Tom Anderson, Pete Haddeland and Jon Linnell have been elected to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation Board of Directors for terms of four years.
Tom Anderson, from Clearbrook, is a lifelong farmer in Clearwater County and farms in partnership with his son. He recently served eight years as a County Commissioner. Tom serves on the Clearwater Health Services Board, the Clearwater County FSA Committee, and is an active member of his church.
Pete Haddeland, from Mahnomen, is President/CEO of the First National Bank in Mahnomen. He serves on the Northern Lights Council Advisory Board for the Boy Scouts of America, as a board member of Independent Bankers Association of America (ICBA) National Board of Directors, is Chair of the Agriculture/Rural Committee for ICBA and a member of the NMF business finance loan committee.
Jon Linnell, from Warren, is the CEO/Executive Director of North Region Health Alliance and former North Valley hospital administrator. Jon was involved in the region for 30 years as a volunteer EMT and previously served on the Governor’s Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. He is currently involved with the Warren Economic Development Authority and broadband initiatives for Blandin Foundation, the Greater Minnesota Telehealth Broadband Initiative and IMPACT 20/20 Task Force for Broadband.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Gunderson re-elected to Minnesota Farm Bureau Board of Directors
Mike Gunderson of Bejou in Mahnomen County was re-elected to a three-year term on the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Board of Directors to represent District VII during the 93rd Annual Meeting in Brooklyn Park November 17-19. District VII includes the counties of Becker, Clay, Kittson, Mahnomen, Norman, Northwest Regional, East Otter Tail, West Otter Tail, East Polk, West Polk and Wilkin.
Gunderson grows wheat, corn, soybeans and alfalfa and raises beef.
Also re-elected were Kevin Paap of Garden City in Blue Earth County as president to a two-year term. Re-elected to three year terms were Dave Van Loh of Westbrook in Cottonwood County representing District III and Paul Stark of Kensington in Stevens County representing District IV. Elected to serve one year terms were Layne Ebeling of Trimont in Martin County representing the Promotion and Education Committee and Nathan Nelson of Hinckley in Pine County representing the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee.
Minnesota Farm Bureau is the largest general farm organization in the state, focusing on Farmers •Families • Food. Members determine policy through a grassroots process involving the Farm Bureau members in 78 county Farm Bureau units in a formal, democratic process. Through this process, members make their views heard to political leaders, state government officials, special interest groups and the general public. Programs for Young Farmers & Ranchers help develop leadership abilities and improve farm management. Promotion & Education committee members work with programs such as Ag in the Classroom and safety education for farm children. Farm Bureau is active in a variety of other programs and activities. For more information, contact your county Farm Bureau office.
Nationwide, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has more than six million members in approximately 2,800 county Farm Bureaus. For more information log onto www.fbmn.org.
Gunderson grows wheat, corn, soybeans and alfalfa and raises beef.
Also re-elected were Kevin Paap of Garden City in Blue Earth County as president to a two-year term. Re-elected to three year terms were Dave Van Loh of Westbrook in Cottonwood County representing District III and Paul Stark of Kensington in Stevens County representing District IV. Elected to serve one year terms were Layne Ebeling of Trimont in Martin County representing the Promotion and Education Committee and Nathan Nelson of Hinckley in Pine County representing the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee.
Minnesota Farm Bureau is the largest general farm organization in the state, focusing on Farmers •Families • Food. Members determine policy through a grassroots process involving the Farm Bureau members in 78 county Farm Bureau units in a formal, democratic process. Through this process, members make their views heard to political leaders, state government officials, special interest groups and the general public. Programs for Young Farmers & Ranchers help develop leadership abilities and improve farm management. Promotion & Education committee members work with programs such as Ag in the Classroom and safety education for farm children. Farm Bureau is active in a variety of other programs and activities. For more information, contact your county Farm Bureau office.
Nationwide, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has more than six million members in approximately 2,800 county Farm Bureaus. For more information log onto www.fbmn.org.
Energy Saving Gifts
Fergus Falls, MN –If you’re wondering what to give this holiday season, consider gifts that save energy. Energy savings is a gift that keeps giving year round. Otter Tail Power Company offers these energy-saving gift ideas for the people on your list. For additional suggestions, visit the company’s www.ConservingElectricity.com web site.
LED desk or piano lamps - For students, musicians, and people with home offices, consider sleek and modern LED lamps designed for desk or piano. LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are highly efficient, long-life, cool-operating bulbs that provide bright task lighting at less than 10 watts.
