MINNESOTA DAM JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT GETS SECOND LOOK
10-20-11
The possibility for a Joint Powers Agreement for preserving the Minnesota Falls dam south of Granite Falls has regained a foothold after the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners said they would reconsider their position to not enter into an agreement. Representatives of Granite Falls Energy Company, the city of Granite Falls and Yellow Medicine County met with Chippewa County Commissioners and asked them to reconsider their position. They pointed out that a joint powers agreement calls only for exploring ownership options for the dam, and does not obligate Chippewa County to spend funds or become an owner. There was talk during the meeting that initial estimates by Xcel for the repair of the dam may have been too high. The DNR is in the process of preparing a report that should outline what would be required in terms of repairs and maintenance should the dam be transferred to public ownership. The first draft should be ready sometime after Nov. 1.
COTTONWOOD MAN FACES CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT CHARGES
10-20-11
A Cottonwood man is facing seven counts of criminal sexual conduct charges, after allegedly abusing two children. The 68 year old man appeared in court on Tuesday and is charged with six counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of second degree criminal sexual conduct. According to court a document, the man is alleged to have sexually assaulted a girl multiple times over a span of 2 years. The complaint also alleges that there was repeated sexual contact with a second girl over an extended period of time between 2000 and 2006. Both girls were younger than 13 at the time of the abuse, the complaint said.
HIGHWAY 23 FROM CLARA CITY TO GRANITE FALLS REOPENS TODAY
10-20-11
Highway 23 from Clara City to Highway 212 near Granite Falls will re-open to traffic late today. The stretch of road has been closed since July for concrete repair and replacement that has created a smoother, safer road, says MN/DOT.
PRIVATE LAND HUNTING
10-20-11
Sportsmen who wish to hunt on private land should use common courtesy and ask for permission before entering private land. Actually, it is unlawful to hunt on private property without the permission of the landowner. The DNR is reporting an increase in complaints from landowners about hunters trespassing on their property. Hunters should do everything possible to preserve the heritage of the sport by building good relationships with landowners. Trespass penalties range from a $50 civil fine to a criminal penalty of several thousand dollars, confiscation of vehicles and hunting equipment, and revocation of hunting privileges for two or more years.
GRANITE FALLS AUTHORIZES DAM INSPECTION
10-19-11
A post flood inspection of the Granite Falls dam and hydro electric plant has been ordered. Granite Falls Mayor Dave Smiglewski has the report: <<< “It’s required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the city has to comply with them for our license for generating electricity at the dam in Granite Falls, and the cost is $6,800.” >>> Barr engineering will be conducting the inspection.
MINNESOTA SEES A SLIGHT DROP IN 2010 SERIOUS CRIMES
10-19-11
MONTEVIDEO PURCHASES MORE EFFICIENT SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT
10-19-11
The Montevideo City Council approved the purchase of a new "Articulated Wheel Loader" and a new "Loader Mounted Snowblower". Both of these items were budgeted in the city's capital improvement plan, but costs for each item came in under budget. The city had budgeted $160,000 for the new loader, and received six bids. Low bid was from RDO out of Marshall, MN for a total cost, including trade-in, of $97,350. The city budgeted $110,000 for the purchase of a new snowblower, but was able to purchase it through a state bid from Mac Queen Equipment Company for the price of $95,712, including trade-in. Both the loader and snowblower are larger units than the city has used in the past and this will help the city remove snow in a more efficient manner, especially in areas of large snow loads and drifts.
MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT NOW THROUGH DEC. 7
10-19-11
The annual enrollment for Medicare has been moved up by almost a month from previous years. People can sign up for, drop or change plans now through Dec. 7. Open enrollment is the one time of year when all people with Medicare can see what new benefits Medicare has to offer and make changes to their coverage. The extended open enrollment period gives customers more time to review and make changes to their coverage. But rather than waiting until December 31st, Medicare users will need to make their final selection for next year’s Medicare coverage by Dec. 7. This change ensures that Medicare has enough time to process their choice, so their coverage can begin without interruption on January 1.
HIGHWAY 23 FROM CLARA CITY TO GRANITE FALLS TO REOPEN TOMORROW
10-19-11
Highway 23 from Clara City to Highway 212 near Granite Falls is scheduled to open to traffic late tomorrow afternoon. The concrete repair project included removing and replacing deteriorated concrete, for a smoother, safer road.
SEX OFFENDER NOTIFICATION MEETING CANCELLED
10-18-11
The level 3 sex offender notification meeting scheduled for Wednesday has been cancelled. 21-year old Sheen Jamale Newton was released Monday from prison; however his housing plan has fallen though so the Dept of Corrections issued a warrant for his arrest for violation of his release conditions. He was arrested by Montevideo Police Department and is being held in the Chippewa County Jail.
BURNING BAN LIFTED
10-18-11
The burning ban in Chippewa County has been lifted. But police are reminding you that you cannot burn leaves or brush in Montevideo. Although recreational campfires are allowed as long as they are 50 feet from any house, in a ring or enclosure, are attended and there is a water source nearby. In addition, you cannot burn building materials or garbage.
TRUST FUND SET UP FOR MURDER VICTIM
10-18-11
A memorial trust fund has been established for the wife and sons of Tim Larson who was killed on Oct. 8 in a rural Belgrade shooting. Contributions to the Tim Larson Memorial Trust Fund can be made at any Wells Fargo bank. Larson was in his third year of teaching at St. Michael-Albertville Middle School West. According to his obituary, Larson, 43, of Albertville, is survived by his wife, Deb, and two sons, Caleb, 12, and Isaiah, 8. Two rural Paynesville men, Delbert Huber, 81, and Timothy Huber, 45, were arrested for their roles in the shooting and have both been charged with second-degree murder. Both men remain in custody at the Kandiyohi County Jail.
BODY FOUND IN RENVILLE COUNTY CORNFIELD IDENTIFIED
10-18-11
The body found Saturday afternoon in a Renville County cornfield was that of a missing Cosmos man. A farmer out harvesting his field found the body of 56-year-old Robert Verdon in a field in Brookfield Township, northeast of Hector. Deputies found Verdon's abandoned car near the cornfield in September. His family later filed a missing person's report. The medical examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.
TAUNTON WOMEN KILLED IN CRASH
10-18-11
A Taunton woman was killed in a sideswipe collision at 12:45 p.m. Monday on Minnesota Highway 23, south of Hanley Falls in Yellow Medicine County. Janet Reed, 43, died after her 2001 Chevy Blazer collided with a 2000 Ford Super Duty truck driven by Keith Chapman, 29, of Carlos. After the impact, Reed's vehicle spun several times and came to rest in the middle of the highway. Reed was not wearing a seat belt. According to the State Patrol Chapman's vehicle went off the highway and into a field. Chapman, who was wearing a seat belt, was treated and released at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center in Marshall.
GOVERNORS INAUGURAL PHEASANT OPENER
10-17-11
The Governors Inaugural Pheasant opener was Saturday in the Montevideo/Laq qui Parle Valley area. Governor Mark Dayton and eighty other hunters tramped across fields in groups of 5 to10 people, in search of the brightly plumaged bird. Local land owners donated the use of their land for the hunt. Sportsmen hunted from north of Appleton, then down all along the Lac qui Parle Valley; mostly on the north side of the Minnesota River, and also on property southwest of Dawson and south of Montevideo. All in all 52 birds were bagged, 13 were lost, and 351 were sighted. Spirits were high and some light hearted bantering went on between the DFL Governor and Republican Speaker of the House, Kurt Zellers, who quipped that he and Dayton were in the same party on Saturday. And he was right; they were in the same hunting party together, though the Governor did not bag a bird for the opener. <<< “It’s been just a fabulous day here in your city and surrounding area”, said Dayton, “It’s the first Governors Pheasant Hunting Opener, it’ll always be the first, and believe me you have set a platinum standard for those that will follow. It has been just so extraordinary and has gone beyond anything that I believed was possible.” The event showcased the state's hunting heritage, including cooperative efforts to preserve hunting habitat and promoted western Minnesota as a hunting destination.
BODY FOUND IN RENVILLE COUNTY
10-17-11
A farmer harvesting corn on Saturday found the body of a man in the field he was working. The discovery was made around 5 p.m. Saturday about 10 miles northeast of Hector in Brookfield Township. According to a news release from Renville County Sheriff’s, the body appeared to be that of an adult male and was taken to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s office in Ramsey for autopsy. The deceased man has not yet been positively identified. Personnel from the Renville County Sheriff’s Office, Meeker County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension responded to the scene and are continuing the investigation into the circumstances of the death.
MN/DOT PROJECT
10-17-11
MN/DOT is working on a project that you will want to be aware of if you are traveling in the Marshall area. The electronic signs at the Highway 23 and Lyon County Road 7 intersection at the western edge of Marshall have been turned off. The electronic signs will remain off for three months and then reactivate until summer 2012. This change is part of a study evaluating effectiveness of Rural Intersection Collision Avoidance Systems. The signs will turn off to determine their. It is designed to help a driver on a crossroad recognize unsafe gaps and better judge when to cross traffic. The signs are part of a long-term research project to improve safety at rural “thru-stop” intersections. Thru-stops are intersections where traffic on one roadway is required to stop, while traffic on the other roadway does not. The Highway 23 and Lyon County Road 7 intersection was selected because it is on a four lane roadway with a higher than expected crash rate. This system is one of three currently being evaluated in Minnesota.
FIBER OPTIC SERVICE BEING INSTALLED IN LAC QUI PARLE COUNTY
10/14/11
Fiber optic services are coming to Lac qui Parle County. Farmers Mutual Telephone Company will soon begin their project of building a “fiber to the premise” or FTTP network throughout most of Lac qui Parle County. FTTP is a technology that uses fiber optic cable instead of copper or coax cable to deliver telephone, High Speed Internet and TV services. Fiber optic cable is really not a cable at all, but a strand of glass approximately the thickness of a human hair that allows pulses of light to pass from one end to the other. These pulses of light represent pieces of data. Through the fiber optic cable, these pieces of data move at the speed of light making the data transmission very fast. Since light can travel great distances without a weakening of the signal, the data can travel long distances without errors. While construction was slated to begin earlier this year, the lack of fiber optic cable delayed the process, mostly due to the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Farmers Mutual is anticipating receipt of the fiber optic cable soon and is working with the contractor to begin construction in the City of Dawson as early as October 17th. Residents and landowners in Lac qui Parle County, can have a fiber optic connection run directly to your home or business at no cost or obligation. Most metropolitan areas in the entire Nation do not have this opportunity – especially without any cost or obligation. Sign up can be done at the Farmers Mutual office in Bellingham or at government offices located in Lac qui Parle county.
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
10/14/11
It’s fire prevention week. Take some time to check you smoke detectors and talk with your children about what to do and where to go in case of a fire. The Montevideo Police Department , on their Facebook page, also suggests that “if you see a fireman, [you should] thank them for VOLUNTEERING to make …our community better. [And] also [they give a] big thanks to … employers of Firemen and EMT's, who let .. employees [who are volunteers] leave their work during emergencies.
ANOTHER CLICK IT OR TICKET CAMPAIGN
10/14/11
Lac qui Parle Sheriff’s office, Dawson Police and other law enforcement are once again participating in a statewide campaign to get drivers to buckle up. Seat belt patrols will be going on now through October 27th in an effort aimed at increasing seat belt use so that preventable deaths and injuries will be stopped. Public safety officials also want you to know that to be effective, seat belts must be worn correctly; low and snug across the hips, and shoulder straps should never be tucked under an arm or, behind your back. Lac qui Parle Deputy Sheriff Kevin Monson says that the “last thing we want to do is write seat belt tickets. That’s why we are reminding motorists to buckle up, we want you to … avoid getting hurt or killed.” The enforcement effort will also include a nighttime seat belt enforcement focus, since each year more than 60 percent of nighttime fatalities are not buckled up.
SEMI IN ROLLOVER CRASH NEAR COTTONWOOD
10-13-11
A rollover crash that happened Tuesday afternoon on HWY 23 – just south of Cottonwood blocked the northbound traffic lane and half of the southbound lane. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Ronald Lindsey, 24, of San Antonio TX was driving a 2012 Semi southbound on Hwy 23, when the vehicle entered the ditch on the right side. Lindsey over corrected and came back onto the roadway, tipping the trailer onto the roadway. Lindsey was treated for his injuries at Avera Hospital in Marshall and was released. The truck sustained moderate damage.
BAD GASOLINE
10-13-11
A petroleum company out of Mankato is replacing gas it delivered to a number of communities in the state. According to Magellan Midstream Partners Petroleum the gasoline is being reclaimed because it contains too much ethanol. The Minnesota Department of Commerce says it's received two consumer complaints about problems with vehicles and has traced the high ethanol gas to 21 communities. The communities involved are located in southern Minnesota from Austin to Renville.
PARROT BAY BEING SOLD BACK TO IT’S ORIGINAL OWNER
10-13-11
The Yellow Medicine Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to sell the Parrot Bay Bar and Restaurant in Canby back to its original owner, Todd Lacek. The restaurant had been forfeited to the state in August for back property taxes. County Treasurer, Lois Bonde recommended the action contingent on payment of about $20,000 in delinquent taxes, fees, and penalties. Considerations for the recommendation included the loss of jobs for the restaurants nine employees and the months-long process of preparing forfeited properties for sale.
GOVERNORS PHEASANT OPENER
10-13-11
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton will be in Montevideo this weekend to showcase the pheasant hunting opportunities in the area along the Minnesota River. Governor Dayton says that the grasslands, cattail marshes and grain fields of western Minnesota provide habitat for pheasants and draw hunters to this area every year. The opener gives a great opportunity to spread the word about Minnesota’s wonderful hunting destinations. The DNR reports pheasants numbers are down across the state this year but says that the bird population in the Montevideo area fared better than much of the rest of the state and some of the best hunting of the year can be found right here in our back yard.
LARSON HOMICIDE
10-12-11
More information has been released surrounding the circumstances leading up to the shooting death of Timothy Larson. According to court records Larson and the Hubers had an argument on Friday evening. Larson had told the Huber’s to leave and move their machinery off the property. The Hubers said that the father, Norman Larson, had hired them to do his chores, while he was away. Even though they had been told to stay away, the Hubers returned around 7 a.m. Saturday to do the farm chores. An argument broke out and Delbert Huber allegedly shot Larson, who was unarmed, in the chest. The Hubers returned to the farm Saturday evening. It was then that Delbert Huber call authorities.
MONTEVIDEO FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES PAGERS
10-12-11
The Montevideo Fire Department is receiving 32 new pagers that will bring them into compliance with Federal regulations that require all public safety radio users move to frequencies taking less space on the radio spectrum. It is also one step toward achieving interoperability; meaning that this will help to give emergency response personnel the ability to more easily communicate with each other and share information. According to Chippewa County Emergency Management Director Marv Garbe, the pagers, which cost $16,000, were purchased with a portion of a Regional FEMA Radio Grant. The new equipment is expected to be programmed and ready to go on line by midsummer, 2012, and will be on the 800 MHz ARMER System.
MNDOT URGES CAUTION AROUND FARM EQUIPMENT
10-12-11
Motorists traveling on Minnesota highways this fall need to be aware of large farm equipment transporting crops to markets, grain elevators and processing plants, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. This message comes following two recent crashes, including one fatal crash, involving farm equipment. “Harvest season is in full swing and farmers in every corner of the state are out using the highways,” said Sue Groth, state traffic engineer. “Motorists need to be prepared to encounter slow-moving farm vehicles, especially on rural, two-lane roads.” Many factors contribute to the risk associated with farm machinery crashes. Farm equipment is large and heavy, making it hard for operators to accelerate, slow down and stop. The machines also make wide turns and sometimes cross over the center line. In addition, farm vehicles can create large blind spots, making it difficult for operators to see approaching vehicles. “The leading contributing crash factors in farm equipment/vehicle crashes are inattention, speeding and unsafe passing,” Groth said. “When approaching farm equipment, motorists should slow down and use extreme caution.” Motorists should also watch for debris dropped by trucks hauling sugar beets and other crops.
VICTIMS NAME RELEASED
10-11-11
The Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office has released the name of the victim in an apparent homicide that occurred on Saturday. The name of the individual that was killed was Timothy Richard Larson, 43-years-old, from Albertville, MN. Arrested in the murder were Delbert Huber, 81years-old from rural Paynesville; and his son, Timothy Huber, 45-yearsold, also from rural Paynesville, who was arrested for Liabilities of Crimes of Another and Aiding an Offender.
PREDATORY OFFENDER NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
10-11-11
The Montevideo Police Department is releasing information to the community regarding a Level 3 Predatory Offender. A Community Notification Meeting has been scheduled for Oct 19 at the Montevideo Community Center about this release. Representatives from the Department of Corrections and the Montevideo Police Department will be available to provide you with useful information on public safety. This offender is not wanted by the police and has served the sentence imposed on him by the court. The police department is required by law to inform the public about the release of a Level 3 Predatory Offender. 21-year old Sheen Jamale Newton will be released Oct 17th and move in to a Montevideo Residence located in the 300 block of South 6th St. He has a history of engaging in forcible sexual contact with a female victim age 10. There is a possibility that Newton will not be released on the 17th as a petition for civil commitment has been filed. Should the meeting be cancelled due to a commitment, KDMA, channel 8 and the Montevideo Police Department Facebook page will post the notice of cancellation. Additional Information on Level 3 offenders can be found by following a link on the KDMAnews website.
www.doc.state.mn.us/level3/search.asp
RURAL WATER PROJECTS
10-11-11
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last week announced funding for rural water projects to create jobs and improve rural water and wastewater systems in 26 states. The announcement is part of a series of rural infrastructure investments expected by Secretary Vilsack during the next two weeks. Among those receiving grants is Roseland Township in southwestern Kandiyohi County which will receive 849-thousand dollars.
HOMICIDE IN KANDIYOHI COUNTY
10-10-11
Two men are being held in the Kandiyohi County jail in connection to an apparent homicide. Delbert Huber, 81, was arrested for second-degree murder. His son, Timothy Huber, 45, was arrested for aiding an offender and for liability for the crimes of another. According to a news release from the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office, the two rural Paynesville men were arrested Saturday evening after the Sherriff’s Office received a phone call from Delbert Huber, who said he was at a home in the 18000 block of 44th Street Northeast in Burbank Township. Huber told the dispatcher that he had shot and killed a person earlier in the day. When deputies responded to the residence, they found Delbert Huber and the body of the 43-year-old man with an apparent gunshot wound. Timothy Huber was also at the home. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of his family. The death is being investigated by the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
MOTORCYCLE CRASH EAST OF MADISON
10-10-11
A crash that happened Saturday sent a Kimball, MN man to the hospital. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, James Hendrickson was driving a 1997 Honda motorcycle on Hwy 40 east of Madison when he missed the curve, drove through the ditch, hit a directional sign and then vaulted onto the roadway. Hendrickson was treated and released from the Madison Hospital.
BOVINE TB ERADICATED
10-10-11
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has certified that Minnesota has no bovine tuberculosis anywhere in the state. The approval comes six years after the discovery of an infected beef herd in July 2005 when bovine tuberculosis was discovered in cattle raised in Roseau County. That outbreak was the first appearance of the disease in about 30 years and several herds had to be destroyed because of the outbreak. The practical effect of Minnesota’s beef herds being certified TB free is producers can now reduce testing for the disease, which has added to the cost of doing business. The disease also spread to white-tailed deer. Since 2005, 27 free-ranging deer were found to have bovine tuberculosis in northwestern Minnesota, all within a 10-mile radius of the first report of the disease in cattle. The Department of Natural Resources will also continue management of deer populations and surveillance of hunter harvested wild deer in the bovine TB area until testing indicates that the disease has been eliminated in deer. Last year was the first calendar year since 2005 with no confirmed bovine TB positive wild deer detected.
STRONG WINDS CONTINUE THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING
10-7-11
A Wind Advisory is in effect for West Central Minnesota through this evening. The National Weather Service says strong southerly winds of 30 to 35 mph will be common across the area and wind gusts could exceed 50 mph. The winds are forecast to diminish to less than 20 miles an hour after midnight tonight.
HOMEOWNERSHIP
10-7-11
The U.S. Census Bureau has released a 2010 Census brief that shows the homeownership rate is the second highest on record, behind only 2000, since homeownership data collection began in 1890. However, the rate decreased by 1.1 percentage points to 65.1 percent between 2000 and 2010. The decrease is the largest since the period from 1930 to 1940.
FIRST STREET CLOSED FOR RAILROAD REPAIRS
10-7-11
On Tuesday, October 11th the TC & W Railroad will be closing South 1st Street, at the railroad tracks, for needed repairs. 1st street is Montevideo’s “Main Street”. Work should begin by 9:00 AM next Tuesday morning, and crews hope to complete work by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, October 12th. During this repair, 1st Street south will be impassable at the railroad crossing. Highway 212 and 7 will need to be used to transit from the north to the south end of 1st Street.
NEW PRESCRIPTION SERVICE FOR VETS
10-7-11
Starting this week, military veterans wanting to place medication refill orders with the St. Cloud VA Pharmacy by telephone will have a new phone number to dial.
[(Toll Free) 855-560-1724.]
Implementation of the new phone number for medication refill orders is the first phase of a new telephone-based customer service system being installed by the St. Cloud VA. When calling to place refill orders, veterans should have their social security and prescription numbers available. A touch-tone phone is required to be able to utilize the new system. Veterans without touch-tone phones must continue to mail in refill requests. VA prescriptions can also be refilled online if Veterans register for the online program. More information can be found on KDMAnews.com
“MyHealtheVet” at www.myhealth.va.gov.
YELLOW RIBBON COMMENDATION
10-6-11
National Guard Adjutant General Richard Nash was in town Wednesday to commend Montevideo for being an outstanding beyond the yellow ribbon community. Montevideo Chamber Director Angie Steinbach said, “He praised area employers, emergency service organizations, schools, businesses and individuals for being a part of the beyond the yellow ribbon community and for really supporting our service members and their families.” <<< “And not just the National Guard, this is all branches of services and we are really trying to reach out to …a mother, a father or grandparents of someone that is in the navy or the coast guard or the marines. They are a part of our beyond the yellow ribbon campaign too. And if they need help or support then we are here for them too.” >>> A Yellow Ribbon Community unites all areas within a community to create a comprehensive network that connects and coordinates agencies, organizations, resources and employers for the purpose of proactively supporting Service members and military families.
DNR SAYS NO REASON FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT AT MINNESOTA FALLS
10-6-11
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has determined that an environmental impact statement will not be required for the removal of the Minnesota Falls dam. Xcel Energy owns the dam and has indicated it intends to remove the structure next year. The decision not to require the in-depth environmental impact statement removes a potential obstacle to the removal. The DNR, which had previously identified the dam as a hazard and ordered its repair, removal or replacement has said that the dam’s removal would provide a long-term environmental and ecological benefit to the Minnesota River between the Minnesota Falls dam and the Granite Falls dam, and to downstream reaches.’ Objections to the removal of the dam primarily focus on economic concerns that would result when the dam is removed.
