Lane closures planned on I-94 west of Alexandria in early April

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. – Motorists traveling on Interstate 94 west of Alexandria near Lake Latoka will encounter intermittent delays and lane closures during the first two weeks of April.

Traffic will reduce to a single lane in each direction during daytime hours through mid-April while crews work near the interstate as part of the CapX2020 transmission line project.

On Tuesday, April 1, and Wednesday, April 2, weather-permitting, crews will use a helicopter to string power lines over the interstate. Traffic may stop temporarily during this work. State Patrol troopers will be on site to assist travelers through the work zone. Motorists should slow down, be alert and keep traveling through the work zone, unless directed by law enforcement.

Several I-94 wire crossings will occur between Alexandria and Barnesville this summer and fall. Additional information will be released in advance of those crossings.

For more information about the CapX2020 project, call 1-866-876-2869 or visit www.capx2020.com.

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

DNR will highlight fishing, hunting and hiking at Northwest Sportshow

Outdoor enthusiasts can learn about fishing, hunting, hiking trails, water safety and much more by visiting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources booths at the Northwest Sportshow, March 26-30 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

DNR specialists will be available to answer questions at the main DNR booth located in Lobby D. The DNR License Center will be selling state parks stickers, and fishing and hunting licenses at the booth.

Attendees also can visit the DNR’s invasive species information booth in Lobby C to pick up educational materials and talk with invasive species staff and conservation officers specializing in invasive species issues. The booth will have invasive species specimens and models for visitors to examine. 

The DNR Enforcement Division will offer an interactive LaserShot shooting range for youth and adults. Participants can test their skills at one of four shooting simulation stations. The range is located in Room 101J, next to the Lobby C entrance.

Youth interested in learning how to safely ride an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) can take a ride on the ATV safety training simulator also located in Room 101J. Staff will be available to demonstrate how to properly fit the vehicle to the rider and answer questions about safety equipment and gear.

Business owners who are required to complete lake service provider training can attend a class on Thursday, March 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  For more information about the training and to register for the class, visit the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/lsp.

Daily admission to the Northwest Sportshow is $11 for adults 16 and older. Youth 15 and younger are admitted for free.  On March 27, seniors 62 and older will receive a discounted admission of $8 for the day.  Active military personnel receive free admission with a valid ID.

Exception to seasonal truck weight restrictions in north frost zone

ST. PAUL, Minn. – An exception to the spring truck weight restrictions is in effect on two sections of Highway 1 in Minnesota's north frost zone, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. One section is in the city of Red Lake from the Fishery Road to Prestons Road and the other is 11 miles west of Ely to the city of Ely.

Highway 1 will have a spring load restriction of seven tons instead of the usual 10 tons. This exception will remain in place until further notice.

MnDOT limits truck weights to prevent damage to roads weakened during the spring thaw. Ending dates for spring load restrictions will be established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change.

The north zone extends south from the Canadian border to a line following and including TH 1 at the North Dakota state line east to TH 89, TH 89 south to US 2, US 2 east to TH 33, TH 33 south through Cloquet to I-35, I-35 north to the Carlton/St. Louis county line, and then south on that line to the Wisconsin state line.

Road restriction maps showing the locations of weight-restricted routes and state highways open to maximum 10-ton axle weights are listed at www.dot.state.mn.us/materials. Click on "Seasonal Load Limits," and then "Spring Load Restrictions" for the most up-to-date information.

The information is also available by calling MnDOT’s 24-hour automated message center at 1-800-723-6543 in the United States and Canada or by calling 651-366-5400.

Commerce announces options to help protect budgets from energy cost spikes

SAINT PAUL, MN—The colder-than-normal winter has made for a rough heating season for all Minnesotans, especially those using propane. The Minnesota Department of Commerce wants consumers to know there are several options to help reduce their heating costs, such as financial assistance to help low-income people pay their heating bills, energy-saving programs to reduce heating costs, and secondary heating systems to supplement existing systems.

“The soaring propane prices this year no doubt have some people exploring different options to heat their homes and businesses,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. “Sky-rocketing heating bills have raised the profile for new energy options such as solar thermal, ground source heat pumps, and high-efficiency wood energy systems. But first and foremost, we encourage all consumers to conserve and be efficient before investing in a new heating system.”

Rothman points out that if households consistently reduce their energy consumption (use programmable thermostats, weather strip doors and windows, seal air leaks, add insulation, maintain heating systems, and more), they can lessen their energy demand (and bills).  This will reduce the size of the investment needed for a new energy system. Commerce offers some basic tips to reduce heating bills.Additionally, for a list of resources, visit the Stay Warm Minnesota webpage.