LED flashlights - Get the same benefits of LED lighting for handymen or outdoor enthusiasts with LED flashlights. High-tech designs use durable waterproof casings made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and strong LED bulbs capable of delivering bright 225 lumens in turbo mode.
Smart power strips - Plug computers and home electronics into a single smart power strip so they can be turned on and off conveniently with one switch. Phantom energy users, such as digital displays, instant-on features, and battery chargers, continue to consume electricity even when they’re in standby mode and can account for 5 percent to 10 percent of your home’s electrical bill. Unplugging them is the most effective way to avoid wasting electricity. Savings add up when you power down.
Personal radiant heaters - These radiant heaters use only 150 watts of electricity (compared with 1,500 watts used by typical space heaters). But placed nearby, they keep the user warm, allowing lower room temperatures. They also work great for warming bathrooms without raising the temperature in the entire house. These heaters are safe around children and pets. And at only 8 pounds, they’re easy to move from room to room.
Motion-detecting digital picture frames - Energy-saving digital picture frames turn themselves off automatically after not detecting motion for a period of time set by the user. Or turn off the motion-detection sensor and operate these frames by remote control.
Programmable thermostats - Users can program these thermostats to optimize energy savings to match their comfort levels and schedules. Heating and cooling are the biggest energy users in a typical home. Setting lower temperatures while the house is unoccupi ed or the occupants are asleep can save significantly on heating costs; likewise, setting higher temperatures while the house is unoccupied in the summer can reduce cooling costs.
Compact fluorescent lightbulbs – You can brighten someone's holiday and increase the everyday lighting efficiency of their home—without sacrificing lighting quality—by helping them replace their incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs. Year-around, lighting can account for as much as 25 percent of a home's electrical use. CFLs cost a bit more than incandescent lightbulbs but last up to ten times longer and use up to 75 percent less energy. Today's CFLs come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and wattages and can be used in almost any conventional light socket or lamp. They offer light levels and color quality comparable to incandescent lighting.
Always look for the ENERGY STAR label when selecting electronic devices or appliances. They use significantly less energy than regular products that are not ENERGY STAR rated.
“And remember, whenever you select electrical products, make sure they bear labels indicating that they have been tested by independent agencies, such as Underwriters Laboratories,” says Otter Tail Power Company Safety Services Manager Eric Hamm. “Electricity is a powerful tool. It also can be a lethal hazard. But the UL label, or label from another certifying agency, ensures good safety standards and helps prevent electrical hazards.”
Otter Tail Power Company, a subsidiary of Otter Tail Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: OTTR), is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It provides electrici ty and energy services to more than a quarter million people in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To learn more about Otter Tail Power Company visit www.otpco.com. To learn more about Otter Tail Corporation visit www.ottertail.com.
LED desk or piano lamps - For students, musicians, and people with home offices, consider sleek and modern LED lamps designed for desk or piano. LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are highly efficient, long-life, cool-operating bulbs that provide bright task lighting at less than 10 watts.
LED flashlights - Get the same benefits of LED lighting for handymen or outdoor enthusiasts with LED flashlights. High-tech designs use durable waterproof casings made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and strong LED bulbs capable of delivering bright 225 lumens in turbo mode.
Smart power strips - Plug computers and home electronics into a single smart power strip so they can be turned on and off conveniently with one switch. Phantom energy users, such as digital displays, instant-on features, and battery chargers, continue to consume electricity even when they’re in standby mode and can account for 5 percent to 10 percent of your home’s electrical bill. Unplugging them is the most effective way to avoid wasting electricity. Savings add up when you power down.
Personal radiant heaters - These radiant heaters use only 150 watts of electricity (compared with 1,500 watts used by typical space heaters). But placed nearby, they keep the user warm, allowing lower room temperatures. They also work great for warming bathrooms without raising the temperature in the entire house. These heaters are safe around children and pets. And at only 8 pounds, they’re easy to move from room to room.
Motion-detecting digital picture frames - Energy-saving digital picture frames turn themselves off automatically after not detecting motion for a period of time set by the user. Or turn off the motion-detection sensor and operate these frames by remote control.
Programmable thermostats - Users can program these thermostats to optimize energy savings to match their comfort levels and schedules. Heating and cooling are the biggest energy users in a typical home. Setting lower temperatures while the house is unoccupi ed or the occupants are asleep can save significantly on heating costs; likewise, setting higher temperatures while the house is unoccupied in the summer can reduce cooling costs.