MONTEVIDEO AWARDS BID FOR FARM RENTAL PROPERTY
10-6-11
The city of Montevideo reviewed bids for farm land leases in and around the airport in Montevideo at Monday night’s council meeting. Bids continue to be good, and this year saw another record year, with the airport expected to receive over $50,000 in rent under the bids approved. This exceeds the $40,000 received in the 2010 and 20011 contract.
UNITED WAY
10-6-11
The West Central Minnesota United Way is working in our area to address community needs. One way they do this is by identifying the underlying cause of a problem and then work with non-profits, governments, businesses, and volunteers towards solutions. United Way focuses on prevention and development programs that help to ensure people are on their feet and have skills they need to reach goals. They partner with programs that are working on eliminating the problems facing children, youth, and families, and that meet basic needs, and provide independence. Money raised locally by the United Way is invested locally.
BULL MOOSE SIGHTING
10-5-11
A bull moose was sighted near Boyds Landing on Lac qui Parle Lake on Tuesday. This is one of several sighting of moose in the area, and is remarkable since this is so far removed from the normal range for moose. This is prime mating season for moose; which rut from mid-September through mid-October. Though they appear formidable, moose are seldom aggressive. They have rather poor eyesight, but acute senses of smell and hearing. Moose are the largest member of the deer family, averaging 950 to 1,000 pounds and sometimes exceeding 1,200 pounds.
MONTEVIDEO CITY NEWS
10-5-11
The Montevideo City Council approved the purchase of a new trailer mounted camera system for the use by the Utility department. The system will allow the city to televise and record the inside of storm and sanitary sewer mains that measure from about 8 inches up to 32 inches. The system will be used to plan repairs and maintenance, and will be used as an aid when problems arise in the sewer systems. The cost for this system was just over $60,000. The city plans to rent the system out to adjacent communities and hopes to recoup some of its investment in the system over the next few years.
The council approved a staff plan to begin work on acquiring up to three more homes in Smith Addition. Two of the homes are vacant, and all three are in Flood Zone A. In several cases if the houses are removed the city will be able to close down an additional 2-3 blocks of Smith Addition. Expected cost for all three homes is estimated to be about $125,000, and the DNR has agreed to pay up to ½ of the cost to acquire and demolish these three homes.
FIRE WARNINGS IN SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
10-5-11
Red flag fire warnings have been posted for much of southern Minnesota this week, prompting burning restrictions across the area. The National Weather Service posts red flag warnings when weather conditions create a high risk for fires. These warnings could be in place for a number of days until conditions change, according to Tom Romaine, fire supervisor south for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “Unusually high temps and low humidity, combined with increasing winds are creating potentially dangerous fire conditions across much of our region,” Romaine said. In the past 24 hours, many counties have put burning restrictions in place and some have banned recreational fires. It is important to for people to check with their county to see what restrictions exist. “Even if restrictions have not been posted in your county, great care should be taken with any outdoor fire right now,” Romaine said. The potential for crop field fires is also high right now. “The low moisture content in corn and soybean fields creates a heightened fire danger,” Romaine said. “It is more important than ever for farmers to keep machinery clean, make sure guards are in place and carry a fire extinguisher.”
APPLETON RIVER WALK COMMUNITY ART PROJECT
10-4-11
A beautiful community art project in Appleton has been put into place in Riverside Park. Park benches, adorned with brightly colored tiles, have been installed along the Appleton Memory Trail; so named, because people of the town created each of the unique tiles as an expression of their ties to the community. The “Appleton Press” describes, “Each individual tile is a reflection of some part of each person’s life, background, interest or memory that is unique to them…” A total of 720 tiles decorate three benches and a pillar in the park, turning the ordinary park objects into extraordinary works of art. It took a year to bring the entire installation to completion; gathering locals, holding multiple class sessions for the creation the tiles, then designing and assembling the parts into the distinctive whole. The project was made possible in part by a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts & Humanities Council. Local donations are helping to defray costs.
HAWK CREEK WATERSHED PROJECT
10-4-11
Hawk Creek is out of equilibrium. The 65 mile wild river and ditch system is experiencing increasingly high water flow volumes, causing water quality and erosion problems, especially along its last 20 miles, before it dumps into the Minnesota River. The Hawk Creek Watershed Project Committee is considering how to improve the way water is managed and become more efficient at holding some of the water on the landscape, rather than directing it into Hawk Creek, forcing it to handle more water than it is able to. One possible solution is wetland restoration, another is promoting and implementing best management practices, including a buffer incentive program that would help to control water flow and sediment, and stabilize streambanks. The committee is very pleased with the outcome of the Best Management Practice implementation in the Beaver Creek and Hawk Creek grant projects.
MINNESOTA EDUCATION CREDIT AND SUBTRACTION
10-4-11
Minnesota has two programs for families that could help lower taxes. The programs target families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade. The first is known as the K-12 Education Subtraction, and the other, the K-12 Education Credit. Both programs help to lower taxes, but if you meet the eligibility requirements for the credit, you may qualify for a larger refund. You may be able to claim a state tax credit or subtraction for costs related to your child’s education. This covers children in kindergarten through high school. The maximum credit is $1,000 per child and eligibility is based on your family’s income. Anyone can take the subtraction regardless of income. To claim the credit or subtraction save receipts for your children’s school supplies, including pencils, pens, crayons, notebooks, calculators, etc. You can also claim expenses for things like: tutors, academic text books, and music lessons. Additionally you can claim up to $200 of the cost of computer hardware and educational software. The rules for the education credit and subtraction are similar, so be sure and check for details. Go to the Minnesota Department of Revenue Website (www.taxes.state.mn.us) and enter the search term “Education Credit and Subtraction”.
MEANDER
10-3-11
The emerging fall colors nicely complemented the beautiful weather and outstanding art that a wide range of folks from across the state, and beyond, took in over the weekend during the three day Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl. Over 45 artists, from all expressions, welcomed visitors to their studios and galleries all across the Upper Minnesota River Valley. The event is about welcoming people and being connected to the local history, culture and landscape. Visitors get to see artists in their own environments as they celebrate a lifestyle that represents the small, handmade, personal and local culture of our area.
MINNESOTA CROP REPORT
10-3-11
Harvest was underway for corn and soybeans, and according to the USDA, NASS, Minnesota Field Office, as of September 25, 2 percent of corn was harvested, compared to 2 percent last year and 3 percent for the five-year average. 52 percent of corn was mature. Soybeans were 3 percent harvested compared to 6 percent last year and 9 percent average. Thirty-six percent of the state's soybeans were mature. Dry conditions persisted despite scattered rain showers that fell early in the week. Fall-like weather prevailed as below average temperatures were observed at most reporting stations. Temperatures were 3.6 degrees below normal statewide.
VOTE YES DOOR KNOCKING EVENT
10-3-11
On November 8th, Montevideo voters will have the opportunity to approve an important referendum for the Montevideo School District. Tonight, organizers and supporters for the Vote Yes Campaign will be out for a door knocking event. They hope to share information, raise awareness of the need for approving the referendum and answer any questions. Joining them are six Uruguayan Youth Ambassadors who will be present to tag along and to see our town, and learn about our issues.
CROP LOSS ENROLLMENT UNDERWAY
10-3-11
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Bruce Nelson informed farmers last week that enrollment for 2010 crop losses under the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) program will begin Nov. 14, 2011. Sign-up for the 2012 Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program (DCP) and the Average Crop Revenue Election Program (ACRE) will begin Jan. 23, 2012. Losses must occur on or before Sept. 30, 2011, to be eligible for the five disaster assistance programs authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. Numerous resources are available to help producers make informed decisions on program eligibility. FSA county office staff can answer many questions on program rules, application procedures and possible benefits.
THREE PEOPLE CHARGED ON DRUG CHARGES
9-30-11
Three people have been arrested in Montevideo on drug charges after a search warrant was executed. Clark Weber 57, Jessica Weber 28 and Jeremy Lynne 29 were all arrested by agents of the CEE-VI Task Force after Montevideo Police Department executed a warrant at their 117 North Sixth Street residence for documents related to a credit card fraud. During the execution of this warrant, controlled substances believed to be Meth and Marijuana were located. A second search warrant was then executed. All three have been formally charged and made their first court appearance.
MACHINERY FIRE PREVENTION
9-30-11
For an area that entered the growing season with an abundance of water, the current harvest is being conducted in rather dry conditions. With that dryness comes the chance for machinery fires to break out while producers are getting in the harvest. Several combine fires have already been reported. Operators should pay special attention to keeping the engine and engine compartment of your machinery clean, since research indicates that over 75% of all machinery fires start in that area. Machinery fire prevention focuses both on keeping the machine clean of possible fire-causing materials and eliminating all possible sources of heat that could lead to a fire. Make sure you frequently blow any dry chaff, leaves, and other crop material off the machine with compressed air. Combine and tractor fires can be caused by several heat sources. The most common is exhaust system surfaces that contact flammable material.
CAUTION URGED IN WAKE OF CONSTRUCTION INJURIES
9-30-11
After a work zone crash in which workers were injured, MN/DOT Commissioner Tom Sorel is asking all Minnesota motorists to approach work zones with care and keep safety uppermost in mind when driving. In the crash, an automobile struck a construction vehicle on the side of the road injuring two workers.
ANFINSON PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION
9-30-11
Reed Anfinson of the Swift County Monitor-News is the new president of the National Newspaper Association. He was inaugurated to the post of the 2,300-member organization at its 126th annual convention and trade show Saturday in Albuquerque, N.M. In addition to publishing and editing the Monitor-News, Anfinson is a partner in Quinco Press Inc. Anfinson served as president of the Minnesota Newspaper Association in 1999. Last year the Minnesota Coalition on Government Information awarded Anfinson its John R. Finnegan Freedom of Information Award.
CHIPPEWA COUNTY TURNS DOWN MINNESOTA DAM PROPOSAL
9-29-11
The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’ has opted to not participate in a joint powers agreement proposed by Yellow Medicine County. The proposal was for the purpose of exploring options for taking ownership of the Minnesota Falls Dam and either repairing it or replacing it with rock rapids. Yellow Medicine Commissioners are waiting for a response from the city of Granite Falls, which was also included in the proposal, to make a decision about the future of the project. The Granite Falls Council will discuss the proposal at the October 6th meeting. The 105-year-old dam was declared unsafe by the state Department of Natural Resources which wants it demolished. The removal of the dam without the installation of rock rapids is a concern to some individuals and businesses that draw water from the river.
MONTEVIDEO TRANSIT SYSTEM GROWING
9-29-11
Chippewa Enterprises, a Day Training and Habilitation provider in Montevideo has agreed in concept to have Montevideo Transit provide transportation for their clients and aides from their residences to Chippewa Enterprises. If all goes forward as expected, this would represent an approximate 60% growth in the Montevideo Transit system. With this additional growth, the City Council has agreed to purchase an additional bus, and to hire additional personnel to meet the demand. Since 2008 the Montevideo Transit System has grown from providing 12,000 rides annually to over 25,000 in 2010. Current projections for 2012 are in excess of 40,000 rides.
CENSUS BUREAU REPORTS HISPANIC VOTER TURNOUT REACHES RECORD HIGH FOR CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION
9-29-11
The US Census Bureau is reporting that Hispanic voter turnout reached a record high for the most recent congressional election. Hispanics made up 7 percent of voters in the 2010 congressional election, the highest percentage for a nonpresidential election since the U.S. Census Bureau began collecting this information in 1974. In 2006, Hispanics comprised 6 percent of voters. In the four county regions of Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Yellow Medicine and Swift the Census Bureau reports a total Hispanic population of just under fifteen-hundred.
MEANDER
9-28-11
This weekend marks the 8th Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl. The annual event warmly referred to as The Meander, is a free self guided tour of artists studios featuring 45 local artists from the Upper Minnesota River Valley. The studios will be open on September 30th, October 1st and 2nd. On Friday you can meander from 2 pm -6 pm, Saturday from 9 am -6 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. Art Crawl studios stretch across the Minnesota River Valley from Granite Falls to Big Stone Lake north of Ortonville. The weekend is full of art, music, entertainment and food. And is a chance to take to the road to enjoy the quiet, lovely, fall scenery and revel in the exuberance and talent of the artists and artisans who make this such a special place to live. A wide range of art expressions will be on display; from painting, to wood sculpture, fiber arts, jewelry making, photography, pottery, and more.
PROPERTY CLEAN-UP
9-28-11
The Montevideo city council has authorized the clean up, by city staff, of a residence at 223 South 6th Street. Work will include the demolition of an old fence, yard clean-up, and the securing of windows and doors. The city is also seeking permission from the court to proceed with orders to repair, remove, or demolish two other structures; one at 216 North 6th Street, the other at 621 State Road. The State Road property will likely entail the total demolition of the property, but the issues on 6th Street have to do with the condition of a front porch. City staff expects the process to take several months, and no firm action on either property is anticipated until spring.
CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING
9-28-11
The Minnesota Special Judicial Redistricting Panel and the Citizens’ Redistricting Commission have begun the process of gathering information to guide legislative and congressional redistricting. The five-judge Special Redistricting Panel appointed by Minnesota State Supreme Court Justice Laurie Gildea has announced a series of public hearings to be held throughout the state during the month of October. Members of the public interested in testifying will have up to five minutes to address the panel at the hearings.
ADVANCED BIOFUELS SUPPORT
9-28-11
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the USDA will make payments to more than 160 energy producers in 41 states to support and ensure the production and expansion of advanced biofuels. Among those receiving the funds are Cargill and Fumpa Biofuels, in Redwood Falls.
CHANGE IN CASED GUN LAW
9-27-11
Action by the legislature has lead to policy change that allow uncased guns to be transported in vehicles under certain circumstances during hunting seasons. The change, which amends Minnesota Statutes, allows unloaded long guns (not pistols) to be carried “to or from a site [where] the person intends to hunt lawfully that day or has hunted lawfully that day.” This is not allowed, however, in a school zone or other restricted zone. Nor is it allowed in Anoka, Ramsey, or Washington Counties or in cities with populations over 2,500. Under previous law, all guns had to be cased in cities with populations under 2,500 if the city had adopted a “no discharge” ordinance for firearms.
MN/DOT VISIONING PROCESS
9-27-11
In February 2011, MN/DOT launched the Minnesoat Go visioning process in collaboration with many partners to better align the transportation system with what Minnesotans expect for their quality of life, economy and natural environment. A draft vision was developed with input from the public and diverse representatives of the transportation community who participated in advisory group meetings, public workshops and online during the past several months. You can view and comment on the seven-page document at the MnDot website or the Minnesota GO website. In addition, MnDOT will host a public hearing Tuesday, Oct. 4 inSt. Paul. You may also participate via videoconference at MnDOT offices statewide or from your personal computer. More information can be found on KDMAnews.com. Comments on the vision must be made by Friday, Oct. 21.
The MnDOT website: www.dot.state.mn.us/minnesotago
Minnesota GO website at www.minnesotago.org and share your thoughts online, by email, fax or U.S. mail.
Submit comments to Philip Schaffner by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2011 by:
Email:
Fax: 651-366-3794
Phone: 651-366-3743
Or by mail
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Office of Statewide Multimodal Planning, Mail Stop 440
395 John Ireland Blvd.,
St. Paul, MN 55155
Public hearing, Tuesday Oct. 4
In addition, MnDOT will host a public hearing Tuesday, Oct. 4, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Transportation Building in St. Paul, 395 John Ireland Blvd., Room G15. You also may participate via videoconference at MnDOT offices statewide or from your personal computer by using Adobe Connect (instructions will be posted on www.minnesotago.org). Print copies of the draft vision will be available at the meeting sites.
Relay Service toll-free at 1-800-627-3529 (TTY, Voice or ASCII) or 711.
To request another reasonable accommodation, call 651-366-4718.
BAXTER
7694 Industrial Park Road
218-828-5700
BEMIDJI
3920 Hwy 2 West
218-755-6500
CROOKSTON
1320 Sunflower St.
218-277-7950
DETROIT LAKES
1000 Hwy 10 W.
218-846-3600
DULUTH
1123 Mesaba Ave.
218-725-2700
MANKATO
2151 Bassett Drive
507-304-6100
MARSHALL
1800 E. College Drive
507-537-6146
MORRIS
610 Hwy 9 S.
320-208-7000
OWATONNA
1010 - 21st Ave. NW
507-446-5500
ROCHESTER
2900 - 48th St. NW
507-286-7500
ST. CLOUD
3725 - 12th St. N.
320-223-6500
ST. PAUL
Ground Videoconference Room G15
395 John Ireland Blvd.
651-296-3000
VIRGINIA
101 N. Hoover Road
218-742-1100
WILLMAR
2505 Transportation Road
320-231-5195
WINDOM
180 S. County Road 26
507-831-8000
LOCAL LEVY LIMITS
9-27-11
New local levy rules are in play this year that affect the imposition of levy limits for local cities. In 8 of the last 10 years the state has limited what local governments could levy in taxes, but this year no local levy limits were enacted by the state. In 2009, 10, and 2011 cities could only increase their levies by the lesser of 3.9 percent or the change in the implicit price deflator (IPD), which has averaged well below 3.9 percent. With changes in the Market Value Credit, and possible increases in local taxes, local taxpayers may see higher than normal increases to their local property taxes. Most local taxing units will hold truth-in-taxation hearings, or other similar hearings that allow for public input on their taxes. When you receive your tax statement for taxes owned it will give you a time and date so you can attend a budget discussion with your local city, county, and school district.
DAWSON-BOYD STUDENTS INVOLVED IN BUS CRASH
9-26-11
The Dawson-Boyd volleyball team were traveling to Minneota High School Saturday morning when the school bus they were riding in was involved in a crash with a pickup truck. The crash happened around 8:30am Saturday morning at the intersection of Jefferson and 4th streets in Minneota. Minneota Police said there appeared to be only minor injuries in the crash, but all of the students and the driver of the pickup were taken to Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center by ambulance for evaluation, and precautionary treatment if needed. The driver of the school bus was released at the scene. The students and pickup driver were all released from the hospital by 1:20 p.m. Saturday.
COGELOW SCULPTURE ON DISPLAY AT CANBY LIBRARY
9-26-11
A fine piece of wood sculpture by world renowned artist Fred Cogelow is on temporary display in Canby, at the library. Fred is a native of Willmar and still lives there. His work is rather mesmerizing. Detailed and sometimes whimsical, with a sense of humor. His sculptures capture the essence of a subject and captivates the viewer, as you take in the texture of the piece, intertwined with what can only be described as its personality. The work on display at the Canby Library is of an elderly woman with a walking stick in one hand, a checkbook gripped firmly in the other. She looks fixedly through glasses with a facial expression that seems caught at the moment when question becomes conclusion. The “Marshall Independent” reports that “the sculpture is based on a woman [the artist] saw in northern Illinois going into a bank”.
RUPTURED NATURAL GAS LINE
9-26-11
A ruptured natural gas line caused the interruption in service for approximately 3.600 CenterPoint Energy customers from Benson to Hancock and Morris. The break occurred Friday night when a piece of farm equipment hit a Northern Natural Gas pipeline. Northern is CenterPoint Energy’s natural gas supplier. The process of restoring service was a tricky one which required turning off the flow of gas to each customer’s natural gas meter, re-pressurizing the distribution line and then going meter to meter to restore gas service to each customer.
SLEEPY EYE WOMAN THROWN FROM VEHICLE IN ROLL OVER CRASH
9-26-11
A Sleepy Eye woman received non-life threatening injury when she was thrown from the vehicle she was driving late Thursday night. The one-vehicle roll-over accident occurred about six miles west of Canby in Yellow Medicine County. According to the State Patrol, Lauri Braulick, 51, was driving east on state Highway 68 at 11:30 p.m. when the 2006 Buick Rainier she was driving left the roadway, rolled and landed on its wheels. Braulick was not wearing a seat belt and was taken to Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls for treatment.
GRANITE FALLS RECEIVES ADDITIONAL FUNDING
9-23-11
Granite Falls will be receiving an additional $660,000 in flood mitigation funding in addition to the $17 million already received. The city will use the funds as it has in the past, to develop and implement flood protection measures. Future plans are to flood proof or relocate both Wing-Bain Funeral Home and Granite Floral businesses, one residence and relocate and/or install a lift and pumping station.
MACCRAY HOMECOMING ROYALTY NOMINATIONS
9-23-11
Congratulations to MACCRAY Homecoming Queen and King candidates: Hailey Schmidt, Callie Mersbergen, Teagan Moulden, Hayley Goeman, Paige Schwitters, Paige Bourne, Corey Aabas, Riley Aeikens, Tanner Bedel, Brady Boike, Quin Burns, and Brent Jaenisch
TODDLERS IN CAR SEATS
9-23-11
The American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending that parents keep toddlers in rear-facing car seats until they’re at least two years old, instead of flipping them around at age one and 20 pounds. There are of course, limitations. Once they get so big, then you have to move them to forward-facing. Until then, they are at least five times safer in a crash if they continue to be rear-facing. Regardless of age, though, children should ride in a booster seat until they reach a height of four-feet, nine inches and weigh 80 pounds.
PUBLIC SCREENING OF PBS’s “VOLSTEAD FEVER”
9-23-11
Pioneer Public Television - based out of Appleton – has been working with a master in the field of documentary production, Ken Burns, on a documentary about prohibition. The collaboration, entitled “Volstead Fever: Prohibition in Minnesota will feature the Congressional author of prohibition, Representative Andrew Volstead of Granite Falls and looks at the impact prohibition had on Minnesota. Pioneer Public Television is presenting the documentary at a public screening on Wednesday, September 28 at 7pm in Granite Falls. This screening will also include a panel discussion on Prohibition and civil discourse. The documentary focuses on southwest Minnesota during the Prohibition-era. You'll get a glimpse at early 20th century history; visit the home of Andrew Volstead and learning dark secrets about Granite Falls' supper club, Bootleggers. You'll also hear from local brewers who are shaping the landscape of locally produced beers and find out how Schell's Brewery was able to survive prohibitions’13-year duration.
BRAD RHEINGANS RECOGNIZED WITH MONUMENT IN APPLETON
9-22-11
A monument to recognize World Championship Greco-Roman wrestler, and Appleton native, Brad Rheingans will be placed at the Appleton Civic Center. The monument recognizes Brad for his accomplishments and his involvement in the community and dedication to young athletes. The Lac qui Parle Valley/Dawson-Boyd wrestling club worked with the City of Appleton to situate the monument on the northeast corner of the Civic Center facing the highway. Rheingans wrestled in the 1976 Olympics and professionally until the 1990’s and was inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2004.
