee and their affiliations include:
• Tom Sorel, Commissioner, MnDOT
• Mark Phillips, Commissioner, Department of Employment and Economic Development
• Susan Haigh, Chair, Metropolitan Council
• Cal Brink, Executive Director, Marshall, MN Chamber of Commerce
• Charlie Zelle, President and CEO, Jefferson Lines
• Dan Riley, Vice President, Property Development Operations, Target Corporation
• Art Rolnick, Senior Fellow, University of Minnesota (formerly with Federal Reserve)
• Corey Hoeppner, Director, RBC Capital Markets
• Shawn Mason, Mayor, International Falls, MN
• Adolph Ojard, Executive Director, Duluth Seaway Authority
• Shar Knutson, President, AFL-CIO
• Peter McLaughlin, Commissioner, Hennepin County
• Toni Carter, Commissioner, Ramsey County
• Harlen Madsen, Commissioner, Kandiyohi County

Four Minnesota state legislators, two from each house and selected by legislative leadership, will also serve on the group.

Andy "Spud" Wagner to be featured on "The Racing Life"

2012-02-23T08:49:00.000-06:00

Ada resident and driver of the 3X Midwest Modified Andy "Spud" Wagner will be featured on a locally produced television show called "The Racing Life." The Racing Life take a behind the scenes look at the race car drivers and those who are involved. The episode featuring Wagner will air in HD this Saturday at 5pm on WDAY TV 6 in Fargo and WDAZ TV 8 in Grand Forks. KRJB's Mark Askelson interviewed Spud earlier this week on what it was like.

NDSU Barley Research and Risk Management Featured at Carrington Workshop

2012-02-22T14:51:00.000-06:00

Barley research at North Dakota State University and the Carrington Research Extension Center will be highlighted during a workshop on Feb. 28 at the Carrington REC.

The workshop will begin with registration at 9:30 a.m. and the program will start at 10.

Featured will be a presentation about a new risk management tool by Joe Christianson, Cargill Malt global risk management specialist. Other topics and speakers are:

Barley feed update - Vern Anderson, Carrington REC animal scientist

Disease review and management - Robert Brueggeman, NDSU barley pathologist

Production research review on weeds, fertility and rotations - Greg Endres, Carrington REC cropping specialist

New generation variety development in barley and small grains - Richard Horsley and Martin Hochhalter, NDSU barley breeding program

Barley quality in malting and brewing - Alberto Jimenez-Diaz, NDSU barley and malt quality project

Business of barley production - Steve Metzger, Carrington REC farm business management instructor and coordinator

Sponsors include the American Malting Barley Association Inc., Anheuser-Busch Inc., Cargill Malt, NDSU Institute of Barley and Malt Sciences, Malteurop North America Inc., MillerCoors, North Dakota Barley Council, North Dakota Grain Growers Association, NDSU Extension Service, Carrington REC and Rahr Malting Company.

The workshop, lunch and breaks are free but preregistration is requested. To preregister, contact Linda Schuster at (701) 652-2951 or linda.schuster@ndsu.edu or Karen Hertsgaard at (701) 231-5384 or karen.hertsgaard@ndsu.edu.

Am Red Cross offers lifesaving courses in the F-M area

2012-02-21T17:07:00.000-06:00

FARGO, N.D. (Feb. 21, 2012) — Each year, more than 5 million people learn lifesaving skills in American Red Cross training classes and people in the Fargo-Moorhead 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.

Training Course Schedule

March/April 2012

Location: Minn-Kota Red Cross (2602 12th St. N., Fargo)

Adult CPR/AED Review - 3/13/2012 6:30-8:00pm at the Minn-Kota Chapter. Cost $55.00
Pediatric CPR/AED Review - 3/12/2012 6:00-8:00pm at the Minn-Kota Chapter. Cost $55.00
First Aid Review - 3/12/2012 8:00-9:30pm at the Minn-Kota Chapter. Cost $55.00
First Aid Review - 3/15/2012 6:30-8:30pm at the Minn-Kota Chapter. Cost $55.00
Adult/Ped CPR/AED & First Aid - 3/17/2012 9:00-3:30pm at the Minn-Kota Chapter . Cost $110.00
Adult CPR/AED Review - 3/22/2012 9:00-11:30am at the Minn-Kota Chapter. Cost $55.00
First Aid Review - 3/22/2012 12:30-2:30pm at the Minn-Kota Chapter. Cost $55.00
Babysitter’s Training - 4/7/2012 9:30-3:00pm at the Minn-Kota Chapter. Cost **$85.00
Pediatric CPR/AED Review - 4/16/2012 6:00-8:00pm at the Minn-Kota Chapter. Cost $55.00
First Aid Review - 4/16/2012 8:00-9:30pm at the Minn-Kota Chapter. Cost $55.00
Adult CPR/AED Review - 4/17/2012 6:30-8:30pm at the Minn-Kota Chapter. Cost $55.00
First Aid Review - 4/19/2012 6:30-8:30pm at the Minn-Kota Chapter. Cost $55.00
Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid - 4/21/2012 9:00-3:30pm at the Minn-Kota Chapter. Cost $110.00
Adult CPR/AED Review - 4/26/2012 9:00-11:00am at the Minn-Kota Chapter. Cost $55.00
First Aid Review - 4/26/2012 12:20-2:00pm at the Minn-Kota Chapter. Cost $55.00

Am Red Cross Offers Lifesaving Courses Grand Forks Area

2012-02-21T16:09:00.000-06:00

FARGO, N.D. (Feb. 21, 2012) — Each year, more than 5 million people learn lifesaving skills in American Red Cross training classes and people in the Grand Forks 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 so me 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.
Training Course Schedule March/April 2012

Location: East Grand Forks Red Cross (1708 River Road NW, EGF, MN)

CPR/AED Professional Rescuer Health Care Review - 3/3/2012 9:00-1:00pm at the Chapter Office. Cost $90.00

Pediatric CPR/AED Review - 3/5/2012 6:00-8:00pm at the Chapter Office. Cost $55.00

First Aid Review - 3/5/2012 8:00-9:30pm at the Chapter Office. Cost $55.00

Adult CPR/AED Review - 3/6/2012 6:00-8:00pm at the Chapter Office. Cost $55.00

Adult CPR/AED Review - 3/20/2012 6:00-8:00pm at the Chapter Office. Cost $55.00

Pediatric CPR/AED Review - 4/9/2012 6:00-8:00pm at the Chapter Office. Cost $55.00

First Aid Review - 4/9/2012 8:00-9:30pm at the Chapter Office. Cost $55.00

Adult CPR/AED Review - 4/10/2012 6:00-8:00pm at the Chapter Office. Cost $55.00

Babysitter’s Training - 4/14/2012 10:00-4:30pm at the Chapter Office. Cost *$85.00

CPR/AED Professional Rescuer Health Care Review - 4/21/2012 9:00-1:00pm at the Chapter Office. Cost $90.00

Adult CPR/AED Review - 4/24/2012 6:00-8:00pm at the Chapter Office. Cost $55.00

Am Red Cross offers Lifesaving Courses in Fergus Falls

2012-02-21T15:32:00.000-06:00

FARGO, N.D. (Feb. 21, 2012) — Each year, more than 5 million people learn lifesaving skills in American Red Cross training classes and people in Fergus Falls, Minn.,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.

Training Course Schedule March/April 2012

Location: Fergus Falls Red Cross (1008 Frontier Drive)

Babysitter’s Training - 3/3/2012 9:00-3:30pm at the Chapter Office. Cost $85.00

Adult CPR/AED Review - 3/15/2012 6:00-8:30pm at the Chapter Office. Cost $55.00

First Aid Review - 4/9/2012 4:30-6:00pm at the Chapter Office. Cost $55.00

Pediatric CPR/AED Review - 4/9/2012 6:00-8:30pm at the Chapter Office. Cost $55.00

Adult CPR/AED Review - 4/18/2012 6:00-8:30pm at the Chapter Office. Cost $55.00

F-M Comic-Con returns this Saturday

2012-02-21T14:27:00.000-06:00

Fargo-Moorhead Comic-Con2 --the celebration of comics and popular culture!—returns this Saturday, February 25th from 10am-6pm at the American Legion Building in Downtown Fargo!

The event will feature:
DC/Marvel Comic Creator Joel “Mojo” Moen
DC/Marvel Comic Creator & Pinup Artist Tom Nguyen
Comic Creator Noel “Scotch” Anderson
Comics Artist Brad Thingvold

Fargo-Moorhead Comic-Con is the celebration of comics and popular culture in all media, be it print, film & TV, games, toys, art and much more! Last February, FMCC debuted with a great turnout during one of the coldest days of the winter but this year the weather is cooperating, so FMCC anticipates an even bigger event!
Highlights include local and regional vendors of all things comics and also assorted memorabilia, games sponsored by SECTION 9 CYBER CAFÉ and also an assortment of board and card games, panels and workshops, films and videos and a costume contest for kids and adults! Fun and activities are geared for all ages. The FMCC2 is sponsored by Rasmussen College, Paradox Comics and Section 9.

The FMCC2 has moved to the American Legion in downtown Fargo at 505 3rd Ave. North. Convenient parking right across the street or on the street (Saturdays have no ticketing!). The Legion will also have very affordable food and drink options available beginning at 11 am.

FMCC is presented by ValleyCon and Red River Science Fiction & Fantasy, a non-profit, educational event and organization. ValleyCon has been utilizing popular culture to promote literacy and generate funding for other area non-profits for over 30 years.

Doors open at 10am until 6pm, Saturday February 25th!

Admission is only $5 for everyone 13 and over; $3 for 5-12 and under 5 is free!

For more information, visit the FMCC2 website: fargomoorheadcomiccon.com

MN Secretary of State provides online redistricting info

2012-02-21T14:17:00.001-06:00

St. Paul, Minn.—February 21, 2012—The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State is providing redistricting information at www.sos.state.mn.us. The online information includes:

• State redistricting maps

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Redistricting timeline

• 2011 Redistricting Guide

“All Minnesotans appreciate the excellent work done by these judges who are devoted public servants,” said Secretary of State Mark Ritchie.

It is important to note that neither federal nor state candidates are required to live in the district in which they will run at this point in the election cycle. Residency requirements for candidates differ depending on the office they seek. State legislative candidates must reside in the district that they wish to represent by May 5, 2012 (six months before the election) and must be residents of the state for one year before the election (by November 5, 2011). Candidates for Congress do not have to ever reside in the district they seek to represent. They must be residents of the state on Election Day (by November 5, 2012), but do not have to be residents of the state before this date.

Residential address information for current legislators was provided on their affidavits of candidacy when they filed for office in 2010 including virtually all home addresses. Please note that candidates’ residential address information is private if they opted out of that requirement for security reasons as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 204B.06, Subd. 16, clause (c). Complete 2010 candidate filing information is available as a downloadable text file at: http://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/20101102/media/CandDetails.txt?t=42166.59.

Informational guides for candidates that include residency requirements and filing deadlines for major and minor parties are available at: http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=138.

HCSCC receives grant for video project

2012-02-20T17:39:00.000-06:00

Moorhead, Minn., Feb. 20, 2012 – The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County (HCSCC) received a $15,000 grant for a new video project titled, “Thirty Years after the Dream: The Hjemkomst Legacy”. This project has been financed in part with funds provided by the state of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society.

The purpose of the project is to record the stories of the crew and Asp family members and how the building and sailing of the ship has impacted their lives 30 years later. Prairie Public Television will coordinate the project, providing personnel and equipment, to record interviews and document the reunion and 30th anniversary celebration of the famous voyage of the Hjemkomst which will take place on July 21 at the Hjemkomst Center with a free open house noon to 5 p.m. Visitors will also be invited to record their Hjemkomst stories via a camera set up at the open house. A panel discussion with the crew and family will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Interviews will be transcribed and deposited in the Clay County Archives for preservation and future research.

For more information, please call 218-299-5511, or visit us online at www.hcscconline.org or www.facebook.com/hcscc. The Hjemkomst Center is located at 202 First Avenue North in Moorhead, Minn.

MN Landscape Arboretum's Spring Expo

2012-02-20T14:41:00.000-06:00

Chanhassen, MN (Feb. 20, 2012) - Get in gear for gardening! The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Spring Expo, planned for March 9-11, offers the latest and best gardening info from the experts. The expo is themed "Learning to Grow, Growing to Learn." Here's a glimpse at the schedule:

Friday, March 9: "Seeding the Future: Preserving Biodiversity One Garden at a Time" (1:30 p.m.) and "Seed Saving Primer" (2:30 p.m.), both led by Shannon Carmody of the Seed Savers Exchange. A maple syrup hike and "chat and chew" conversation follows from 4 to 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 10: Author talks and book-signings of new gardening editions from the acclaimed Timber Press are scheduled: 10 a.m., Jeff Gillman, Meleah Maynard ("Decoding Gardening Advice"); 11:15 a.m., David Deardorff and Kathryn Wadsworth ("What's Wrong with My Vegetable Garden?"); 1:30 p.m. Chuck Chapman ("Irises for the Cold Climate"); 2:45 p.m. Meleah Maynard ("Annuals and Perennials for Shade").

On Sunday, March 11: The following talks are planned: 10 a.m., Lynn Steiner (native plants); 11:15 a.m., U of M horticulture professor Dr. Mary Meyer (landscaping with grasses and sedges); 1:15 p.m., Arboretum pest expert Dan Miller (preventing/ managing garden pests) and at 2:30 p.m. horticulture grad student Luke Haggerty (choosing fruit-bearing shrubs and trees).

In addition to the above speakers, local plant societies, landscapers and garden stores will have displays showcasing the newest gardening trends, methods and products.

Participants have the choice of a three-day pass ($35 members/ $45 non-members) or a one-day pass ($20 for members and $25 for non-members). For a detailed agenda and to register visit: www.arboretum.umn.edu/springexpo2012.aspx. Or call 952-443-1422.

Student and School Arts Equipment Grants Available

2012-02-20T14:37:00.003-06:00

Schools and high school students are all encouraged to apply for arts grants. The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council in Warren is accepting applications for a variety of grants in literary, performing, and visual arts. The Arts Council serves the Minnesota counties of Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau. Therefore organizations, schools, cities or individuals applying must be from those counties. Three grant programs have March 2012 postmark deadlines. They include our Legacy Arts Grants, Student Artist Training Mentorship Grants, and Arts Project Grants for school arts equipment.

The Legacy Arts Grant category is mainly geared towards funding non-profit arts organizations but other agencies and schools and perhaps even artists within our region can also apply. New outcome measurement tools for evaluation are part of this application process. Each app licant may apply for a maximum of $10,000.00 with a 10% cash match requirement. One-on-one assistance is available with the application form. Examples of projects already funded include a music recording studio at the Fosston Community Arts Center, a large metal sculpture in Roseau, and a variety of artists for a Cinco de Mayo Hispanic celebration in Crookston. Public art projects and proposals that bring about lifelong learning and access to the arts are encouraged. More examples of highlighted projects are on our web site at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org in the grants awarded section. The next deadline is March 1, 2012. If funds remain, additional deadlines will occur on the 1st of each month in this category.

Schools can apply right now for artistic equipment grants.

In the Arts Project Grant program we are holding a special Arts Equipment Grant deadline on March 1, 2012. Schools may apply for up to $3,000.00 for the purchase of artistic equipment for their music programs, visual art programs, theaters, or media arts programs. Schools must provide a 25% cash m atch.

High School Student Artist Grants for $500 also available.

March 15, 2012 will be the deadline for students to apply for $500.00 grants to attend a summer arts camp. Applications are available on-line or by calling 218-745-9111. Visual art students are also encouraged to enter our Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit. 1st Place student award is $300.00. The deadline is March 30 to submit to the call for entries. The form is on-line at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org in the exhibit section; or by emailing mara@nwrdc.org to request a form.

Mara Wittman will be holding a grant informational workshop at 3:00 pm in Warren on Monday, February 27, 2012. Please RSVP if you will be attending to (218) 745-9111 or mara@nwrdc.org.

Application materials for all the grant programs are available from Mara Wittman, Arts Council Director, NWRDC, 115 South Main, Warren, MN 56762, (218) 745-9111 or through the agency website at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org in the grants section. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 and by funds from The McKnight Foundation.

Essentia Heath - Ada welcomes husband/wife duo

2012-02-20T14:35:00.001-06:00

Monday, February 20, 2012, Ada, MN – Essentia Health Ada is pleased to welcome Bantoo Sehgal, MD and Paulina Purnama, PA-C. Dr. Sehgal and Paulina Purnama are both part of the Essentia Health Orthopedic and Sports Medicine department at our 32nd Avenue Campus in Fargo. Beginning February 20th they will be available to see patients at Essentia Health Ada.

Dr. Sehgal received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed an orthopedic surgery residency at New York Medical College. He recently fulfilled a fellowship in sports medicine at Kaiser Permanente Orange County in Irvine, CA. Dr. Sehgal is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine.

As an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Sehgal specializes in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, hip and elbow. His clinical focus is in advanced cartilage restoration and meniscus procedures. He also performs joint replacement surgery including shoulder arthroplasty and general fracture care.

Paulina received her physician assistant degree from St. John’s University in New York and is certified by the National Board on the Certification of Physician Assistants. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. She also holds certification as a personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

As an orthopedic & sports medicine provider, Paulina focuses on general orthopedics and sports medicine including sports injuries, basic trauma, knee arthritis and injury prevention.

