NW MN Arts Council Announces “Of the Year” Award Winners & Art Exhibit Reception

Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our seven county region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. “Of the Year” Award winners were nominated by area residents.  We are proud to announce this year’s recipients are Gayle Moen of Shelly, Jane Vigness of Climax, and Annelee Woodstrom of Ada!    

The “Of the Year” awards and the NW Art Exhibit awards will be presented at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Exhibit Reception on Sunday, April 30 in Halstad at the Norman County West High School cafeteria and small gym at 2:00 pm. Please come starting at 12:00 noon to view the 100 pieces of high quality regional artwork on display in the NCW library and vote for people’s choice.  At 1:15 enjoy a snack and music entertainment in the cafeteria.  The program will begin promptly at 2:00 with the main focus being the recognition and celebration of artists and the arts in Northwest Minnesota.  Everyone is welcome to this free event. 

In addition, the 2017 Creative Minnesota Report about Northwest Minnesota will be given by Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Executive Director Sheila Smith, followed by a brief discussion of the impact of the arts and culture in the region. Craig Dunn from VSA Minnesota (Very Special Arts Minnesota) will be attending to meet and greet and talk about the Americans for Disabilities Act. He will have information that helps arts organizations work towards inclusion for people with special needs. Kathee Foran will be attending as a program director at the Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB).  She will have materials related to grants and services of MSAB. The public is welcome to attend. RSVP for the reception at 218-745-9111. For more information about the Arts Exhibit see the website: http://www.northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/2017/04/northwest-minnesota-arts-council-annual-exhibition/

Of the Year Award Winners include:

Gayle Moen, Shelly MN, will be awarded the Northwest Artist of the Year Award. Ms. Moen is a musician. She plays the piano and organ. She is a long-time educator in the Crookston Public School System. Our Artist of the Year award can be given to any discipline artist including visual, performing, or creative writing who are emerging or at a mid-way point in their artistic endeavors. It is a cash award of $500.00. 

Jane Vigness of rural Climax will be awarded the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award. Ms. Vigness is the librarian in Climax and is active in the Sandhill Historical Society. She is also active in the Association of the French of the North and as a board member helps organize their arts festival each year in August. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines.

Annelee Woodstrom of Ada will receive the Northwest Star Award. Ms. Woodstrom is a writer and previously an award-winning school teacher in Twin Valley. She has written about her life in War Child: Growing Up in Adolf Hitler’s Germany and Empty Chairs. This award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once, as a lifetime achievement award.

Please come on April 30 to show support for our artists.  Funding for Northwest Star and Northwest Artist of the Year comes from The McKnight Foundation. Funding for Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year comes from the Minnesota State Legislature.

MSHSL Triple A Winners

The MN State High School League Triple A banquet was held on Wednesday. These students are outstanding in Academics, Arts and Athletics.

Sub-Section 29

Girl  -  Hannah Anderson - Nevis H.S.

Boy  -  Samuel Eystad  -  Park Rapids H.S.

Sub-Section 30

Girl  -  Elizabeth Birkemeyer  -  Ada-Borup H.S.

Boy  -  Carter Mosher  -  Fertile-Beltrami H.S.

Sub-Section-31

Girl  -  Kayla Nelson  -  East Grand Forks H.S.

Boy  -  Benjamin Regorrah  -  East Grand Forks H.S.

Sub-Section-32

Girl  -  Emma Jo Brunelle  -  Warroad H.S.

Boy  -  Isaac Mills  -  Stephen-Argyle H.S.

Section 8A Over-all Winners

Girls  -  Elizabeth Birkemeyer  -  Ada-Borup H.S.

Boys  -  Isaac Mills. -  Stephen-Argyle Central H.S.

Elizabeth and Isaac will now advance to the state competition level with a banquet on March 25th at the boys state basketball championships.

U of M Crookston Homecoming Celebration

CROOKSTON, Minn. – Homecoming festivities will be held at the University of Minnesota Crookston the weekend of October 14-16, 2016, with the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new wellness center at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 15. The theme of this year’s homecoming is “The Golden Years” and marks the 50^th anniversary of the campus as an institution of higher education.

Recognition of the Outstanding Alumni, recipient of the Abbey Award, and induction ceremony for the Athletic Hall of Fame will be held during the annual Alumni Awards Celebration on Friday, October 14. The Social begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 followed by the program in the Sargeant Student Center Bede Ballroom. Contact Rose Ulseth at 218- 281-8439 (rulseth@umn.edu) to make a reservation.

The 2016 honorees include Dr. Charly (Reinert) Stansbery 2006, the recipient of the Abbey Award, which recognizes outstanding young alumni and this year’s Outstanding Alumni Award recipients: Natasha Anderson 1995; Ron Dvergsten 1979; and Kelly Swanson 1994. Inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame are the 1992-93 Trojan Hockey Team and outstanding Golden Eagle Basketball player Cathy (Behr) Helin 2004.

On Saturday, activities include an alumni brunch, followed by

10:30 a.m. - Tailgating, catered by Erickson Smokehouse (Mark Erickson 1998), cash bar, music by Four Wheel Drive (Dale "Bump" Erickson 1969) ...and “Get Your Game Face On!”