HIGHWAY 59 LANE CLOSURES
9-22-11
Motorists may encounter temporary lane closures on Highway 59 south of Clarkfield beginning this week, as crews resume a shoulder widening and culvert lining project that began last year. Work on this half mile stretch near Spring Creek was suspended last fall due to high water conditions. The project will affect a four and a half mile portion of Highway 59 just south of Clarkfield. Work will be complete in approximately two weeks, weather permitting.
IMMUNIZATION FOR OLDER CHILDREN AND TEENS
9-22-11
Parents of older children and teenagers are finding out that their children need to get vaccines nowadays that, in years past, were not administered or even needed. As kids get older, protection from some childhood vaccines begins to wear off. Plus, older kids can also develop risks for other diseases. Meningococcal disease is one of those. It's a rare but deadly form of meningitis. Human Papillomavirus or HPV is another. It is a common virus and some types of it can cause cervical cancer in women and can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women. The Center for Disease Control and local health officials encourage parents to search out the most up to date information on immunization protection for their children.
EMPLOYER WORKER’S COMPENSATION SEMINAR
9-22-11
Employers who would like to learn more about the dos and don'ts of Minnesota Workers' Compensation have a chance to learn from the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry experts. At an upcoming seminar you will hear about options to control workers compensation costs, what to do when an injury occurs or is reported and you will leave with workers' compensation resources and phone numbers. The seminars are scheduled for 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, in Marshall. Contact the Marshall WorkForce Center for information and registration.
MONTEVIDEO POLICE COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
9-21-11
The Montevideo police department has established an unused prescription drug drop off program. You can drop off unused prescription medications to a box located in the lobby of the Montevideo Police Department. Unused med's left in the home can be a danger to children and could make you a target for theft. In addition, unused meds should not be flushed as they eventually get in to rivers and our aquifer. The police department collects the meds and transports them as needed to a licensed incinerator. There is no cost and MPD can provide you with a bag so you can drop off anonymously.
SIGN-UP FOR NIXLE INFO MESSAGES IN MONTEVIDEO
9-21-11
With winter quickly approaching, an important tool local residents can use in the City of Montevideo is Nixle. Nixle is a free text/email messaging system that is used by the Montevideo Police Department, City of Montevideo, Montevideo Schools and Chippewa County. Agencies use it to send out alerts. For example, the Montevideo Police Department will send out alerts on snow emergencies, missing persons and other situations where the public needs to me informed. The school uses it to inform parents or other interested parties of things like early dismissals. You can pick and choose what type of messages you would like to receive. Visit www.nixle.com to sign up.
HIGHWAY 212 DETOUR ALTERED
9-21-11
The construction on Highway 212 near Hector will be shifting to Phase 3 on Friday. The stretch of highway between Hector and Brownton will re-open. But, Phase 3 will close down 212 from Brownton to the start of the four-lane highway west of Glencoe and traffic will be detoured. All work is expected to be complete by mid-November, weather permitting. The project consists of pavement resurfacing, new turn-lane construction and culvert lining.
DAWSON NEWS
9-21-11
The Dawson library will be altering its hours slightly. Starting October 1st the Dawson library will open at 10am rather than 10:30 but, will close for lunch for a half an hour from 1 to 1:30.
The size of the proposed skating rink in Dawson has been reduced to 65’ x 100’. Separate areas for recreational skating and a walled hockey rink are part of the configuration. The rink will be located south of the walking bridge, in Veteran’s Park. Right now the city is trying to come up with a plan to provide a warming house for this winter since a permanent structure will not be built until next year. The rink is being financed by the Mason’s.
WROBLESKI ARREST
9-20-11
Matthew James Wrobleski, 37, of Willmar is being held in the Meeker County Jail on suspicion of motor vehicle thefts. Law enforcement authorities had been searching for him in connection with a series of vehicle thefts and burglaries. Wrobleski was found hiding in a swampy area in Meeker county after police tracked down a tip that a truck had allegedly been stolen by Wrobleski.
BOLD Chosen for the Early Childhood Initiative
9-20-11
The Bird Island, Olivia, Lake Lillian (BOLD) area has been chosen to participate in the Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) in partnership with the Southwest Initiative Foundation. The three-year partnership will aim to improve school readiness, promote literacy, and increase resources to children, families, and their caregivers, ultimately benefiting children ages birth to 5 in the BOLD school district area. BOLD will officially be launching their ECI coalition on September 19 and will begin planning for their Community Perceptions Survey and recruiting key stakeholders to the table.
BROOKSIDE MANOR RECEIVES GRANT
9-20-11
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded Minnesota more than $1 million in grants to help public and assisted housing residents find employment; connect with needed services; and help the elderly and people with disabilities maintain independent living.The funding also allows the grantees to retain or hire “service coordinators” or case workers to work directly with these HUD-assisted families to connect them to the supportive services that meet their individual needs. Montevideo Methodist Home Inc., which operates Brookside Manor assisted living in Montevideo, is the recipient of $26,000 in funding.
WIND ADVISORY
9-20-11
Strong winds are forecast today after the passage of a cold front. By the afternoon, sustained winds are expected to be between 20 and 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph. The strongest winds are expected in western Minnesota where sustained winds could be as high as 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Winds that strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
AMPI TAKES FIRST PRIZE
9-20-11
Associated Milk Producers Inc. in Dawson earned first place honors in the 2011 World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Products Contest. The AMPI entries were judged among the best from a record field of entries representing all types of dairy products made by companies from across the United States. An auction recognizing the contest’s winners is set for Oct. 4 as a part of the 2011 World Dairy Expo. A portion of the auction’s proceeds support a scholarship for a deserving student pursuing a career in the dairy industry.
YME CHANGES SCHOOL CALENDAR
9-19-11
Several factors delayed the second Phase of the Energy and Air Quality Program at Yellow Medicine East School this summer. Contractors’ and school officials had to deal with high heat and humidity and the state government shut down as they worked to get the project completed prior to the start of classes. They finished up in time for students to start to school on time this year. However, some teachers were not able to get into their classrooms in one portion of the building, so an important staff development day had to be postponed to allow those teachers time to get their classrooms ready. The staff development day has now been rescheduled to take place October 19… That is the Wednesday before the Educate Minnesota break. Students will have no school that day. The staff will be looking at formative assessment and curriculum alignment from pre-K thru 12, which according to superintendent Alan Stoekman is very important for the school improvement plan; to have those two pieces in place.
MONTEVIDEO TO APPLY FOR GRANT
9-19-11
The Montevideo Council is taking action on several nuisance or abatement issues,
including: directing the city to abate a nuisance at 223 South 6th Street. An order to repair/remove/demolish/hazardous structures at 621 State Road and 216 N 6th St. And resolutions directing the abatement of three other nuisances: 1314 N 3RD St. and 601 N. 6th St. The city is also going to go after a new Small Cities Grant, so is asking the council to: consider approval of contract with Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership to prepare the 2012 small cities development program grant application. This application will focus in on owner occupied rehab funds, some EDA owned building rehab, and possible rehabilitation of the old Chippewa Bank Building in Downtown Montevideo.
BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION WEST OF CLARKFIELD
9-19-11
Motorists traveling from the Clarkfield area toward Highway 75 will encounter temporary one-lane closures at the Highway 67 bridge two miles east of the Highway 75 junction in Yellow Medicine County starting today. The project is being done to repair the concrete deck on the bridge. Traffic will be directed over the bridge using signs indicating that motorists should stop and take turns on alternate lanes.
MONTEVIDEO MAN CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT
9-16-11
A Montevideo man has been charged with sexual assault. According to the Montevideo Police, David Schwab, 25, of Montevideo was charged in Chippewa County Court with 3rd and 5th Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct for an incident that allegedly occurred on June 11 of this year.
ANIMAL WOES IN MONTEVIDEO
9-16-11
This has not been a good week in the Montevideo area for animal and human interaction. Geese have become a problem again this year at the Montevideo airport. Because large areas of grass are regularly mowed and are open at the airport, geese find it a convenient place to stop and relax. This year the number of geese using the airport has been quite high, and their presence pose a serious hazard to aircraft. City staff are attempting to harass the geese off the site by using "blanks" fired from shotguns, and the police dept. is going to the airport several times a day and using lights and sirens to scare the geese. If the problem persists, further action may be necessary. Earlier this week a number of bison escaped from a farm on the outskirts of Montevideo. Because the large animals can inflict a lot of damage to a car, MNDOT has placed advisory signage along Highway 212 just east of Montevideo warning motorists of the loose bison. Some of the estimated 19 loose bison have been rounded up, but 6 remain free to roam the area. A minor accident took place early Thursday morning when one of the bison was struck by a car near Adams Motors on west highway 212. The bison got up and took off running on the levee nearby. That animal, which was injured, was later located by its owner and was shot and killed. One other bison was put down when it was found in Montevideo city limits. Police took the action because they feared for the publics’ safety, as the bison was in such close proximity to populated areas.
OUTLAND ENERGY OF CANBY RECOGNIZED
9-16-11
Inc. Magazine has listed Outland Energy Services of Canby on its fifth annual Inc. 5000, which is an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a comprehensive look at America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. Outland is an independent services provider in the North American wind industry. Steve Scott, President & CEO of Outland says that, “[the company] has distinguished itself by the strength of [their] client base and safety record. In less than six years [they have] created a new industry model…” Outland Energy Services provides a full range of operations & maintenance services for wind energy facilities throughout the United States and abroad.
YME ENROLLMENT UP
9-15-11
Enrollment at Yellow Medicine East Schools is up, despite the fact that there are fewer kindergarten enrollments this year than there were graduating seniors last spring. YME underwent a building configuration change this year, placing preschool through 5th grade in a building together and 6th through twelfth grade in another. The change is going well enough, but school officials say some tweaks are needed.
JOINTS POWERS DISCUSSED FOR MINNESOTA FALLS DAM
9-15-11
At a recent board meeting, Granite Falls Energy CEO Tracy Olson and the Yellow Medicine County Board of Commissioners discussed forming a joint powers agreement with Chippewa County and the city of Granite Falls to take ownership of the Minnesota Falls dam for the purpose of either repairing it or replacing it with rock rapids. The dam is currently owned by Excel Energy which has been ordered to repair or remove the dam. Granite Falls Energy is seeking a solution that would maintain the water in the Minnesota River at its current pool depth. The ethanol producer draws water from the river via an intake which would be 7 feet out of the water if the dam were removed and not replaced with rock rapids.
PRELIMINARY TAX LEVIES
9-15-11
Local government officials are working this week to set their preliminary tax levies for next year. Their deliberations are complicated by a deal that was hammered out in the state legislature that eliminated the market value homestead credit. According to Minnesota Public radio, “the homestead credit program provided about $538 million in property tax relief over two years to about 95 percent of homeowners. The state paid local governments to make up for the loss in revenue, which this year averaged about $202 per home. The maximum was $304.” Local government's are going to have to find ways to make up that missing revenue at a time when they are already being squeezed from all sides. One option on the table is to raise the tax levy. In a sampling of local governments in our area, Yellow Medicine County has set a preliminary increase of 2.99%, and Montevideo a 5% increase. Budgets will not be finalized until later this year at which point the rates could be lowered.
WILLMAR COUPLE MORNS LOSS OF GRANDSON KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN
9-14-11
A Willmar couple is mourning the loss of their grandson who was killed in Afghanistan on Friday. Christopher David Horton was killed along with two other soldiers in his unit when they were ambushed by small arms fire in Pakita, Afghanistan. Horton was with the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, A Company, 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment of the Oklahoma Army National Guard. The grandson of Roger and Marcy Bonnema, Horton was two months into his first deployment in Afghanistan. He leaves behind his parents, Rev. David and Cherie (Bonnema) Horton of Tulsa, Okla. And his wife Jane.
CENSUS BUREAU POVERTY FIGURES
9-14-11
The U.S. Census Bureau announced yesterday that in 2010, median household income declined, the poverty rate increased and the percentage of people in the U.S. without health insurance coverage was not statistically different from the previous year. The median household income in the United States in 2010 was $49,445, a 2.3 percent decline from the 2009 median. The nation’s official poverty rate in 2010 was 15.1 percent, up from 14.3 percent in 2009. There were 46.2 million people in poverty in 2010, up from 43.6 million in 2009 â�� the fourth consecutive annual increase and the largest number in the 52 years for which poverty estimates have been published. The number of people without health insurance coverage rose 1 percent to 49.9 million people in 2010.
MONTEVIDEO AIRPORT MAINTENANCE BUILDING
9-14-11
The FCC has given final grant approval for construction of the maintenance building at the airport in Montevideo. Total cost of the project is 210-thousand dollars. 95% of the cost will be paid for by the federal government. Construction of the steel maintenance structure will begin this month and should be completed yet this fall. The 50 x 50 foot building will be used to store a snow plow & mowing equipment.
LAC QUI PARLE END-OF-SUMMER ENFORCEMENT
9-14-11
Minnesota has made progress to limit alcohol-related crashes and resulting deaths and injuries in recent years. During the recent end-of-summer DWI enforcement effort in Lac qui Parle County, Sheriff's Deputies and Dawson Police Officers arrested one drunk and impaired motorist. Despite the drop in deaths, though, impaired driving still accounts for one-third of all traffic deaths annually in the state. Around 400 law enforcement agencies across Minnesota participated in the effort conducted by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.
CORN PRICES HIGHER THAN AVERAGE
9-13-11
Adverse weather conditions in corn producing states for the months of July and August has resulted in lowered yield projections for the September crop report. According to USDA Chief Economist Joe Glauber, the corn yield forecast has been lowered about 3-point-two-percent to 148.1 bushels per acre. <<< “The crops condition has deteriorated a lot. If you go back to June we were looking at some 70% of the crop looking good to excellent. Now we’re down to just a little over 50% looking good to excellent.” >>> The lowered production numbers at a time of strong demand is resulting in higher corn prices with the mid-point for the season average price around $7 per bushel.
FIREWOOD RESTRICTIONS
9-13-11
With the news that the emerald ash borer has been found recently in new parts of the state, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds autumn campers that only firewood purchased at a state park or from a DNR-approved vendor may be brought onto any DNR-administered lands. This is to prevent the spread of forest pests such as emerald ash borer, which can catch a ride to new locations when infested firewood is moved. Minnesota is a prime target for the emerald ash borer, with nearly 1 billion ash trees. You can take steps to keep Emerald Ash Borer and other forest pests from spreading, by not bringing firewood along on a camping trip and by purchasing wood locally from an approved vendor. Then when you are done with your camping trip leave extra firewood onsite and don’t bring it home. Campers should also know that you should keep your receipt handy when you purchase locally approved wood, in case you are questioned by a conservation officer.
CARGILL ANNOUNCES A SECOND GROUND TURKEY RECALL
9-13-11
A second recall of ground turkey products has been announced by Cargill after a test showed salmonella in a sample from the same plant tied to a recall issued last month. The second recall is much smaller than the previous one for 36 million pounds of ground turkey. That recall followed a salmonella outbreak that federal health officials said had sickened 107 people in 31 states, killing one person. No illnesses have been tied to the second recall, which was initiated after a sample showed salmonella.
HIGHWAY 23 DETOUR TO REMAIN IN PLACE INTO LATE OCTOBER
9-13-11
Motorists will continue using a detour for Highway 23 from Clara City to Highway 212 near Granite Falls through mid-October. The project was originally scheduled to be completed in early September but experienced delays due to the state government shutdown. The concrete repair project is now scheduled to be complete by Saturday, Oct. 22, but the detour may be lifted one to two weeks earlier.
RENVILLE COUNTY CRIME ALERT
9-12-11
A rash of thefts in Renville County has led the Sheriff’s office there to issue a crime alert urging residents to be diligent about locking their property and reporting suspicious activity. The sheriff’s office is also seeking the public’s help in locating a suspect believed to have been involved in a series of burglaries, property thefts, and thefts of vehicles and ATV’s. Arrest warrants have been issued for Matthew James Wrobleski, age 37, for motor vehicle theft and domestic assault. It is believed that Wrobleski is currently driving a stolen 2004 Chevrolet pickup. The black, four-door truck may have Minnesota license plates '573-GLZ.'
CYBER SAFETY FOR MIDDLE-SCHOOLERS
9-12-11
Parents and their middle school-aged children are invited to attend a cyber safety meeting at 7 p.m. Monday in Willmar at the Middle School gym. Information will presented on safe use of cell phones and social media by teenagers. Parents will be given ways they can help protect their teens from inappropriate, dangerous or illegal behavior.
SCHOOL BUS SAFETY
9-12-11
In Minnesota, school buses make at least 10,000 school bus trips daily. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are the safest mode of transportation for children. Even so, motorists must anticipate children in a school bus “danger zone” — the area around a bus where most injuries and deaths occur. When approaching from the rear and from the opposite direction on undivided roads, you must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying red flashing lights or if its stop arm is extended Red flashing lights on buses indicates students are either entering or exiting the bus. However, motorists are not required to stop for a bus if the bus is on the opposite side of a separated roadway (median, etc.) — but they should remain alert for children.
FLU VACCINATION
9-12-11
Local health providers are ramping up for flu season. Clinics, pharmacies and medical centers have plenty of flu vaccine on hand and expect to give a record number of flu shots this year. Annual flu shots are now recommended for virtually everyone who’s over the age of 6 months when there’s not a shortage. Anyone who is at greater risk of severe illness or complications from influenza is especially encouraged to get vaccinated. This includes anyone over age 65, children ages 6 months to 5 years, anyone with a chronic health condition such as diabetes, asthma or weakened immune system, and women who will be pregnant during flu season. If you live or work around anyone that has a greater risk of complications from the flu you should also get the vaccine.
VANEPS UPDATE
9-9-11
Anthony Vaneps, 66, of Willmar, remains in critical condition At Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. Vaneps was airlifted to HCMC after a truck he was driving was struck Wednesday morning by a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train. Vaneps was ejected from the 1973 International tandem-wheeled truck when it was struck by the westbound train at a private driveway crossing on the east edge of Raymond.
MONTEVIDEO CITY COUNCIL NEWS
9-9-11
The Montevideo City council approved a preliminary 2012 budget at Monday night’s council meeting. It includes a 5% increase over the 2011 budget; set into place because the city does not know how the elimination of the market value tax credit will affect revenues. Once it is in, the council could choose a lower budget increase. Also in city news, the council approved a resolution asking MNDOT to evaluate state highway 59 /Benson Road for improvements. The road is rapidly deteriorating – having been built to rural road usage standards – rather than urban standards, yet it services a high volume of traffic. The city feels that improvements need to be made to the road, especially in light of improvements that the city will undertake on side roads that abut highway 59.
GRANDPARENTS DAY
9-9-11
Grandparents day is this Sunday. A campaign to set aside a special day just for grandparents was begun in 1970 by Marian McQuade. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a presidential proclamation, designating the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. Since the first official observance in September 1979 it has been growing in popularity. In honor of our nation’s grandparents, the Census Bureau presents an array of statistics about the role they play in our lives.
EDUCATION ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS
9-9-11
Over the next two weeks, DFL education leaders will meet with local teachers, administrators and school leaders at locations around the state to discuss school funding and reforms, including how schools are handling the impact of the increased funding shift. In addition to school funding, House DFLers will discuss educational reforms with local teachers, parents, and administrators. The roundtables will also include discussion on how best to fund and implement high-quality early childhood education.
TRAIN CRASH
9-8-11
A car/train crash in Raymond has sent a Willmar man to the hospital with unknown injuries. The crash occurred on a private driveway which crosses the railroad tracks on the east edge of Raymond. The driver of the truck was identified as Anthony Vaneps, 66-years-old from Willmar. Vaneps was ejected from the truck when it was struck by the train and was transported by the Raymond Ambulance to Rice Hospital where he was then airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center with unknown injuries. He was driving a 1973 International tandem wheeled truck northbound on the private driveway when it was struck by the BNSF train, which was traveling westbound at approximately 40 mph.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION OMBUDSMAN
9-8-11
The Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has established a new Office of Workers' Compensation Ombudsman to provide advice and assistance to employees and small businesses. The long sought workers compensation ombudsman has been established to help injured workers who are often at a disadvantage because they know very little about workers' compensation. The ombudsman can help those injured workers who are overwhelmed with the process. If you would like to request services, you can visit kdmanews.com to get contact information.
Contact the ombudsman at (651) 284-5013, 1-800-DIAL-DLI (1-800-342-5354), TTY (651) 297-4198 or dli.ombudsman@state.mn.us. For more information, visit www.dli.mn.gov/WC/Ombudsman.asp.
THUNDER ROAD
9-8-11
A group of actors stopped in Granite Falls to talk with veterans as part of a research project called, Into the Heart of America: A Soldiers Story. The actors, Steven Grayhm, Charlie Bewley and Matt Dallas have been traveling across the country since the middle of July to meet with soldiers from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The trio seeks to tell a truthful story of a veteran’s journey in the upcoming movie, Thunder Road. The three will portray soldier’s lives from enlistment all the way to the struggles they face coming home. The actors said they’re grateful for veterans opening up to them and hope this research project will help them “tell a story that needs to be told.”
RACE TO THE TOP FORUM
9-7-11
A Race to the Top Forum, for the Early Learning Challenge will be held in Redwood Falls at the Redwood Area Community Center this Friday. Race to the Top is a United States Department of Education competition designed to spur reforms in state and local district K-12 education. It is based on the premise that America will not succeed in the 21st century unless we do a far better job of educating our children. To win money from the federal government's early childhood Race to the Top contest, states are encouraged to implement "kindergarten entry assessments," according to new guidelines released by the Education Department and Health and Human Services. The forum will provide an overview of the Federal Guidelines for the Early Learning Challenge and give highlights of emerging plans for Minnesota. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required in advance.
To register, cut and paste the following address into your browser. [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=iqfx4hcab&et=1107414949776&s=3329&e=001OxzCg7dxwzvZOykLmzKiGA2VhFBd3l3kRofOwlmY33k05MZdGY-mWWplcCe2FqlbyTipxdrxRwt3GanpRiXqG4EhdkqUnCqizl35zBjTVKmhqHEEHsmhOi2TGPNvl4OlZCRaYSAAVwM=]
LOW PHEASANT COUNT
9-7-11
As expected, a severe winter followed by a wet spring contributed to a significant decline in Minnesota’s pheasant counts. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the pheasant population index declined 64percent from 2010 and is 71 percent below the 10-year average. Contributing factors include:
• A second consecutive severe winter, resulting in hen counts 72 percent below the 10-year average.
• Cold, wet weather during the April through June nesting period, resulting in brood counts 75 percent below the 10-year average.
• Loss of nearly 120,000 acres of grass habitat enrolled in farm programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) since 2007.