Dr. Sehgal and Paulina reside in Fargo. In their spare time, they enjoy hiking, traveling, biking and snowboarding, reading and cooking.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sehgal or Paulina Purnama, please contact Essentia Health Ada at 701-784-2727.

20th Annual Aldrich C. Bloomquist Lectureship Set for March 21

2012-02-17T14:26:00.000-06:00

David Thompson, Thompson Consulting and co-principal of Neighborhood Partners LLC, Davis, Calif., will be the featured speaker at the 20th annual Aldrich C. Bloomquist Lectureship on March 21 at the Holiday Inn in Fargo.

The presentation will take place at noon in the Executive and Board Room.

The lectureship is sponsored by the North Dakota State University Quentin N. Burdick Center for Cooperatives and Aldrich C. Bloomquist Endowment, which was established by the American Crystal Sugar Co.

Thompson has worked with cooperative organizations in the U.S., Britain and Japan, as well as the United Nations. He has visited cooperatives in more than 30 nations on five continents.

Thompson specializes in funding the capital needs of the cooperative business sector and low- income housing in the nonprofit and cooperative sectors. He has won numerous awards from the cooperative community.

Al Bloomquist was a longtime executive and president of American Crystal Sugar. The lecture series was established in recognition of his contributions to the company and the industry.

The lecture is free and lunch will be provided. To register, contact Greg McKee at gregory.mckee@ndsu.edu by March 15.

Essentia Health - Ada welcomes new Occupational Therapist

2012-02-17T14:23:00.002-06:00

Friday, February 17, 2012, Ada, MN – Essentia Health Ada is happy to announce that Jennifer Hamre has accepted the position of Occupational Therapist at the Ada campus.

Hamre is originally from the Hillsboro, North Dakota area. She completed her Master’s of Occupational Therapy from the University of North Dakota Medical School in May of 2009 and has three years experience in the healthcare industry; most recently, as Lead Occupational Therapist at Sanford Medical Center Mayville. She is registered and licensed in both Minnesota and North Dakota and has been certified by the National Board of Occupational Therapy since June of 2009. Hamre is also a certified lymphedema therapist, educated in compression wrapping and manual lymph drainage techniques.

Jennifer’s areas of focus include orthopedics, neurological conditions, lymphedema treatment, home evaluations and adaptive equipment recommendations for increased independence. Her education and specialties will be a great asset to the Essentia Health Ada Therapy Department.

Jennifer resides near Caledonia, North Dakota with her husband, Brandon, and their two sons, Ross (23mo) and Emmett (4mo). Jennifer and her family enjoy traveling, do-it-yourself projects and home decorating.

For more information, please contact the Essentia Health Ada at 218-784-2727 or visit our blog at www.wereherewithyou.org.

KRJB & KRJM to air FFA student interviews during National FFA Week

2012-02-16T16:52:00.000-06:00

IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL FFA WEEK KRJB AND KRJM WILL FEATURE FFA INTERVIEWS TO AIR FEBRUARY 20TH THROUGH THE 24TH AT ROUGHLY 8:10AM AND 2:10PM. KRJM WILL FEATURE FFA STUDENTS FROM ULEN HITTERDAL, MAHNOMEN, FERTILE BELTRAMI, NORMAN COUNTY EAST, BAGLEY, AND CLEARBROOK GONVICK. KRJB WILL FEATURE INTERVIEWS FROM ADA-BORUP, HILLSBORO, NORMAN COUNTY WEST, NORMAN COUNTY EAST, AND CLIMAX-SHELLY.

HERE'S A LIST OF THE STUDENTS THAT WILL AIR ON KRJB. KRJM'S LIST WILL BE POSTED AS SOON AS WE GET THE COMPLETE LIST.

ADA BORUP
AMBER PURRINTON
AUSTIN GANGE
BRIAN BLASEY
DAN ATWOOD
JACK BRAINERD
JANELLE KAPPES
NOLAN ROCKSTAD
CLIMAX SHELLY
CHERITH GROVER
CLAIRE CARLSON
HEATHER GROVE
HAILEY EDIENSHANK
HILLSBORO
DEVIN COTY
DUSTIN MUELLER
ETHAN MUELLER
NORMAN COUNTY EAST
AARON BOMMERSBACH
3164DYLAN SATHER
AMANDA FICKUS (FFA ADVISOR)
JACOB CHISHOLM
NATHAN LAPORT
NORMAN COUNTY WEST
LOGAN NELSON
ABBEY VANDENEIDE
BROOKE HOFF
CASSIE MARCINIAK
KATE HARRINGTON

NDSU Sets Agricultural Outlook Conferences

2012-02-14T16:35:00.000-06:00

Given the volatility of commodity markets and input costs, the North Dakota State University Extension Service has scheduled agricultural outlook conferences at Hettinger, Bismarck and Jamestown.

Several members of the NDSU Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics will be presenting.

Frayne Olson, NDSU Extension crops marketing specialist, will provide his
outlook on crop markets and how to manage price risks. Tim Petry, NDSU Extension livestock economist, will provide an outlook on livestock markets.

Dwight Aakre and Andy Swenson, NDSU Extension farm management specialists, will discuss a variety of topics, such as farmland economics, crop selection and input costs.

Dates and times of the conferences are:

Feb. 27 - Hettinger Research Extension Center, program from 12:30 p.m. to 4, lunch provided at noon for $5

Feb. 28 - Bismarck State College, Multipurpose Room in the Career Academy
Building, 9 a.m. to noon, farmland lease workshop 1 to 4 p.m., agricultural outlook conference

Feb. 29 - Jamestown, North Dakota Farmers Union Conference Center 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., lunch provided

There is no fee for the conferences in Bismarck and Jamestown.

Equine-assisted Therapies Conference

2012-02-14T16:33:00.000-06:00

North Dakota State University's Equine Science Program is co-hosting the
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl) Region 6 conference in Fargo on March 9-11.

Riding on Angels' Wings (ROAW) of Felton, Minn., and the Serenity Therapeutic Equine Program of Minot also are co-hosts. The conference will be held at the Doublewood Inn in Fargo, with the barn track at the NDSU Equine Center.

"The fields of equine-assisted activities and therapies are growing rapidly," says Erika Berg, an assistant professor in NDSU's Animal Sciences Department and a conference co-organizer. "This conference provides an excellent, cost- effective opportunity to network, share knowledge and disseminate information on this exciting discipline."

NDSU offers minor and certificate programs in therapeutic horsemanship through a partnership with Minnesota State University Moorhead, ROAW and PATH Intl.

The conference is open to anyone with an interest in equine-assisted therapies.

Online registration ends Friday, Feb. 17, but on-site registration is available after that. Discounted registration is available for students. For the online link to this event or more information, contact Berg at erika.berg@ndsu.edu.

“Fiesta in the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo” at UMC Receives Grant

2012-02-14T16:29:00.002-06:00

CROOKSTON, Minn. – A $10,000 grant awarded by the Northwest Minnesota Regional Arts Council will support the fourth annual “Fiesta in the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo” at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The event is slated for Saturday, April 21, 2011. The grant, offered through the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund, helps support access and exposure to the arts in all corners of the region.

Area clubs or organizations interested in helping to support the “Fourth Annual Fiesta in the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo” are encouraged to contact Kenneth Mendez at 218-281-8329. Since the first celebration in 2009, the event was designed to honor the rich heritage of the Mexican people.

The goal of the Cinco de Mayo celebration at the U of M, Crookston is to promote learning, understanding and appreciation for the Mexican culture through traditional Mexican entertainment, crafts, and cuisine. It is held in honor of Cinco de Mayo, a day that historically, represents the victory of Mexico over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 and culturally, represents Mexican heritage and pride.

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council serves the seven counties located in the northwest corner of the state. The Arts Council receives funding from the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment from the Minnesota State Legislature. This allows the Arts Council to develop services and grant programs for arts access, arts learning, and folk and traditional arts. More information is available at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 26 bachelor’s degree programs, 18 minors, and 36 concentrations, including 10 online degrees, in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology. With an enrollment of 1,600 undergraduates from 25 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree. “Small Campus.

Third Annual Horse Judging Open at UMC

2012-02-14T16:26:00.002-06:00

CROOKSTON, Minn. – The third annual Horse Judging Open Invitational at the University of Minnesota, Crookston has been set for Friday, March 30, 2012, at the University Teaching and Outreach Center (UTOC). Both youth and collegiate teams are eligible to participate. Individuals and four-member teams will compete in 4 halter classes and 4 performance classes with reasons given on 2 classes. The entry fee is $80 per team and $20 for an individual entry. Pre-registration is required by March 16, or late fees will apply. Payment is due by Friday, March 30 and should be made payable to UMC Equine Science. Concessions will be provided.

The Youth Division welcomes teams from 4-H clubs and FFA, as well as high school teams. The day begins with registration at 8 a.m. with competition beginning at 9 a.m. sharp. The four halter classes will run from 9-11 a.m. with a break at 11:15 a.m. for lunch. From 12-1:30 p.m., the four performance classes will be held followed from 2-4 p.m. by reasons. All competitions will take place in UTOC except students will be escorted to Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center for reasons. The day concludes at 4:30 p.m. with the awards ceremony in the arena in UTOC.

Awards will be given for each team division in halter, performance, and reasons, as well as the top overall teams. The top ten individuals will be awarded in each division along with overall individual awards. Entry fees cover the cost of the awards and official judges’ fees.

Visit www.umcrookston.edu/academics/agri and choose Department Activities for more information and to access the registration forms, or contact ADawn Melbye at 218-281-8125 (amelbye@umn.edu).

Kragnes intersection to become four-way stop Feb. 15

2012-02-14T14:37:00.000-06:00

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — Motorists traveling on Highway 75 north of Moorhead will soon be required to stop at the Clay County Road 26 intersection, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

MnDOT is converting the intersection from a two-way stop to a four-way stop to improve safety. Northbound and southbound Highway 75 traffic will be required to stop at the intersection when the work is completed Wednesday, Feb. 15, weather permitting.

Motorists may encounter crews working at or near the intersection prior to Feb. 15 while they prepare for the conversion. Crews will add rumble strips to Highway 75 and the new stop signs and stop-ahead signs will be enhanced with flashing lights. Temporary message boards ahead of the intersection also will alert motorists while they become accustomed to the change.

MnDOT crews will add pavement markings to Highway 75 at a later date as weather permits.

Clean Water Fund investments on track according to state report

2012-02-13T15:33:00.000-06:00

Minnesota agencies that receive Clean Water Fund dollars released their first collaborative report today, indicating the state is on track with its investments so far, although many challenges remain. The report helps Minnesotans understand connections between Clean Water funds invested, actions taken, and outcomes achieved in 2010-2011.

The eighteen measures in the report provide a snapshot of how CWF dollars are being spent and the progress that's been made. Of those eighteen, status and trends vary; however, six measures showed improving trends, seven were too early to assess, and one showed a declining trend.

To view the 2012 Clean Water Performance Report on the Internet, go to . legacy.leg.mn

DNR names Forrest Boe director of Forestry Division

2012-02-13T15:31:00.000-06:00

Tom Landwehr, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), announced today his selection of Forrest Boe as director of the DNR's Forestry Division.

For the past 29 years, Boe has worked for the DNR in numerous leadership positions, most recently as the deputy director of the Parks and Trails Division. He spent 20 years of his career in northern Minnesota with the agency's former Trails and Waterways Division.

"Forrest has a long track record at the DNR of working closely with industry groups and citizens on complex issues, including off-highway vehicle and recreational trail access in northern Minnesota," said Landwehr. "He has demonstrated outstanding leadership at every place he has worked within the agency."

One of Boe's first jobs during and after college was operating his own forestry business, which included tree planting and management. The business was inspired by his father, a DNR forester for 39 years.
"I've had an interest in forestry my entire life," Boe said. "I look forward to working with our extremely talented forestry staff."
Boe said one of his main goals will be to balance needs of the forestry industry with the environmental aspects of forestry.

As Forestry Division director, Boe will oversee a $70 million annual budget and a staff of 350 employees. The division is responsible for protecting people, property and natural resources from wildfire on 45.5 million acres of land in Minnesota. The division manages 4.2 million acres of state forest land for wildlife, timber and recreation.

Division staff works with the forest products industry to provide 30 percent of the industrial wood fiber used in the state. The division also works to prevent disease and insect infestation on forest lands, and offers forest management assistance and advice to private forest landowners.

Jack Rajala, owner of the Rajala Companies, a forest products company based in Bigfork, was among the panelists outside the DNR who interviewed candidates for the Forestry Division position. "I was very impressed with Forrest," Rajala said. "He brings a lot of enthusiasm and knows a lot about natural resources. He likes to keep learning and facing new challenges."

St. Louis County Land Commissioner Bob Krepps said he has worked with Boe on parks and trails issues over the past six years, and is confident Boe will work well with northern Minnesota counties on forestry issues. "Forrest has always been extremely open with us," Krepps said. "He has the personality to reach out."

Scott Dane, executive director of Associated Contract Loggers and Truckers of Minnesota, was also on the interview panel. "Two things really impressed me about Forrest. He has a long history of working for the DNR, which is extremely important. And secondly, he demonstrated a solid understanding of managing people. He has the management skills to bring the Division of Forestry together to do its job in the most efficient and professional manner."

Another panelist, Pete Aube, woodlands manager for the Potlatch Company, a forest products company, said, "He will bring energy and a different perspective to the position. I look forward to working with him on the substantial opportunities in Minnesota forestry."

Boe began his DNR career in 1983 as a development specialist on the Root River Trail. In 1986, he became area supervisor for the Trails and Waterways Division in Brainerd. He became the division's regional manager working out of Bemidji in 2001 and division director in 2006. When that division was merged with the Parks Division, Boe was appointed deputy director of the new Parks and Trails Division.

Boe earned a Bachelor of Science degree in natural resource management from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He lives in Hastings, Minn.

Take advantage of Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing Weekend Feb. 18-20

2012-02-13T15:29:00.000-06:00

Minnesotans who want to introduce a child to ice fishing may want to take advantage of Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing Weekend Feb. 18-20. During those days resident anglers age 16 and older do not need a fishing license if they are accompanied by a child younger than age 16. This weekend is also an opportunity for kids to introduce an adult to ice fishing.

"Many kids now know how to make a jiggle stick and how to use it by attending our clinics or learning from classroom curriculum," said Roland Sigurdson, MinnAqua specialist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "For kids eager to fish, Feb. 18-20 could also be called take an adult ice fishing weekend."

Sigurdson encouraged anglers venturing out on the ice to be extra cautious given varying ice conditions throughout the state. The best way to determine ice conditions is to check with local bait shops or the county sheriff's office. DNR ice safety information is available at www.mndnr.gov/icesafety.

Several Minnesota state parks are offering Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing opportunities during this special weekend. The clinics offer an indoor presentation on ice fishing safety, gear and techniques. Participants should dress for the weather because ice fishing will be among activities at most clinics. Kids will make their own jiggle sticks to take home.
Clinics are offered Saturday, Feb. 18, at Sakatah Lake State Park near Waterville, Scenic State Park near Bigfork, Bear Head Lake State Park near Ely, and Cloquet Middle School in Cloquet. Lake Bemidji State Park offers a Berrrmidji Kids' Ice Fishing event on Sunday, Feb. 19. Kids ages 8-15 can join the Lake Bemidji State Park naturalist for perch fishing on Lake Bemidji.

Participants must register for events by contacting the appropriate state park or MinnAqua staff at dnr.state.mn.us .

Tips for a successful ice fishing trip are available online at www.mndnr.gov/minnaqua.

An educational podcast about ice fishing featuring Mike Kurre, DNR mentoring coordinator, and Mike "Smitty" Smith of "Ice Team" is at files.dnr.state.mn.us/news/podcasts/KidsAndIceFishing.mp3.

64th Flax Institute Set for March 29-30

2012-02-13T15:20:00.000-06:00

The 64th Flax Institute will take place on Thursday and Friday, March 29-30, at the Doublewood Inn in Fargo.

North Dakota State University has been the lead university in organizing the biennial Flax Institute.

The aim of the Flax Institute is to bring together national and international researchers with an interest in flax to share and learn about flax research. More than 20 presentations will be given by researchers from Canada, China, Pennsylvania and South and North Dakota.

A tour, poster session, exhibits and dinner will provide added learning and networking opportunities.

The topics covered during the event include breeding flax, agricultural production, use of flax in food products, using flax fibers for industrial purposes and human health effects of consuming flax.

Those interested in scientific presentations are encouraged to attend the institute's meeting.

Registration for the event will start at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 29, with the program starting at 8:15 a.m. On Friday, March 30, the program will run from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Hans Kandel, NDSU broadleaf agronomist and president of the Flax Institute, invites participants to share information informally about their interest in flax during the dinner on Thursday evening.

The institute will conclude with a short business meeting after lunch on Friday. Cliff Hall, NDSU associate professor and vice president of the 64th Flax Institute, will provide a tour of the NDSU food science laboratory and talk about flax food research taking place at the university.

In 2011, 196,000 acres of flax were harvested in North Dakota, which is 87.5 percent of all the flax acres planted in the U.S. Flax has gained in popularity as a food source because of its beneficial characteristics.