10:30 a.m. Tour of Wellness Center

11 a.m. - Grand Opening of the Wellness Center followed by a tour of the facility

1 p.m. - Football vs University of Mary, Ed Widseth Field

4 p.m. - Post-game Social, I. C. Muggs

4 p.m. - Volleyball vs Minot State University, Lysaker Gymnasium

6 p.m. - Alumni Hockey Game, Crookston Sports Center (Contact Eric Morgan 2012 at morga365@umn.edufor more information)

Visit www. umcrookston.edu/homecoming for an entire schedule of homecoming activities.

Northwest School of Agriculture Announces Top Aggie Recipients for 2016

CROOKSTON, Minn. – The Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA) Alumni Association announces its 2016 Top Aggie recipients. The Northwest School was the predecessor of the University of Minnesota Crookston and all alumni of the Northwest School are invited back for a day of activities celebrating their history on the campus on Saturday, June 25.  

The Top Aggie award is the highest recognition given by the NWSA Alumni Association. Three alumni were selected for the honor by the NWSA Alumni Board: Clayton Engelstad 1948, Fertile, Minn. (posthumously); Barbara (Hylland) Lunsetter 1956, Middle River, Minn.; and Stanley Overgaard 1965, Dalton, Minn. The Top Aggies will be recognized during a luncheon held at noon in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center.

The alumni reunion, first held in 1918, brings back alumni from the Northwest School of Agriculture, a residential high school located on what is now the University of Minnesota Crookston campus. The NWSA opened its doors in 1906 and graduated its first class of 8 students in 1909. The first Top Aggie award was given to Herschel Lysaker, a member of the staff at the Northwest School, in 1970 and it has been awarded annually since that time.

The reunion brings back more than 150 alumni for a day filled with reminiscing and reconnecting with classmates and friends. Following the Top Aggie Luncheon, alumni hold class meetings and take class photos, enjoy bus tours of campus, and a social and barbecue supper close out the day. For more information on the reunion, contact Sue Dwyer at 218-281-8401.

Legion of Honor Awarded

Bismarck, N.D. – Trooper Jamey Jahner was awarded the North Dakota Highway Patrol Legion of Honor award yesterday at a ceremony in Fargo. This award was established to recognize NDHP employees who, through no fault of their own, sustain personal injury inflicted by another while serving in an official capacity. Thirteen NDHP employees have been awarded the Legion of Honor since its inception in 2000.

           

On February 11, Jahner was injured while assisting a motorist stuck in the median of I-94 near West Fargo. Jahner was inside his parked patrol car providing traffic control, warning other motorists of the hazard. A passer-by lost control of his vehicle and struck Jahner at a rate of 55 to 60 mph. Jahner sustained injuries to his back and a laceration on the back of his head. Despite the injuries, Jahner notified State Radio of the crash and checked on the motorists involved. He continued to provide traffic control while placing pressure on his head wound until assistance arrived. Jahner has permanent scarring from the laceration and continues to seek treatment for his back injuries.

“It’s an honor to recognize Trooper Jahner for his dedication to the Patrol and North Dakota citizens,” said Col. Jim Prochniak. “Serving citizens as a trooper is challenging and instances like this remind us of the risks associated with the job. In the face of danger, Trooper Jahner remained committed to professionalism and serving the motorists involved.”

DNR names 2014 Conservation Officer of the Year

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer (CO) Scott Staples, Carlton, a K-9 officer, was named 2014 Conservation Officer of the Year during a ceremony April 16 at Camp Ripley near Little Falls.

“He trains officers from other agencies, helps educate court and county attorney staff and above all educates the public in what we do, how we do it and why it is important,” said Enforcement Director Col. Ken Soring, who presented the award.

Staples has been described as a reliable “field leader” by both his supervisors and field officers who takes pride in his work and brings good common sense and roadside manners when dealing with the public.

Over his 17-year career as a conservation officer he has been involved as a use of force instructor, academy instructor and a field training officer. He is also an experienced investigator and K-9 handler.

“It’s really easy to keep working and having fun at your job when you have great people to work with, a supportive family, and a nice furry partner riding with you all the time,” Staples said.

Other top officers were also honored: Pat McGowan, Hastings, 2014 Boat and Water Officer of the Year; CO Jeff Denz, Willmar, 2014 Waterfowl Enforcement Achievement Award; 1st Lt. Jackie Glaser, District 13 supervisor, 2014 Willard Munger Wetland Achievement Award; and CO Scott Fritz of La Crescent, 2014 Enforcement Education Achievement Award.

Division of Enforcement Lifesaving Award recipients include CO’s Bret Grundmeier, Hinckley; Tony Musatov, Sauk Rapids; Rick Reller, Buffalo; Todd Langevin, Center City; Jason Beckmann, Windom and Brandon McGaw, Mora.

Lt. Col Rodmen Smith, DNR Enforcement assistant director, received the DNR’s Meritorious Service Award for his work on producing the Enforcement Division’s record management system. Other recent awards include CO Phil George, Rochester, Turn In Poachers Officer of the Year Award and CO Paul Kuske, Pierz, Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the YearAward.