MARSHALL WOMAN CHARGED WITH PERJURY
9-7-11
Marshall woman charged with Perjury. Amanda Eggert 29 of Marshall was charged with perjury in Chippewa County court. In 2010, Eggert testified in a civil case that she had been out of state at a funeral, it was later learned that this testimony was not accurate and that she had never left the state on the day in question.
HANCOCK POLICE CHIEF DIES IN BOATING ACCIDENT
9-6-11
The Hancock Police Chief has died as the result of a weekend boating accident.on Long Lake in Stevens County. Donald Heikkinen was boating with five others on Long Lake when the boat capsized. Divers recovered his body Monday afternoon. Heikkinen, 50, was reported missing Sunday evening. According to the Stevens County Sheriff’s Department, a 911 caller reported that a boat carrying six people had capsized, but only five people made it back to shore. Sheriff Randy Willis told the Associated Press it’s too early to know whether alcohol was a factor. Stevens County officials suspended the search late Sunday night due to fog. They resumed the search Monday morning, but murky water made the search difficult. Heikkinen was found at about 4 p.m.
TOWARD ZERO DEATH
9-6-11
Lac qui Parle County Sheriff’s Office continues its Towards Zero Deaths campaign, today by encouraging you to:
• Plan for a safe ride — designate a sober driver, use cab or public transportation to get home, or stay at the location of the celebration. Families should let each other know that they will be able to give a safe ride home.
• Buckle up and wear protective motorcycle gear —it's the best defenses against an impaired driver.
• Report impaired driving — call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. You must be prepared to provide location, license plate and tell the dispatcher about the dangerous behavior that you observe.
The enhanced DWI enforcement campaign is a component of the state’s Toward Zero Death (TZD) initiative which is working to create a safe driving culture in Minnesota. Toward Zero Death focuses on four strategic areas to reduce crashes — education, enforcement, engineering and emergency trauma response.
SCHOOL BEGINS
9-6-11
It's the first day of school today for hundreds of children across the area. Students and teachers head to the classroom with anticipation and a host of other emotions. Involved parents have taken steps to ease the transition from summer to school routines by adjusting sleep schedules and overseeing the gathering and loading of school supplies into backpacks. Another fundamental activity for parents is to meet their child's teacher early in the school year. Establishing that parent-teacher relationship is an important step in building a successful learning experience for your child. The exciting, intimidating start of the school year is also an ideal time to talk with your student about goals for the future. Ask specific questions about what they are studying and what is happening with their friends. Use what they are learning in the classroom as a springboard to thinking about their own dreams and goals. If the class is learning about animals, talk about what kinds of careers might involve animals like a veterinarian, farmer, or biologist. Teachers don't always have enough time to do this. And its an excellent way to prepare kids for the decisions that they will face at the end of their high school career.
LAC QUI PARLE DWI CRACKDOWN
9-1-11
Lac qui Parle County Sheriff’s deputies and Dawson Police officers are cracking down on drunk and impaired drivers during a stepped-up DWI enforcement effort through Sept. 5. On average in Minnesota, 30,000 motorists are arrested for DWI each year — there were 39 arrests in Lac qui Parle County in 2010. During the last three years in the state, 2008–2010, there was an average of 145 alcohol-related deaths and 300 alcohol-related serious injuries. In Lac qui Parle County during this period, there were 5 alcohol-related deaths. The Department of Public Saftey reports enhanced DWI enforcement campaigns have factored in the state recording a trend of fewer alcohol-related deaths. Last year, 131 motorists were killed in alcohol-related crashes, the lowest on record since the statistic was first measured in 1984; down from 141 in 2009. A DWI offense can result in loss of license for up to a year, thousands of dollars in costs and possible jail time. Sheriff Deputies are also encouraging seat belt use. Each year 75 percent of drinking drivers killed are also not belted.
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION PROPOSAL
9-1-11
Sen. Al Franken has announced a proposal to eliminate a costly federal rule that forces Minnesota communities to replace all road signs by 2018. Eliminating this rule will remove a looming financial burden on cash-strapped local Minnesota governments. Sen. Franken, applauded the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) proposal to end the mandate that would have forced local communities to pay up to $55 million to replace traffic signs. The implementation of the rule would require all road signs to use new, expensive technology and include standardized lettering.
SCHOOL BEGINS
9-1-11
The opening of school this year in Montevideo is scheduled for Tuesday, September 6th. The full day of school will begin at 8:10 at Ramsey Elementary School and at 8:14am for the high school and the the middle school. Teachers began preparing classrooms earlier this week. Dawson-Boyd schools hold 7th grade orientation and new student registration today. Classes there begin on the 6th. The first day of school for Yellow Medicine East, MACCRAY, and Lac qui Parle Valley is also the 6th. Canby schools began on the 22nd. Canby schools were one of 25 schools in Southwest Minnesota to take part in a Flexible Learning Year consortium. These schools adopted the alternative schedule because they believe that student testing scores would rise. But, those results have yet to be released, because of the government shutdown in July the results of Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments are being delayed from Aug. 15 until the end of September. The Flexible Learning Year focuses on a three-year plan to improve student achievement and professional development in a collaborative effort.
WILLMAR CRIME SPREE JUSTICE
8-30-11
The 17-year-old Willmar boy charged with arson, motor vehicle theft and property damage for a two-week long crime spree, April 24 to May 3, that ended with setting fire to an occupied Willmar residence has pleaded guilty to a total of seven felony charges. Andrew Charles Wyman entered the pleas in Kandiyohi County District Court. He pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree arson, three counts of motor vehicle theft, two counts of criminal damage to property and one second-degree burglary charge, along with two misdemeanor charges. As part of a plea agreement, Wyman will be responsible for restitution on all 17 counts against him. Though no amount has yet been set, restitution will be substantial, because the house that was set ablaze has been razed and six vehicles were either stolen or damaged. Wyman will receive extended juvenile jurisdiction; being sentenced as a juvenile until his 21st birthday. He will also receive a stayed adult sentence, which will be executed if he fails to comply with the juvenile sentence. Wyman and Chase John Hodapp, 20, of Willmar, were both charged in connection to the incidents. They also face theft charges in other counties. Hodapp has pleaded not guilty to the 17 charges against him and is scheduled for a jury trial on September 21 arson and property damage charges. Trials on the remaining counts will be scheduled following the first trial. Wyman is in custody at the Prairie Lakes Youth Program and Hodapp is currently in the Kandiyohi County Jail. Felony matters against 16- and 17-year-old juveniles are public record.
MINNESOTA SHERIFFS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
8-30-11
This week Chippewa County Sheriff Stacy Tufto announced the commencement of the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association (MSA) Scholarship Program for 2011. graphical areas of the state. Applications will be received until Oct. 15th and awards announced by Dec. 31. Application forms and a statement of procedures are available at the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office. Scholarships are only available to students enrolled in one of the following three categories:
Mandated POST skills program.
In the second year of a two-year law enforcement program.
In the third or fourth year of a four-year college criminal justice program.
In order to qualify, students must have completed at least one year of the two-year program or two years of a four-year program.Applications are also available online at www.mnsheriffs.org.
BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY
8-30-11
With summer coming to an end and the start of the school year just around the corner, parents and drivers are reminded to do your part to keep kids safe as they walk to school. The Safe Kids organization wants students and drivers to be extra careful when on the roads; advising that, “Parents should be proactive and take the time to talk about safety with their kids before they head back to school. Safe Kids recommends that parents walk the route to school [or bus stops] with students before the start of the year to assess hazards and select a course with the least number of traffic crossings.” Drivers should
Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones
Take extra time to look for children on and near the road, before and after school hours
Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings
ATTEMPTED MURDER SUSPECTS LOCATED IN BENSON
8-30-11
Two attempted murder suspects were located and arrested in Benson Saturday morning. The Benson Police Department was contacted Friday by the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office with information that they believed pointed to the suspects staying in Benson. Pierre Tyshaun Henderson, 19, and his brother Derrick Deangalo Catchings had felony warrants out for their arrest stemming from their alleged involvement in an attempted homicide on Aug. 19 at a motel room in Spring Lake Park where three males had entered a hotel room, fired rounds at an occupant with a semi-automatic pistol, and then, fled the scene on foot. Anoka County authorities and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension told Benson police that they had received an anonymous caller that Pierre was at his girlfriend”s apartment. And had reason to believe his cell phone was in Benson in an apartment in Nevada Squares, which is located in the central northwest part of the city. The anonymous caller had also indicated that Pierre had three pistols in his possession. The search warrant was executed in the early morning hours of Aug. 27 without incident.
LYON COUNTY FEEDLOT RULING UPHELD
8-30-11
The Minnesota Court of Appeals has affirmed the decisions of Lyon County commissioners in amending a conditional use permit for a feedlot involved in a manure discharge last fall. The incident that generated the appeal had to do with the application of 800,000 gallons of manure from a feedlot operated by Lyon County farmer Donald DeLanghe which were applied to 26 acres of land. Subsequent rainy conditions caused the manure to run off into public waterways.
PROPOSED CHANGE TO LAC QUI PARLE FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT
8-30-11
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, will hold a public meeting Sept. 15 to discuss a proposed minor change to the Lac Qui Parle flood control project operating plan. The meeting will be held out at the DNR office in Watson, MN from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Currently, after the spring runoff, the Lac Qui Parle pool is held at an elevation of about 933.0 feet until Sept. 1. Under the proposed operating plan change, the pool would be held a half a foot higher until June 1 following the spring runoff to provide deeper water habitat for spawning walleye. If spring runoff is not enough to raise the pool to the new level, water releases from the reservoir would be reduced to raise the pool. Then, after June 1, it would be to lowered 933.0 until Sept. 1. Some of the concerns the Corps has received in the past include the decrease in available flood storage over the spawning period and bank line erosion due to high water. The Corp believes that maintaining a half a foot rise over a short period of time should not present an erosion problem.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL STATISTICS
8-30-11
With the coming of Labor Day this weekend, summertime will be winding down and vacations will be coming to an end, signaling that back-to-school time is near. It's a time that many children eagerly anticipate-- catching up with old friends and making new ones, and settling into a new daily routine. Parents and children alike scan the newspapers and websites looking for sales to shop for a multitude of school supplies and the latest clothing fads and essentials. According to the National Census Bureau $7.4 billion was spent at family clothing stores in August 2010. Only in November and December were sales significantly higher. Similarly, sales at bookstores in August 2010 totaled $2.2 billion, an amount approached in 2010 only by sales in January. There were 77 million children and adults enrolled in school throughout the country in October 2009 --from nursery school to college. They comprised 27 percent of the entire population age 3 and older. 55.5 million students are expected to be enrolled in the nation's elementary through high schools (pre-kindergarten - 12th grade) this fall.
MONTEVIDEO LEO'S SERVICE CLUB WORKS TO ATTEND YOUTH CONFERENCE
8-30-11
The Montevideo LEO club continues fundraising this week to raise funds to attend their 2011 Leadership conference. The conference is in Hudson Wisconsin in October this year. Cost for the youth to attend is about $165 per person. 10 to 15 youth are expected to to attend. They will learn leadership skills through games, team building, and through volunteering in the community where the event is held. During the event they volunteer at homes for the elderly, collect food for the food shelf, help at the animal humane center, work in soup kitchens, and package food for the third world countries. They will also go door to door to pick up used eyeglasses for re-use in third world countries. Leo's will be taking pizza orders through Sept.2 as part of their fundraising efforts. Delivery is Sept.8 and the Pizzas cost $10.00 each. You can support your local youth service group today by phoning in an order to 226-3823.
ZEBRA MUSSELS FOUND IN TWO MORE ALEXANDRIA AREA LAKES
8-29-11
Zebra mussels have been found in two lakes near Alexandria. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists are confirming that zebra mussels are now in Brophy and Cowdry lakes near Alexandria. A local homeowner found several zebra mussels attached to rocks in Brophy, nearby his property, and reported it to the DNR. The DNR surveyed Brophy and downstream in Cowdry and found young zebra mussels in both lakes. Brophy and Cowdry are part of a small chain of lakes less than a mile upstream of Lake Darling and the Alexandria chain of lakes, which were confirmed to have zebra mussels in June 2009. DNR officials are saying that it is very disappointing that zebra mussels found their way into the small chain of lakes. And are encouraging everyone to take extra precautions not to transport these pests to other waters in the area.
DAWSON FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION
8-29-11
An agreement has been made between the city of Dawson and firefighters about how to fund the Fire Relief Association required city contributions. There were concerns expressed by some that a reduction in funding to the Fire Relief Association due to a deficit city budget was not in compliance with requirements. Fire department representatives met with city officials and said that the firemen would work with the city by reducing the benefit for a couple of years so the city can fund the total required amount which is just over $60,000. Once all is current, the amount of the benefit could be again raised. It is hoped that the investments made with fund money will be able to recover to the point that it will fund future needs.
MONTEVIDEO POLICE DEPARTMENT RIFLE TRAINING
8-29-11
Montevideo Police officers recently under went Rifle Training. According to a Department Facebook page several officers trained with the Dept AR Rifles. Montevideo Police officers train in firearms proficiency several times a year to keep their skill's sharp.
COYOTE BOUNTY DISCUSSION IN YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY
8-29-11
At a Yellow Medicine County Board meeting last month, the board discussed whether to offer a bounty for the taking of coyotes. Earlier, the 87th Minnesota state legislative session had finally passed a bill allowing town and county boards to offer a bounty for the taking of coyotes. Since wolves were largely eliminated in the Midwest, coyotes have thrived and actually expanded their natural range. They have even colonized some residential areas, where they become dangerous to pets. Minnesota has not allowed coyote bounties since 1965. Coyotes in the southwest region of the state are largely dangerous to sheep. As a varmint predator they can be hunted year-round. One problem with towns and counties offering bounties for coyotes is it's hard to tell where a coyote comes from. Coyote pelts have commercial value, but it depends on the quality of the pelt. DNR officials say it's not economically feasible to offer bounties because to really have an effect on the population you'd have to pay more than anyone is willing, Given all the difficulties, the board took no action to offer a bounty.
Deadline is July 25th .
MONTEVIDEO SCHOOL BOARD HOLDS MEETING TO OUTLINE THE NEED FOR REFERENDUM
8-24-11
At a meeting last night, Independent School District 129 outlined the reasons the district will ask voters to approve a new operating levy in November that will replace the current $535 per pupil unit levy that is scheduled to expire in June 2013 with a new 10-year $700 PPU levy. If approved by voters, the new levy will generate an estimated $310,675 in new revenue beginning in 2012-2013. If the levy is not passed, the school board and administration will have to cut another $825,000 from the annual budget by the spring of 2013. This will be on top of the $2.3 million in cuts made from 2006 to 2010. The schools have lost $1.25 million in state revenues since 2000-2001.
APPLETON WOMEN PLEADS GUILTY TO ANIMAL ABUSE
8-24-11
An Appleton woman has pleaded guilty to Animal Abuse. Sarah Lalim, 22 of Appleton, formerly from Montevideo appeared in Chippewa County court on 2 counts of Mistreating an animal. It was alleged that Lalim moved from her Montevideo Apartment in May of this year leaving behind a black lab puppy. The landlord discovered the dog over a week later in poor health in the garage. There was no food or water left for the pup and there was feces and urine everywhere. The dog was treated by a local vet and impounded and is being rescued. Lalim appeared in court on Aug. 15.
LAC QUI PARLE COMPUTER COMMUTER PROJECT SHOWCASED AT STATE FAIR
8-24-11
The Lac qui Parle Computer Commuter Project has been selected as a winner in the Minnesota Community Pride Showcase and will be highlighted during the Minnesota State Fair. Showcase looked for the stories of how a community is coming together to improve towns and neighborhoods. It’s sponsored by the State Fair, MinnPost.com and InCommons which is hosting the challenge as part of its overall mission to connect and support individuals and groups statewide to solve tough community problems. The primary goal of the LqP Computer Commuter is to increase digital literacy. A handicapped accessible mobile computer lab travels each week to six communities within Lac qui Parle County. Twelve local partners from the public and private sector came together to create a project that provides free access to computers and broadband with personalized assistance from an onsite trainer. The LqP Computer Commuter targets low-income, low-skilled workers, unemployed, underemployed, persons with limited or no technology access, and those wishing to improve their computer skills.
BAR IN ECHO DESTROYED BY FIRE
8-22-11
Fire claimed the Echo Bar and Echo Cafe Sunday afternoon. Area firefighters worked for more than two hours with multiple fire hoses to put it it down and keep it from spreading to the Echo Community Center next door and other structures in the downtown area. Echo fire chief Alec Dirnberger said the building was a total loss, but there were no injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Firefighters and emergency responders from Echo, Wood Lake, Cottonwood, Belview, Hanley Falls, Granite Falls, and Vesta all responded at the scene of the fire.
CORRECTIONS AGENT OF THE YEAR IN MARSHALL
8-22-11
Eve DeBaere of Marshall been named Corrections Agent of the Year for 2011 by Minnesota Corrections Commissioner Tom Roy. “Eve is a leader in her field,” says Roy, “always doing what she can to better the lives of the offenders and [demonstrating] her leadership in working with and training fellow agents.” DeBaere receives the award during a ceremony today at the Lyon County Corrections Facility.
HIGHWAY 23 DETOUR AT PAYNESVILLE
8-22-11
If you are traveling toward St. Cloud in the next few months you will encounter a detour on Highway 23 near Paynesville as crews build the east connection for the Paynesville Bypass project. Highway 23 traffic will be detoured on Stearns County Road 33, to Highway 16, then onto Stearns County Road 10, and 68/114, and back to Highway 23. The detour is scheduled to be removed in mid October. The 7.5 mile, four-lane divided bypass project is located north of New London, and includes grading, paving, construction of eight bridges and lighting. The project improves mobility and safety. Travel time along the Highway 23 corridor between Clara City and St. Cloud has already been dramatically reduced from and hour and 45 minutes to an hour an a half. When the new stretch opens in October, travel time and safety will again improve.
ZEBRA MUSSEL INTERVENTION
8-22-11
Zebra mussels have been slowly gaining territory in Minnesota. The invasive species will attach themselves to water craft in infested lakes and hitch a ride to new locations. Boat owners must be vigilant about inspecting their crafts to remove the mollusks, but sometimes the mussels will escape notice. The DNR launched an intervention project years ago, but has recently stepped up efforts by teaming with the Department of Transportation to use portable decontamination units to clean off boats before they enter the water. This past weekend they were at Green Lake in Spicer using the three stage filter decontamination units and water heated to 140 degrees to rinse off water craft to make them clear of zebra mussels and any other invasive species.
Red Cross Blood
8-19-2011
The Red Cross has noted that blood donations are seriously low and that donars are needed especially at this time of the year. with many donors busy or traveling the donations have dropped off dramatically, even in May and June when blood products remained steakdy it was the lowest level in 12 years. The Red Cross needs donors now more than ever. The next blood drie is set for wednesday august 24th from 2 to 7 p.m.at the clarkfield lutheran church.
Home School
8-19-2011
A new law for Homeschoolers in the state of Minnesota has changed many things from the bureaucracy of the old laws the new llaw now removes the requirements for annual updates from Homeschoolers. They now only need to file reports with a local superintendant and submit a letter each year if they continue home school.
Cemetaries
8-19-2011
Many cemetaries in Swift County have become neglected or abandoned , with overgrown vegetation and weeds growing up throughout the cemetaries. In order to clean up these rural cemetaries in the county, Swift County has considered an initial maintenance and cleanup fund of 5 to 7500 dollars to go towards mapping cemeteries that have been neglected.
Highway Projects
8-18-2011
One of the biggest money highway projects announced by the U>S> Transportation system is a 1.9 Million Dollar project on Highway 4 thru Cosmos. The total amount of money granted to the state of Minnesota was 7.2 millionto fund 10 Minnesota Highway Projects. The Federal Highway Department fielded 1800 grant applications totaling nearly 13 Billion Dollars which is more than 30 times the funds that were available for Construction.
Litchfield
8-18-2011
In a courtcase held on Monday, 22 year old Kristopher Litzau of Grove City was sentenced to 180 days in jail, 7 years of probation and a $1000 fine on a second degree assault charge in connection to a July 3rd event which included the shooting of a handgun at two people in Grove City. As a part of the aggreeement 4 additonal charges including second degree attempted murder by drive by shooting were dismissed.
School Supplies
8-18-2011
Minnesota parents are being offered a lesson in back to school shopping as they head back to the malls to get their kids ready for class. The Group Healthy Legacy is warning that some school supplies contain harmful chemicals which can affect a childs learning ability and health. You can find a guide to safe school supply shopping online, at healthy legacy.org
Post Office Closing
8-18-2011
Over the years small towns in Minnesota have lost grocery stores, gas stations, schools, and now it looks like more than 20 Minnesota Post Offices will also close. Post offices in rural Minnesota that are being reviewed include Norcross, Elrosa, Alberta, Clontarf, Correll, Danvers, Hanley falls, Holloway, Porter, Watson, Minnesota and others ..if you would like a complete listing , The United States Postal Service has a complete list on their web site.
KIDS
8-17-2011
Minnesotan's continue to be among the best in the nation at taking care of their kids, although the kids count new research shows that some gains made by family's in the 1990's were lost in the recession. Research Director at the Childrens Defense Fund of Minnesota says over the last decade there has been a 56 per cent jump in the number of Minnesota kids in poverty , compared to an 18 per cent nationwide.
BIOFUELS FOR MINNESOTA AND THE NAVY
8-17-2011
Minnesota, the Navy and Biofuel, the federal ag energy and Navy department yesterday announced that they will spend up to $510 million in exisiting facilities to make fuel from what is now considered plant waste such as corn stalks, grass and wood clippings. The theory behind the federal involvement is that once the Navy's biofuel use ramps up..plants will be in place to supply the fuel.
LINCOLN COUNTY
8-17-2011
Lincoln County board voted tuesday to resubmit a grant application to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the Parks and Trails Grant Program. The motion to apply for the $12,500 dollar grant passed 4 to 1. The Lincoln County Fair committee also reported that there had been over $13,000 in damage to the County Fair Grounds during the July 1st, storm that hit that area.
SCHOOL STARTING SOON
8-16-2011
A standing crowd of close to 300 parents filled the community center inRenveille to hear the school officials discuss the initiative to put apple IPad2 tablets in the hands of every student between the grands of 4 and 12..RCW is one of the first schools to make this level of commitment to a digital based educational program. The cost of the IPAd 2 runs around $500 each, which brought up the issue of putting such an expensive device in the hands of the students. The school has installed the wireless technology needed, but still have to go thru planned training by an Apple Representative.
Lack of Evidence.
8-16-2011
A lack of evidence has dropped the charges against a Spicer man accused of shaking a baby causing permanent brain damage. As the case progressed the evidence was dusputed and later denied by the states own medical experts. Rykes spent 278 days in jail during the court process and has no previous violent crime convictions in Minnesota.