There is a registration fee of $125 for the event to cover the breaks, lunch, dinner and scientific proceedings. Registration can be completed online at ndsu.nodak.edu
or contact Lisa at the NDSU Plant Sciences Department at (701) 231-7122.

Trail County Relay for Life Kick Off Event Set for February 25th!!

2012-02-10T10:17:00.000-06:00

Relay for Life Kick-Off Event
Pancake Breakfast
Free Will Offering
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Hillsboro Event Center, Hillsboro ND
9:00 am – noon
**Teams will get $25 off registration, Door Prizes, Survivor Registration for Reception at Relay Event**

Traill County Relay For Life 2012 is scheduled for June 1st/2nd
at the Hillsboro Event Center.

To join Relay For Life in your community, call 1-701-430-9588, or visit http://www.relayforlife.org/traillcountynd.

Skalmusik to perform at several area librarys today and tomorrow.

2012-02-10T08:39:00.000-06:00

Founded in 1990, Skålmusik (pronounced Skoalmusik) of Brainerd, Minnesota is a five piece ensemble that performs traditional Scandinavian and Scandinavian/American dance and vocal music. Native Midwesterners often remark that Skålmusik really know how to “put the ‘yump’” in their tunes! They have toured widely in the Midwest and beyond, playing at a variety of events including ethnic festivals, community celebrations, state fairs, and, of course, old time dances.

Friday, February 10
10:00 a.m. – Climax Community Center
2:00 p.m. – Fertile Library
6:30 p.m. – Shelly LINK Site

Saturday, February 11
10:30 a.m. – Mahnomen Library
1:00 p.m. – Ada Library
7:00 p.m. – Rothsay Community Center

These events are free and open to all.

Programming is sponsored by Lake Agassiz Regional Library and supported in part with money from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage fund.

Here's a recording of Skalmusik performing "Archie's Polka"

State One Act Play Festival Results

2012-02-09T18:15:00.002-06:00

After watching, listening, and then individually critiquing eight Class A dramatic productions, a panel of judges rated three of them “starred performances” on Thursday, Feb. 9, during the 2012 State One Act Play Festival sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League. The two-day festival is conducted at O’Shaughnessy Auditorium on the St. Catherine University campus in St. Paul. Eight productions by Class AA schools will be staged Friday, Feb. 10.

The top eight Class A productions from across the state took the stage throughout the day. The three schools whose performances were cited for “starred performances” were (in order of performance) Belle Plaine for The Invasion of Earth as It Began in Grover’s Mill, New Jersey, St. Charles for The Man in the Bowler Hat, and East Central of Sandstone/Askov for Juda’s Daughter. The other participating Class A high schools were Wadena-Deer Creek, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton, Sauk Centre, Roseau, and St. Croix Lutheran of West St. Paul.

Representing Section 2, Belle Plaine’s “starred performance” of The Invasion of Earth as It Began in Grover’s Mill, New Jersey by J.R. Mimbs was directed by Tony Hartmann and Peter Jacobson. For four different groups of people awaiting the radio broadcast of H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds in 1938, things go horribly awry when a news report indicates that aliens may have invaded Grover's Mill, New Jersey. As fears set in, concerns over money, conspiracies, faith, and self-defense come to a head and panic builds as everyone struggles to decide what to do next. But what if things are not necessarily as they seem? In the face of a possible catastrophe, everyone must discover what is important in their lives. The school was making its 10th appearance and earned its ninth “starred” rating. The school earned previous “starred” ratings in 1993, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2011. Cast members were Aiden Winterfeldt, Kyle O'Brien, Nick Johnson, Tyler Fatz, Cassidy Pumper, Erin Winters, Mitchell Farmer-Lies, Kyeanna Pickar, Kali Gorman, Jake Hartmann, Kelly Morrison, Matthew Ludvik, Laura Schaefer, Patrick Selly, Dylan O'Brien, Rylee Pumper, and Alec Lroenz. Bren Preusser, Andrew Winterfeldt, and Mikhayla Clausen provided support.

Representing Section 1, St. Charles’ “starred performance” of The Man in the Bowler Hat was written by A. A. Milne and directed by Theodore Derby. The school was making its ninth appearance and earned its fifth “starred” rating. This is the story of a stuffy upper-class British couple just aching for some excitement in their lives. Enter a lusty young couple, a pair of crafty villains, and of course the mysterious Man in the Bowler Hat, and the thrills may just bowl the prim couple over. The Man in the Bowler Hat is a witty comedy from one of the world's most beloved authors. Cast members were Ethan Mundt, Ashley Paladie, Kasey Mihalovic, Adam Muschler, Rachel Storey, Mitchell Jones, Laura Kramer, Jack Roessler, Anthony Paladie, and Annalise Gall. Support personnel were Ben Krause, Alexis Persons, Jessica Mueller, Abby Forbes, Catelyn Holm, Ashley Thorpe, Sadie Davis, Mariah Bell, Terrel McDermott, and Jaclyn Storey. The Saints earned previous “starred” ratings in 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007.

Representing Section 7, East Central’s “starred performance” of Judah’s Daughter by Jules Tesca was directed by Kathleen M. Ebnet and Richard Ebnet. East Central, which includes the communities of Sandstone and Askov, was making its sixth festival appearance and earned its fourth “starred” rating. The school earned its other top ratings in 1989, 2002, and 2004. This production, set in late 15th-century Venice and Verona, hinges on Judah and his daughters. The story of one daughter, legitimate and raised as an orthodox Jew, and the other, illegitimate and raised as a Christian, is a family tragedy. Cast members were Stuart Lourey, Rowan Hilty, Joyce Domogalla, Colton Lourey, Dannielle Yaste, Phillip Jansen, Bailey Beckman, Keith Rolston, Rene' Nelson, Kasha Wallace, and Sami Yocum. Support personnel included Amanda Downs, Kirsten Ecklund, McKinley Larson, and Chelsea Lourey.

The Minnesota State High School League State One Act Play Festival does not involve direct competition. Judges rate the plays according to specific criteria, including pace, blocking, costuming, and projection of the play’s meaning. Each production is limited to 10 minutes of stage preparation and 35 minutes of actual performance.

The judges consult after each production and then openly critique each in front of the cast, crew, and audience. “Starred performance” ratings are determined by private balloting of the judges. One school from each of eight sections in each class gets to perform at the state level. Two hundred and eighty-one teams participated in One Act Play this season, 194 in Class A and 87 in Class AA.

Each cast and crew member involved with these three productions was also presented a Spotlight on the Arts Award of Excellence recognition pin. This is a fine arts recognition award created by Wells Fargo, the League’s premier sponsor, in cooperation with the League. The casts and crews were also awarded a handsome acrylic trophy incorporating the Spotlight on the Arts logo.

Eight Class AA troupes will present their productions on Friday, Feb. 10 at 9:15 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., and 4 p.m.

NCE School Counselor seeks unwanted guitars

2012-02-09T15:47:00.001-06:00

NCE School Counselor Rhoda Habedank is seeking used and unwanted guitars to help give students a chance to learn how to play the guitar. Rhoda has always had a guitar in her office and believes music is a great way for kids to connect with their emotions and feel comfortable expressing them. She has handfuls of kids that come into her office everyday because they get a chance to learn for free. Rhoda's goal is for every kid that wants one to have a guitar lesson before they graduate. However she needs more guitars so that the kids have something they can borrow to practice on in their own time. She is seeking used, and unwanted guitars that people have laying around. She will pay up to $25, but would like people to donate and is promising they will get put to good use. If you would like to offer her a guitar or would like more information, contact Rhoda at the NCE High School at 218-584-5151.

Here's an audio clip of one of Rhoda's songs that she wrote.

Mark Askelson
R & J News

Region 8A "Triple A" Award Winners

2012-02-09T15:03:00.000-06:00

Winners of the Triple A (Academics, Arts, and Athletics) Awards for Region 8A were announced.

Congratulations to Samantha Lee from Win-E-Mac High School and Davis Mills from Stephen-Argyle Central High School for being named winners from Region 8A

Samantha and Davis will now advance to the State Triple A competition. They will both be honored at the Target Center in Minneapolis during the State Boys Basketball Tournament.

Super Pooper Scooper School Set

2012-02-08T18:19:00.003-06:00

The North Dakota State University Extension Service, with assistance from the North Dakota Department of Health, will host three daylong workshops on nutrient management.

The dates and locations for the Super Pooper Scooper School are:

* Feb. 29, Dickinson Research Extension Center

* March 1, Teddy's Restaurant, Edgeley

* March 2, Dakota Farmers, Rugby

The programs will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time.

Topics for the schools are containment pond management; containment pond irrigation systems; euthanasia practices; animal mortality, heat stress, air quality and pen management; an update on concentrated animal feeding operation regulations; manure nutrient management plans; and drug withdrawal.

Speakers for the workshops will vary by location. They are Carl Dahlen, NDSU Extension beef cattle specialist; Charlie Stoltenow, NDSU Extension veterinarian; Karl Hoppe and John Dhuyvetter, NDSU Extension area livestock systems specialists; Chris Augustin, NDSU Extension area nutrient management specialist; Larry Schnell, Stockmen's Livestock Exchange general manager; Lori Frank, Barnes County Watershed coordinator; E.J. Habrock, K-line Irrigation regional representative; Terry Kemmet, K&K Well Drilling certified well driller; Jesse Vollmer, North Dakota Department of Agriculture assistant state veterinarian; Scott Ressler, North Dakota Stockmen's Association environmental services director; Jim Semerad, North Dakota Health Department, Division of Air Quality; and Karl Rockeman, North Dakota Health Department, Division of Water Quality.

"The Super Pooper Scooper School will be a great learning opportunity for livestock producers," Augustin says.

The schools are free of charge but registration is required. To register, contact Augustin at (701) 652-2951 or chris.augustin@ndsu.edu.

----

NDSU Agriculture Communication - Feb. 8, 2012

:Source: Chris Augustin, (701) 652-2951, chris.augustin@ndsu.edu
:Editor: Ellen Crawford, (701) 231-5391, ellen.crawford@ndsu.edu

UMC named to "Best Value Colleges: 2012 edition"

2012-02-08T15:05:00.000-06:00

CROOKSTON, Minn. – The University of Minnesota, Crookston has been named to the Princeton Review’s “Best Value Colleges: 2012 Edition.”

The list of best value colleges, announced Tuesday, February 7, 2012 on the Princeton Review website and in USA TODAY, features 75 public and 75 private colleges and universities. The U of M, Crookston was listed among the 75 “Best Value Public Colleges.” The annual list is a project the education services company launched in 2004 identifying America's top undergraduate schools offering excellent academics, generous financial aid, and/or relatively low cost of attendance.

The Princeton Review bases its rankings on surveys of administrators and students at 650 institutions it identified as having excellent academics. The selection criteria examined more than 30 factors in the areas of academics, cost of attendance and financial aid, using data from surveys conducted from fall 2010 through fall 2011. This year's list included colleges in 37 states and the District of Columbia, with California having the most schools represented: 19. Fifty-six colleges, including the U of M, Crookston, are new to the list this year.

Using institutional data and the student opinion surveys collected, the Princeton Review selected its “Best Value” list based on data supplied by more than 650 colleges. The top schools were chosen based on academics, the cost of attending, and the amount of aid provided to students. The Princeton Review asserts some of the high-tuition schools on the list keep out-of-pocket costs down by offering generous financial aid packages.

More than 30 data points were assessed across three primary areas: academics, cost of attendance, and financial aid. Cost and financial aid data along with academic data came from the Company's surveys of school administrators. The Princeton Review also factored in data from surveys of students attending the schools who shared assessments of their professors and their satisfaction with their financial aid awards.

4 colleges in MINNESOTA made the list of 150
Crookston / University of Minnesota – Crookston
Minneapolis / University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Northfield / Carleton College
St. Paul / Macalester College

No North Dakota colleges were named to the list this year.

In recent years, the U of M, Crookston has seen its academic reputation garner national recognition including being named in the top three in the U.S.News and World Report “Top Public Regional Colleges” and the their inaugural Top Online Education Program rankings.
Another important feature of the Crookston campus is its "one-rate" tuition, which maintains the same rate for students from any state or country as for Minnesota resident students.

For more information, visit www.princetonreview.com/best-value-colleges.aspx.

UMC Chancellor search

2012-02-07T21:19:00.000-06:00

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (2/7/2012) – University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler and Senior Vice President for System Academic Administration Robert Jones have launched a national search for a new chancellor of the Crookston campus.

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) Chancellor Charles H. Casey will retire on June 30, 2012, following seven years at the post.

President Kaler and Jones have appointed Bill Peterson, professor in UMC’s Department of Math, Science and Technology, along with Carol Carrier, special assistant to the senior vice president for System Academic Administration and professor in the Department of Organizational Learning, Policy and Development on the Twin Cities campus, to co-chair the search committee.

Other search committee members are:
• Alisha Aasness, undergraduate student, UMC, and president, Crookston Student Association
• Sue Brorson, professor and head, Department of Business, UMC
• Pam Elf, associate professor, Department of Math, Science, and Technology, UMC
• Stephanie Helgeson, department director, Department of Athletics, UMC
• Soo-Yin Lim-Thompson, associate professor, Department of Liberal Arts and Education, UMC
• Denis Maier, assistant professor, Department of Business, UMC
• Harouna Maiga, associate professor, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, UMC
• Roger Moe, former majority leader, Minnesota Senate, and president, National Strategies, Inc.
• Albert Sims, associate professor and director of operations, Northwest Research and Outreach Center, Crookston
• Pete Wasberg, director of human resources and safety, Otter Tail Power Co., and chair, UMC Advisory Council
• Deb Zak, regional director, University of Minnesota Extension, Crookston

The search committee aims to develop as rich and diverse a candidate pool as possible, and invites both nominations and applications for the position. The search committee’s goal is to name the next Crookston chancellor this summer.

“The Crookston campus strengthens the University and the state as a vital hub for applied research, teaching and outreach in Northwestern Minnesota,” said Jones. “President Kaler and I seek a visionary leader for UMC who will build on Chancellor

Casey’s significant accomplishments – including new degree programs, enrollment gains, increased diversity and technological innovation.”

For more information about the search, please go to www.umcrookston.edu/chancellorsearch.

State One Act Play Festival

2012-02-07T14:18:00.000-06:00

What happens when people think aliens have invaded Grover’s Mill, New Jersey, in 1938? How have women’s roles in war evolved over time? What transpires when a servant promises to help two young men who have fallen in love with penniless beauties? What happens when a school shooting shatters an Amish community? These are a few of the topics that will play themselves out on stage during the 2012 State One Act Play Festival.

Scores of the state’s most promising actors and actresses will take to the stage performing 16 one act plays this Thursday and Friday, Feb. 9 and 10, at St. Catherine University’s O’Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul during the 64th annual festival.

Eagan leads all qualified schools by making its 18th festival appearance, while Belle Plaine, which is making its 10th appearance, is the leader among Class A schools. Eagan also leads all schools in “starred performances,” and is hoping to earn its 17th this year. White Bear Lake Area is the only school making its debut appearance at this year’s festival.

Thursday’s festival-opening production will be Relativity by Wadena-Deer Creek High School and the day concludes with Judah’s Daughter by East Central High School of Finlayson. The other Class A selections to be presented on Thursday are Chipped, The Invasion of Earth as it Began in Grover’s Mill, New Jersey, The Man in the Bowler Hat, Occupy Spoon River, Women and War, and Variations on a Theme.

The curtain opens on Friday with Equus by Minnetonka High School and the day’s concluding play will be Property Rites by Cambridge-Isanti High School. The other Class AA productions scheduled on Friday are Of Mice and Men, Scapin, Stop Kiss, The Amish Project, Interview, and Radium Girls.

The plays are limited to no more than 35 minutes, following a maximum 10-minute stage set-up. Total cast and crew cannot exceed 20 students.

It is a festival — not a competition. However, each production will be judged and publicly critiqued immediately following each performance. Each cast will attempt to achieve an exceptional rating known as a “starred performance.” In 2011, for example, eight of the 16 plays, five from Class AA and three from Class A, were awarded “starred performance” ratings.

The Spotlight on the Arts Award of Excellence will also be presented at the 2012 festival, a unique form of recognition for fine arts participants created by Wells Fargo, the League’s premier corporate sponsor, in cooperation with the League. Each cast and crew member of schools earning a “starred performance” rating will receive a handsome acrylic trophy incorporating the Spotlight on the Arts logo.

The Class A schools participating this year (including number of appearances and * starred performance years) are: Wadena-Deer Creek (ninth; * in 1998, 2001, ’02, ’06, and ’07); Russell-Tyler-Ruthton (third; * in 1999; Tyler made one additional appearance in 1949); Belle Plaine (10th; * in 1993, ’97, ’99, 2000, ’07, ’08, ’09, and ’11); St. Charles (ninth; * in 2003, ’04, ’06, and ’07); Sauk Centre (seventh; * in 1975, ’76, and 2007); Roseau (fourth); St. Croix Lutheran, West St. Paul (second; * in 2005); and East Central, Finlayson (sixth; * in 1989, 2002, and ’04).