Compact fluorescent lightbulbs – You can brighten someone's holiday and increase the everyday lighting efficiency of their home—without sacrificing lighting quality—by helping them replace their incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs. Year-around, lighting can account for as much as 25 percent of a home's electrical use. CFLs cost a bit more than incandescent lightbulbs but last up to ten times longer and use up to 75 percent less energy. Today's CFLs come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and wattages and can be used in almost any conventional light socket or lamp. They offer light levels and color quality comparable to incandescent lighting.
Always look for the ENERGY STAR label when selecting electronic devices or appliances. They use significantly less energy than regular products that are not ENERGY STAR rated.
“And remember, whenever you select electrical products, make sure they bear labels indicating that they have been tested by independent agencies, such as Underwriters Laboratories,” says Otter Tail Power Company Safety Services Manager Eric Hamm. “Electricity is a powerful tool. It also can be a lethal hazard. But the UL label, or label from another certifying agency, ensures good safety standards and helps prevent electrical hazards.”
Otter Tail Power Company, a subsidiary of Otter Tail Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: OTTR), is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It provides electrici ty and energy services to more than a quarter million people in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To learn more about Otter Tail Power Company visit www.otpco.com. To learn more about Otter Tail Corporation visit www.ottertail.com.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Tips for safer snowmobiling
Another snowmobile season is fast approaching, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is encouraging snowmobilers to get the season off to a smooth, safe start.
“I want people to take advantage of the snowmobiling opportunities that exist in Minnesota, so now is the time to prepare your sled and learn how to avoid the possible dangers that are present when snowmobiling,” said Captain Mike Hammer, DNR Enforcement Education Program Coordinator.
Last season there were 13 snowmobile related fatalities and numerous injuries in Minnesota. Hammer feels all these incidents were preventable.
DNR officials say riding snowmobiles can be a safe and enjoyable form of outdoor recreation when you follow some basic safety rules:
• Maximum speed in Minnesota is 50 mph. Many times trail conditions or riding at night require slower speeds.
• Stay away from alcohol; it’s a major factor in most accidents.
• Be cautious of hidden ditch dangers, These include sign posts, fence posts, guy wires, stumps, rocks, telephone and cable boxes, culverts, left over construction materials. Fresh snow and low light condition make these hazards difficult to see.
• SLOW DOWN, especially at night. At speeds of 40 MPH or greater you are over-riding your headlight and won’t see a hazard in time to stop.
• Display current snowmobile registration.
• Stay off the roadway, shoulder, and inside slope of state and county highways.
• Operate your snowmobile in the same direction as highway traffic when riding one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
• Stay off the median of four-lane highways.
• Check the weather conditions before heading out.
• Come to a complete stop and look both ways before crossing any roadway
and cross at a 90-degree angle.
• Stay on marked trails; Traveling into the unknown has many risks.
• Remember, ice is NEVER SAFE.
• Never ride alone.
• Be respectful the landowners who provide most of our riding opportunities by staying on designated trails.
• Most Important: Take a Safety Training Course. To legally ride a snowmobile, residents born after Dec. 31, 1976 need a valid snowmobile safety certificate in their possession, or snowmobile safety certificate indicator on their driver’s license or on their Minnesota ID card.
For a copy of DNR’s 2011-2012 Minnesota Snowmobile Safety Laws, Rules, and Regulations handbook, and Safety Training Information call 888-MINNDNR (outstate) or 651-296-6157.
“I want people to take advantage of the snowmobiling opportunities that exist in Minnesota, so now is the time to prepare your sled and learn how to avoid the possible dangers that are present when snowmobiling,” said Captain Mike Hammer, DNR Enforcement Education Program Coordinator.
Last season there were 13 snowmobile related fatalities and numerous injuries in Minnesota. Hammer feels all these incidents were preventable.
DNR officials say riding snowmobiles can be a safe and enjoyable form of outdoor recreation when you follow some basic safety rules:
• Maximum speed in Minnesota is 50 mph. Many times trail conditions or riding at night require slower speeds.
• Stay away from alcohol; it’s a major factor in most accidents.
• Be cautious of hidden ditch dangers, These include sign posts, fence posts, guy wires, stumps, rocks, telephone and cable boxes, culverts, left over construction materials. Fresh snow and low light condition make these hazards difficult to see.
• SLOW DOWN, especially at night. At speeds of 40 MPH or greater you are over-riding your headlight and won’t see a hazard in time to stop.
• Display current snowmobile registration.
• Stay off the roadway, shoulder, and inside slope of state and county highways.
• Operate your snowmobile in the same direction as highway traffic when riding one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
• Stay off the median of four-lane highways.
• Check the weather conditions before heading out.