ARSON FIRE
8-16-2011
An evening arsen fire this past weekend just south of Dassel has the state Fire Marshalls office doing an investigation. According to the Sherriffs dept. they responded to a call around at 8 p.m. to a forclosed home south of Dassel and when arriving found smoke in the residence. The Fire Dept was called to make sure that the fire was out. It seems as though someone broke a window getting into the home.
INTERSTATE EXCEL LINES I-94
8-16-2011
If your planning a trip to St. Cloud or driving along I-94 towards the cities you will see a lot of action along 94 as Excel Utility crews start using helicopters to string lines along their new high voltage transmillsion line from Montecello to St. Cloud. The work is expected to start this afternoon, so don't be surprised if you also see some sparks or loud booms along the transmission line as they weld the cables together.
EXCEL WORKER BODY FOUND
8-15-2011
The search for the body of an excel worker ended late Friday afternoon when 2 nephews spotted the body downstream. The body was found about a half mile from the dam in an area that had been searched earlier. Approximately 35 people a day particiapted in the search. A river near flood stage and the location with fast current made the search difficult.
EXPLOSION IN CLARA CITY
8-15-2011
An Explosion at 3:46 a.m. Saturday morning in Clara City leveled the house of Janice Harms with her in it. The home located at 10085 20th ST SE was a complete loss, with Janice found under two stories of rubble. She was freed from the debris in the by the Chippewa Co. Sherriffs Dept. , Fire Dept, and Emt's. Harms is currently recovering at North Memorial Hospitol.
CAR VS. TRUCK NEAR BUNDE
8-15-2011
A car and truck accident in eastern Chippewa County one mile south of Bunde happened at 7:24 Saturday night. The truck driven by 32 year old James Janish of Clara City struck a car that went thru a stop sign. 29 year old Tara Lalin Driver of the car and her Passenger 58 year old Robert Schulte both of Clara City were both trapped in the car and were taken out by Clara City Fire and Ambulance where they were taken to Rice Memorial Hospital and later taken to St. Cloud.
PAWLENTY STEPS DOWN
8-15-2011
Former Governor Tim Pawlenty announced Sunday that he has dropped out of the race for the GOP Presidential nomination, just hours after finishing 3rd, in the Iowa Straw Poll.
MAN FALLS OFF DAM AT MINNESOTA FALLS, PRESUMED DROWNED
8-12-11
The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office continues to search the Minnesota River below the dam at Minnesota Falls for a man who is presumed to have fallen into the river and drowned. Thomas Stich of Harris, Minnesota was part of an Excel Energy crew that was working to remove debris from a gate on the dam when he disappeared. A coworker that had been operating a backhoe at the time of the incident indicated that he had turned the equipment away from Stich, who was on top of the dam, and when he turned back Stich was gone. A life jacket was found about 100 yards downstream from where the 50-year-old disappeared. Fast moving waters have hampered recovery efforts. A statement released by Excel Energy calls the event “a tragedy for our employee’s family, friends and co-workers and for all of us at Xcel Energy.” It goes on to say, “Our hearts go out to all who have been affected. Excel says “Safety is [their] top priority, for [their] employees as well as the general public. [They] are fully cooperating with authorities in their search and investigation. [And] ... will be conducting [their] own investigation to determine the cause of the accident.”
YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY TO STREAMLINE GOVERNMENT SERVICES
8-12-11
The Yellow Medicine County Board of Commissioners recently accepted letters of resignation from County Auditor/Treasurer Lois Bonde and Recorder Kay Zempel. With the departure of the two women the county plans to reorganize and streamline county government. Under this plan the position of auditor/treasurer and county recorder would be eliminated and the functions absorbed into other departments. The number of department heads would be reduced from four to two, while retaining 12 full-time equivalent positions. According to County Administrator Ryan Krosch, the reorganization will hopefully make it possible to create a "one-stop shopping" process for county services and result in up front savings of $30,000 to $35,000.
GOVENORS PHEASANT OPENER IN MONTEVIDEO
8-12-11
Well, it's official. Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has announced that the First Annual Governors Pheasant Opener will take place in Montevideo, October 14 & 15. Dayton, a long-time hunter, will promote upland bird hunting in the state by showcasing opportunities and habitat in the Montevideo area. This is the first time a Minnesota Governor has participated in an official pheasant hunting opener. For the past several years a VIP hunt has been conducted in the Montevideo area through the planning and support of local government, businesses, land owners and the Montevideo Chamber of Commerce. With the Governor adopting an official pheasant hunting opener, the event is being coordinated by the Montevideo Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota Tourism.
OBAMA TO VISIT MINNESOTA
8-12-11
President Obama will be visiting Cannon Falls, Minnesota next Monday on the first day of a three-day economic bus tour. According to the White House, the President will discuss ways to grow the economy, strengthen the middle class and accelerate hiring in communities and towns across the nation. He also plans to hear from local families and small business owners. The tour is scheduled for August 15-17. After visiting Minnesota the President will be making stops in northeastern Iowa and western Illinois.
GRANITE FALLS MAN DIES OF APPARENT SUICIDE IN JAIL
8-11-11
A 37-year-old Granite Falls man died of an apparent suicide early Tuesday in the Yellow Medicine County Jail. According to a news release from the Yellow Medicine County Sheriff’s Office Shane Dean Hildahl, apparently used bed linens to hang himself, the Ramsey County Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy. According to the release, a well-being check was conducted just before 2 a.m. It was during this check that Hildahl was found by a corrections officer. Officers had last checked on him at 1:30 a.m. An ambulance was immediately called . Deputies and Granite Falls police also provided assistance. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting in the investigation. Hildahl was arrested in early June on a felony charge of second-degree drug sale and a gross misdemeanor charge of contributing to the need for child protection or services. On Monday, he had been in court for a settlement conference on his case. His next court date was set for Sept. 26.
MINNESOTA WEST REGISTRATION EVENT
8-11-11
The Granite Falls Campus of Minnesota West Community & Technical College will be hosting a Walk-In Admissions & Registration Event today, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. This is an opportunity for anyone interested in information about starting classes in the Fall Semester to visit the campus and get assistance from admissions representatives. Registration, and Financial Aid staff will also be on hand to assist students with questions. Fall Semester courses begin on August 22.
MINNESOTA WALK-IN ACCESS PROGRAM
8-11-11
Landowners in 21 southwestern Minnesota counties have until Friday, Aug. 12, to sign up at their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office for a new Walk In Access program that pays landowners who allow hunters to access their land. To be eligible, landowners must enroll a minimum of 40 acres that is currently enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, Reinvest In Minnesota or Wetlands Reserve Program. Landowners receive $10-$13 per acre. Bonuses are paid if the landowner has at least 160 acres in the program, signs a multi-year agreement, or has land in the program within a half-mile of a public hunting area. The intent of the program is to encourage more hunting in Minnesota which has been in decline in over the years. Landowners in the program cannot pick and choose who can hunt on their land, or restrict access in any season. The Walk In Access program is entirely voluntary for landowners. Enrolled lands are covered under the Minnesota recreational use laws that limit landowners’ liability. DNR conservation officers handle trespass and hunting violations. The program will be implemented in 21 southwestern Minnesota counties, including Lyon, Lac qui Parle, Chippewa, Swift, Renville, Big Stone, and Yellow Medicine counties. So far, 7,700 acres have been enrolled.
FREE MARKET GIVE-AWAY
8-11-11
Granite Falls Assembly of God Church is having a "Back-To-School" Free Market Give-Away today from 1-4 p.m. at 1620 11th Ave., in Granite Falls. All sizes of clothing, baby items, toys,home decor, dishes, books, furniture, plus new school supplies and backpacks will be available. Everything is Free.
CRASH VICTIM TAKEN OFF LIFE SUPPORT
8-10-11
The Granite Falls women who was critically injured in a car wreck last Wednesday was taken off life support last night. Twenty-year-old Michaela Busenbark, was airlifted to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale after the car she was riding in was broadsided at Highway 19 and Redwood County Road 7 south of Belview. The driver of the car,18 year-old Kailey Olsen died in the crash. Busenbark, who sustained life threatening injuries, later suffered a series of strokes, one which traumatized her brain stem. Michaelas' an organ transplant advocate and her family is honoring that commitment by consenting to organ donation.
HIGHWAY PROJECTS
8-10-11
A change to the Highway 212 detour will go into effect today as crews start work on the second stage of a resurfacing project that runs from Hector to Glencoe as you head into the Twin Cities. The new detour will be east on Highway 212 to Highway 4, then north to Renville County Road 11, the detour then turns east again on Renville County Road 11and continues to Highway 15 in Hutchinson, where it turns south back to Highway 212. Work began April 12 on this 28-mile project. The third stage of the project is expected to start in late September, with completion scheduled for late this fall. ...Closer to home, motorists will encounter a detour on Minnesota Highway 67 in Granite Falls starting tomorrow. 67 will close from Minnesota Highway 23 to the Yellow Medicine River Bridge beginning Thursday as crews resurface the road. The 8-mile project requires a detour using Highway 23, Highway 274 and Yellow Medicine County Road 18. This project was originally scheduled to start on August 3 but was changed due to weather delays on another project. When the project is complete, motorists will experience a smoother, safer road. Central Specialties is the prime contractor for the $2.6 million project, which is scheduled for completion in late October, weather permitting. Funding for the project is provided by the Upper Sioux Community.
SACHARIASON RECEIVES AWARD
8-10-11
A Montevideo native recently received the Meritorious Honor Award for his role in planning the military pullout from Iraq. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Thomas Sachariason received the award from U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, James F. Jeffrey. Sachariason worked with embassy staff, U.S. Forces Iraq, Central Command and other agencies to provide integrated planning that will support the future U.S. mission in Iraq. Sachariason is a logistics planner and was on temporary duty at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad from March 5 to July 23. Jeffery cited Sachariason for bringing “superb technical and planning skills and the knowledge and experience to work through some of the most complex issues any Embassy has faced.”
HUD REJECTS BID FOR RIVERVIEW APARTMENTS
8-9-11
The Granite Falls Economic Development Agency has learned that HUD has rejected the bid of a New York City landlord for Riverview Apartments in Granite Falls. Emmanuel Ku had offered the high bid at a foreclosure sale for the section 8 apartment building. The city and the non-profit organization that operates the apartment building were concerned about Ku’s track record as a landlord and had sent letters urging HUD to reject the bid. Ku, who owns apartments in New York City has been issued hundreds of citations for code violations. In rejecting Ku’s bid, HUD noted that it requires the high bidder “to submit evidence that it has the demonstrated experience to ...transform a troubled property into a long-term, affordable rental housing resource.’’ HUD is now expected to review the second highest bid offered for the property. Granite Falls Economic Development will begin reviewing the record of that bidder.
FEMA REIMBURSEMENT TO MONTEVIDEO
8-9-11
On Monday, Montevideo City Manager Steve Jones met with FEMA officials for the last time to work out final details for FEMA reimbursement for the 2011 flood. Items approved for funding include just over $109,000 for Temporary Levee Construction on the Old 1969 Levee System, Repairs to River Road & Gravel Road and others just under $157,000, Chippewa Street Manhole Repairs will be reimbursed at $5,297.00, the city will recoup over $34,000 for Rip-Rap that was added adjacent to the levee at the confluence of the Minnesota and Chippewa Rivers. Other FEMA reimbursements include the costs for Pumping along Highway 212, Gravel Road and the levee system and Miscellaneous work including some repairs to Lagoon Park. All total the city will recover over $362,000.00.
EXTREME WEATHER RELIEF FOR RURAL RESIDENTS
8-9-11
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday pledged his commitment to the nation’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities that USDA would continue to work to deliver assistance to those affected by recent extreme weather, including floods, drought, fires and tornadoes. Vilsack said that USDA would work to offer flexibility to producers and encouraged producers to contact their local county or state USDA Service Center or Farm Service Agency office for assistance. Vilsack also announced additional flexibility in the Conservation Reserve Program that will assist producers struggling from drought in a number of states.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING GETS A BOOST
8-9-11
Communities in Greater Minnesota will receive a much needed boost from the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund thanks to $1.5 million in new funding which will be invested in the preservation of existing affordable rental housing. Much of Minnesota's federally subsidized housing, especially in rural areas, was constructed more than 30 years ago and is now at-risk due to declining conditions and expiring rental assistance contracts. These existing developments are home to more than 270,000 families, seniors, and disabled, many who earn less than $15,000 per year and would not be able to afford market-rate housing if these affordable homes were lost.
FORMER NBA PLAYER CONDUCTS CAMP IN MONTEVIDEO
8-8-11
Former NBA and Gopher basketball player Kevin Lynch is in Montevideo this week conducting the Sharp Shooter Basketball Camp for boys and girls in 3rd through 8th grade. … Lynch played in the NBA for the Charlotte Hornets in the early 1990's.
WOMEN ARRESTED IN WILLMAR WITH MACHETE
8-8-11
A woman was arrested at the Willmar farmer’s market Saturday for allegedly carrying a machete and threatening someone with it. The Willmar Police Department identified the suspect as 50 year-old Betty Denice Reveles. According to a news release, when police arrived at the scene they were told that the suspect was allegedly walking around with the weapon in her bag. Officers were able to locate the woman and arrested her. The machete was found with her. Reveles faces charges that include second-degree assault, terroristic threats and disorderly conduct.
MONTEVIDEO MAN IN ROLLOVER CRASH
8-8-11
A Montevideo man was involved in a rollover crash yesterday morning on Highway 7 east of Montevideo. Eighteen-year-old Eric Johnson fell asleep while driving a 2002 Ford Ranger. According to the Minnesota State Patrol report, the truck entered the ditch, rolled and came to rest on its wheels. Johnson was taken to the Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and released.
LAC QUI PARLE SPEED PATROLS
8-8-11
In July, Lac qui Parle County Deputies and Dawson Police Officers conducted enhanced speed patrols and cited 40 motorists traveling at illegal speeds. The effort was part of a statewide speed enforcement campaign. Law enforcement from both agencies put in an extra 47 hours of patrol resulting in 89 vehicles stopped and citing 47 drivers for various traffic violations. Two vehicles were clocked at speeds over 90 MPH and were ticketed with a fine of $385. In Lac qui Parle County, a typical 10 mph over the limit speeding ticket can cost $125. Speeding is the most commonly reported factor in fatal crashes.
EIGHTEEN YEAR OLD DIES IN CAR CRASH
8-5-11
An 18-year-old Granite Falls woman died and her passenger was critically wounded in a two-vehicle broadside crash on Wednesday at about 8:30 p.m. The crash happened at Highway 19 and Redwood County Road 7 south of Belview. Kailey E. Olson died in the crash. The passenger in her vehicle, Michaela L. Busenbark, 20, of Granite Falls, was critically injured and transported to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale. The driver of the second vehicle, Briana J. Nething, 27, of Morgan, was treated and released at Redwood Falls Hospital. Two juvenile females were passengers in her car. One was treated and released, and the other was uninjured. According to the report from the State Patrol, Olson was driving a 2003 Saturn and failed to yield to Nething’s 2006 Pontiac, which was eastbound on Highway 19. Olson’s car was broadsided on the driver’s side. Olson was wearing a seat belt, and air bags deployed in both vehicles, according to the State Patrol.
51 YEAR OLD HANLEY FALLS WOMAN AIRLIFTED TO CITIES
8-5-11
A 51-year-old Hanley Falls woman was airlifted to the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis for injuries she suffered in a head-on collision late yesterday morning on Minnesota Highway 23 about six miles south of Granite Falls, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Patricia Stengel was driving a 1989 Ford pickup truck that collided head on with a vehicle driven by Harland Plagge, 65, of Montevideo. The accident occurred in the north bound lane of Highway 23. Plagge was transported to the Granite Falls Hospital for minor injuries, according to the Patrol.
DAMAGE TO VEHICLES IN MONTEVIDEO
8-5-11
Montevideo Police Department has had a couple of reports of someone throwing paint on several cars in the City. Anyone with information should call the department at 269-8133.
GLUEK FIRE
8-5-11
The fire from family trying to burn a shed down in Glueck Wednesday night, caught the unoccupied house next door on fire too. According to one report, both structures were total losses.
FEDERAL DISASTER DECLARATION FOR COUNTIES AFFECTED BY SEVERE WEATHER
8-5-11
President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster in Minnesota after severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in July caused widespread damage. Gov. Mark Dayton says the declaration covers 14 counties and one tribe. Preliminary damage assessments found nearly $19 million in costs and damages to the storm area. The disaster area includes the counties of Kandiyohi, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Renville, and Yellow Medicine. The declaration will send money to state and local governments — and some non-profit organizations — for repairs to facilities damaged by the storm in the disaster area. Federal money is also available to mitigate hazards.
MINNESOTA FALLS PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED
8-4-11
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has extended the public comment period until Aug. 24 for an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) that was prepared for a project to remove the Minnesota Falls Dam on the Minnesota River. The 30-day extension is due to the interruption in state service caused by the Minnesota government shutdown. Comments previously submitted will be considered, so it is not necessary to resubmit comments. The EAW evaluates the environmental effects from a Northern States Power proposal to remove the Minnesota Falls Dam located on the Minnesota River downstream from the city of Granite Falls. The dam is classified as a high hazard dam that no longer serves its original purpose. The dam has several potential structural deficiencies that would need to be repaired if the dam is not removed.
OUTLAND ENERGY SERVICES RECOGNIZED
8-4-11
Outland Energy Services of Canby was recently recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota. Outland Renewable Energy was founded in 2005 and commissions, operates, and maintains wind energy facilities throughout the United States and abroad. With over 145 technicians, Outland has more than 900 megawatts of wind turbines under long-term service agreements. According to a company press release, “The accreditation recognizes Outland as a workplace that rewards individual achievement and promotes personal development. Employees nominated their employers and were surveyed by the Minneapolis Star Tribune about several topics, including practices and policies that make a company a top place to work. Companies were ranked based on leadership, compensation and training, workplace flexibility, and diversity.”
DAWSON CONSIDERS TRANSIT BUS PURCHASE
8-4-11
State imposed cuts to local government aid is being taken into consideration in Dawson as the city council there evaluates whether to purchase a new transit bus. Dawson will be receiving a 15% budget cut this year and the same reduction is proposed for 2012. At the same time, the city is slated to contribute to a new transit bus this year at a cost share of $12,000. Council discussed if the city is able to maintain the local transit system or should the City be combining with the regional system out of Prairie Five. If the council were to decide to go with the regional system the city would not need to purchase a new bus and that money could be transferred to operations to cover the 2011 & 2012 reductions. If the council wishes to maintain the transit system the only way to cover the reductions would be through less operating hours, increased fares or general tax dollars. The service, through Prairie Five, to the public would remain the same with the bus being located in Dawson. City Manager Dave Bovee was instructed by council to obtain cost comparisons for Prairie Five versus the City of Dawson operating the transit system.
COMMITTEE TO RESEARCH LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES IN MADISON
8-3-11
A four person committee has been formed to discuss and research the possibility of the Lac qui Parle Sheriff's Office providing law enforcement services to the city of Madison after the city made the request. The idea of the county providing law enforcement services to cities has been talked about in the past. The cost benefits of eliminating the city police department in favor of law enforcement that would be provided by the county are uncertain, but initial information gathering is encouraging. Research done a few years back showed that the Sheriff's Office would benefit in term of staffing, as a slightly larger staff would make scheduling more flexible, allow for more specialized skill sets and possibly reduce overtime expenditures. Lac qui Parle county commissioners are open to the idea, but must be convinced that the county would not be at a financial disadvantage if it were to provide services.
FORMER MONTEVIDEO CITY MANAGER SENTENCED
8-3-11
The former city manager for the cities of Renville and Montevideo will be serving 90 days of home arrest and five years of probation for a theft conviction in southern Minnesota. The Albert Lea Tribune reported that Jim Norman, 57, was sentenced July 28 in Mower County District Court. A jury had previously found Norman guilty of five felony counts of permitting false claims against government by a public officer; one felony count of theft with the intent to exercise temporary control; and one gross misdemeanor count of misconduct by a public officer. Norman allegedly used a city-issued credit card to make $2,300 worth of purchases during his first few months as city manager in Albert Lea where, according to the Albert Lea Tribune, he started full-time as city manager in May 2010. He served as city manager for Renville from 1990 to 1994, and as city manager for Montevideo from 1994 to early 1998.
MINNESOTA WEST REGISTRATION EVENT CORRECTION
8-3-11
A story which aired yesterday about a Walk-In Admissions & Registration Event at Granite Falls Campus of Minnesota West Community & Technical College should have indicated that the event will take place on Thursday, August 11th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. We regret any confusion.
SATURATED GROUND COULD HAVE LONG REACHING IMPACT
8-3-11
According to Montevideo City Manager Steve Jones, the Minnesota River in Montevideo is still above flood stage, technically speaking, and in fact went back up a little overnight Tuesday to just under 15 feet. Flood stage in Montevideo is anything over 14 feet, and the river has bounced between 14 and 15 feet for several weeks now, and is expected to remain around 14.5 for at least several more weeks. All in all impacts at this time are fairly minor, but area residents should be on the look-out in case we receive heavy rain in the area, or in the Minnesota or Chippewa River basins to the north and west. According to Jones these high levels are not typical for August, and if some relief does not come in the next coupe of months, we could go into the winter season with grounds saturated, and rivers too high, which could exacerbate flooding problems again next spring.
ONE VEHICLE ROLLOVER
8-2-11
A women was injured in a one vehicle rollover yesterday afternoon. Donna Haynes, 49, of Pennock received non life threatening injuries. The Minnesota State Patrol reports that the vehicle Haynes was driving ran off the road, struck an approach and overturned. The rollover took place on Hwy. 40 about 10 miles west of Willmar.
MINNESOTA WEST GRANITE FALLS REGISTRATION EVENT
8-2-11
The Granite Falls Campus of Minnesota West Community & Technical College will be hosting a Walk-In Admissions & Registration Event on Thursday, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. This is an opportunity for anyone interested in information about starting classes Fall Semester to visit the campus and get assistance from admissions representatives. Registration, and Financial Aid staff will also be on hand to assist students with questions. Fall Semester courses begin on August 22, 2011. For additional information, please contact the Granite Falls Campus of Minnesota West Community & Technical College at 320-564-4511.
MONTEVIDEO COUNCIL ACTION
8-2-11
The Montevideo City Council, has approved the use of web-based MINNBID & EBAY, to sell surplus and seized items. By using both sites the city should be able to turn over seized or abandoned vehicles more quickly than having an auction once per year, and also should get better prices. Council will also go ahead with budgeted building repairs to City Hall. Repairs are for tuckpointing some damaged brick, and adding some flashing to the building.