The Class AA schools participating this year (including number of appearances and * starred performance years) are: Minnetonka (eighth; * in 1969, 2003,’06, ’08, ’09, ’10, and ’11); Eagan (18th; * in 1991, ’92, ’93, ’94, ’95, ’96, ’97, ’98, 2000, ’01, ’05, ’06, ’07, ’08, ’10, and ’11); Delano (10th; * in 1981, ’83, ’87, 1990, ’95, ’96, and 2007); Eastview, Apple Valley (eighth; * in 1998, 2002, ’03, ’07, ’09, ’10, and ’11); Buffalo (15th; * in 1973, 1982, ’86, 1997, ’99, 2002, and ’05); Moorhead (ninth; * in 2007); White Bear Lake Area (first); and Cambridge-Isanti (third; Cambridge made two additional appearances in 1953 and 1981).

Here is the schedule of the performances:

Class A — Thursday, Feb. 9
Section / School /Play /Time
6 Wadena-Deer Creek : Relativity - An Original Production 9:15am
3 Russell-Tyler-Ruthton : Chipped by Forrest Musselman 10:00am
2 Belle Plaine : The Invasion of Earth as it Began in Grover’s Mill, New Jersey by J.R. Mimbs 11:00am
1 St. Charles : The Man in the Bowler Hat by A. A. Milne 11:45am
5 Sauk Centre : Occupy Spoon River by Margaret Kitterman & Doug Kampsen 1:30pm
8 Roseau : Women and War by Jack Hilton Cunningham 2:15pm
4 St. Croix Lutheran, West St. Paul : Variations on a Theme by Ed Monk 3:15pm
7 East Central, Finlayson : Judah’s Daughter by Jules Tesca 4:00pm

Class AA — Friday, Feb. 10
Section / School / Play /Time
6 Minnetonka : Equus by Peter Shaffer 9:15am
3 Eagan : Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck 10:00am
2 Delano : Scapin by Bill Irwin & Mark O’Donnell, adapted from Moliere 11:00am
1 Eastview, Apple Valley : Stop Kiss by Diana Son 11:45am
5 Buffalo : The Amish Project by Jessica Dickey 1:30pm
8 Moorhead : Interview by Jean-Claude Van Itallie 2:15pm
4 White Bear Lake Area : Radium Girls by D.W. Gregory 3:15pm
7 Cambridge-Isanti : Property Rites by Alan Haehnel 4:00pm

The public is invited to attend the 2012 Minnesota State High School League One Act Play Festival. Admission is $10.00 per four-play session for students and adults, and there are two sessions per day. A daily pass is available for $15.00 per day.

O’Shaughnessy Auditorium is located at 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul.

ARVIG BEGINS SEARCH FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS

2012-02-07T14:10:00.002-06:00

PERHAM – Arvig has begun a search for scholarship candidates, according to David Arvig. If selected, candidates will receive a one-time $2,000.00 scholarship from the Minnesota Telecom Alliance Foundation.

Local telecom companies participating in the MTA’s scholarship program are approaching high schools in their serving areas looking for potential scholarship winners. To be eligible, applicants must be attending post secondary education at either a university, college or technical college, be a Minnesota resident, and the applicant’s family must subscribe to at least one service from Arvig. A telecom alliance panel reviews each application and selects the finalists based on applicants’ grades, academic achievements and extra-curricular activities. Preference to receive the scholarships is given to students who have an interest in telecommunications technology and rural communities.

Students and their families can obtain more information by contacting Arvig or by going to:
http://www.mnta.org/associations/11041/files/MTAFoundation-ScholarshipApp-2012.pdf.

“We’re happy to have this chance to make an investment in our community by helping young people get a technical or college education” says David Arvig. “It makes us all proud when one of the statewide winners is selected from our area.”

Applications must be submitted to Arvig, Attention: Josie Winkels, 218.346.8213, Josie.Winkels@arvig.com, by March 2, 2012.

The Foundation is part of the Minnesota Telecom Alliance, a trade association representing over 80 telecommunications providers in the state.

DNR, NWTF mentored youth turkey applications due soon

2012-02-06T15:46:00.001-06:00

The application deadline is midnight Monday, Feb. 13 for first-time youth turkey hunters, ages 12 to 17, who are looking to go afield this spring and learn from an experienced National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) volunteer, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Participants will be selected through a random lottery. Applications, maps and general information for the wild turkey hunt are available online at www.mndnr.gov/youthturkey.

This is the 10th consecutive year DNR and NWTF have cooperated to provide opportunities for first-time youth turkey hunters. More than 1,500 youth have been introduced to this unique hunting experience since spring youth turkey hunts began in 2002.

Most hunts will occur April 21-22, which is the first weekend of the regular wild turkey season. Nearly all youth will hunt on private land thanks to the generosity of private landowners and the NWTF volunteers who obtained permission.

To be eligible, a youth hunter must be age 12 to 17 on or before April 21; have a valid firearms safety certificate; and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The program is for first-time turkey hunters only. Any youth who has ever purchased or been selected by lottery for a Minnesota turkey license of any type is not eligible.

Hunters and their mentors will be assigned a NWTF volunteer coach, who must accompany both the youth and parent or guardian throughout the entire hunt.

Participation in the hunts is only restricted by the number volunteers and private lands that are available. People who have an interest in providing quality turkey hunting land for the mentored youth hunts should contact a NWTF chapter online at www.nwtf-mn.org/Home/ChapterListings.

DNR looking for safe and responsible hunter mentors

2012-02-06T15:39:00.001-06:00

People who have paid attention to recent outdoors newspaper, magazine and television stories may have noticed pictures of beaming youths following a successful hunt. What’s often missing from the picture is the young hunter’s mentor who made such a successful experience possible.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is in need of additional mentors to serve as guides for its safety training programs, particularly the “All Day Range and Field Day” portion of the hunter firearms safety course found at www.HUNTERcourse.com.

“The time shared between a youngster and a mentor is invaluable,” said Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR Enforcement Division safety education coordinator. “There simply is no better way to introduce a young person to safe, ethical and responsible aspects of hunting than with the close supervision of an adult mentor.”

Mentors work for about five hours with a group of three to four students, ages 11-15, facilitating, mentoring and evaluating students as they complete hunter-based scenarios that include big game, small game and turkey hunting, as well as shoot/don't shoot, tree stand safety, outdoor survival, firearms transportation, common firearm action types, blaze orange and more.

Knowledge of various hunting activities and knowledge of the principles of safe, responsible and ethical hunting are required. Mentors also need to understand basic principles of mentorship and facilitation of “Range and Field Day” scenarios taught at instructor certification training sessions. More information is at www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/instructors/adrfd/index.html.

Mentor applicants must be 18 years or older and pass a background check. Prior to attending an instructor training session, applicants must complete instructor prerequisites listed at www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/instructors/adrfd/index.html. Certification sessions are conducted by DNR trainers when and where there is a need.

People are encouraged to complete the instructor prerequisites as soon as possible, so they will be prepared when a convenient training session is offered.

More information is available by contacting the DNR Enforcement Education Program staff at Camp Ripley,15011 Highway 115, Little Falls, MN 56345. People also can call 800-366-8917 or send an email to enforcement.education@state.mn.us.

A list of current instructor training certification sessions, locations and dates is available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/instructors/training.html.

Nonresident Off-Road Vehicle Trail Pass now available

2012-02-06T15:38:00.001-06:00

Trail passes for nonresident off-road vehicles (ORV) are now available, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Nonresidents operating an ORV on state or grant-in-aid trails must possess a trail pass and display it on the machine where it can be easily seen. This pass is not required if the machine is registered in Minnesota, or if the ORV is operated on private property that is owned by the operator’s spouse, parent or child.

Nonresident one-year and three-year ORV trail passes are now available for sale through game and fish Electronic Licensing System (ELS) agents. A one-year ORV trail pass is $21 and the three-year ORV trail pass is $31. Duplicates are available for $2.50. ELS has three options for buying passes and duplicates: online, by phone or in person.

For more information or to buy a pass:
• Visit the DNR website at dnr.state.mn.us/ohv/nonres_pass_orv.html.
• Call 888-665-4236 (888-MNLicense) any time, seven days a week. Callers will receive a license identification number that will be valid until they receive the pass in the mail. All purchases must be made by credit card. A $3.50 convenience fee will be charged for each transaction.
• Find game and fish ELS locations at www.dnr.state.mn.us/ohv/nonres_pass_orv.html.

NEARLY HALF OF SUPER BOWL SUNDAY TRAFFIC DEATHS ALCOHOL-RELATED

2012-02-03T15:13:00.000-06:00

ST. PAUL — Public safety officials are reminding Minnesota motorists to designate a sober driver before the coin toss on Super Bowl Sunday to avoid the dangers and consequences of a DWI.

According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety, during Super Bowl Sunday, 2006¬–2010:

• Of the nine traffic deaths, four were alcohol-related. This 44 percent rate of alcohol-related fatal crashes is higher than the state’s annual average of more than 30 percent.

• 1,201 motorists arrested for DWI.

“For any night you plan on celebrating, get in the habit of planning for a sober ride home,” says Lt. Eric Roeske of the Minnesota State Patrol. “To stop preventable traffic deaths we need everyone to avoid the risk of driving impaired and always buckle up.”

Each year in Minnesota, alcohol-related crashes account for more than one-third of the state’s total traffic deaths (an average of 160 annual deaths in last five years) and 30,000 motorists are arrested for DWI.

A DWI offense can result in loss of license for up to a year, thousands in costs and possible jail time. Stronger sanctions are in effect for all repeat DWI offenders, as well as for motorists arrested for a first-time DWI with an alcohol-concentration level of 0.16 and above. Under these sanctions, DWI offenders must use ignition interlock for at least a year or face at least one year without driving privileges. Interlock requires the driver to provide a breath sample under 0.02 for the vehicle to start.

Keys to the Game
• Have a game plan — plan for a safe ride: Designate a sober driver, use a cab/public transportation, or stay at the location of the celebration.
• Make the call — report impaired driving: Call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Witnesses must be prepared to provide location, license plate and observed dangerous behavior.

DWI enforcement and education is a component of the state’s core traffic safety initiative, Toward Zero Deaths (TZD). A primary vision of the TZD program is to create a safe driving culture in Minnesota in which motorists support a goal of zero road fatalities by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior. TZD focuses on the application of four strategic areas to reduce crashes — education, enforcement, engineering and emergency trauma response.

BBB Video contest open to students in MN and ND

2012-02-02T15:18:00.000-06:00

Saint Paul, MN – February 2, 2012 – The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) invites high school and college students in Minnesota a nd North Dakota to be a part of their “Lighting the Way” Centennial Celebration by entering the Ethics: Uploaded video contest. Students (and student groups) will be asked to consider how the decisions they make each day impact their lives, as well as their futures, and then submit short videos which demonstrate the value of ethics.

One of the goals of the BBB’s Centennial, which marks 100 years of promoting ethical business practices and nurturing a marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other, is to increase awareness and start a dialogue about the importance of marketplace ethics today.

“Events like the Ethics: Uploaded video contest and our upcoming Ethics Summit on April 17 are geared towards today’s students and young consumers,” said BBB President and CEO Dana Badgerow. “We want to highlight the importance of making ethical decisions. We also want to hear their voices, their visions. After all, these are our future business and community leaders.”

Interested students are asked to explain, in original videos 30 seconds to 3 minutes long, what ethics means to them and their peers. Video style and narrat ive is open, and creativity is encouraged. Contestants may produce their videos on any device they wish, including cell phones or Flip cameras. Entries will be judged by a panel of independent judges and scholarship prizes will be awarded for the best videos.

Submissions will be accepted beginning Thursday, March 1 with an upload deadline of 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 20. All videos must be uploaded to the BBB’s YouTube channel for consideration (bbbis100.org/ethicsuploaded). Each contestant must provide contact information on the submission website. A brief (50 words or less) introductory paragraph may be submitted but is not required.

Video categories/Winning Prizes:
High School (grades 9-12) individual / $1,250 scholarship

High School (grades 9-12) group/club / $1000 Best Buy gift card

College individual (undergraduate or graduate levels) / $1,250 Best Buy gift card

College group/club (undergraduate or graduate levels) / $1,000 Best Buy gift card

Contest rules:
This contest is open to high school students in grades 9-12 and to college students at any level. Entries will be placed into one of two categories: individual and group or club. A group or club entry must be from an official sanctioned club or organization.

The independent panel will evaluate videos for clarity of message, impact, production value and relevance to the theme of ethics. Videos become property of the Better Business Bureau and can be used by the BBB and its partners at its discretion. Visit bbbis100.org/ethicsuploaded to see full contest rules.

Tammy Sykes hired as Program Coordinator for RSVP of the Red River Valley

2012-02-02T15:16:00.001-06:00

CROOKSTON, Minn. – Tammy Sykes recently began as the program coordinator for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Along with Director Jan Aamoth, Sykes helps to manage the RSVP program in Polk, Red Lake, Kittson, Pennington, Norman, Marshall and Roseau Counties. Sykes began working as program coordinator on January 25, 2012. RSVP is housed in the Sargeant Student Center at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

Aamoth is pleased to have Sykes working with her as part of RSVP of the Red River Valley. “Tammy will be an excellent addition to RSVP,” says Aamoth. “She has worked for several years with the Lutheran Social Service Respite and Caregiver Support Program, and she is very knowledgeable about senior services. She has a real concern for making the communities in our region better for seniors.”

The RSVP program strives to address critical community needs through innovative volunteer opportunities for persons ages 55 and over that enrich the lives of the volunteers and the communities they live in. RSVP has several new signature programs in many communities including Bone Builders Exercise classes, the Handyman and Groceries to Go Programs and Readers Theater.

If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about RSVP please contact the RSVP office at 218-281-8288.

Conrad Calls for Nominees for Citizen Service Awards

2012-02-02T15:14:00.000-06:00

Washington – Senator Kent Conrad is encouraging North Dakotans to nominate local heroes for the prestigious Citizen Service Before Self Honors. The national award is presented annually by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.

"In North Dakota, we have a strong tradition of helping neighbors in need. Whether through a single act of extraordinary heroism or through a prolonged series of selfless acts, North Dakota's communities are full of unsung heroes," Senator Conrad said.

The Citizen Service Before Self Honors is awarded to three Americans each year, and is unique in that it is given by those who have received our nation's highest and most prestigious military award for valor, the Medal of Honor.

Selected by a panel including Medal of Honor recipients, the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation aims to recognize those who represent the values of courage, sacrifice and selfless service. Those eligible epitomize the concept of "service before self" and have performed "above and beyond" their normal duties or responsibilities, professionally or personally.

Senator Conrad is encouraging North Dakotans to nominate an eligible honoree by completing an online form at www.CitizenServiceBeforeSelfHonors.org. The nomination deadline is Friday, February 10, 2012.

The awards will be presented on March 23, 2012 near the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

"Now is our chance to recognize and honor those ordinary North Dakotans who have done extraordinary things. I encourage North Dakotans to nominate a hero in the community who has gone above and beyond to help others," Senator Conrad said.

NDSU Partner in $1 Million Energy Beet Development Project

2012-02-01T16:26:00.000-06:00

A project that will develop an advanced biofuel from energy beets and provide growers across North Dakota with a new industrial crop is taking another important step forward, fueled by a significant two-year North Dakota Renewable Energy Council grant.

"This project truly is a public-private partnership with the Green Vision Group (GVG) of Fargo and Heartland Renewable Energy of Muscatine Iowa, plus research by North Dakota State University, to develop the energy beet biofuels industry in North Dakota," says Cole Gustafson, NDSU Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics chair.

The NDSU Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and the Carrington Research Extension Center will continue to provide research for the project.

The $1 million phase II project includes $500,000 in funds from the North Dakota Renewable Energy Council, with approval from the North Dakota Industrial Commission, plus cash-match funds from industry partners Betaseed and Syngenta, and other in-kind contributions.

The project seeks to establish a U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency multiperil crop insurance program for energy beets; engineer and evaluate new front-end energy beet processing methods; expand regional energy beet research trials; scale up whole-energy beet and juice storage technology to enable year-round processing; and inform producers, community developers and the biofuel industry of the emerging opportunity.

"We envision developing at least 12 sustainable ethanol facilities across North Dakota," says Maynard Helgaas, president of GVG. "Each plant will use energy beets grown within a 20-mile radius and support job creation in rural communities. This grant will help us make significant progress toward that vision and help develop North Dakota's energy beet biofuel industry."

GVG is in the process of selecting the location for its first processing facility, which is expected to produce 20 million gallons of ethanol per year once complete.

The first phase of the energy beet project focused on research, including yield trials, storage research and commercially testing the use of a coproduct to provide processing heat. Current yield trials are in Dazey/Hannaford, Turtle Lake, Langdon, Minot, Williston, Carrington and Oakes. In 2012, trial plots will be expand to include Jamestown, Harvey, Litchville and Colgate. The yield trials will continue to be sponsored by Betaseed and Syngenta.

The plot trial research results in phase 1 exceeded expectations, according to Blaine Schatz, Carrington REC director.

"So far, our research shows that energy beets can be grown successfully outside of the Red River Valley in a variety of soil types and conditions," Schatz says. "The beets actually help growers improve soil health and give them greater farm income."

"Ethanol produced from energy beets can be sold at a premium," Gustafson says. "We expect that energy beet ethanol will produce 50 to 60 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than petroleum-based fuels, which will designate it as an advanced biofuel. We are working to finalize the life-cycle analysis of energy beets through a formal Environmental Protection Agency application. Securing EPA approval of energy beets as an advanced biofuel will mean a significant premium for producers and processors in the sugar-based ethanol market."