• Come to a complete stop and look both ways before crossing any roadway
and cross at a 90-degree angle.
• Stay on marked trails; Traveling into the unknown has many risks.
• Remember, ice is NEVER SAFE.
• Never ride alone.
• Be respectful the landowners who provide most of our riding opportunities by staying on designated trails.
• Most Important: Take a Safety Training Course. To legally ride a snowmobile, residents born after Dec. 31, 1976 need a valid snowmobile safety certificate in their possession, or snowmobile safety certificate indicator on their driver’s license or on their Minnesota ID card.
For a copy of DNR’s 2011-2012 Minnesota Snowmobile Safety Laws, Rules, and Regulations handbook, and Safety Training Information call 888-MINNDNR (outstate) or 651-296-6157.
Monday, November 28, 2011
SARAH VOWELL SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT IN FARGO
Sarah Vowell has a gift for revealing how American history can show up in the most unexpected ways in our modern culture. The New York Times best selling author and contributing editor for Public Radio International’s This American Life (1996-2008), continues to write essays and offers personal, often humorous accounts of everything from presidents and their assassins to colonial religious fanatics, to popular music and the odd cranky cartographer.
Sarah Vowell stops in Fargo, N.D., on Saturday, April 14, 8 p.m., at the Fargo Theatre. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 9, at noon. Reserved seating tickets cost $37.50 (golden circle) and $27.50. Applicable fees may apply. Tickets can be purchased at Tickets300 (300 Broadway, Fargo; open Monday – Friday noon to 6 p.m.), via phone at 701-205-3182 or online at Tickets300.com. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Vowell’s most recent book, Unfamiliar Fishes (2011) tells the intriguing history of Hawaii, annexed in 1898. Replete with a cast of beguiling and often tragic characters, including an overthrown Hawaiian queen, whalers, missionaries, sugar barons, Teddy Roosevelt and assorted con men, the book is another history lesson in Americana as only Vowell can tell it – with brainy wit and droll humor.
The Wordy Shipmates examines the New England Puritans and their journey to and impact on America. Assassination Vacation (2005) is a haunting and surprisingly hilarious road trip to tourist sites devoted to the murders of presidents Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley. Her first book Radio On, is her year-long diary of listening to the radio in 1995
She is the voice of teen superhero Violet Parr in Brad Bird’s Academy Award-winning The Incredibles. She is the president of the board of 826NYC,a nonprofit tutoring and writing center for students ages 6-18 in Brooklyn.
The Fargo Theatre is located at 314 Broadway North.
Sarah Vowell stops in Fargo, N.D., on Saturday, April 14, 8 p.m., at the Fargo Theatre. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 9, at noon. Reserved seating tickets cost $37.50 (golden circle) and $27.50. Applicable fees may apply. Tickets can be purchased at Tickets300 (300 Broadway, Fargo; open Monday – Friday noon to 6 p.m.), via phone at 701-205-3182 or online at Tickets300.com. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Vowell’s most recent book, Unfamiliar Fishes (2011) tells the intriguing history of Hawaii, annexed in 1898. Replete with a cast of beguiling and often tragic characters, including an overthrown Hawaiian queen, whalers, missionaries, sugar barons, Teddy Roosevelt and assorted con men, the book is another history lesson in Americana as only Vowell can tell it – with brainy wit and droll humor.
The Wordy Shipmates examines the New England Puritans and their journey to and impact on America. Assassination Vacation (2005) is a haunting and surprisingly hilarious road trip to tourist sites devoted to the murders of presidents Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley. Her first book Radio On, is her year-long diary of listening to the radio in 1995
She is the voice of teen superhero Violet Parr in Brad Bird’s Academy Award-winning The Incredibles. She is the president of the board of 826NYC,a nonprofit tutoring and writing center for students ages 6-18 in Brooklyn.
The Fargo Theatre is located at 314 Broadway North.
Don’t let pests come into your home this holiday season
St. Paul, Minn. – Planning on buying a Christmas tree or holiday greens online this year? Be sure destructive pests aren’t hitching a ride.
As the popularity of online and mail order trees grows, state and federal officials are sending out a warning to consumers that these plant items are regulated in certain areas of the country. These regulations, according to Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Plant Protection Director Geir Friisoe, aim to prevent the spread of several damaging forests pests such as gypsy moth, sirex woodwasp and the pine shoot beetle.
“In the past, MDA has found live cut Christmas trees, indoor decorative artificial trees and even potpourri shipped into Minnesota contaminated with insects,” said Friisoe. “We at the MDA try our best to keep these destructive pests out of our state and we’re asking consumers to help. People should know where their purchase is coming from and if the company is complying with all state and federal regulations.”