DAWSON COUNCIL TO DISCUSS CODE OF CONDUCT
8-2-11
Concerns over the conduct of council members will be discussed during tonight’s council meeting in Dawson. According to minutes of the July 5th meeting, “Dawson City Council member Heather Myers submitted to the council a letter of concern on how fellow Council member Jeff Olson handles situations. This arose because of a recent incident concerning an issue on sump pump discharge. She asked that the City Council take a look at the Code of Conduct along with the Statement of Values. ...Councilman David Lien expressed his concern on three councilpersons discussing this issue without the entire council’s knowledge. Councilwoman Heather Myers indicted that this is the very reason she brought the matter to the Council’s attention. [The Minnesota Open Meeting Law requires that meetings of governmental bodies generally be open to the public to prohibit actions being taken at a secret meeting where it is impossible for the interested public to become fully informed about a public board’s decisions or to detect improper influences and to afford the public an opportunity to present its views to the public body.] Councilman Jeff Olson will address this concern at” tonight's meeting which is scheduled to begin at 5:30p.m.
FLOOD WATERS
8-1-11
The Minnesota River at Montevideo has remained above flood stage for months now. According to City Manager Steve Jones the river is slowly going down, but won’t go below flood stage until later this week or next. In the aftermath of the major portion of flooding from this year, FEMA has approved several different "Project Worksheets", including $110,000 in expenses for temporary work on the levee system, for both putting up and taking down the temporary levee, just under $35,000 was approved for rip-rap added along the river, and just over $15,000 for the temporary substation levee. This is on top of $41,000 already approved several weeks ago for reimbursement of some of the city's pumping costs. The city is still working with FEMA on possible reimbursement for reconstruction of Town Road and help with rebuilding a collapsed man hole in Smith Addition.The city is still concerned about completing one project from last year’s flood (the Lagoon Park bridges) which has a October deadline for completion, but due to the high flood waters the city has not been able to bid or complete the project. The city will be asking for an extension from FEMA for that work.
MONTEVIDEO COUNCIL CONSIDERS EBAY AND BUILDING REPAIRS
8-1-11
The Montevideo City Council, tonight will consider approving the use of MINNBID & EBAY, a couple of World Wide Web-based companies, to sell surplus and seized items. By using both sites the city will hope to turn over seized or abandoned vehicles more quickly than having an auction once per year, and also they believe we will get better prices for some of the vehicles. A few other communities in the area have successfully utilized this type of approach. Council will also consider quotes received for City Hall building repairs to tuckpoint damaged brick, and to add some flashing to the building are expected to cost around $7,000. This expense has been budgeted for a few years in the city's capital improvement fund.
CHIPPEWA COUNTY FAIR JUDGING TODAY
8-1-11
The Chippewa County Fair gets underway officially on Wednesday this week but there will be a lot of activity going on today and tomorrow for 4-H and open class exhibitors. All 4-H building entries will be judged today beginning at 3pm. Ahead of that, 4-Hers will be busily setting up their exhibits and preparing to be interviewed by judges. Open class entry begins today at 5pm and ends at 7pm, then will reopen tomorrow from noon to 4pm.
POST OFFICE STUDIES POTENTIAL CLOSURES
7-29-11
The United States Postal Service announced Tuesday that it will consider closing more than 3,600 post offices in the next six months. With the Postal Service facing a potential $8 billion deficit this year as mail volume declines, the agency will study closing over 3,000 of its 31-hundred-plus post offices. Rural areas that have low volumes of business, especially, will be facing the loss of a local post office – but may not be left without Postal Service. Third party retailers may pick up services in Village Post Offices, which could be located in local stores, libraries or government offices. Nine sites in our area are under consideration for closing. They are: Clontarf, Correll, Danvers, Hanley Falls, Holloway, Marietta, Odessa, Porter, and Watson.
HAY PRICES EXPECT TO INCREASE
7-29-11
The Yellow Medicine Campgrounds and Horse Rider Campgrounds at Upper Sioux Agency State Park are officially open for use today. Park Manager Terri Dinesen said that while clean-up from the July 1 storm is not complete, nearly all campsites in those two campgrounds will be open. Visitors should note that the water heater in the shower building of the Yellow Medicine Campground has failed and will not be repaired until next week. The Riverside Campground is closed indefinitely due to flooding. All trails in the park are cleared and open with the exception of the Minnesota River Trail, which will be closed indefinitely due to flooding. However, not all trails are mowed due to the current focus on clearing storm damage.
UPPER SIOUX PARK UPDATE
7-29-11
The Yellow Medicine Campgrounds and Horse Rider Campgrounds at Upper Sioux Agency State Park are officially open for use today. Park Manager Terri Dinesen said that while clean-up from the July 1 storm is not complete, nearly all campsites in those two campgrounds will be open. Visitors should note that the water heater in the shower building of the Yellow Medicine Campground has failed and will not be repaired until next week. The Riverside Campground is closed indefinitely due to flooding. All trails in the park are cleared and open with the exception of the Minnesota River Trail, which will be closed indefinitely due to flooding. However, not all trails are mowed due to the current focus on clearing storm damage.
NATIVE AMERICANS TO FILE CLAIMS AGAINST USDA
7-29-11
Native American farmers and ranchers can now file claims against the USDA if they feel they were discriminated against when applying for a farm loan. A lawsuit alleging that the USDA discriminated against Native American farmers and ranchers in the way it operated its farm loan program was settle late last year and the settlement has been approved by the court. That action gives Native American farmers and ranchers a 180 day period to file a claim in the Keepseagle class action settlement. Now that the claims process is open, Native American farmers and ranchers who believe they are entitled to funds under the Keepseagle settlement must file a claim within 180 days in order to have a chance to receive a cash payment or loan forgiveness.
DROWNING VICTIM
7-28-11
A 45-year-old Kandiyohi man drowned in Bass Lake Tuesday night while attempting to rescue his 6-year-old son after the boy had fallen off of their pontoon. According to the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office, Daniel Michael Suter, 45, of Kandiyohi was found in approximately 8 feet of water and was pronounced dead at the scene. His 6 year-old-boy made it to shore safely. Neither were wearing lifejackets. Emergency responders were called to the scene shortly after 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Bass Lake is located in eastern Kandiyohi County.
FAIR TIME
7-28-11
It's County Fair time. The Yellow Medicine County Fair, in Canby, kicks off today and goes through Sunday. The ranch rodeo will be held for the first time at the grandstand tonight. Come early and enjoy Fifteen-year-old singer/songwriter Katie Ray, who will be entertaining crowds with some of her own country pop songs. On Saturday evening will feature a good old fashioned tractor pull, but the evening will start out with a new twist this year with a lawnmower pull in the afternoon. Chippewa County's Fair gets underway a week from today in Montevideo. Be sure to come out and see the talents and exhibits that will be on display from 4-H youth who have been preparing their exhibits all year long.
VFW DISTRICT TOURNAMENT
7-28-11
Montevideo will be hosting the VFW District Baseball Tournament this weekend, an event that Montevideo gets to host only about once every nine years. Doug Broike organizer of the event: <<<summary: Special event- come see the special guests throw out the first pitch. 8 area teams participating. Games start Friday and continue through Monday. Youth who participate play some great baseball and range from 8th to 10th grade.>>>
Now that the state has settled its budget for the next biennium, the City of Montevideo is scheduled to loose $325,000 in local government aid from its existing 2011 budget and the same amount for 2012. To balance its budget for this year the city will use up its contingency fund and the rest will come out of its Capital Improvement Fund, which will delay the acquisition of needed equ9pment or take money from planned repairs or maintenance of city parks, roads and other structures. According to City Manager Steve Jones, the biggest impact is that the state did not settle its long term budget issues and that in 18 months the city could take an even bigger hit. But from a weaker financial position.
NEW PROGRAM AT MINNESOTA WEST
7-21-11
Minnesota West Community and Technical College will be adding a new 30 credit Telecommunications Technology Certificate and a 60 credit Telecommunications Technology AAS degree. Both programs will be offered online with some required on campus labs and tests. The Telecommunications Technology certificate and degree programs are a collaborative effort by the Minnesota Telecommunications Alliance, a consortium of telephone companies that serve the state, Minnesota West Community and Technical College and industry partners. Telecommunications carriers are expanding their data transmission capabilities, known as "bandwidth," by replacing copper wires with fiber optic cables. According to Brent Christensen, president of the Minnesota Telecommunications Alliance, Telephone companies need to hire network technicians with training in the latest broadband technology. There is a shortage of an adequately trained workforce today and that trend will continue into the foreseeable future. dition, students with Information Technology degrees can upgrade their skills to work in the telecommunications industry. Finally this is an excellent career choice for both traditional and non-traditional students or anyone looking to update their workforce marketability. For more information about this program please call 1-800-658-2330 or online at www.mnwest.edu
STEM JOBS
7-21-11
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA) has released a new report that profiles U.S. employment in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. STEM: Good Jobs Now and for the Future offers an inside look at workers who are driving our nation’s innovation and competitiveness and helping America win the future with new ideas, new companies and new industries.
In 2010, 7.6 million people or 5.5 percent of the labor force worked in STEM occupations. Key findings from the new report show that over the past 10 years, growth in STEM jobs was three times greater than that of non-STEM jobs, and STEM jobs are expected to continue to grow at a faster rate than other jobs in the coming decade. Meanwhile, STEM workers are also less likely to experience joblessness.
EMERGENCY HOMEOWNERS LOANS PROGRAM DEADLINE APPROACHES
7-21-11
The deadline for homeowners to qualify for up to $50,000 in mortgage assistance from the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program is Friday. Vacant slots remain for homeowners from greater Minnesota who need assistance with their mortgage to avoid foreclosure.
According to a news release from the Minnesota Home Ownership Center, the pre-applicant screening worksheets are due by Friday afternoon. Homeowners seeking additional program guidelines and applications materials should visit the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program Minnesota website at www.EHLPMinnesota.com or call the Minnesota Homeownership Center at 866-462-6466.
HIGHER EDUCATION NEEDS OF SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STUDY RESULTS
7-20-11
Academic Collaboration has been identified as the initial step for the alignment of SMSU with Minnesota West. The Higher Education Needs of Southwest Minnesota Study that was initiated by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system recommends that a closer alignment of academic programs is needed by SMSU to the economic initiatives and industry sector needs of the 19-county Southwest Minnesota region. Also, SMSU should expand it's baccalaureate program access points and opportunities across the region beyond the main campus in Marshall. And, Southwest Minnesota State University should create a renewed focus on recruiting and marketing efforts that includes the local area but also extends well beyond the state. The study went on to recommend that as progress is achieved, a transition from Academic Collaboration to Shared Services should occur. And eventually, the system could initiate an Administrative Alignment, if and when it is deemed necessary and appropriate. However, the opinion of the consultant was that the time for administrative alignment is not yet at hand.
YME PROJECT EFFECTED BY STATE SHUTDOWN
7-20-11
The state government shut down is having an effect on the ventilation and air quality project at YME. The project is facing a delay since state inspectors are not available to inspect the work that’s been done. That delay then pushes back the schedule in cleaning and moving furniture back into classrooms. Work on the project includes improving ventilation and air quality in the high school and Bert Raney Elementary School. Upgrades also included improvements to the schools’ electrical systems and the installation of energy-efficient lighting.
AVERAGE GAS PRICES
7-20-11
Average retail gasoline prices in Minnesota have increased 1 cent per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.72/g. This compares with the national average that has remained steady in the last week at $3.67/g. Gas prices in Minnesota are 1.04/g higher than one year ago and are 08 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 1 cent per gallon during the last month and stands 95 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.
PALKE FAMILY IS 2011 CHIPPEWA COUNTY FARM FAMILY OF THE YEAR
7-20-11
The Palke family of Clara City has been named Chippewa County's 2011 Farm Family of the Year by the University of Minnesota. Tom acquired his farm in 1978 when it was passed down from his father. Tom now farms over 2,300 acres which includes acres of corn, sugar beets, peas, and sweet corn. have two full-time employees who help maintain the farm. Tom has served on the MACCRAY school board. He and his wife Kathy are involved in a variety of community activities. The Palke's were selected for this honor by the local county extension committee for demonstrating a commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture and ag production.
MPD REPORTS VEHICLE ENTRIES
7-19-11
The Montevideo Police Department has received reports of several vehicles entered recently and items being taken. You are reminded to remove your keys from your car, lock it up and keep items out of view. Reward money is available from the tips fund for information that leads to recovery of property or arrest of perpetrators.
APPEAL TO PREVENT BLOOD SUPPLY SHORTAGE
7-19-11
The American Red Cross needs your help to give blood each time you are eligible this summer to help avoid a shortage. All blood types are needed, especially those with type O negative, B negative and A negative. It is particularly important to boost supplies of these Rh negative blood types because they can be transfused to patients with Rh positive or Rh negative blood. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be potentially transfused to patients with any blood type.
CANCER RESEARCH PROGRESS
7-19-11
Cancer research has progressed to include new types of treatments. But while chemotherapy can shrink tumors, they often grow back and become resistant to the treatment. To combat this resistance, chemotherapy is now often combined with other treatments that have different mechanisms for attacking and killing cancer cells. One approach that has proven quite promising is called oncolytic virotherapeutics. Here, viruses are harnessed to infect, multiply within and shred cancer cells; the virus targets tumors without affecting normal tissue. These combinations are showing extremely good results in human trials, particularly in refractory head and neck cancer patients.
HEAT WARNING
7-19-11
Due to a prolonged period of heat and humidity an excessive heat warning remains in effect for central and southern Minnesota through 9p.m. on Wednesday. Afternoon heat indices will exceed 105 degrees for several hours each afternoon, with overnight low temperatures only falling into the middle 70's to lower 80's. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives, neighbors and pets.
MILANS SUSTAINABLE ENERGY UTILITY RECEIVES AWARD
7-18-11
An ambitious and innovative undertaking in Milan has received recognition. An Environmental initiative Award was bestowed upon the Sustainable Energy Utility in Milan earlier this year for it's work in building capacity and a long-term vision for energy and sustainability planning in a small rural town; and for providing a replicable model for others. According to award documents, “one area of increasing economic concern for Milan has been rising energy costs and their strain on community resources. The homes and buildings in many rural communities use a significant amount of energy, resulting in a high energy burden for rural residents and businesses. Winter heat bills are especially hard on low-income residents, a problem compounded by Milan’s old housing stock (most of Milan’s 173 residential units were built before 1940 and do not incorporate modern technology for energy efficiency). For many house-holds, appliances are neither new nor energy efficient. Lack of both awareness and financial resources limit the ability of low-, and even moderate-income families to take advantage of opportunities for household energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy. Sustainable Energy Utilities create long-term community infrastructure around reducing energy usage/costs and promote energy production where it is used, known as “on-site energy”. The Milan SEU team, seeing how many of the dollars going to the new green economy were bypassing towns of their size established the countries first rural Sustainable Energy Utility to address the issue. Key goals for the utility have been to: build community leadership and a point of contact for community members for reducing their energy use and costs; to identify local community priorities and utility resources for reducing energy use; and to establish a community-controlled financing/revolving loan fund to cover the upfront expense of efficiency technologies and upgrades.
MONEYPAK SCAMS
7-18-11
Public Safety Departments across the country are warning consumers of an emerging fraud method in which scammers siphon cash from victims using Green Dot MoneyPaks. MoneyPaks, which are sold in stores throughout the U.S., are reloadable debit cards normally used to make same-day payments or add money to prepaid cards or PayPal accounts. Scammers either tried to solicit — or were able to collect — payments via MoneyPak for merchandise, advance fee loans or sweepstakes prizes that all proved to be fraudulent or nonexistent. These scammers are smart and are extremely effective at gaining trust of their victims and convincing them they’ve won a prize or that they owe advance fee loans. The base rule to avoid being scammed is to understand that legitimate lotteries do not require you to pay fees upon winning and you should never give a MoneyPak serial number to anyone you don’t know.
CHIPPEWA COUNTY MONTEVIDEO HOSPITAL RECEIVES THUMBS UP FOR DESIGN
7-18-11
The Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital has been identified as the second most beautiful hospital in the nation according to Soliant Health, one of the largest healthcare staffing companies in the country. According to Soliant's website, “the link between beautiful hospitals and pleased patients has been observed by Soliant Health’s travelers as they work in facilities around the country. Gale Yochum, a seven-year Soliant operating room travel nurse said, “There is a special feel to hospitals with inviting public spaces and soothing private rooms. Patients who feel satisfied with the facility may recover faster and have shorter stays, which is good for both hospital and patient.” The Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital was voted as having these desirable qualities.
HOT AND HUMID WEATHER RETURNS
7-15-11
Weather is once again taking the spotlight as severe thunderstorms accompanied by damaging winds and large hail will be possible across the area today and into tonight. Then this weekend hot and humid conditions will return. With high temperatures in the 90's, and heat index values near or above 100 degrees. The heat and humidity will continue into next week with daytime heat index values at or above 105 degrees through Wednesday. Night-time temperatures won’t offer much relief, only dropping into the high 70s or low 80s. Because there won’t be a lot of wind during this time the combination of high heat and humidity could present some dangerous conditions for people and animals, so you should drink plenty of fluids and not overtax yourself. Make sure pets and livestock have water and shade. The warm up begins today and many locations will see high temperatures in the 90's for 5 or 6 days in a row.
ISD 129 SPECIAL ELECTION
7-15-11
A special election will be held in ISD 129 later this year. At a special meeting earlier this week, the Montevideo School Board passed a resolution calling for an increase in the districts' general education revenue. Dr. Luther Heller, superintendent of schools explains: <<< listen to the sound clip from Dr. Heller,down and to the right>>> The district will spend the four months leading up to the November 8th election getting information out to the public so that they can understand the need. If you would like Dr. Heller to come and speak to your group or organization you may call the district office to arrange a time.
CHILD CARE PROVIDERS HOPEFUL BUDGET DEAL HOLDS UP
7-15-11
It appears the state government shutdown is coming to an end and among the organizations hoping that will happen is the Minnesota Childcare Resource and Referral Network. Executive director Ann McCully says a number of providers had to close over the past couple weeks because child care assistance wasn’t being funded. <<< "Unfortunately, this industry has been through, nothing quite like the shutdown before, but certainly through other types of cuts. We are now at the point where well less than half of what they truly charge is getting covered by child care assistance on average." >>> And while the judge overseeing funding in the shutdown this week did order that the assistance be restored, the Minnesota Childcare Resource and Referral Network remains closed. <<< "About 500 families a week typically would turn to our system to say, ‘I’m just starting out in this world or childcare, what in the world do I do? How do I ask? What do I look for? Who’s even available in my community?’ That’s normally a service that we would provide that we cannot provide right now.” >>> On Thursday, Governor Dayton and the GOP agreed to a budget framework after several hours of negotiations at the state capitol. A special session will be held in the coming days for approval.
SWIMMERS ITCH
7-15-11
Swimmers Itch, which is common around Minnesota’s lakes in midsummer causes red, itchy welts appear on your body within several hours of leaving the water. It may last a few days to several weeks, depending on your sensitivity. According to Countryside Public Health, Swimmers Itch comes from a microscopic parasite. During one of stages of development you ma be exposed to the parasites in lake water. When you leave the water and the water droplets begin to evaporate, the tiny parasites burrow in to your skin to try to survive. This can cause intense itching. You can reduce your chances of getting swimmers itch by following some simple guidelines. Dry off as soon as you leave the water. Rub skin briskly to remove water drops before they evaporate. Shower with soap and fresh water and/or change into dry clothes as soon as possible. Don’t wade or play in shallow water. Don’t feed geese and ducks near your beach because waterfowl are hosts for these parasites. There is no known completely effective treatment for Swimmers Itch, though some sunscreens and lotions may reduce the infections and lotions and ointments may relieve the itching. However, in severe cases, you may need to consult a physician. The most effective way to prevent needing treatment for Swimmers Itch is to avoid water that contains the parasites therefore avoiding becoming exposed.
MADISON MAN DIES IN ATV CRASH
7-14-11
A 54-year-old rural Madison man died as a result of an all-terrain vehicle crash reported around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday one-half mile west of Madison on Highway 40. According to a news release from Lac qui Parle County Sheriff Rick Halvorson, Thomas Bly was found under the ATV and was pronounced dead at the scene. Bly was operating a 2008 Suzuki Kingquad 4x4 ATV and was southbound on 221st Avenue when he attempted to turn into a driveway, lost control of the ATV and rolled into the ditch. The accident is under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.
15-YEAR-OLD INVOLVED IN CRASH FLEES ON FOOT
7-14-11
A15-year-old male who fled on foot from the scene of a two-vehicle crash on Tuesday was found after a search of the area near where the crash occurred. The youth, who had fled into a cornfield after the accident, was located by officers with the help of witnesses. According to a news release from the Willmar Police Department, the teen was driving a van northbound on Lakeland Drive and turned left in front of a motorcycle that was going south on Lakeland Drive. The motorcycle struck the right side of the van. The driver of the motorcycle, whose name was not released, was transported to Rice Memorial Hospital for treatment. The crash occurred around 6:20 p.m. Charges are pending against the 15-year-old.
WEST NILE
7-14-11
Mosquito bites can be itchy and annoying, but if the bug that bites you is carrying West Nile virus, the consequences can be far worse. Take steps this summer to prevent mosquitoes from breeding, and to reduce the risk of West Nile virus, which can affect humans and other mammals. The virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has been infected with the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Only about two people in 10 who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience any illness. Symptoms begin three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Illness from West Nile is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches, but serious illness such as encephalitis, meningitis and death are possible. Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease. The best way to prevent West Nile disease or any other mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Precautions include:
Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. When you are outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 according to label instructions. Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and have tight-fitting screens. Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and any other receptacles.
CHIPPEWA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY CELEBRATES 75 YEARS
7-13-11
The Chippewa County Historical Society is celebrating their 75th anniversary this year. To commemorate the occasion, the Society will be hosting a 75th Anniversary Party tomorrow from 4:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Historic Chippewa City, which is located at the junctions of Highways 7 & 59 in Montevideo. A free meal of hotdogs and brats, beans, chips, beverage, anniversary cake, and ice cream will be served until it is gone. Admission to the Village will also be free, as will the entertainment! A Pirates! Program will begin at 5:00 p.m. with an encore presentation at 6:30 p.m. The Montevideo Community Band will perform beginning at 5:45 p.m. Featured entertainment for the evening will be Ross Sutter, whose concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. Ross is a popular performer who plays an impressive array of folk instruments. Area parents and students will remember Ross from his many years of being an Artist in Residence in area schools. Ross loves to sing Irish, Scottish, and Scandinavian songs, as well as favorite American traditional and popular songs. In keeping with the Pirates! theme there will be a treasure hunt for youth, and a scavenger hunt for families. Grand prizes for those who correctly complete the scavenger hunt will be drawn for tickets to Nickelodeon Universe and Moose Mountain. You are encouraged to come in your pirate costume!