The life-cycle analysis research is funded in part by a separate grant from the North Dakota Agricultural Products Utilization Commission and community
donations.

"North Dakota farmers, processors and rural communities should see positive financial returns by growing and processing energy beets for biofuel," Gustafson says.

----

NDSU Agriculture Communication -- Feb 1, 2012

:Source: Cole Gustafson, (701) 231-7096, cole.gustafson@ndsu.edu
:Source: Blaine Schatz, (701) 652-2951, blaine.schatz@ndsu.edu
:Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.edu

NMF Purchases Wells Fargo Building in Bemidji for New Headquarters

2012-02-01T16:18:00.000-06:00

Northwest Minnesota Foundation Board Chair Gary Purath announced that the foundation has purchased the Wells Fargo building in Bemidji. “We are about to rehabilitate a historic downtown Bemidji building on the corner of Third and Beltrami Avenues and adapt it to meet the needs of our organization,” Purath said. Originally built as the Lumberman Bank, it is located in the heart of the city, two blocks from the lakefront and the Paul and Babe statues.

The Board of Directors agreed that change is necessary since the current office has been outgrown. Constructed in 1999, the space could be expanded, however, a redesign and remodel that matches the existing building is very costly and would not adapt well to current and future needs.

NMF President Nancy Vyskocil said they began looking for a space to build or existing structure to purchase more than two years ago. “After a long search and deliberative process involving the board and staff, we determined that the Wells Fargo building is our best option,” she said. “It has the space needed for o ur current office staff, for storage, for future expansion, and there is a spacious area with easy access in which to incorporate comfortable, efficient meeting and training rooms.

“Several regional architecture firms experienced with renovation projects were sent requests for proposals to do a feasibility study. The firm of Mutchler Bartram from Fargo, ND was selected. Based upon their findings, the decision was made to proceed,” Vyskocil said.

“Not only will we have the kind of office required to conduct business, we are adding vitality to downtown,” she said. “We are repurposing a historic, vacant structure. We are adding value for nonprofits and other partners in the area who are in need of a versatile, convenient meeting place. And most importantly, the new location will make NMF more visible and accessible to the entire region.”

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a charitable foundation committed to

improving the quali ty of the places in twelve counties of northwest Minnesota by

investing resources, creating opportunities and promoting philanthropy.

USDA Announces CRP General Sign-up

2012-02-01T16:08:00.000-06:00

SAINT PAUL, MINN., February 1, 2012 — The Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Linda Hennen, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will conduct a four-week Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup. This CRP signup will begin on March 12, 2012 and end on April 6, 2012. CRP has a 25-year legacy of successfully protecting the nation's natural resources, while providing significant economic and environmental benefits to rural communities across the United States.

CRP is a voluntary program available to agricultural producers to help them use environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits. Producers enrolled in CRP plant long-term, resource-conserving covers to improve the quality of water, control soil erosion and develop wildlife habitat. In return, USDA provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. Contract duration is between 10 and 15 years. Producers with expiring contracts and producers with environmentally sensitive land are encouraged to evaluate their options under CRP. Producers also are encouraged to look into CRP’s other enrollment opportunities offered on a continuous, non-competitive, signup basis.

Offers for CRP contracts are ranked according to the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI). USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) collects data for each of the EBI factors based on the relative environmental benefits for the land offered. Each eligible offer is ranked in comparison to all other offers and selections made from that ranking. FSA uses the following EBI factors to assess the environmental benefits for the land offered:

• Wildlife habitat benefits resulting from covers on contract acreage;
• Water quality benefits from reduced erosion, runoff and leaching;
• On-farm benefits from reduced erosion;
• Benefits that will likely endure beyond the contract period;
• Air quality benefits from reduced wind erosion; and
• Cost.

For more information on CRP and other FSA programs, visit a local FSA service center or go online at www.fsa.usda.gov.

BBB Warns To Look Out for Super Bowl Scams

2012-01-30T16:48:00.000-06:00

Saint Paul, MN – January 30, 2012 – With the Super Bowl just around the corner, the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) is warning consumers to be on the alert for knock-off team jerseys, counterfeit memorabilia and phony game tickets.

“There are many good reasons not to buy counterfeit goods, but it boils down largely to issues of theft and quality,” says Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of the BBB. “Counterfeit items are essentially stolen goods. And counterfeit items are almost always more cheaply made, which means they won’t last as long as officially licensed merchandise.”

Consumers trying to buy Super Bowl memorabilia online may have an even bigger problem. Some BBBs have received reports of websites that don’t even have merchandise to sell you; they just want your credit card number and personal information in order to defraud you or steal your identity. The best way to ensure you are getting official sports gear is to buy directly from the team or league websites, or from official vendors at the stadium.

Tickets for the big game can be an even bigger rip-off. Though a number of Super Bowl tickets are currently posted for sale on craigslist, the site offers no guarantees and does not require identification of its sellers. Buying in person isn’t always an improvement, as it’s gotten easier for scammers to make fake tickets that look real.

So where can you turn? Stub Hub (www.stubhub.com) guarantees the authenticity of tickets, and Ticketmaster (www.ticketexchangebyticketmaster.com) handles ticket exchanges for the NFL.

In general, people can avoid scams by being skeptical of:
· Offers that sound “too good to be true”
· Pushy sales tactics
· Low-quality merchandise
· Any offers that require wire transfer of funds

And always check out a business first at www.bbb.org/search.

For more consumer tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org/news. To sign up to receive our Scam Alerts, visit BBB Scam Source at www.bbb.org/scam.

Region 8A Sub-section Triple A winners.

2012-01-30T14:59:00.000-06:00

Winners of the Triple A (Academics, Arts, and Athletics) Awards for Region 8A were announced.

Sub-Section 29
Girl - Katherine Anderson of Nevis High School
Boy - Bryon Schuldt of Nevis High School

Sub-Section 30
Girl - Samantha Lee of Win-E-Mac High School
Boy - Austin D. Ganje of Ada-Borup High School

Sub-Section 31
Girl - Kristen Ranstrom of Warren-Alvarado-Oslo High School
Boy - Garrett Schmitz of Lafayette High School (Red Lake Falls)

Sub-Section 32
Girl - Paige Craigmile of Kittson Central High School
Boy - Davis Mills of Stephen-Argyle-Central High School

These outstanding students will be honored at a banquet at the REA in Thief River Falls on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. At that time the over-all Region winners will be announced.

Section One-Act Play Contest

2012-01-30T14:48:00.000-06:00

The Section One-Act Play Contest will be held this Saturday, Feb 4th, in East Grand Forks.

Order of performance & times are as follows:

10:00am Tri-County
10:45am Stephen-Argyle
11:30am Roseau
12:15pm Fosston
1:00pm --- Lunch
1:30pm Bagley
2:15pm Crookston
3:00pm Badger
3:45pm Ada-Borup
4:30pm Awards

Plays could begin later than the designated time, but will NOT begin earlier than the scheduled time.

State Patrol, MnDOT provide easier access to info during winter storms

2012-01-27T18:23:00.000-06:00

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Beginning Friday, Jan. 27, the Minnesota State Patrol and Minnesota Department of Transportation will use the Twitter hashtag #mnstorm in all updates about winter storm events. This will make searching for road conditions and traffic information updates faster and easier for the news media.

Follow Twitter updates from State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske (@msppio) and MnDOT (@mndotnews) to get timely information before, during and after winter storms.

To view a list of all winter weather information resources from the Minnesota State Patrol and MnDOT, visit www.mndot.gov/safety/snowstorm.html.
During winter weather events, the Minnesota State Patrol can provide information about:
- Crash totals (statewide and regional)
- Vehicles off the road (statewide and regional)
- Injuries/fatalities

MnDOT can provide information about:
- Road conditions
- Road closures
- Snowplows on state highways and interstates

To look up the latest road conditions anywhere in Minnesota, go to www.511mn.org.

Specialty crop growers can apply for grants to boost their businesses

2012-01-27T17:34:00.000-06:00

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has received $700,000 in federal funding to help promote and enhance the specialty crop industry. Fruit, vegetable and other specialty crop farmers can apply for Specialty Crop Block Grants to help them compete in today’s marketplace. Grant projects may include outreach to increase consumers’ nutritional knowledge about specialty crops, assistance in the development of good agricultural practices, investment into specialty crop research, development of new and improved seed varieties, and pest and disease control.

MDA Marketing and Development Director Mary Hanks says growers of fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, tree nuts, flowers, and nursery plants are eligible to apply.

“We encourage those in specialty crop production to apply for these grants that support and further promote their industry,” said Hanks. “I’d also encourage industry representatives to attend one of our scheduled workshops to learn more about the application process.”

The workshops will be held on Friday, February 3, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott, 1080 28th Avenue South, Moorhead, and on Monday, February 6, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the MDA offices, 625 North Robert Street, St. Paul.

MDA will accept grant applications through April 20, 2012.

A list of eligible and ineligible commodities can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp. A grant manual is available on the MDA website at www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants/specialty.aspx.

Questions regarding the grant program or the application process can be directed to David Weinand at 651-201-6646 or email David.Weinand@state.mn.us.

NDSU Offers Farmland Leasing Workshops

2012-01-27T14:42:00.000-06:00

Strong commodity prices and high production costs have made it more difficult for operators and landowners to successfully determine appropriate farmland lease arrangements.

Landowners, renters and other agribusiness professionals with an interest in farmland ownership, management and leasing should plan on attending one of nine farmland leasing workshops across North Dakota presented by the North Dakota Extension Service.

The workshops are offered to help landowners and renters identify and manage the risk associated with rental arrangements. Dwight Aakre and Andy Swenson, Extension farm management specialists, and Willie Huot, Grand Forks County Extension agent, will be the main presenters.

The workshops are approximately three hours long. One of the topics is a historical perspective on farmland values and rents, with emphasis on causal factors and future risks. Concepts and practical examples of how to determine equitable rents also will be presented.

The main session will help participants better understand different rental arrangements, such as cash rent, share rent and flexible cash rent.

"There has been increased interest in flexible cash rental arrangements," Swenson says. "This session will show how a flexible cash rent agreement can be designed to try to meet the desired income and risk levels of both the landowner and renter. Examples of various methods of adjusting the cash rent level will be discussed."

There will be a session on how producers can improve their land rental negotiations by enhancing the communication process with landowners. This includes the use of resumes, portfolios and frequent communication to keep landowners informed and educated about the operation and vision for a particular tract of land. Some communication pieces will be showcased as examples.

Dates and locations of the workshops are:

* Jan. 30 - Drake, Knights of Columbus Club, 1 to 4 p.m.

* Feb. 13 - Carrington Research Extension Center, 1 to 4 p.m.

* Feb. 15 - Lisbon, Ransom County Courthouse Community Room, 1 to 4 p.m.

* Feb. 17 - Cooperstown, Country Club, 9 a.m. to noon

* Feb 22 - Watford City, McKenzie County Courthouse, 1 to 4 p.m.

* Feb. 23 - Stanley, Mountrail County Extension Office, 9 a.m. to noon

* Feb. 24 - Minot, North Central Research Extension Center, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

* Feb. 28 - Bismarck State College Career Academy Building multipurpose room, 9
a.m. to noon

* Feb. 29 - Jamestown, Farmers Union state office, 1 to 4 p.m.

Contact your county NDSU Extension agent for more details.

:Source: Andy Swenson, (701) 231-7379, andrew.swenson@ndsu.edu
:Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.edu

Grape Growers Meeting

2012-01-25T14:47:00.001-06:00

The North Dakota Grape Growers Association conference and annual meeting will be held at the Radisson Inn in Bismarck on Saturday, Feb. 4.

Several North Dakota State University specialists and others will be presenting at the conference.

Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, NDSU high-value crops specialist, will do a presentation on crop optimization through weed control. Greg Cook, NDSU Chemistry and Biochemistry Department professor and chair, will discuss wine chemistry.

John Stenger, an NDSU graduate student, will discuss the NDSU grape research program and Bob Bertsch, NDSU Agriculture Communication Web technology specialist, will do a presentation on electronic media marketing.

Also featured will be a grower and winery owner question-and-answer panel.

"There is information for the novice grower or wine maker and for the more experienced enologists, too," Hatterman-Valenti says.

Registration opens at 8 a.m., with the meeting beginning at 8:30. The association's annual meeting will be held after the conference ends.

Registration is $60 for members and $70 for nonmembers. Yearly membership fees are $20 per voting member. Meals and refreshments are included in the registration.

OTPC offers tips for portable electric space heaters

2012-01-25T14:06:00.000-06:00

Fergus Falls, MN –During winter weather many people use supplemental heaters to add comfort to selected areas in their homes rather than raise overall indoor temperatures. To help ensure efficiency and safety, Otter Tail Power Company offers these tips for buying and using portable electric space heaters.

* Don't fall for claims of added efficiency on overpriced electric space heaters. “All electric space heaters operate at 100 percent efficiency. Because they convert all of the electricity they use to heat, they all are equally efficient. So, don’t fall victim to a scam,” says Theresa Drexler, Senior Market Planning Specialist at Otter Tail Power Company. “Electric room heaters that sell for several hundred dollars are not more energy efficient. Portable heaters of equal wattage w ill cost the same to operate whether the unit’s purchase price is $40 or $400.”

* The only feature of an electric heater that affects the amount of heat the unit can generate is wattage. “A 1,000-watt heater uses 1 kilowatt-hour per hour of operation no matter what type of heater it is,” says Drexler, who adds that heat pumps are the only option that can claim greater efficiency because these units capture free heat from the environment. “Remember, to best manage your costs, operate the lowest total wattage possible to keep you comfortable,” she says. Low-wattage radiant heaters, some rated at just a few hundred watts, also are available for supplemental heat in small spaces such as office workstations. While still hot to the touch, these units do not have fans so they heat only directly in front of them.

* The type of heater you choose can help you feel more comfortable. “For example, an electric heater that distributes warmth from a greater surface area, such as a portable baseboard or a radiator-shaped heater, can increase comfort by distributing heat more evenly. A small fan-forced heater of the same wattage will produce the same amount of heat but at a higher intensity and be more localized. But either will heat your room,” Drexler says.

* Select a portable electric heater that has a thermostat so it doesn't run all the time. “A unit with a thermostat can help maintain a constant temperature and not overheat an area. If using a heater without a thermostat, consider operating it on a timer to avoid wasting energy,” says Drexler.

“A thermostat also may help avoid safety issues should the heater be left on when no one is ho me or attending it,” adds Otter Tail Power Company Safety Services Manager Eric Hamm, who offers this additional safety advice.

* Select the proper wattage for a portable electric space heater so it doesn’t overload your electrical wiring and create a fire safety issue. “Portable electric heaters come in a variety of wattages. The most common are 1,000-watt and 1,500-watt units, and some have low, medium, and high settings. Don’t be tempted to buy a higher-wattage unit because of the additional heat it can deliver unless you know you have adequate capacity in your home wiring,” says Hamm. “The smaller the wattage the less likely it will overload your wiring."

*One sign of an overloaded circuit is blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.

*If the outlet, or the wall surrounding it, becomes warm after the heater has operated for a while, the wiring is overloaded. Discontinue using that outlet for your heater or consider a lower-wattage heater.

*Do not plug your heater into an electrical circuit that has several other items already served on it.

* Look for a portable electric heater that automatically shuts off if tipped over and that has protective casing over the heating element to avoid the potential for burns.
• Keep portable electric space heaters away from flammable materials such as curtains, bedding, newspapers, etc.
• Make sure that the outlet where you plug in your portable electric space heater is tight fitting.
• Never use a portable electric space heater or any electric appliance near wet areas such as bathtubs and sinks.
• Avoid using an extension cord but, if one is needed, be sure it has at least 12-gauge wire.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure a portable electric space heater is UL labeled.

If you have questions about electrical safety, energy conservation, energy prices, or about how an electric space heater might affect your electric service bill, call Otter Tail Power Company’s Idea Center at 800-493-3299.

2012 Third Crop Producer Meetings

2012-01-24T17:25:00.000-06:00

FAIRMONT, Minn. (01/23/2012) – Join University of Minnesota Extension and Rural Advantage for the 8th annual Third Crop Producer Meetings. “Cover Crops Research and Experiences” will kick-off the 2012 series and will be held at the Knights of Columbus in Fairmont, Minnesota on February 6th. Registration begins at 9:30am. The morning session will be from 10:00am - 12:00pm and the afternoon session will be from 1:00pm - 3:00pm.

“Cover Crops Research and Experiences” will begin with a presentation on the Minnesota Cover Crops Decision Tool. This web-based tool is meant to be used by farmers and other ag professionals to choose cover crop species that will fit into their operation and geographical placement in Minnesota. Jill Sackett, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, was part of the planning committee and will be explaining how to use the Decision Tool.

The remainder of the morning will be led by researchers from the University of Minnesota. Miriam Gieske will be sharing the research she has been conducting around the popular tillage radish. She has been using her research plots to learn more about the agronomics and chemical make-up of this member of the Brassica family. Adam Herges will then discuss the research he has been doing in southeast Minnesota on winter rye as a cover crop. Herges is specifically looking to see if winter rye can reduce the amount of sediment and nutrients that are getting into surface waters. Both research projects have been obtaining useful information for Minnesota farmers.