The awards recognize conservation officers with superior work records or those who perform meritorious acts or services, which contribute to the protection and preservation of Minnesota’s natural resources and the people that enjoy them.

Soring praised all of the officers, “These prestigious awards are not given out, but earned through dedication, perseverance and hard work.”

Region 8A Triple A Award Winners

The Region 8A Triple A Award banquet was held Wednesday, Feb. 5th at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen. There were approximately 180 people in attendance at the banquet.

Congratulations to the following 2014 Region 8A "Triple A" Award winners

Sub-Section 29:

Girl - Megan Norby - Nevis H.S.

Boy - Bailey Mueller - Park Rapids H.S.

Sub-Section 30:

Girl - Ashley Schoenborn - Mahnomen H.S.

Boy - Kal Handyside - Mahnomen H.S.

Sub-Section 31:

Girl - Amber Trostad - Crookston H.S.

Boy - Blake Sorenson - Fisher H.S.

Sub-Section 32:

Girl - Hannah Hoglo - Marshall County Central H.S.

Boy - Hunter McMillin - Grygla H.S.

Region 8A Winners:

Girl - Megan Norby - Nevis H.S.

Boy - Hunter McMillin - Grygla H.S.

MN's problem gambling website receives national award

GetGamblingHelp.com, a website sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Human Services to provide information and resources to people facing a compulsive gambling issue, received the National Council on Problem Gambling’s award for Best Problem Gambling-Related Website.

“We appreciate recognition for this website. It is a critical resource for connecting thousands of Minnesotans with the support and treatment they need when they or their loved ones begin to have problems because of gambling,” said Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson.

The site was developed in partnership with Russell Herder, a creative marketing firm, and was funded by DHS with proceeds from the Minnesota Lottery to increase awareness of problem gambling and available resources. Resources include problem gambling treatment available free of charge to qualified Minnesota residents. DHS also sponsors the problem gambling helpline, 1-800-333-HOPE.

The National Council on Problem Gambling is the national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families. Its mission is to increase public awareness of pathological gambling, ensure the widespread availability of treatment for problem gamblers and their families, and to encourage research and programs for prevention and education. The award was presented at the organization’s 27th annual national conference.

MnDOT named finalist for national transportation award

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have named the Minnesota Department of Transportation one of 10 finalists of the “America’s Transportation Award” for the recently completed Highway 169/Interstate 494 reconstruction project in Bloomington, Edina and Eden Prairie.

The $128 million project, which was completed under budget, increases traffic flow and improves safety for all drivers. Using the “Context Sensitive Solutions/Flexible Design” approach in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, MnDOT made design changes that addressed more than 90 percent of the need and saved approximately $30 million in construction costs.

In 2013, 24 states entered 36 projects in the competition in the “Ahead of Schedule,” “Under Budget,” and “Best Use of Innovation” categories. The 10 finalists received the highest number of overall points during four regional contests, representing each part of the country.

A grand prize will be awarded by a panel of judges, and a People’s Choice Award will be decided by an online popular vote by the public. Winners of both the grand prize and the People’s Choice Award will receive $10,000 each, to be donated to a charity or scholarship of the winner’s choice.

The two awards will be presented Oct. 20 at the AASHTO Annual Meeting in Denver.
Visit http://americastransportationawards.org/ to learn more about the project and the AASHTO America’s Transportation Award competition and to cast a vote.

70-Year-Old Volunteer Honored as MN's Salute to Senior Service Winner

A 70-year-old Moose Lake woman has been honored as the Minnesota winner of the Home Instead Senior CareR network's Salute to Senior ServiceSM award. Rita Baresh is being recognized for her dedicated community service, including her work with the Northland Foundation, Kids Plus and the Age to Age reading program at Moose Lake Elementary School.

The Salute to Senior Service program was launched this year by the Home Instead Senior Care network to honor seniors' commitments to their causes and communities. As one of 50 state winners, Baresh earned a spot in the Salute to Senior Service Wall of Fame on the SalutetoSeniorService.com website where her nomination story also has been posted.

"Rita Baresh is an incredibly passionate and energetic community volunteer," wrote one nominator. "She is a caring, inspiring, and giving person. Rita always has a smile on her face and provides children and youth with the caring and nurturing support they need to become healthy, productive adults."

"Rita is a valued member of the community and a senior hero to many," said President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jeff Huber of Home Instead, Inc. "She has shown that volunteer opportunities for older adults should not diminish because of age. Seniors such as Rita are making important contributions to their communities through charities, nonprofit organizations and faith communities."

As a state winner, Baresh was considered for the national Salute to Senior Service award. The national award was presented to Clark Paradise of Lakewood, NJ, who was honored for his work with Your Grandmother's Cupboard, a nonprofit organization he and his wife founded to meet the needs of the thousands of homeless families throughout New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania. A $5,000 gift will be donated by Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care network, to the Paradise's nonprofit charity of choice.

For more information about the Home Instead Senior Care network's Salute to Senior Service program, visit SalutetoSeniorService.com.

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