ONLINE PRESENCE CLASSES
7-13-11
The next offering from the Minnesota Extension Service to help improve online presence for rural businesses is coming up next week. These are specifically designed to help local entrepreneurs get their businesses online and gives them tools to effectively communicate and market themselves. Information about online sales and web presence will help businesses find what works for them. The extension service says that small regional business owners who face the challenge of marketing a business in a globally connected world will find these sessions of value. More information can be found at kdmanews.com
DIRECT SALES AG GRANT
7-13-11
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced yesterday that it will award a $60,000 grant to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to identify trends in consumer preferences and expectations for Minnesota farmers and ranchers who sell direct to consumers. A number of areas will receive attention, such as improving marketing efforts, customer service and retail-area design.
MONTEVIDEO MAN ARRESTED IN ARIZONA
7-12-11
A man wanted in Chippewa and Lac qui Parle Counties has been arrested in Arizona. Buford Rogers, 23, of Montevideo was arrested on June 20th by Sierra Vista, AZ police. According to the Montevideo Police Department, Rogers has a warrant issued in Chippewa County for Motor vehicle tax evasion and in Lac Qui Parle County for burglary. Additionally, he was recently charged in Chippewa County for possession of stolen property relating to the Lac qui Parle county burglary. Information posted on the Montevideo PD Facebook page indicates that guns are the stolen property. Montevideo Police officials had contacted Sierra Vista PD after receiving a tip about Rogers location.
WOOD LAKE MAN INJURED IN ROLLOVER
7-12-11
A Wood Lake man was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained in a one-vehicle rollover Saturday afternoon just east of Wood Lake. According to the Yellow Medicine County Sheriff’s office, the crash was reported around 2:30 p.m. along County Road 2. Deputies arrived to find an unoccupied vehicle and located the driver, Edy Corado, at a nearby residence. He was taken by ambulance to Granite Falls Hospital and then flown to HCMC in Minneapolis.
PREVENTED PLANTING INSURANCE CHANGES
7-12-11
Qualification requirements have changed for farmers who want to obtain prevented planting insurance in “prairie pothole states”. The change is intended to assist farmers who have experienced difficulties due to excessive moisture in their fields over recent years. Beginning with the 2012 crop year, a crop must be grown on the acreage at least one of the previous four years if a farmer wishes to qualify. The states of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota are covered by the change. The requirement to be able to bring an insured crop to harvest in one of four years improves program integrity,” said Administrator Murphy. “It also helps to meet the needs of farmers in the Prairie Pothole region, where some acreage has not been available to plant since the 2008 crop year due to flooding and excessive moisture conditions
YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY PHASING OUT PASSPORT SERVICES
7-12-11
New federal regulations that stipulate passport applications can no longer be accepted by the same people who process birth certificates and driver's licenses has caused yet another county to make the decision to phase out passport services in county offices. Yellow Medicine county is the latest to join other county governments in the area as more changes in federal regulations are expected that will prohibit issuing passports in the same building birth certificates and driver's licenses are processed. A few Post Offices around the area will begin taking passport applications. In Granite Falls, the Post Office will make the transition in October or November.
STORM REPORT
7-11-11
Winds as high as 80 mile per hour and 1-2" of rain was reported from the storm that moved through the area last night. Large hail, from quarter to golf ball size, fell east of Montevideo, and the supercell storm spawned a possible tornado near Minnesota Falls. Sheriffs departments report no major damage, but plenty of downed tree branches.
OUTSTANDING SENIOR CITIZEN NOMINATIONS
7-11-11
Nominations from county residents are still being sought for the 2011 Outstanding Senior Citizen Award for Chippewa County. The award recognizes outstanding senior citizens who have contributed their time and talent to benefit their community after reaching the age of 65. They will be honored at the Chippewa County Fair on Friday afternoon, August 5th. Official nomination forms are available by contacting Deanna Hodge at 320-269-6215 or they can be picked up and returned to the Senior Citizens Center Southtown Plaza in Montevideo. Deadline is July 25th .
CENSUS STATISTICS
7-11-11
The U.S. Census Bureau Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics for 2010 in Minnesota shows that the median age in the state was 37.4. The average household size was 2.48 people per household. Among the state’s occupied housing units, 73% were owned, compared with 27% that were rented.
ST. CLOUD VA SITE OF NEW HOMELESS HOUSING
7-11-11
The St. Cloud VA Health Care System has been selected as a site for development of a new building for homeless or at-risk Veterans and their families. The project will support VA’s goal of ending Veteran homelessness by providing safe, affordable, cost effective, and sustainable housing for Veterans. The project will result in a new building on the St. Cloud VA campus and additional opportunities for collaboration between the VA and community partners serving homeless or at-risk Veterans. The new facility is not intended as a short-term shelter but as permanent living units or transitional housing units for Veterans with supportive service needs and not yet ready for independent living. Construction of the new building could begin sometime in 2012. The St. Cloud building project is part of an initiative to develop housing opportunities for homeless and at-risk Veterans by adding 34 VA locations across the country.
LOCAL MUSEUMS OPEN
7-11-11
Directors of museums and historic sites owned by local County Historical Societies want to get the word out that they are still open! Only those owned by the Minnesota Historical Society are closed. So sites like Historic Chippewa City and the Swensson Farm Museum are open during their regular hours!
APPLETON HORSES
7-7-2011
One dead and two severely dehydrated horses were seized from a farm north of Appleton on Tuesday. The Swift County Sheriffs Office, an Animal Humane Senior Investigator , and a Vet from H & H Veterinary Service in Benson responded to a call from a neighbor about the animals. Senior Investigator Kieth Streff said it appeared the horses were neglected and there was a significant sanity issue at the farm where they were seized. The horses are in state of quarantine and will be for 10 days.
CHIPPEWA CO. FAIR
7-7-2011
The Chippewa County Fair Board is Pleased to announce Jimmy Fortune CMA Hall of Fame Inductee with the Statler Brothers will appear for one performance at this years Chippewa County Fair August 4th thru the 6th. Fortune takes to the stage for a Free Performance on Thursday night August 4th. Sherwin Linton also returns for Senior Citizens Day and new this year is Magic Air Adventures.
AFTERMATH OF STORM
7-7-2011
Damage from last Fridays storm is still evident in several towns such as Sacred Heart with a population less than 600, they say they need to work together to pick up the pieces. As it turned out, no injuries were reported but everything from stop signs, to trees and even entire buildings were no match for the 80 mile per hour wind and massive hail that day. The community was also kept in the dark, literaly , for two days until the power which had gone off on Friday was turned on late Sunday evening.
LAC QUI PARLE CO. SPEEDING
7-6-2011
Clear roads on the freeway during the summer don't give drivers a free pass to speed. In July Lac Qui Parle County motorists will face enhanced speed enforcement patrols as part of a statewide campaign coordinated by the Minnesota Dept of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. 10 MPH over the speed limit is $125 fine, 20 MPH will double your fine and 100 MPH will lose their license for 6 months. Another safety concern is the record high number of motorcyclists on the road, more than half of all motorcycle crashes are single vehicle events in which the rider loses control of the bike.
OLIVIA MAN
7-6-2011
Bail was set at $50,000 for William Thomas Lewis Sr. on Monday on a Felony Second Degree Assault charge for allegedly stabbing a man on Friday. the 47 year old Olivia man was released on his own personal recognizance provided he had no contact with the alleged victim. According to the report an Olivia police officer assisted by a Bird Island officer found Lewis wearing a bloody T-shirt and the knife used in the stabbing.
KANDIYOHI BURNING
7-6-2011
Kandiyohi County is one of the counties in the state of Minnesota that uses the states electronic open burning permit system. With the state shutdown, all open burning permits that were issued are no longer valid. The only open burning that is allowed during the shutdown are campfires and bbq grills.
STORM
7-5-2011
The people of Bird Island have power once again, but still have alot of clean up to do with fallen trees and many damaged buildings after Friday nights storm. City Councilman Jim Schneider said on Monday that it's going to take at least a year to get it all back together again. there is a lot of work to do with city personnel starting to pickup branches and debris in town and in the country many grain bins, barns, and steel sheds were also damaged. The Cities of Cosmos and Danube were still without power as of 9 a.m. Monday night , in the Belview , Cosmos, Hector and Bird Island area over 100 electrical poles were broke during Friday's storm and have to be replaced.
FOOD SHELF
7-5-2011
A judge has ruled that Food Shelf Operators across Minnesota can continue to distribute food today even during the Minnesota State Government Shutdown. Food pantries responded by petitioning to have the emergency food assistance program declared an essential service. the second harvest northern lakes food bank service distributes 64,000 pounds of food each month to 27 food shelves in Minnesota.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
7-5-2011
The Montevideo City Council will meet tonight July 5th , at the City Hall Council Chambers, the Scheduled meeting time is at 7 p.m...
CHIPPEWA CO. FAIR
7-5-2011
Nominations from county residents are now being sought for the 2011 Outstanding Senior Citizen Award for Chippewa County. The award recognizes outstanding senior citizens who have contributed their time and talent to benefit their community after reaching the age of 65. They will be honored at the Chippewa County Fair on Friday Afternoon. August 5th. Official nomination forms are available by contacting Deanna Hodge at 320-269-6215 or they can be picked up and returned to the Senior Citizens Center Southtown Plaza in Montevideo.
INDEPENDENCE DAY GAS PRICES
With the second highest gas prices ever for Independence Day, holiday travel is expected to dip but not significantly. AAA is projecting 39 million Americans will travel this weekend, which is down 2.5 percent from 40 million last Fourth of July. But five out of six travelers still plan to drive to their destinations, and the number of travelers is only slightly off the pace of the busiest Fourth in 2007 when 42 million Americans hit the road, according to AAA. “Obviously, (gas prices are) having an effect. People are trying to make allowances in other parts of their budget — taking shorter trips or staying with family. It’s having some effect, but not a significant effect (on this weekend’s travel),” said Gail Weinholzer, director of public affairs for AAA Minnesota/Iowa. Gas prices in Minnesota are about $3.48 per gallon, compared to $2.69 a year ago. Independence Day in 2008 had the highest gas price average at $4 a gallon.
BSU SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
7-1-11
Incoming Bemidji State University student Jenna Anderson has been awarded scholarship from the University for the 2010-2011 academic year. BSU will present more than $1.9 million in academic, talent, and leadership scholarships this year. The awards are made possible through donations to the BSU Foundation, the Alumni Association, and other organizations that specify funds for such causes. Anderson is a Freshman in Business Administration she is being awarded the George W. Neilson Admission Scholarship of $1,000.00.
MN/DOT SHUT DOWN NEWS
7-1-11
MN/DOT is passing the word that due to the state government shutdown, work on MnDOT construction projects is suspended. Contractor's equipment may be removed from the project. Contractors will close down projects in a way that best protects the safety of the traveling public. There will be a small maintenance crew on call to handle emergency road repairs. Also, 511mn.org, traffic cameras and other traveler information services are not in operation and project websites will not be updated. Rest areas on Minnesota state highways are closed.
BLOOD DRIVE REPORT
7-1-11
The Red Cross Blood Drive took place Monday, June 27 at the TACC in Montevideo. The total collection was 85 units, which was short of the goal of 98, however, those 85 units are especially needed during the summer months. 5 individuals earned gallon pins. Thanks to the canteen refreshments sponsor, the Montevideo Snowdrifters. They also donated prizes for a free drawing for donors. The next Blood drive has been moved up to Wednesday, August 24 at the TACC from 12:30-6:30pm . It had originally been scheduled for Oct. 13, but was changed due to comprehensive staff training in October for a new software system. Those donors who made appointments for October will be contacted.
MAROON DAY
6-30-11
The Minnesota State Patrol is increasing trooper presence on highways today, since today is historically the deadliest day on Minnesota roads. In an effort to curb traffic fatalities, the State Patrol is putting almost 600 troopers and their commercial vehicle inspectors on patrol for one day called Maroon Day. Maroon Day gives the State Patrol an opportunity to come out strong on a day that is historically the most deadly day on Minnesota roads. Since 2000, more fatal crashes have occurred on June 30 than any other day of the year. There have been 30 fatal crashes resulting in 35 deaths.
STATE SHUT DOWN NEWS
6-30-11
Public schools are no longer facing the possibility that they will have to dip into fund balances to operate since a judge has ruled that state payments to schools should continue even if there is a state government shut down. Other agencies or departments that will continue to operate include state law enforcement and corrections, payments under the MinnesotaCare health insurance program, federally mandated services such as medical assistance or food stamps and unemployment payments. The looming shutdown will disturb some 4th of July holiday plans since state parks and the Minnesota Zoo will not operate. Neither will the state tourism office or various licensing offices, such as for driver's licenses and car registration. Most highway and other state-funded construction projects will cease, except that emergency highway repairs will continue.
LOCAL DISASTER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
6-30-11
When disasters and emergencies occur, officials depend on volunteer help to respond to crisis and provide additional support. Our communities have a tremendous need for medical and nonmedical staff that is willing to volunteer their skills. Preregistration and pre-credentialing of volunteers allows Countryside Public Health to coordinate the volunteers, by matching their skills with the needs of the requesting agency. This increases the efficiency of making volunteer assignments and expedites the processing of volunteers at the time of an event. The Southwest Emergency Preparedness Team is encouraging you to register to be a volunteer. To become a volunteer you must register with Countryside Public Health or on the Minnesota Responds website. Contact information can be found on the KDMA website.
Minnesota Responds website: www.mnresponds.org
Countryside Public Health: 32-269-2174 or 800-894-0192
POOL SAFELY CAMPAIGN
6-30-11
As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives campaign is releasing its 2011 summer snapshot of the number of drowning and near-drowning incidents across America. Since Memorial Day, there have been 48 drownings and 75 near-drowning incidents in 35 states and territories reported by the media. With such a high number of child drownings and near-drownings, CPSC and campaign partners are calling for added vigilance at pools and spas this Fourth of July weekend and beyond.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS CAUGHT IN SHUT DOWN UNCERTAINTY
6-29-11
Public schools are facing an uncertain future if a government shutdown is initiated. Most area school districts would start operating on fund balances since the state would not be in a position to make it's normal monthly payments to local districts. The Minnesota School Board Association is trying to make the case that schools should get their payments in July and August. But the court will rule on that issue as it decides what is considered critical services. That decision is expected in the next day. Districts are doing some contingency planning, but fund balances will have to get tapped into if a shut down persists as districts gear up for the coming school term.
GRANITE FALLS FLOOD PROTECTION/RECOVERY NEWS
6-29-11
The homes and buildings that remain without a buyer on Prentice Street in Granite Falls are being destroyed and removed as part of the Flood Protection Project in that city. The removal work must be completed by Friday so that the next phase of the project may begin. This phase includes the construction of an earthen levy behind the remaining Prentice Street homes.
Repairs and recovery work is needed on Dike Road in Granite Falls. The road which runs parallel to the river suffered damage during this years flood in spite of efforts to protect it from harm. Mayor Smiglewski has more, <<< “This is additional work that needs to be done to the dike road. We need to place rip rap and paving, another two hundred feet of that on the dike road. Further west that what we had done last year. We found that out with the high water this spring. And then we also have $53,000 in repairs to what had already been done last year. This is something that we have to take care of and we want to make sure that is in the best possible shape for the next round of high water, whenever that may be.” >>> Funds to pay for the work will come from state flood mitigation funds.
VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANTS
6-29-11
Independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives and agricultural producers can expand their economic base through a Value-Added Producer Grant Program. Value-added products are created when a producer increases the consumer value of an agricultural commodity in the production or processing stage. Grants may be used for feasibility studies or business plans, working capital for marketing value-added agricultural products and for farm-based renewable energy projects. By creating value-added products, farmers and ranchers can expand economic opportunities, create jobs and keep wealth in rural communities. Grant applications are being accepted through August 29th. Check the link on our website for more information.
For further details about eligibility rules and application procedures, see the June 28, 2011, Federal Register. Value-Added Producer Grants
MONTEVIDEO POLICE SEEK PARK VANDALS
6-25-11
Montevideo Police are looking for the person or persons who caused damage to Lagoon Park late last week. A section of turf in the park was torn up by a vehicle driving through one of the grassy areas. Soggy ground conditions compounded the damage left by the vehicle, leaving tracks and ruts. Anyone with information leading to the apprehension of the perpetrators is asked to call the police department.
WESTERN FEST ROYALTY
6-28-11
The 2011 Granite Falls Western Fest Royal family has been named. They are Miss Western Fest Brooke Velde, Western Fest Princesses Cortney Bennett & Taylor Bruflat and Jr. Princess Hannah Lecy.
GREAT AMERICAN PATIO GIVEAWAY WINNER
6-28-11
The winner in the KDMA Great American Patio giveaway is Jill Koenen. She wins a patio set and fire pit from Runnings. Congratulations Jill.
MINNESOTA FALLS DAM DETERIORATING FAST
6-28-11
It has been know for a while that the dam at Pete's Point, also known as Minnesota Falls, is in disrepair and needs to be removed. The opinion of locals vary as to the best course of action for it's removal but, Exel Energy, the owner of the dam, has made it's intention to tear it out well known. A presentation given by Chris Domeier of the DNR to the Hawk Creek Watershed Committee makes it very clear that the dam is in considerable danger of succumbing to the forces of nature if it is not removed soon. Water is leaking through numerous cracks in the weakened concrete structure and trees and plants have been able to take root, further diminishing it's integrity. The DNR, which designated the dam as a hazard and called for its removal, also supports a natural river fishery. Built in 1905, the dam was one of the state’s first hydro electric facilities, providing electricity to the area from 1905 to 1961. Thereafter the reservoir created by the structure was used for cooling by the Minnesota Valley Generating Plant up until its closure in 2004.
CLARA CITY MAY GET NATURAL GAS
6-28-11
Clara City and nearby communities are trying to bring natural gas service to town. A meeting with undisclosed representatives of a service provider is planned for next month. On July 8th, during a meeting at City Hall, the company involved will be identified. Until then they have asked for confidentiality. Raymond, Prinsburg and Maynard are all being invited to participate in the opportunity. The company involved is saying that they would bring in the pipeline at no cost to the communities. There have been a number of occasions when attempts were made to bring natural gas into the communities. The current cost of propane, four times higher than that of natural gas, may now make it feasible.
GRANITE FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PURCHASE NEW EQUIPMENT
6-24-11
The Granite Falls City Council last week considered bids for equipment for the Fire Department. Mayor Dave Smiglewski has the report, <<< Total price of $56,000 ...right around $56,000, for breathing apparatus equipment and and for other support items for that. Alex Air Apparatus was the successful bidder. Their base bid was $40,723 and there was also bids for BDS Laundry Systems fro $8,400 for a washer and $6,978 for a drying cabinet that is for cleaning up not only apparatus, but fire equipment. The city Fire Department was able to get a grant, it's paying for most of this, it's slightly over the budget, but the fireman have raised money themselves for some additional equipment purchases and that money will go toward off setting the slightly larger than expected bids that we had programmed for that. It's good to see that happen and nice work by the fire department for getting that grant too. >>>
BLOOD DRIVES
6-24-11
With the long Independence Day holiday weekend approaching, the American Red Cross reminds eligible blood and platelet donors to make a donation appointment within the next few days to help reverse a declining blood supply. As a thank you to those who continue to put blood and platelet donation on their ‘to do’ list during this busy holiday period, the Red Cross North Central Blood Services Region is offering all presenting donors a chance to win one of three portable Garmin GPS units through a special Independence Day donor appreciation raffle June 27 through July 6, 2011. And, all summer long, all presenting donors 21 years of age and older are also eligible to win a grand prize trip for four to Orlando, Florida! All blood types are needed, especially type O negative, B negative and A negative blood, and platelet donors. Rh negative blood types are always in high demand, because they potentially can be transfused to patients with Rh positive or Rh negative blood types. Type O negative blood, the universal blood type, can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations. Blood drives are being held around our region this week... Today in Montevideo from 12:30 - 6:30 pm at the TACC. Tomorrow in Maynard from 3 to 7pm at the Event Center. Wednesday in Clara City at the Community Center from 2 – 7pm. And in Minneota tomorrow at the American Legion from 2 – 7pm. On Thursday in Boyd at Trinity Lutheran Church from 1:30 – 6:30pm. Then on Friday the Blood drive in Canby will be at the Community Center from 8am – 1pm.
RIVER LEVELS
6-24-11
Water levels continue to rise on the Minnesota River after recent heavy rains. As of 5pm on Sunday the river measured 15 feet 6 inches, which is just over a foot and a half above flood stage. It now is predicted to peak on Tuesday at 15 feet 8 inches. The river at Granite Falls is expected to just touch the 888 foot flood stage on Tuesday. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Friday increased the outflow from the Lac Qui Parle Dam northwest of Montevideo to 7,000 cubic feet per second, up from 4,500 cubic feet per second. Heavy rains have caused inflows to exceed outflows, and discharge must be increased to keep water levels in Lac qui Parle lake below the emergency spillway.
MINNESOTA RIVER FLOODING FOR FOURTH TIME THIS YEAR
6-24-11
Water on the Minnesota River at Montevideo is once again above the 14 foot- flood stage mark. It is expected to crest over 15 feet on Sunday night and not recede for at least a week. Priens Landing and River Road are closed for the third time this year. An earlier crest this spring was the 7th highest on record. City staff continues to meet with FEMA, by the end of the week they should be able to wrap up most claims due to flood damage from earlier this year.
1st ANNUAL GOVENORS PHEASANT HUNT
6-24-11
Key officials and organizations got together this week to plan the 1st Annual Governor's Pheasant Hunt. Local officials met with “Explore Minnesota” staff, the DNR, local landowners, and Chamber of Commerce staff to map out the event. The hunt is scheduled for October 15, but should include events on both October 14th and 15th. The 1st Annual Governor's Pheasant Hunt should draw officials and press from all over the state and beyond, and will be a showcase of hunting and tourism opportunities in our area.
LEOS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE FUNDRAISING
6-24-11
The Montevideo Leos Club is trying to raise $1,000 to help them get to a leadership conference in Hudson WI in October. They will be holding a Garage and Bake sale tomorrow from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Pizza Ranch in Montevideo. Leo clubs are sponsored by the Lions service organization and provide youth opportunities in Leadership and experience in a fun environment.
USDA CLAIMS
6-24-11
If you believe that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) improperly denied farm loan benefits to you between 1981 and 2000 because you are Hispanic or because you are female, you may be eligible to apply for compensation. A claims administrator will begin mailing claims packages to those who have requested one. Go to kdmanews.com to find out how to get more information.
To request a claims package, visit www.farmerclaims.gov or call 1-888-508-4429.
USDA Rural Development offices
Willmar, 1005 High Ave. (320) 235-3540, ext. 4.