The afternoon session will open with Dr. Michael Lehman with the USDA-ARS out of Brookings, South Dakota. Dr. Lehman and colleagues have been looking at different aspects of cover crop use in our area of the Midwest. He will specifically be discussing how the use of cover crops affects the make-up of the soil, both from a nutrient and microbial point of view.

Minnesota farmer Carmen Fernholz has been using cover crops for a number of years. He has recently begun working with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to see if the use of cover crops and alfalfa mulch positively affect nitrogen levels in the soil. The idea is to be able to grow your own nitrogen fertilizer on your farm.

To end the day, a Grower Panel has been put together. It consists of farmers from southern Minnesota who have been using cover crops in their rotation. Audience members will have the chance to ask the farmers questions about cover crops in order to gain useful tips and techniques for using them in their own fields or gardens. The panel will include: Carmen Fernholz, an organic grain producer from Madison; Bill Yock, a beef and grain producer from St. James; Ray Yokiel, an organic producer and pilot from Wells; and Jerry Ackermann, a grain and alfalfa producer from Lakefield.

There is no cost to attend Rural Advantage’s 2012 Third Crop Producer Meetings. Pre-registration is not necessary. For those interested in attending from the metro area, carpooling is possible from the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus if there is enough interest. If you would like to carpool, contact Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) – misamail@umn.edu 800-909-6472 or 612-625-8235.

For weather related cancellations, contact the University of Minnesota Extension Farm Information Line at 1-800-232-9077.

Directions:
Knights of Columbus Hall – 920 East 10th Street – Fairmont, MN 56031
From the South – State Hwy. 15
After the railroad tracks, take the first left at Militello Motors (East 10th Street). The Knights of Columbus Hall is one block west and is on the south side of the street.
From the North – State Hwy. 15
Starting at the Interstate 90 overpass, travel south through two stoplights. Take the next right at Militello Motors (East 10th Street). The Knights of Columbus Hall is one block west and is on the south side of the street.

Contact for this event:
Jill Sackett, UMN Extension / Rural Advantage, 507-238-5449 sacke032@umn.edu

Source: Jill Sackett - Extension Educator, Conservation Agronomist with University of Minnesota Extension / Rural Advantage, Fairmont, MN

HCSCC seeks Community Input for a New Exhibit

2012-01-24T15:12:00.001-06:00

Moorhead, Minn., Jan. 24, 2012 – The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County (HCSCC) is seeking community input for a new exhibit featuring Hjemkomst voyage artifacts. The exhibit, which is currently under development, opens during the Hjemkomst Voyage 30th Anniversary Celebration on July 21, 2012 from 1 – 5 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through Dec. 31, 2012.

The HCSCC has hired Claudia M. Pratt of CMP Consulting for the research and design phase of the exhibit development. The exhibit will bring a fresh perspective about the Hjemkomst expedition. Pratt hopes the public can look at this exhibit with new eyes and be amazed again at what an accomplishment the expedition was— for the Asp family, the voyage crew, as well as the businesses and communities that supported it.

“The goal of this exhibit is to uncover information that adds to the story we’ve enjoyed for 30 years. I think what fascinates me is that it really took an enormous amount of community support in order to make this happen—a lot of personal sacrifice and perseverance. It’s time to revisit that and get back to Bob Asp’s core ‘Dare to Dream’ message and what the expedition accomplished,” Pratt says.

The HCSCC encourages the public to share their thoughts on what they would like to see in the new Hjemkomst exhibit by leaving their ideas in a comment book, which is located nearby the ship in the Hjemkomst Center. The HCSCC will also post stories, questions and information about the Hjemkomst ship and voyage on their new blog at TheVikingShipHjemkomst.areavoices.com. You may also contact Claudia M. Pratt at CMPconsulting@mac.com or 701-371-7277 if you would like to share your story about the Hjemkomst and voyage or have recommendations for the new exhibit.

Farm Managers Meeting

2012-01-24T15:06:00.001-06:00

The Northwest Farm Managers Association has organized its 103rd annual meeting for producers and others interested in agriculture.

The meeting will take place on Feb. 8 at the Holiday Inn in Fargo. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the program at 9.

The featured speaker is Jolene Brown from West Branch, Iowa. Brown will provide insights and practical ideas to improve farm family communications. Brown is a farmer, author and award-winning communicator. With humor, she explains the challenges facing parents, siblings and in-laws who work together. She will provide take-home tools to increase productivity and peace of mind. Her presentation is titled "The Top 10 Stupid Things Families Do to Break Up Their Business."

Scott Stofferahn, aide to U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad of North Dakota and former North Dakota Farm Service Agency executive director, will provide an update on federal farm policy. Kathy Neset, Neset Consulting Service, will explain the why, how and potential of North Dakota's oil and gas resources.

State Sen. Larry Luick of North Dakota will explain legislation that streamlined the process of obtaining drainage permits. Virgil Robinson, a market analyst from Des Moines, Iowa, will provide a market outlook and strategies for soybeans, corn and wheat.

The registration fee is $50, payable at the door. The fee includes a noon banquet and breaks. For more information, go to http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/farmmanagement/extension-agribusiness/NWFM or call (701) 231-7393.

MnDOT seeks public input for Transportation Plan

2012-01-24T15:05:00.000-06:00

ST. PAUL, Minn. –The public, transportation stakeholders and local government officials are invited to provide input for Minnesota’s 20-year Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan at one of nine upcoming open houses statewide.

• Jan. 30 in Duluth—ARDC Office, 221 First St. W., Duluth, Minn.
• Jan. 31 in Crookston—MnDOT Crookston Office, 1320 Sunflower St., Crookston, Minn.
• Feb. 1 in Moorhead—Hjemkomst Center, 202 First Ave. N., Moorhead, Minn.
• Feb. 2 in St. Cloud—MnDOT St. Cloud Office, 3725 12th St. N., St. Cloud, Minn.
• Feb. 8 in Minneapolis—University of Minnesota Urban Research & Outreach-Engagement Center, 2001 Plymouth Ave. N., Minneapolis, Minn.
• Feb. 9 in Maplewood—Maplewood Community Center, 2100 White Bear Ave., Maplewood, Minn.
• Feb. 13 (revised date) in Mankato—MnDOT Mankato Office, 2151 Bassett Drive, Mankato, Minn.
• Feb. 15 in Marshall—Marshall Library, 201 C St., Marshall, Minn.
• Feb. 16 in Rochester—Rochester Public Library, 101 Second St. SE, Rochester, Minn.

All meetings will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. A brief presentation will be given at 4:30 p.m. and repeated at 6 p.m. Attendees may come and go at any time.

Those unable to attend in-person have the option to participate in an online webinar via Adobe Connect Feb. 6, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For details, visit www.minnesotagoplan.org/participate.html.

Topics covered will include the recently adopted Minnesota GO vision for transportation, current transportation system, future challenges and opportunities facing transportation, draft plan objectives and strategies and how the plan will be used.

Minnesota’s 20-year Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan establishes overarching guidance and priorities for making state transportation decisions across all modes of transportation. The open houses will provide Minnesotans with an opportunity to learn about the current multimodal system, the challenges we will face in the future, and how we can address those challenges. The public is also invited to provide feedback on draft transportation objectives and planning strategies.
To request an interpreter (ASL or other language) 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). Alternatively, send an email to janet.rae.miller@state.mn.us. Please request at least one week in advance.
Gathering input for the 20-year Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan is an important next step in turning Minnesota GO, the recently adopted 50-year transportation vision, into reality. Minnesota GO aims to better align the state’s transportation system with what Minnesotans expect for their quality of life, economy and natural environment.

In addition to the public open houses, there will be a public comment period and a public hearing in March or April after the draft plan is available. The final plan is scheduled for adoption this spring. Updates to state plans for highways, rail, aviation, transit, freight and non-motorized transportation will follow.

For more information on the project, visit www.minnesotagoplan.org or follow the plan on Twitter, @minnesotago, and Facebook, www.facebook.com/MinnesotaGO.

For more information, contact Kirby Becker, MnDOT Office of Statewide Multimodal Planning, at 651-366-3740 or kirby.becker@state.mn.us.
www.mndot.gov

FAQ about farmers’ markets answered at upcoming conference

2012-01-24T15:01:00.001-06:00

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association’s (MFMA) 2012 spring conference is a great venue to learn just about everything about the farmers’ market business. The conference will be held Thursday, March 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Waite Park, Minnesota. This will be a full day of educational sessions presented by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), as well as one-on-one consultations, mentoring and networking opportunities, and prizes!

Conference sessions will cover a variety of topics such as Review Your Insurance Policy; Consult with an Advisor; Set up a Website or Social Media Account; Understand 2012 Legislative Changes; Tax Considerations & Food Safety Requirements; Create an Effective Product Display; Manage Conflict; and Map Your Assets.
All current and prospective farmers’ market representatives, growers, specialty craft producers, and those promoting food assistance and nutrition programs eating are encouraged to attend.

The conference location is the American Legion Silver Star Post 428, 17 2nd Avenue North in Waite Park. Registration and refreshments will begin at 8:30 a.m. and a lunch, with food contributions from local producers, will be provided onsite. Interested exhibitors should email info@mfma.org for pricing and availability.

Online attendee registration is available at www.mfma.org. Significant discounts are offered when pre-registering by March 1.

Rib King “Famous Dave” Anderson comes to UMC on Thursday, Feb 2nd

2012-01-23T14:32:00.001-06:00

CROOKSTON, Minn. Dave Anderson, better known as “Famous Dave” and founder of Famous Dave’s Legendary Real Pit Barbecue, will be at the University of Minnesota, Crookston on Thursday, February 2, 2012. Sponsored by the Center for Rural Entrepreneurial Studies, Anderson will speak at 12 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center. The public is invited to attend; there is no admission charge.

Anderson, a highly sought after keynote speaker, has shared his business success secrets and leadership insights with millions throughout the United States and Canada. His incredible real life story of overcoming tremendous odds, adversity, and failure create one of America’s best-loved restaurant companies. With passion, energy, and enthusiasm Anderson shares how he overcame his own personal challenges. As a Native American, he is devoted to making a difference in the community and in the lives of others less fortunate.

With over 180 restaurants and growing, Famous Dave’s has received unprecedented recognition as one of the “Hottest Concepts in America” by Nation’s Restaurant News reaching over $480 million in sales. Anderson has helped found several publicly traded companies on Wall Street creating over 20,000 new jobs and billions in sales.

Anderson is part of the speakers series sponsored by the Center for Rural Entrepreneurial Studies (CRES). Funded through a grant from the Department of Education, CRES assists entrepreneurs in Northwestern Minnesota with the development and creation of their entrepreneurial enterprise. CRES, located on the Crookston campus, serves eleven counties including Beltrami, Clearwater, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau. The services offered are based on the client's needs.

Legal truck weight load increases begin Jan. 23 in Twin Cities & southern MN

2012-01-20T15:56:00.000-06:00

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Allowable winter load limits on highways in the Twin Cities metro area, south and southeast frost zones will increase up to 10 percent at 12:01 a.m., Monday, Jan. 23, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The frost zone in the Twin Cities 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 southern frost zone’s boundaries extend south from the southern limit of the central zone (Highway 12 to the Hennepin County line) to the Iowa state line, 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 frost zone’s boundaries extend south from the southern limit of the Twin Cities metro zone along, but not including, Interstate 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.

Winter truck weight load increases were previously announced on the following dates for these frost zones:
• North — Dec. 12
• North-central — Dec. 26
• Central — Jan. 21

Vehicles will be allowed to carry up to 10 percent more weight than the standard legal maximum loads on unrestricted highways during the winter load increase period. However, trucks must comply with current registration weight laws and not exceed registered gross weight limits.
MnDOT advises that haulers check with local agencies (cities, counties and townships) prior to increasing any weights on their routes. Signs erected on a roadway govern the load limit in effect.

A winter weight increase permit is required to take advantage of the up to 10 percent weight increase on interstate highways.
For information about legal weight/size trucking, call the Minnesota Department of Public Safety at 651-405-6171 (select Option 3, Option 3). For information about over legal weight/size heavy haul trucking, call MnDOT at 651-296-6000.

Load increases are permitted because pavements achieve increased strength to carry heavier loads when their sub-grades freeze.

For the most current information, call MnDOT’s automated 24-hour message center at 800-723-6543 for the U. S. and Canada or 651-366-5400 in the Twin Cities metro area. For more information on MnDOT’s seasonal load limits, visit www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us/research/seasonal_load_limits/sllindex.asp.

Awards recognize contributions to human services clients

2012-01-20T14:33:00.000-06:00

DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson honored professionals and organizations from across the state today, citing their outstanding contributions to human services program clients. Eleven individuals and organizations were recipients of the DHS Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Awards. The award recipients were recognized at a ceremony at the Elmer L. Andersen Human Services Building in St. Paul.

Jesson said the Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Award winners stand out among the many individuals and organizations on the front lines throughout the state, providing critical human services programs and promoting healthy and productive communities.

“These award winners are outstanding examples of how, collectively, we foster healthy people, stable families and strong communities,” Jesson said. “By shining a light on their work, we honor all our partners in human services.”

The 11 2011 DHS Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Award recipients are:
• Larene Randle, parent advocate, Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota, St. Paul. Randle has served on various advisory boards to bring the voice of a parent who has been involved with the child protection system to the table. She also is involved in many parent outreach and education efforts.

• Patricia Nordahl, former executive director, Cooperation Station Inc., Grand Marais. Longtime child care provider Nordahl not only served as director of an innovative child care center but assisted with efforts to develop the Parent Aware child care rating system. She advised DHS on its federal Child Care Development Fund Plan and serves on the Governor’s Early Learning Council.

• Courage Center, health care home for people with disabilities, Golden Valley. For the past two years, Courage Center has provided a health care home, coordinating the primary care needs of its clients with physical disabilities. The project was initially funded by a grant from DHS and has received high satisfaction ratings from participants.

• White Earth Home Health, home care and long-term care consultation, White Earth. Serving the White Earth Nation for more than 25 years, agency staff provide skilled nurse visits, home-delivered meals, nutrition education and Long-Term Care Consultation. Many of their clients have chronic health care needs, such as diabetes.

• West Central Minnesota Communities Action, Food Support outreach, Elbow Lake. By collaborating with the University of Minnesota’s Simply Good Eating Program and local food shelves, the agency provides Food Support application assistance, nutrition education and cooking classes for residents of Douglas, Grant, Traverse, Stevens and Pope counties. The agency has been a successful partner in efforts to raise awareness and increase participation in the federal Food Support program.

• Mary Regan, executive director, Minnesota Council of Child Caring Agencies, St. Paul. Regan has helped lead innovations and reform in children’s mental health and child welfare for more than a decade. She served as chair of the Child and Adolescent Intensive Services workgroup, helping to write a report to the Minnesota Legislature on service capacity and needs.

• Empira, falls prevention program, Eden Prairie. Using a DHS Performance-based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP) grant, Empira implemented a comprehensive program with falls prevention strategies and post-falls management interventions aimed at improving the health and safety of nursing facility residents and reducing costs.

• Affiliated Community Medical Centers - Litchfield East Clinic, optimal diabetes care, Litchfield. Clinic staff have taken a team approach to providing care to the growing client population with diabetes. The Minnesota Community Measurement Health Care Disparities Report noted that the clinic’s rate for optimal diabetes care was higher than the average clinic rate for Minnesota Health Care Programs enrollees.

• Recovery Resource Center, integrated dual diagnosis chemical dependency treatment, Minneapolis. Center staff work closely with clients, many of whom are homeless, who have complex conditions, providing dual mental illness and chemical dependency treatment, relapse prevention and treatment for mothers with dependent children.

• Bao Vang, president and chief executive officer, Hmong American Partnership, St. Paul. Vang has been a contributor to the DHS Disparities Reduction Advisory Committee and has been an advocate for small, culturally based agencies. As the leader of a growing social services agency that serves the Hmong and other communities, she has been instrumental in its success.

• In Reach Social Worker Initiative, a partnership of South Country Health Alliance, Owatonna Hospital, South Central Human Relations Center, Steele, Waseca and Dodge counties. Based out of Owatonna Hospital, a social worker works closely with frequent emergency department users to provide better service and more appropriate community-based care at a lesser cost.

Request for Proposals: Women’s Fund Grants and Scholarships

2012-01-20T14:28:00.000-06:00

The Northwest Minnesota Women’s Fund is calling for funding proposals for programs and services that benefit women and girls within the twelve county Northwest Minnesota Foundation service area.
Counties served by NMF are Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau.

Grant Program
The Northwest Minnesota Women’s Fund develops resources and serves as a catalyst for improving the quality of life for women and girls. They envision a region where women and girls reach their full potential and work toward that end through grants, scholarships, education, and recognition programs.

The Women’s Fund will consider grant applications for up to $2,500. To qualify for consideration, applications must support the mission and vision of the Women’s Fund. Priority will be given to applications that support the Women’s Fund goals:
1. Developing entrepreneurial and economic opportunities for women
2. Supporting programs that lead to a safer environment for women and girls
3. Building networks of women in leadership positions throughout the region
4. Encouraging and equipping women and girls to achieve their full potential

Grant funds can be used for speakers, educational materials, program delivery expenses, research projects, and for professional development. Grant funds are not available for scholarships (higher education).
Criteria for selection:
• Relationship of the project to Women’s fund mission and goals (as stated above)
• Evidence of grassroots support involving women
• Identified purpose and need for project
• Clear goals and action steps for completing the project
• Description of working relationship(s) with other partner(s) and/or funding sources
• Potential long-term impact of the project
• Evidence of an evaluation plan

Scholarships for Women
Contingent upon fundraising, the Women’s Fund will offer scholarships to women from the 12 counties in the Women’s Fund service area who are pursuing post-secondary education at a public higher education institution in the area (Bemidji State University, Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, Northland Community and Technical College at Thief River Falls and East Grand Forks, the University of Minnesota Crookston, and the White Earth Tribal College).