Quarantines have been established in certain parts of the country to limit the spread of invasive pests and diseases. In order for a Christmas tree grower to ship out of the quarantine zone, the operator must have their products treated and/or inspected and certified free of regulated pests.
Customers can simply ask prior to purchase for proof that that product in question meets all requirements to ship to Minnesota. The supplier should be able to provide documentation that the product came from an area not regulated by state and federal quarantines or meets all government standards to ship out of a quarantine zone.
If consumers are looking for a guaranteed way to ensure their trees and greens meet all state and federal standards, they can simply buy a locally grown product. To find a Christmas tree farm nearby, search the online Minnesota Grown Directory at www.minnesotagrown.com.
As the popularity of online and mail order trees grows, state and federal officials are sending out a warning to consumers that these plant items are regulated in certain areas of the country. These regulations, according to Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Plant Protection Director Geir Friisoe, aim to prevent the spread of several damaging forests pests such as gypsy moth, sirex woodwasp and the pine shoot beetle.
“In the past, MDA has found live cut Christmas trees, indoor decorative artificial trees and even potpourri shipped into Minnesota contaminated with insects,” said Friisoe. “We at the MDA try our best to keep these destructive pests out of our state and we’re asking consumers to help. People should know where their purchase is coming from and if the company is complying with all state and federal regulations.”
Quarantines have been established in certain parts of the country to limit the spread of invasive pests and diseases. In order for a Christmas tree grower to ship out of the quarantine zone, the operator must have their products treated and/or inspected and certified free of regulated pests.
Customers can simply ask prior to purchase for proof that that product in question meets all requirements to ship to Minnesota. The supplier should be able to provide documentation that the product came from an area not regulated by state and federal quarantines or meets all government standards to ship out of a quarantine zone.
If consumers are looking for a guaranteed way to ensure their trees and greens meet all state and federal standards, they can simply buy a locally grown product. To find a Christmas tree farm nearby, search the online Minnesota Grown Directory at www.minnesotagrown.com.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Calving Preparation Short Courses Set
Beef producers will have two opportunities in December to learn how to prepare their herd for calving and assess difficult births.
The North Dakota State University Extension Service's "Preparin' for Calvin' in 2012" short courses also will educate producers on what they can do to assist cows having trouble giving birth and when to get veterinary help.
The short courses are scheduled for Dec. 13 at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Carson and Dec. 14 at Napoleon Livestock in Napoleon. Both courses will start at 9:30 a.m. local time and end with a question-and-answer session at 2:45 p.m.
The cost is $30 per person or $50 for two people from the same operation if paid by Dec. 2. The cost is $40 per person or $70 for two people from the same organization if paid after that date. The fee includes lunch, breaks and program materials.
Speakers for the short courses are an NDSU Extension beef cattle specialist, Extension agents and other calving experts.
The NDSU Extension offices in Emmons, Grant, Logan, Morton and Sioux counties are sponsoring the short courses.
To register online, go to http://www.ndsu.edu/cattledocs. For more information, contact Grant/Sioux County Extension agent Jorey Dahners at (701) 622-3470 or jorey.dahners@ndsu.edu or Logan County Extension agent Sheldon Gerhardt at (701) 754-2504 or sheldon.gerhardt@ndsu.edu.
The North Dakota State University Extension Service's "Preparin' for Calvin' in 2012" short courses also will educate producers on what they can do to assist cows having trouble giving birth and when to get veterinary help.
The short courses are scheduled for Dec. 13 at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Carson and Dec. 14 at Napoleon Livestock in Napoleon. Both courses will start at 9:30 a.m. local time and end with a question-and-answer session at 2:45 p.m.
The cost is $30 per person or $50 for two people from the same operation if paid by Dec. 2. The cost is $40 per person or $70 for two people from the same organization if paid after that date. The fee includes lunch, breaks and program materials.
Speakers for the short courses are an NDSU Extension beef cattle specialist, Extension agents and other calving experts.
The NDSU Extension offices in Emmons, Grant, Logan, Morton and Sioux counties are sponsoring the short courses.
To register online, go to http://www.ndsu.edu/cattledocs. For more information, contact Grant/Sioux County Extension agent Jorey Dahners at (701) 622-3470 or jorey.dahners@ndsu.edu or Logan County Extension agent Sheldon Gerhardt at (701) 754-2504 or sheldon.gerhardt@ndsu.edu.
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