Energy assistance reaches out to all Minnesotans—especially propane users

To respond to the propane crisis, the Minnesota Legislature passed and Governor Dayton signed a bill on February 28 that increased EAP funding by $20 million. On January 27, Governor Mark Dayton declared a Peacetime State of Emergency.  A Propane Emergency Hotline (800-657-3504 for greater Minnesota or 651-297-1304 in the Twin Cities) has been established and has assisted thousands of Minnesotans in need. The Administration took steps to make it easier for low-income Minnesotans to get financial assistance through the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) by increasing the eligibility criteria for EAP from 50% to 60% of state median income and also increasing crisis benefits from $500 to $1,000 for Minnesotans heating with propane and heating oil.

Minnesotans can apply for energy assistance by visiting the Energy Assistance section of the Department of Commerce website or calling 1-800-657-3710, where they will be connected to the local service provider in their area.

Weatherization Assistance Program funding

The Minnesota Department of Commerce also administers the Weatherization Assistance Program, a companion program of EAP. The program provides cost-effective energy conservation measures (e.g., energy audits, air sealing, insulation, repair or replacement of mechanical systems) to permanently reduce energy costs for low-income households.

Minnesotans who qualify for weatherization may also be eligible for the Renewable Energy Equipment Grant Program that provides solar air furnaces, low-emission outdoor wood/pellet boilers, and low-emission wood/pellet stoves to supplement heating. Both homeowners and renters may apply for weatherization.

Other forms of assistance may be available through county social service programs, community-based organizations and nonprofit agencies on the Stay Warm Minnesota webpage.

MiM solar thermal rebate applications re-opened March 17

Energy companies are receiving more inquiries about how solar thermal systems can help heat homes. The Commerce Department announced that the application process re-opened on March 17 for its Made in Minnesota Solar Thermal Rebate Program. The rebate program is part of the 10-year, $150 million Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program to increase solar electric and solar thermal installations in the state. The program opened this year and runs through 2023.

Solar thermal systems use solar collectors to harness the sun’s radiant energy. The systems can be installed in residential and commercial facilities for space heating, water heating, and pool heating. A typical solar thermal air heat system won’t provide all the heat for a home or business, but it could cover approximately one-third of the space heating needs.  For propane users, it could help offset heating costs significantly.

Solar thermal is an attractive option for Minnesotans today because of the Made in Minnesota rebate program and other incentives.  For example, for a single family residential home, the program provides a rebate of 25 percent of the installed cost of a complete system up to $2,500. Add a 30 percent federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit to the equation, and more than half the cost of the solar thermal system will likely be covered.

State rebates are available to customers of investor-owned utilities (Xcel Energy, Alliant Energy, Minnesota Power, and Otter Tail Power) who install solar thermal systems with collectors certified as Made in Minnesota; rebates are for single family residential and multiple family dwellings and commercial installations. Applications for the solar thermal rebate program were taken this year from January 1-February 28, and the application period has been extended on a first-come, first-served basis. More information on the Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program is available online.

A recently completed study titled “The Value of Solar Heating and Cooling in Minnesota” assesses the potential for solar thermal to help achieve the state’s energy and climate goals.

Financial Resources

Learn about incentives for energy efficiency, renewable energy projects – Minnesota residents, businesses, and public entities can go to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), a comprehensive source of information on financial incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. DSIRE includes up-to-date information on:

·         Federal tax credits

·         Federal grant and loan programs

·         State loan programs

·         State incentive programs

·         State sales and property tax incentives

·         Utility rebate, grant, and loan programs

The database provides a long list of Minnesota utilities that offer rebate programs to residential and commercial customers. Virtually every utility in the state—large investor-owned utilities and municipals and cooperatives—provides incentives on a range of energy-saving efforts, including energy audits, air sealing and insulation, new high efficiency heating and cooling systems, and efficient lighting.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources (DER) also offers financial resource information for businesses and public entities. For instance, through its Guaranteed Energy Savings Program, DER offers technical and financial assistance to local government units, state agencies, school districts, and institutions of higher learning that are seeking energy efficiency and renewable energy measures.

Bagley Public Library to Relocate to Renovated Facility

Lake Agassiz Regional Library is pleased to announce that after 16 years of fundraising efforts by the Clearwater Library Foundation, a new Bagley Library facility will be opening soon. The Clearwater Library Foundation purchased the former Wee-Care Center in 2012, and has made great strides renovating the former daycare facility into a library.

The new library facility will provide additional space, off-street parking, handicap accessibility, and a community room for use by citizens of Bagley, Clearwater County, and surrounding communities.

Renovations include: remodeled restrooms, installation of more features for the disabled, and refurbishment of community gathering spaces. The Bagley Lions Club will paint the interior of the facility with materials provided through a Valspar paint grant, and carpet will be installed this spring.

The Clearwater Library Foundation continues to raise funds to purchase a handicap-accessible door button, furnishings, signage, window treatments, and extraneous expenses. Donations are appreciated. Please send to: Clearwater Library Foundation, P.O. Box 74, Bagley, MN  56621.

Donations can also be made to the Bagley Library, a branch of the Lake Agassiz Regional Library, in person, by mail, or online at: www.larl.org/donate.  All donations are tax-deductible, and will be used for shelving, furnishings, and expenses for the new library facility.