Preference will be given to women who intend to remain in the region upon graduation. Scholarship funds are to be used for tuition and books or direct educational material expenses.

As advised by a donor, one scholarship is designated for a woman attending the University of Minnesota, Crookston, with preference given to an older than average woman student.

The deadline for submission of proposals and scholarship applications is March 1, 2012. The grants will be awarded by July 30. The grant and scholarship applications and guidelines are available on the NMF web site www.nwmf.org (Designated Component Funds/NW MN Women’s Fund), or contact Peggy at 218-759-2057 or 800-659-7859, e-mail peggyc@nwmf.org.

I-29 Dairy Conference Set for Feb. 8-9

2012-01-19T16:17:00.001-06:00

The seventh annual I-29 Dairy Conference will be held Feb. 8-9 at the Best Western Ramkota Inn and Conference Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.

This year's conference will focus on current and future global dairy issues.

Extension Service dairy specialists from North Dakota State University, Iowa State University, the University of Minnesota, the University of Nebraska and South Dakota State University coordinate the event. Others involved in coordinating the conference include the Midwest Dairy Association and Southwest Minnesota Dairy Profit Group.

Conference topics include sustainability, long-range weather forecasting, feed costs, managing risk and seizing opportunities, and the Midwest's economic resiliency. Speakers include Neil Baker, a dairy producer and sustainable agriculture award winner from Somerset, England; Mark Seeley, University of Minnesota climatologist; Dave Casper, an assistant professor at South Dakota State University; Marin Bozic, dairy economist with the University of Minnesota; Stan Erwine, vice president of producer relations for Dairy Management Inc., Rosemont, Ill.; Clinton Anderson, a partner in Bain & Co. Inc., Irving, Texas; and a panel of producers and industry stakeholders.

Registration for the full conference is $30, including dinner and Erwine and Anderson's keynote presentation on Feb 8 and sessions on Feb. 9. More information and the full program schedule are available at http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/aginfo/dairy/dairyext/I-29_Conference_Brochure- FINAL.pdf. Register by Feb. 1 to ensure room availability at the Ramkota Inn and Conference Center by calling (605) 336-0650.

The Milk Producers Association of North Dakota has agreed to co-sponsor attendance and will pay the $30 registration fee for each North Dakota member attending the conference.

MN Tourism Conference to be held in Rochester

2012-01-19T16:15:00.000-06:00

With continuing, modest growth in travel projected for 2012, the annual Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference, to be held January 24-25 at Kahler Grand Hotel in Rochester, will feature a variety of strategies to attract visitors. Governor Mark Dayton will address the conference on Wednesday.

"There's renewed consumer interest in leisure, group and international travel, and the tourism industry is looking ahead to a year of gradual improvement" explains John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state's travel promotion office. "The conference is an opportunity for those who work for tourism businesses and organizations to exchange ideas and get inspired. Explore Minnesota works closely with the tourism industry, developing partnerships to grow travel sales and jobs throughout the state."

The 2012 "More to Explore" advertising campaign and other marketing programs will be introduced. To prepare the Minnesota tourism industry to make the most of the recovering economy and growing travel market, the conference will also focus on strategies for developing new business, including marketing through new social media, drawing visitors through special events and deals, attracting visitors to trails, and working effectively with travel media.

Major speakers include Stan Gadek, CEO of Sun Country Airlines; Dave Serino of Think! Social Media; and Stevie Ray, corporate trainer and columnist for the Business Journal Newspapers. On Tuesday evening, the Explore Minnesota Awards Banquet will honor several individuals for their contributions to the tourism industry and several organizations for their outstanding marketing programs.

The conference draws participants from Minnesota's diverse tourism industry, including chambers of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus, museums and other attractions, hotels, resorts and other lodging businesses. See industry.exploreminnesota.com for the complete conference agenda and registration information.

MN receives an additional money for Energy Assistance Program

2012-01-19T16:12:00.001-06:00

ST. PAUL, MN – Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman announced today that Minnesota will receive an additional $29.2 million in federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds for the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program (EAP). That brings the state’s total federal allocation this winter season to $116.8 million.

“We have already been able to help more than 116,000 Minnesota families with energy assistance this winter, and this added funding will enable us to help thousands of families still on the waiting list,” said Commissioner Rothman. “These additional funds come at a crucial time for low-income families who are struggling to pay their heating bills as we head into the coldest part of winter.”

EAP helps low-income households pay their heating bills through grant money paid directly to the utility company on behalf of the customer. The Minnesota Department of Commerce allocates these funds to 36 local service providers who work with households to distribute assistance.

Last year, Minnesota served 172,065 households with $152 million in federal funds. With the $116.8 million Minnesota has received this year – taking into account adjustments made to average household assistance – the Commerce Department estimates it will serve roughly 190,000 Minnesota households this winter.

This year the average grant per household is about $400. Customers with 50 percent or less of the state median income ($43,050 for a family of four) may qualify. Households with seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children are especially encouraged to apply. The average household income of families enrolled in the program is around $16,000 per year.

“Many Minnesota families are barely managing in this challenging economy. EAP can help these families – particularly senior citizens, families with young children, and disabled Minnesotans – avoid the difficult choice between buying food and medicine, or paying their heating bill,” said Rothman.

Commissioner Rothman strongly encourages Minnesotans who need help to apply for assistance as soon as possible. Qualifying families must apply for assistance at the local service provider in their area. Funding is limited and is administered on a first-come-first-serve basis.

A list of local service providers and more information about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program can be found at http://www.staywarm.mn.gov by clicking on “Finding Financial Assistance” or by calling 651-296-5175 or toll free in Minnesota 1-800-657-3710.

DNR Enforcement names new operations manager

2012-01-19T16:10:00.001-06:00

Captain Phil Meier, a 34-year veteran of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, was recently promoted to major and named the Division of Enforcement’s operations manager.

The operations manager directs the division’s field operations, which includes public contacts and field response, customer service, human-wildlife management conflict, and law enforcement.

Major Meier began his career with the DNR in 1976 with Fisheries before becoming a conservation officer in 1990.

In 1995 he was promoted to lieutenant and served as a district supervisor in Mille Lacs Lake, Park Rapids, and Fergus Falls before being promoted to captain and DNR’s southern region enforcement supervisor at New Ulm in 2009.

Meier succeeds Lt. Col. Rodmen Smith who was recently promoted to assistant director of DNR Enforcement.

Free Paint Available for Community Restoration Projects

2012-01-19T16:04:00.000-06:00

BEMIDJI, MN—Jan. 18, 2012— A fresh coat of paint can make a remarkable difference in the appearance of community structures, neighborhood facilities and parks. While adding to a sense of civic pride, this agreeable task is again being made very affordable. For the 15th consecutive year, the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) announces the availability of free paint for community fix-up and restoration projects.
In partnership with the Valspar Corporation and the Minnesota Beautiful Program, help will be given to towns and organizations to obtain the paint and other coating materials required for selected projects.

“Over the years, visual improvements all around the region have resulted from the Minnesota Beautiful Program. Literally thousands of gallons of paint have been given for a wide range of projects,” said Nancy Vyskocil, NMF president. “We’re pleased to be working with Valspar once again to help bring the Minnesota Beautiful project to our communities.”

Free paint will be made available by NMF and Valspar in support of projects that best meet certain eligibility criteria. Selection will be based on the visual impact of the proposed projects, potential advantages to the public, volunteer participation and support, current and/or intended use of the structure to be refurbished, and benefits to those in need.

Qualifying projects might include, but are not limited to, those involving historic structures, senior citizen and community centers, facilities for the disabled, publicly owned buildings, and murals or other visual-impact designs. Projects that would not qualify include those involving denominational churches, city maintenance, private properties, or school projects (except for murals).

This year, Valspar and NMF are requiring applicants to submit tax-exempt qualifying documentation. In addition, projects using less than 10 gallons of paint will not be considered and all projects must be able to be completed within the calendar year.

Minnesota Beautiful applications are due by Tuesday, March 6th, by 5:00 PM, with awards announced on March 28th. Applications are available for downloading at www.nwmf.org, or by calling NMF at 218-759-2057 or 800-659-7859.

“Many towns and organizations will compete for this chance to renew or preserve a community asset,” said Vyskocil. “We encourage all applications and appreciate the spirit shown for the projects.”
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation invests resources, creates opportunities and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.

2012 Dairy Cow College Dates Set

2012-01-18T16:15:00.000-06:00

Sustainability, global issues and controlling feed costs are among the topics for the 2012 Dairy Cow College sessions.

Dairy Cow College is a joint educational effort of the North Dakota State University Extension Service and Midwest Dairy Association (MDA) in cooperation with the NDSU Animal Sciences Department and Barnes, Dunn, Emmons, McHenry, McIntosh, Morton, Oliver, Stark/Billings, Stutsman and Ward County Extension offices.

The dates and locations for this year's sessions are:

* Jan. 30: KEM Electric Cooperative, Linton

* Jan. 31: Elks Lodge, Dickinson

* Feb. 1: Youth Building, Morton County Fairgrounds, New Salem

* Feb. 2: Sandhills Dairy, Towner

* Feb. 3: Gladstone Inn and Suites, Jamestown

All of the sessions will begin with registration and coffee at 10:30 a.m. local time and run from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Other major topics for this year's Dairy Cow College are the cow of the future, the role of genomics, food safety and social issues, automated milking systems, the dairy industry's carbon footprint, crisis management and managing labor on a dairy operation.

NDSU Extension dairy specialist J.W. Schroeder will be the presenter at this year's sessions.

Other activities will include American Dairy Association and MDA district meetings, presentations on current dairy topics and a question-and-answer
session.

For more information about Dairy Cow College, contact Schroeder at (701) 231-7663 or jw.schroeder@ndsu.edu or the following Extension agents:

* Linton -- Connie Job, (701) 254-4811, connie.job@ndsu.edu, or Crystal Schaunaman, (701) 288-3465, crystal.schaunaman@ndsu.edu

* Dickinson - Kurt Froelich, (701) 456-7665, kurt.froelich@ndsu.edu, or Becky Buchmann, (701) 764-5593, becky.buchmann@ndsu.edu

* New Salem - Jackie Buckley, (701) 667-3340, jackie.buckley@ndsu.edu, or Rick Schmidt, (701) 794-8748, rick.schmidt@ndsu.edu

* Towner - Raquel Dugan-Dibble, (701) 537-5405, r.dugan-dibble@ndsu.edu, or Paige Brummund, (701) 857-6444, paige.f.brummund@ndsu.edu

* Jamestown - Lance Brower, (701) 252-9030, lance.brower@ndsu.edu, or Randy Grueneich, (701) 845-8528, randy.grueneich@ndsu.edu

Clearwater Health Services to Join with Sanford Health

2012-01-17T15:17:00.000-06:00

(Bagley, MN) - Today the Clearwater County Board in Bagley, MN announced that they have signed a definitive agreement with Sanford Health to purchase the operations of Clearwater Health Services (CHS). This fall the two organizations announced a letter of intent to join and this is one of the final steps in that process. The agreement will be finalized effective Feb. 1, 2012, pending approval by the Sanford Health Board of Trustees.

“This is a time of great change in health care, but also a time of great opportunity. It is often what brings us to together, that sets us apart. Both Clearwater Health Services and Sanford have long legacies of providing care in northern Minnesota, says Paul Hanson, President Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota. “Together we can much more efficiently assess the healthcare delivery system in our region”

Clearwater Health Services will then be known as Sanford Bagley. Sanford Bagley includes Sanford Bagley Medical Center in Bagley, with the attached Sanford Bagley Clinic; the Sanford Bagley Ambulance Service; and the Sanford Bagley Clearbrook Clinic in Clearbrook, Minn. Sanford Bagley will have a total of 7 physicians and advanced practice providers and over 80 staff. Over the next few months a local advisory board will also be forming.

“Sanford’s philosophy is to provide access to quality healthcare for patients, close to home,” says John Nelson, Clearwater County Board Chair. “This partnership with Sanford will supply us with expertise needed and provide a stable environment for patients and staff in our communities.”

Sanford Health includes 34 hospitals, 116 clinic locations and more than 1,000 physicians in 70 specialty areas of medicine. With more than 20,000 employees, Sanford Health is the largest rural, not-for-profit health care system in the nation with locations in 112 communities in seven states. In addition, Sanford Health is in the process of developing international clinics in Ireland, Africa, Israel and Mexico. The healthcare system is experiencing dynamic growth and development in conjunction with Denny Sanford's $400 million gift in 2007, the largest gift ever to a health care organization in America. This gift is making possible the implementation of the several initiatives including global children's clinics, multiple research centers, eradicating breast cancer and finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. For more information, visit sanfordhealth.org.

Western MN Regional Science Fair Feb 11th at UMC

2012-01-17T15:03:00.001-06:00

CROOKSTON, Minn. – Students will have the opportunity to showcase their science projects and compete at the 63rd Annual Western Minnesota Regional Science Fair to be hosted at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The science fair slated for February 11, 2012, in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center is for students in the Western Minnesota Region which includes the counties of Big Stone, Becker, Clay, Grant, Mahnomen, Norman, Otter Tail, Polk, Traverse and Wilkins.

Entries and required forms for projects must be postmarked by Monday, January 30, 2012. Papers must be postmarked absolutely no later than Friday, January 27, 2012. Mail forms/papers to Western MN Regional Science Fair, c/o Katy Smith, University of Minnesota, Crookston, 2900 University Ave., Crookston, Minn., 56716. All forms, fee information, and additional details about the science fair are available at www.umcrookston.edu/sciencefair.

Registration and project set-up begin at 8 a.m. the day of the competition with judging at 10 a.m. The public is invited to view the projects from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. The event culminates with an awards ceremony at 2 p.m.
The regional science fairs are a learning opportunity for students in middle school or high school interested in science, technology, engineering and math. They also provide selected students the chance to compete for prizes at the State Science & Engineering Fair in March. Besides competing, the science fairs are a chance for participants to present and to engage in dialogue about their research. Evaluation is based on four criteria: the process of science; effectiveness of communication; context of the project and their scope of understanding (www.fair.mnmas.org).

UMC Chancellor Charles H Casey announces retirement

2012-01-17T15:01:00.000-06:00

Crookston, Minn. - University of Minnesota, Crookston, Chancellor Charles H. Casey, D.V.M., announced today that he plans to retire at the end of the 2011–12 academic year. Casey has been UMC chancellor since September 2005 and has held other University leadership roles over nearly 35 years, including serving as a member of the Board of Regents and as dean and director of University of Minnesota Extension.

Casey, whose last day as chancellor will be June 30, 2012, made the announcement during his “state of the campus” address to the UMC community. He expressed pride in the growth of the campus during his tenure, citing accomplishments including new programs, gains in enrollment and diversity, strategic facility investments, and completion of a comprehensive strategic plan.

“This is the right time for me to step down after a long and satisfying career,” said Casey. This is a time of significant challenges for higher education, but by most measures, the University of Minnesota, Crookston is thriving and well positioned for further growth. I have great confidence in the future under the leadership of University President Eric Kaler.”

Casey added, “I will always be grateful for the support I’ve received. The faculty and staff of the University of Minnesota, Crookston are incredibly talented and committed to the campus as well as to the success of our students.”

University Senior Vice President Robert J. Jones, who with Kaler oversees the University’s four coordinate campuses, said Tuesday that plans for a national search for Casey’s replacement will be announced soon, with the goal of having a new chancellor on board at Casey’s departure.

“Chancellor Casey has been an exceptional leader for the Crookston campus and for the greater University,” said Jones, who was on campus for Casey’s address. “He has steered the campus to a new level of excellence as a teaching and applied research hub for northwestern Minnesota.”

“Chuck’s contributions to the entire University and state have been significant, including his leadership for UMC, Extension, and on the Board of Regents,” said Kaler. “I thank him for his exemplary service and look forward to working with him to ensure a smooth transition for the Crookston campus.”

During Casey’s tenure, the campus added several new degree programs, including bachelor’s degrees in biology, criminal justice, environmental sciences, marketing, and software engineering. The number of online degree programs, and student enrollment in such programs, expanded significantly, with an emphasis on high-quality educational services for nontraditional or continuing students, community organizations, and the workforce. In 2009, the campus also became home to an online-learning support and referral center serving the entire University system.

The Crookston campus saw significant enrollment gains including four consecutive years of record high enrollment. The number of degree-seeking students hit an all-time record of 1,600 for fall semester 2011, a 52 percent enrollment increase over the six-year period from 2005 to 2011. Two new residence halls, Centennial Hall (2006) and Evergreen Hall (2009), were built to accommodate the influx of students. Casey said that securing approval from the Board of Regents for construction of an additional residence hall will be a priority during his final semester as chancellor.

The diversity of the UMC student body also grew under Casey’s leadership, with increased enrollment of both students of color and international students. In fall 2011, students of color represented approximately 11 percent of the student body, compared with 8 percent prior to Casey’s arrival in 2005. International students were 9 percent of the student body in 2011, compared with just under 3 percent. Agreements that Casey signed with schools in Korea and China accounted for much of the international growth; overall, UMC now welcomes students from 30 countries and 40 states.

Casey, who holds a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, was a two-term member of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, from 1979 to 1991 (from 1989 to 1991 as chair). Prior to his appointment as chancellor, he served six and a half years as dean and director of University of Minnesota Extension; before that, he spent seven years as director of outreach services for the University's College of Veterinary Medicine. He was the vice chair of the North Central Extension Directors and served on the University of Minnesota Foundation Board, Hubert H. Humphrey Institute Advisory Board, and the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development Board.

Early in his career, Dr. Casey served as a captain in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, worked for 27 years as a practitioner in rural veterinary medicine, and was a partner in the Dodge Veterinary Clinic in West Concord and Dodge Center, Minnesota. He is a lifetime member of both the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. He has served on a number of local volunteer organizations.

He is a member of Phi Zeta Honor Society of Veterinary Medicine and Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society of Agriculture, and has received awards including the Outstanding Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota, Director’s Distinguished Service Award from the Minnesota Extension Service, Torch & Shield Award from the University of Minnesota, Crookston, and Minnesota Veterinarian of the Year.

Casey is married to Barbara Muesing and has three adult children and three grandchildren.

Radon Awareness

2012-01-17T14:46:00.000-06:00

January is radon awareness month. Radon is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. In fact, radon kills more than 20,000 Americans each year.

Listen here for more

Consumers, parents and others sought for state mental health boards

2012-01-13T16:10:00.000-06:00

The State Advisory Council on Mental Health and the Subcommittee on Children's Mental Health are accepting applications for membership through Feb. 6.

The council and subcommittee advise the Governor and state departments on policies, programs and services affecting adults with mental illnesses and children with emotional disturbances. Each group consists of 30 members representing a variety of perspectives on the mental health system. Every two years, the council and subcommittee file a formal report of their recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. As a federally mandated council, the council also provides input on the state’s mental health system for the federal government. The council also assists in coordinating the work of local advisory councils.

Terms of membership are four years. The following positions are up for appointment:

State Advisory Council:

Three consumers of mental health services
Two family members of persons with mental illnesses
A parent of a child with an emotional disturbance
A representative of the discipline of psychology
A representative of the discipline of nursing
A metro county commissioner

Children’s Subcommittee:

Two parents of a child with an emotional disturbance
A person knowledgeable about the needs of children who have emotional disturbances of minority races and cultures
A hospital-based provider of children’s mental health services
A provider of mental health services for pre-adolescent children
A present or former consumer of adolescent mental health services
A rural county commissioner
A state legislator

Any Minnesotan is eligible for membership. Appointments to the State Advisory Council are made by the Governor; appointments to the Children’s Subcommittee are made by the State Advisory Council.

The council and subcommittee meet on the first Thursday of the month in St. Paul. In addition to reimbursement for travel, lodging, and meal expense, there is a per diem payment of $55 per meeting.

Applications are available the Secretary of State’s Office at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/, Open Commissions and Appointments. You may now apply online at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?recordid=41&page=19.

Applications should be received by February 6.

If you have questions, contact Bruce Weinstock at Bruce.Weinstock@state.mn.us or 651-431-2249.

Minnesota Department of Revenue launches BETA website

2012-01-13T14:50:00.000-06:00

St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Revenue wants to make it easier for Minnesotans to file and pay their taxes. To do that, the department is overhauling its website. The test version (or BETA) of the new website is up and running. Now, it’s up to the taxpayers to make it even better.

“An updated, easy-to-navigate website is one way we are enhancing customer service and improving how state government works,” Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans said. “We want your help in building a site that makes it easy for you to find the information and services you need, so please take a look around and send us your feedback.”

Taxpayers should visit the BETA site and send in suggestions to make the new website as user-friendly as possible. Go to http://beta.revenue.state.mn.us, then:

·Click on the “Rate this Page” link found on the bottom right of every page

·Email us at dorweb.comm@state.mn.us

The final version of the new website debuts in May. It will feature updated information, improved search options and a fresh look and feel. Taxpayer feedback, as well as surveys, studies and test runs by real users were instrumental in upgrading the website and will be ongoing until the final site launches in May.

The BETA site will stay up for public evaluation through April, and the department will roll out improvements throughout that time. There will be periodic updates, and the site might be down for short periods. Scheduled updates are posted at http://beta.revenue.state.mn.us. The site is best viewed by supported browsers and may not work on all mobile devices at this time. View the system requirements page for more information.

Access the BETA site directly at http://beta.revenue.state.mn.us or from the current home page, www.taxes.state.mn.us.

Advanced Crop Advisers Workshop Set for Feb. 9-10 in Fargo

2012-01-13T14:44:00.001-06:00

The Advanced Crop Advisers Workshop is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, Feb. 9-10, at the Holiday Inn in Fargo.

The workshop is designed to provide in-depth discussion of selected topics for agricultural professionals to enhance their crop production recommendations for farmers.

The event is organized and conducted by the North Dakota State University Extension Service and University of Minnesota Extension.

"This is the 20th year of the event," says Greg Endres, NDSU Extension area agronomist and event co-chair. "The agenda has been expanded this year and the planning committee is working hard to provide a high-quality program for crop advisers."

The slate of speakers includes regional and national experts discussing subjects including corn, nematodes and sulfur.

On Feb. 9, educational sessions are:

* Nematodes of soybean and corn: Recognizing the risk and tapping into the right management tools

* Sulfur: It's not just for canola anymore

* Biomass crops for producing energy

* Smartphones, sensors and satellites! -- Oh my! Navigating through the technology jungle

* CSI (crop scene investigation): Your client's field problem

On Feb. 10, educational sessions are:

* Using the east to improve corn in the west

* In-depth nitrogen

* A soybean pathology update for the region

* Tiling insights

* Seed traits innovation: What's next?

Preregistration is requested. The workshop fee is $140 if received by Feb. 3 or $75 if attending one day. Late registration fees are $175 or $100 for one day. The fee includes three meals and breaks, a padfolio and numerous references. Certified crop advisers will have the opportunity to receive 11 continuing education units.

A brochure that contains workshop details, including a preregistration form, is at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/CarringtonREC/. Electronic registration and credit card payment can be made at http://www.tinyurl.com/CRECstore.

For further information, contact Endres at the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center at (701) 652-2951 or Phillip Glogoza, Minnesota Extension Service in Moorhead, at (218) 236-2008.

Sweet Adelines International

2012-01-12T16:10:00.000-06:00

TULSA, Okla., Jan. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sweet Adelines International is one of the world's largest music education associations for women. Members extend over five continents and belong to more than 500 choruses. This month, choruses from all over the globe are teaching the world to sing by participating in an organization-wide Global Open House event.

Women of all ages who enjoy singing are invited to find and visit a Sweet Adelines International chorus during the month of January.

Sweet Adelines International endows nearly 23,000 members with the mastery of singing barbershop harmony. This style of music is defined as unaccompanied, close-harmony singing produced by four parts: lead, tenor, baritone and bass. The a cappella style and the ear training necessary for independent part singing make it one of the most challenging and rewarding accomplishments of a vocal ensemble. When the music is sung accurately and with good breath support and vocal techniques, barbershop harmony produces overtone vibrations that create a resonant ring unique to this form of music.

Local choruses are the laboratories where members receive basic training in barbershop harmony. Programs are designed to inspire women to reach their full singing potential. Any woman of average singing ability, with or without vocal training, will find a part that fits her voice range.

Members enjoy unlimited training and educational opportunities as well as spectacular performance, entertainment and competition possibilities. It's a rich, rewarding experience to sing with a worldwide community of friends who value the joy of singing four-part, a cappella harmony.

To find a local chorus and for more information about Sweet Adelines International, call toll-free 1.800.992.7464 or 918.622.1444, email commdept@sweetadelineintl.org or visit http://www.sweetadelineintl.org. View a list of choruses that are participating in the January 2012 Global Open House event here, http://www.sweetadelineintl.org/filesSite/participatingchapters.pdf.

Ag Arama at UMC on Saturday, January 28th

2012-01-12T16:06:00.001-06:00

CROOKSTON, Minn. – A legacy continues at the University of Minnesota, Crookston with hosting of the 37th annual Ag Arama. The weekend of events, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, January 27-28, 2012, is hosted by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department and includes fun and excitement for the entire family. Most of the activities take place on Saturday, Jan. 28, in the University Teaching and Outreach Center (UTOC) located on the north edge of the campus.

Contests in agronomy, animal science, horticulture, and natural resources highlight Ag Arama weekend. They serve as an opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge and skills and have a chance to interact with alumni and faculty members. Ag Arama is planned and operated by a committee of students advised by Terrill Bradford and Brenda Miller, who both teach in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department.

On Friday evening, the Animal Science Association will sponsor a chili feed from 5 to 7 p.m. in UTOC for $5 per person.

On Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., the animal showmanship contests begin and the public is welcome to watch the competition as it unfolds in both novice and experienced categories. Students compete in western and English horse showmanship, lamb lead, and dairy, beef, sheep, and swine showing. The novices are paired with experienced students prior to the contests to prepare for the day. Alumni showmanship will take place at 12:30 p.m.

From 9 a.m. to noon, an agricultural industries show features some of the latest in agricultural equipment. At noon, the Round Robin Showmanship will begin. Coronation of the Ag Arama royalty takes place at 1 p.m. followed by the presentation of specialty awards and the sweepstake’s presentation. Several games and competitions, including men's and women's crosscut saw contests and log splitting, begin at 2:30 p.m.

In the evening, a walleye or rib dinner will be served at the Crookston Eagle’s Club from 6 to 7 p.m., along with an alumni social from 6 to 8 p.m. also at the Eagles. Cost of the dinner will be $11 for the walleye and $10 for the ribs.

Capping off the weekend will be dancing to “Pick Six” from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Eagle’s.

Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week is Jan. 15-21

2012-01-12T16:04:00.001-06:00

Governor Mark Dayton with the support of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA) has proclaimed the week of Jan. 15-21 as Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week in Minnesota.

“We see the excitement to ride building up as people wait for that first ‘good’ snow of the season to arrive, so we see a lot of pent up riding excitement in a short amount of time during these ‘low snow’ seasons,” said Captain Mike Hammer, DNR Education Program Coordinator. “Our concern is all of the anxious snowmobilers suddenly hitting the trails all at once when that good snow finally arrives.”

To legally ride a snowmobile in Minnesota, residents born after Dec. 31, 1976 need a valid snowmobile safety certificate.

More than 1,800 volunteer instructors teach DNR snowmobile safety courses across the state.
For more information on the dates and locations of these courses, visit the DNR website: www.dnr.state.mn.us or call 1-800-366-8917.

DNR and MnUSA also want to remind snowmobilers of a few basic safety tips:

DON’T’ DRINK – Drinking and driving can be fatal. Drinking alcohol before or during snowmobiling can impair judgment and sow reaction time. Snowmobilers who have been drinking may drive too fast or race across unsafe ice. Alcohol also causes body temperature to drop at an accelerated rate, which increases the likelihood of hypothermia.
SLOW DOWN – Speed is a contributing factor in nearly all fatal snowmobiling accidents. Drivers should proceed at a pace that will allow ample reaction time for any situation. Remember, when driving at night a speed of only 40 miles an hour may result in “over driving” the headlight.
BE PREPARED – When traveling, make sure to bring a first aid kit, a flashlight, waterproof matches, and a compass.
STAY ALERT – Fatigue can reduce the driver’s coordination and judgment.
ICE ADVICE – Avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thickness and strength of ice on lakes and ponds. Snow cover can act as a blanket and prevent safe ice from forming. Never travel in a single file when crossing bodies of water.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS – Use a full-size helmet, goggles or face shield to prevent injuries from twigs, stones, ice, and flying debris. Clothing should be worn in layers and should be just snug enough so that no loose ends catch in the machine.
WATCH THE WEATHER – Rapid weather changes can produce dangerous conditions.
BRING A BUDDY – Never travel alone. Most snowmobile accidents result in some personal injury. The most dangerous situations can occur if a person is injured and alone. If you must travel alone tell someone your destination, planned route, and when you will return.
REPORT ACCIDENTS – The operator of a snowmobile involved in an accident resulting in medical attention, death, or damage exceeding $500 must file an official accident report through the county sheriff’s office within 10 days.

For a copy of DNR’s 2011-2012 Minnesota Snowmobile Safety Laws, Rules, and Regulations handbook, you can call 888-MINNDNR (outstate) or 651-296-6157. It’s also available on the DNR’s web page: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/snowmobile/index.html

USDA Extends Conservation Stewardship Program Sign-Up to January 27

2012-01-12T15:53:00.001-06:00

Ada, Minnesota, Jan. 12, 2012 –– USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Dave White today announced that the cut-off date for the current Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) ranking period has been extended to January 27, 2012. Producers who maintain a high level of conservation on their land and agree to adopt higher levels of stewardship are eligible for CSP payments.

“We want to make sure that people who want to be considered for CSP during this first ranking period have the time they need to complete their applications,” said Shawnn, Balstad, District Conservationist. “CSP is a very popular program and I encourage interested producers to apply at their local NRCS office as soon as they can.”

CSP is offered in all 50 states, tribal lands and the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous sign-ups. Administered by NRCS, CSP provides many conservation benefits including improved water and soil quality, enhanced wildlife habitat and conservation activities that address the effects of climate change.

Producers are encouraged to apply for CSP throughout the year to be considered for current and future application ranking periods. Those who apply by January 27, 2012, may be eligible for current available funding. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, rangeland and nonindustrial forestland.

A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help producers determine if CSP is suitable for their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, contracts obligations and potential payments. It is available from local NRCS offices and at:
http://www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp/index.html

2012 MINNESOTA ALCOHOL TRAFFIC SAFETY ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

2012-01-10T15:19:00.000-06:00

“Traffic Safety= A Life-Long Ride” is the theme for the 38th Annual Minnesota Alcohol Traffic Safety Conference to be held April 25-27, 2012 in St. Cloud at the Holiday Inn® & Suites St. Cloud (Hwy 23 & 15 Jct.). P.O.S.T. Credits and other applicable continuing education credits are available for attending the conference, as in past years. MATSA is a non-profit organization promoting traffic safety in Minnesota. Rooms are reserved for conference attendees - make your own hotel reservations by going online or calling 320-253-9000.

Some of the highlighted speakers this year include; Sgt. Kathy Pederson, Minnesota State Patrol; Lisa Kons, Minnesota Safety Council; Riccardo Munoz, Drug and Alcohol expert from the Minnesota State Patrol; a representative from the Office of the Attorney General, a current television personality and many others. Recent past guest speakers have included Judge James Dehn, 10th Judicial District, Mad Dog Vachon, Rod Grams, Dr. Janis Amatuzio, TV News Anchor/Reporter Betsy Singer of KAAL TV; Jean Ryan, Alcohol Programs Director from the Department of Public Safety; Pat Bluth of Crow Wing County M.AD.D. as well as Fox 9’s Trish Van Pilsum and many others.

This conference will be the fourth year that Jennifer Booge has led a breakout session on Child Passenger Safety training during the conference. Persons who are CPS certified can get credits for this training as well. Conference attendees have included college students, persons in chemical/alcohol related vocations, law enforcement officers, social workers, attorneys, driver education instructors, probation officers and citizens interested in traffic safety or chemical - alcohol issues. Critiques and comments show that each year is a great conference and the April 2012 Conference should be no exception.

For more information about the conference or to register please visit www.matsa.us or call 218-547-7237. You may also email Shirley at shirley.j.smith@co.cass.mn.us. Attendees may register for one, two or all three days. The first and last days of the conference are half days. Some meals are included in the conference fees. Dress recommendation is business casual. Prospective attendees are encouraged to register as early as possible. Drawings for door prizes are held during and at the end of the conference.

Minnesota farmer-author to share his conversations with the land

2012-01-10T15:01:00.000-06:00

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota farmer and author Jim VanDerPol will read from his new book, Conversations with the Land, this Friday evening, January 13, at the River’s Edge Convention Center (formerly the St. Cloud Civic Center) in downtown St. Cloud. The book reading begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The event is part of the Minnesota Organic Conference.

VanDerPol and his family operate a diversified crop and livestock farm near Kerkhoven, Minnesota and market their farm’s pork products under the Pastures A Plenty brand.

VanDerPol says that while he yearns to return to the agriculture culture of the 1950s and 60s, he wants to do more than just lament about how small diversified farms have been replaced by larger operations. In Conversations with the Land, he offers his vision for what each of us can do make sure agriculture practices are good for the environment, the people who live within it, and even the nation as a whole. VanDerPol’s writing has appeared in periodicals including Graze magazine, Farming magazine, and the Progressive Populist. Conversations with the Land is published by No Bull Press.

The Minnesota Organic Conference runs from Friday morning, January 13, to Saturday afternoon, January 14, at the River’s Edge Convention Center. This farmer-focused event offers educational sessions about organic topics including soil health, weed management, grain and vegetable production, dairy farming, marketing, and regulatory issues, as well as a 75-vendor trade show. Organizers expect 400-500 people to attend. The conference schedule, costs, and registration information are available at www.mda.state.mn.us/organic or by calling 651-201-6012.