Marshall, 1424 E. College Dr., Suite 500 (507) 532-3234, ext. 4
Worthington, 1567 North McMillian, (507) 372-7783. ext. 4
KERKHOVEN BUS COMPANY HAS BUS STOLEN IN NEW JERSEY
6-24-11
Rustad Tours of Kerkhoven had a company bus stolen from a Secaucus, N.J., hotel parking lot during a trip to New York City. The bus was reported stolen Saturday morning and was found Sunday by police in Newark, N.J. Items stolen from the bus included electronics, tools, some clothing, 200 gallons of fuel and medication. The tour group began its trip June 15 and is currently in Washington, D.C. The party is slated to return Sunday. The stolen bus is now in Minneapolis undergoing repairs.
MnSCU GETS GO AHEAD
6-23-11
Layoff notices to more than 6,000 employees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system are being rescinded and classes will continue July 1, even if other parts of state government shut down. MnSCU received the support needed from Minnesota Management and Budget to continue operations on July 1. The system has statutory authority to use existing tuition and other receipts in the new fiscal year that starts on July 1. The state colleges and universities are serving 67,000 students this summer.
The system’s continued operation will be funded through existing tuition receipts and fund balances at each of the colleges and universities. The higher education appropriations bill awaits resolution along with other state operating budgets.
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system comprises 32 state universities and community and technical colleges serving the higher education needs of Minnesota. The system serves about 277,000 students per year in credit-based courses and an additional 157,000 students in noncredit courses.
HWY 23 PROJECT DELAYED
6-23-11
The Hwy 23 project that was scheduled to begin this week has been delayed due to contractor’s scheduling. The new start date of this project that includes removing and replacing deteriorated concrete on Hwy 23 starting at Clara City, south to Hwy 212 near Granite Falls has not yet been established.
GRANITE FALLS SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
6-23-11
Kwam Construction of Willmar will be the contractor for the Granite Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project. Mayor Dave Smiglewski has the report: <<< The bid was right about at out estimate from our engineer for the construction portion of our costs. Fairly large project that will be undertaken. We expect to get going on it sometime the first week or two in July. And of course construction on this will last throughout the rest of this year, scattered around the community. One area in particular that we want to get at this year hopefully would be the area behind the homes on Prentiss Street where one of the oldest sewers in town is. Unfortunately, right now because of the high river water in that proximity of the river that sewer could, of course, be full of water. It's going to take some dry weather for us for awhile for us to get at that one be we've got other areas of town where we will get started. And that's good news for those folks who've had their sewers backing up from time to time. We know that some of our sewer lines are taking water in, ground water in here and there, and this is a way of certainly improving that and investing in the communities long term infrastructure. >>> The cost of the construction portion of the project is 2-million 527-thousand dollars.
MONTEVIDEO CITY COUNCIL NEWS
6-21-11
The Montevideo City Council, last night, upheld a recommendation from the Park Board to NOT upgrade the storm water retention pond behind Tanglewood and Horizon Trails to a public access fishing pond. The Park Board reviewed the situation, and recommended the pond remain as it is. They cited several reasons:
1) To upgrade the pond with a dock and handicap accessible trail would cost at least $23,000. Had the pond been upgraded, the City would have been required to make it compliant with ADA law.
2) The pond was not designed for a large amount of public access, but rather was designed as a storm water holding pond.
3) The Park Board also had concerns about the quality of the water, and thus, the quality of the fish taken from the pond.
The council will not restrict access to the pond.
In other news from last nights Council meeting; To take advantage of rebates programs still in effect, the Montevideo City Council gave the go-ahead to city staff to obtain quotes for changing out approximately 225 fixtures and 508 bulbs from older T-12 style fluorescent to newer T8 style fixtures and bulbs in various city owned buildings. Estimated cost of the project is about $15,000, but about 2/3 of that cost should be rebated back to the city, and the return in energy savings alone has a less than a 5 year payback.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS
6-21-11
Members of the Minnesota House of Representatives Education Committee will be in Willmar today holding roundtable discussions with local teachers, administrators and school leaders. Participants will discuss the outlook for school funding, including the impact of the legislature’s budget proposal on schools. Another roundtable event will be held in Marshall this afternoon at 4.
WEATHER SERVICE ISSUES ANOTHER FLOOD WATCH
6-21-11
The National Weather Service has once again issued a flood watch for counties in our area from late tonight through Wednesday morning. Counties in the watch area include Chippewa, Lac Qui Parle, Swift and Yellow Medicine. Scattered showers and thunderstorms today will become more widespread tonight and continue through Wednesday morning, according to the weather service. A prolonged period of moderate to occasionally heavy precipitation with rainfall totals of three to four inches are expected to fall across the watch area. The weather service says there could be widespread flooding with streams, creeks and rivers rising significantly by midweek. If rainfall amounts exceed three to four inches over a broad area of the headwaters of the Minnesota river basin, expect many areas from Montevideo downstream through the Twin Cities to experience a rise over the next week. Today’s forecast calls for a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. with a high near 73.
Tonight there is an 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain.
FIESTA DAYS WRAP-UP
6-20-11
Another Fiesta Days in Montevideo has wrapped up. The event, which continues to celebrate the sister city relationship with Montevideo, Uruguay was highlighted by a visit from an Uruguayan delegation. Dr. Nury Bauzan, the Consul General of Uruguay in the U.S., participated in the weekend festivities and was intrigued to learn more about life and government in the United States through our small town celebration. Bauzan, who currently lives in Chicago as she serves as Consul General, commemorated the fight for Uruguayan independence by laying a wreath at the base of the Jose Artigas statue. Bauzan also presented a strikingly lovely gift of Uruguayan onyx on marble to the City of Montevideo, MN. The carved piece, crafted into the shape of the country of Uruguay, will be added to the extensive collection of Uruguayan art and memorabilia owned by the City. The collection of more than 700 pieces, is known as the finest and most extensive assemblage of Uruguayan artifacts outside the country of Uruguay. The most outstanding pieces of the collection are on permanent display at the city offices.
The weekend activities were crowned with the naming of new Fiesta Ambassadors: Jaci Clauson, Shelby Monohan and Miranda Kostboth. Miranda is sponsored by Mind Your Business, Edward Jones sponsored Jaci Clauson, and Shelby Monohan's sponsor is KleinBank.
CANBY MAN FACES CHARGES
6-20-11
A 57-year-old Canby man faces felony charges for assaulting law enforcement officers and for allegedly plowing up a township road in November 2009. Allen Chancey Olson appeared June 9 in Yellow Medicine County Court on two felony counts of first-degree criminal damage to property. He also appeared on four counts of fourth-degree assault of a peace officer in a separate case. Two of the assault charges are felony level and two are gross misdemeanors. According to the complaint in the assault case, a sheriff’s deputy and a State Patrol trooper attempted to serve an arrest warrant on Olson in November 2009, at his rural Canby home when Olson assaulted the officers. He later also assaulted jailers who were attempting to take him to the Granite Falls Hospital emergency room for medical issues. According to the complaint in the property damage case, someone had used a plow or chisel plow to tear up a large portion of township road that accessed Olsons property. The complaint notes that the “same piece of equipment that had been used in the defendant’s field had been used on the road.” The cost of repairing the damaged portion of the road was $1,252.40. Olson was convicted in a 2008 case of assault and terroristic threats for pulling a .357-caliber pistol on a township supervisor.
DUININCK DRIVER CREDITED WITH SAVING TWO LIVES
6-20-11
A driver for Duininck Incorporated is credited with saving the lives of two people in an incident that occurred last Wednesday. Jerome Kluver was driving a 1980 Mack truck loaded with hot asphalt along U.S. Highway 71 north of Willmar when he saw a car that was preparing to turn on County Road 29 get rear ended by another car. The first car was pushed out into his lane with the second car coming to rest behind it. Both were directly in front of him. To avoid slamming into both vehicles, Kluver chose to drive off the road, which caused his truck to overturn. But his actions are credited with saving the lives of the drivers of the two other vehicles. If he had slammed into them it is believed they both would have died. According to the Minnesota Highway Patrol all three drivers received non-life-threatening injuries. Kluver, of New London suffered a shoulder injury. The driver of the first car, Ramona Hjelle, 51 of New London, sustained a broken hip. The second driver, 18-year-old Paige Hakeneis, received an undisclosed non-life-threatening injury.
FIESTA JUNIOR ROYALTY
6-17-11
Montevideo's Fiesta Days continued last night with the Kiddie Parade, Community Picnic and the crowning of new Junior Royalty: Junior Princes Cali Molde, daughter of Darci and Nathan Molde and Prince Joey Foss, son of Julie Hogrefe and Courtney Foss were crowned. Kids Day is today, along with a host of other activities. On Saturday morning you can enjoy the Riverfest Rendezvous in Lagoon Park and Fiesta Fun in Smith Park in the afternoon. Sunday is the Milwaukee Road Heritage Center open house and hobo festival , the Grand Day Parade, and coronation.
WEB PRESENCE CLASSES
6-17-11
Small regional business owners might be surprised at what sort of online presence they have. Marketing a business in a globally connected world can be a challenge. Anyone who has done online searching knows that information on any given business could be inaccurate and misleading. To help improve online presence for rural businesses the Minnesota Extension is offering a series of classes to help get regional businesses online. These are specifically designed to help local entrepreneurs effectively communicate and market themselves in a competitive economy. Classes will provide information about online sales and will help businesses find what presence works with them, whether it's a website, a controlled listing on google, or social media. Go to kdmanews.com for more information. The first class is next Monday.
FATHER'S DAY
6-17-11
Sunday is Father's Day. The idea of Father’s Day was conceived slightly more than a century ago by Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Wash., while she listened to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart, a widowed Civil War veteran who was left to raise his six children on a farm. A day in June was chosen for the first Father’s Day celebration ? 101 years ago, June 19, 1910, proclaimed by Spokane’s mayor because it was the month of Smart’s birth. The first presidential proclamation honoring fathers was issued in 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson designated the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Father’s Day has been celebrated annually since 1972
when President Richard Nixon signed the public law that made it permanent.
CLARKFIELD COUNCIL
6-17-11
The Clarkfield City Council will close applications for the open city council seat today. The seat was vacated by Dave Biermaier in January. Currently, Krista Isaacs is the lone applicant. Isaacs is proprietor of IFit and is a Clarkfield Area Community Foundation committee member.
The council will make their final decision to fill the council seat at their next council meeting on Tuesday, June 21.
The Clarkfield City Council passed the Social Host ordinance Tuesday night. It will take effect July 7. The ordinance holds individuals criminally responsible for hosting, or allowing, an event on private, or public property, where persons under age 21 possess or consume alcohol, regardless of who supplies the alcohol to the minors.
MONTEVIDEO POLICE SEEK TO IDENTIFY TWO PERSONS ON SURVELLIANCE TAPE
6-15-11
The Montevideo Police Department continues to ask your help in identifying a car and two individuals whose images were captured on surveillance video. The department has posted photos on it's Facebook page. A reward may be available. If you have any information, you should contact the Montevideo Police Department. Contact information and a link to the photos can be found on the KDMAnews website.
CONTACT INFORMATION: 320-269-9402 or tips@montevideopolice.com or send a message on Facebook.
PHOTO LINK: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=218935274786368&set=a.218935134786382.64329.100000096911059&type=1&theater
HIGHWAY 23 TO CLOSE ON MONDAY
6-15-11
Hwy 23 will be closed to traffic beginning Monday, June 20th If you are traveling that way, you'll be encountering a detour on Hwy 23 starting at Clara City, south to Hwy 212 near Granite Falls as crews begin a concrete repair project that includes removing and replacing deteriorated concrete. Hwy 23 traffic will be detoured south - on Chippewa County Road 2/Renville County Road 9, then west on Hwy 212 back to Hwy 23.
In a separate project, crews are currently working on a four-lane section of Hwy 23 from the Hwy 23/71 split north of Willmar to New London as crews seal coat the highway and preserve the surface of the road. You should expect delays as you travel that section of Hwy 23. That project should be complete by Monday, June 20, weather permitting.
COBORNS OPENING
6-15-11
The former County Market in Montevideo has reopened today as Coborn’s, The store, located along Highway 7, had closed for inventory and some remodeling. The 35,000 sq. ft. store will include Coborn’s fresh grocery, deli, meat, seafood, produce, bakery, floral. A pharmacy will be added at some point in the future. The store will be open daily 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. within the employee owned company, and the store will employ about 70 full and part-time workers as it re-opens. Minnesota Business magazine named Coborn’s its 2010 Family Business Of The Year for Community Service and Philanthropy. St. Cloud-based Coborn’s, Inc. has been around for 90 years and operates 42 Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods and Save-A-Lot grocery stores in the upper Midwest, along with convenience, liquor, video stores and pharmacies. Coborn’s also operates CobornsDelivers online grocery and home delivery service, a central bakery, central dry cleaning facility and its own grocery distribution center. The company employs more than 6,500 workers in six states.
RIVER PEAKS THREE TIMES IN MONTEVIDEO
According to Montevideo City Manager Steve Jones, flood waters exceeded flood stage and peaked three separate times this spring. Minor flood stage is 14 feet, moderate flood stage is 16 feet, and major flood stage is 17.5 feet. The city does not consider flood waters to have a major impact on the community until they exceed18 feet or more, because of the many changes already made to the levee system in the city, and due to other flood control procedures used over the last 10 years. The first peak occurred on March 29th, when the city recorded waters at18.58 feet, the 8th highest flood on record. On April 7th, the Minnesota River at Montevideo reached19.86 feet, the 6th highest flood on record, and on June 2nd it reached 14.74 feet, the 34th highest ever. To have individual peaks over flood stage in a single year is a rare event. The last time this happened was in 2001 when the city recorded 2 peaks over flood stage. FEMA was in Montevideo last week to do a preliminary review of damage. At this time staff estimates costs to fight the flood in 2010 to be about $264,000. FEMA staff will be back in Montevideo next week to do more in depth site reviews with city staff, and in the coming weeks final costs will be calculated.
CENSUS HISPANIC FIGURES
6-14-11
More young Hispanics are completing high school and fewer are dropping out than were doing so a decade ago, according to an analysis of enrollment trends by the U.S. Census Bureau. These statistics come from a new analysis which examines a number of trends among the U.S. population enrolled in school. At the same time, the Census Bureau reports, that the Hispanic population increased by 15.2 million between 2000 and 2010 and accounted for more than half of the total U.S. population increase of 27.3 million.
RURAL COUNCIL
6-14-11
The White House has established a Rural Council to examine issues beyond America's big cities. Despite recent advances, rural communities continue to struggle to maintain the population and businesses needed for sustained economic growth. The Rural Council will look for ways to maximize the impact of federal investments, to promote both economic prosperity and quality of life for rural residents. President of the Minnesota Farmers Union, Doug Peterson, says the council’s first step will be to identify the problems that small communities face. <<< "And then, look at the deliverance and impact of how those programs, or 'helps' or opportunities, how they get out there, so people can actually grab hold of them. You’ve got to bring the tools to the table before people can actually go to work." >>> And Peterson says a level playing field is needed when it comes to things like technology and education, because people have a right to be rural. <<< "You have a right to educate your children in your home community. You have a right to stay in your home community. You shouldn't have to travel away for education or a job, or health care." >>> The new White House Rural Council will be comprised of two dozen cabinet leaders, from Labor to Commerce to Transportation. Sixteen percent of Americans live in rural counties. The collaboration is expected to result in better programs and services in rural communities and to maximize the benefits of those programs. Peterson says he hopes the Council will seek input from those who live and work in rural Minnesota and other states, because effective policies can't be made a thousand miles away from where the impact is.
NAME OF VICTIM RELEASED
6-13-11
The name of the victim in a fatal car crash that happened last Thursday near Danube has been released. The Renville County Sheriff’s Department identified Michele Belton, 39, of Renville, as the victim killed Thursday morning when her 1989 Ford Tempo went into the ditch and rolled on County Road 1, north of Danube. Belton, who was alone in the vehicle, died at the scene of the accident. An eyewitness said that she was thrown from the vehicle.
The crash happened around 11:40 a.m. on County Road 1 about a quarter of a mile south of the Renville-Kandiyohi County line, approximately six miles north of Danube. The Renville County Sheriff’s office and the Minnesota State patrol are continuing to investigate the crash.
MONTEVIDEO SCHOOL BOARD
6-13-11
The Montevideo school board will officially recognize award recipients during tonight’s board meeting. Receiving the Teacher of the Year Award is Monica Stueck. Stueck is the business education teacher. Stueck also serves as technology representative for the high school and is the district assessment coordinator and the Montevideo Service Organization treasurer. Carol Westberg will receive the Friends of Education Award. The Support Staff Employee of the Year will go to Shari Connelly. The Board is set to approve Molly Grussing as the student representative to the board of education.
PIONEERLAND BAND FESTIVAL
6-13-11
A total of 11 bands will participate in this year's 24th Annual Pioneerland Band Festival, set for 6:30p.m. tomorrow, along the streets in Benson. Set to perform this year from our area are Benson and KMS. The bands will competing for $2,550 in cash prizes, along with trophies, plaques and the official Band Festival flag, which goes to the Grand Champion along with the top prize of $750. Special awards will also be presented to the Outstanding Color Guard, Outstanding Percussion Unit, and People's Choice.
CHILD-REARING COSTS
6-13-11
The Department of Agriculture has released its annual report, Expenditures on Children by Families, finding that a middle-income family with a child born in 2010 can expect to spend about $227,000 for food, shelter, and other necessities to raise that child over the next 17 years. (More, if projected inflation costs are factored in).This represents a 2 percent increase from 2009. Expenses for transportation, child care, education, and health care saw the largest percentage increases related to child rearing from 2009. There were very small changes in housing, food, clothing, and miscellaneous expenses on a child since 2009.. For middle-income families, housing costs are the single largest expenditure on a child, averaging 31 percent of the total cost over 17 years. Child care and education and food were the next two largest expenses, accounting for 17 and 16 percent of their total expenditure. These estimates do not include costs associated with pregnancy or the cost of a college education. In 1960, the first year the report was issued, a middle-income family could have expected to spend about $25,000 to raise a child through age seventeen. If you account for the cost of inflation that amount would translate to just under $186,000 in today's prices. Housing was the largest expense on a child both then and now. Health care expenses have doubled since 1960. In addition, some current-day costs, such as child care, were negligible in 1960.
COLLISION SOUTHEAST OF MADISON
6-10-11
Two men were injured in a crash Tuesday afternoon southeast of Madison. The two vehicle collision took place on Lac qui Parle County Road 25 at the intersection of 230th Street. According to the Sheriffs office, Bruce Baker, 57 of Dawson was driving a 1994 Chrysler, westbound on 230th Street, when he failed to stop and yield for a 2007 Chevy, driven by Jon Fulton, 48 of Madison who was driving southbound on County Road 25. Both drivers were taken to area hospitals. Information on their condition was not released by the Lac qui Parle County Sheriff's office.
ONE VEHICLE ROLL OVER
6-10-11
The name of a female driver killed in a one-vehicle rollover crash that occurred around 11:40 a.m. yesterday is being withheld pending the notification of relatives. The crash happened on County Road 1 about a quarter of a mile north of 890th Avenue, approximately six miles north of Danube. A 1989 Ford Tempo was northbound on County Road 1 when it rolled into the ditch. According to an eyewitness, the driver was ejected from the vehicle.
CEOs CONVENE FOR CONFERENCE ON CANCER
6-10-11
C-E-Os from across the country are in Minnesota today with a focus on what the nation’s corporations can do to help in the fight against cancer. American Cancer Society C-E-O, Doctor John Seffrin, says they’re taking this on because of cancer’s massive effect on workplace health care costs and lost productivity.
"The key is to get the CEO involved. The CEO is different from any other employee in that he or she gets to set the agenda and when everyone knows the tone at the top - it cares about employee wellness, people get engaged."
Doctor Seffrin says examples of corporate leadership on the issue include tobacco free workplaces and company wellness programs that reward people for keeping themselves healthy; and he says they can have a major impact.
“Cancer now, is one of the most preventable life-threatening diseases facing the work force. So, 60-percent of all human cancer is preventable during a normal human lifespan."
CEOs taking part in the American Cancer Society’s conference in Minneapolis include the heads of Target, US Bank and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Minnesota, claiming 9,300 lives a year. One-third of those deaths are related to lack of exercise and poor eating habits.
GETHSEMANE EPISCOPAL CHURCH NOMINATION
6-9-11
Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Appleton has passed the first measure as supporters seek to have it named to the National Register. The church, which was built in 1879 , was deemed to be eligible for the National Register because it has significance for its historical associations with the expansion of the Episcopal Church in southwestern Minnesota. And with the ambitions and influence of Minnesota's first Episcopal Bishop, Henry B. Whipple. The Episcopal movement is associated with the promise and realities of early Euro-American settlement of new towns in the state. Gethsemane retains the very small scale associated with missionary or first-generation churches, and is built in the Gothic Revival form that identifies it as an Episcopal church from the period of Whipple's missionary efforts. The nomination now moves from consideration by the Minnesota Historical Society's State Review Board to the National Park Service in Washington, D.C.
EFFECT OF WEATHER ON ROADS
6-9-11
A particularly hard winter that left its mark on streets and roads saw its polar opposite earlier this week as unseasonably hot temperatures caused pavement to expand rapidly, and in some cases cause the road surface to heave upward because expansion joints had filled with sand and debris, leaving no place for the pavement to expand but up. Street problems go far beyond what weather brings. Poor road conditions can damage your vehicle by wrecking the tires or throwing out the suspension by hitting one too many potholes. Studies show the wear and tear on your car from rough roads amounts to more than $300 per year, per driver.
MNSCU HOPES TO BEAT STATE SHUTDOWN
6-9-11
Officials with the Minnesota State College and University system hope to continue to operate even if there is a government shut-down. MnSCU officials say even without state aid, they could use revenue from tuition and reserve funds to operate normally through the rest of the summer and into the fall term if necessary. MnSCU officials want the state to give them access to that money which is held in a special account, but they haven't gotten a response yet. If MnSCU can't get access to its cash and there is a shutdown, then colleges and universities would close.
PRIORITY CHEMICALS LIST
6-9-11
The Minnesota Department of Health has released their Priority Chemicals List, comprised of chemicals that pose a threat to human health, are present in the environment, and are found in children's products. The list came out of a longer list of over 17-hundred “chemicals of high concern” developed to help parents figure out which products are safe for their kids. Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of toxic chemicals, which can interfere with brain development. For help in figuring out what is safe or not, parents can access the guide, “Quick Tips to Avoid Toxins” at healthy-legacy-dot-org.
DNR LOOKING FOR TIPS
6-8-11
The local DNR Conservation Officer is looking for tips on who may have dumped several items of household trash at the Watermans Bridge landing. Watermans landing is located on CR 15, west of Montevideo. The items include 3 couches or upholstered chairs, a mattress, box-spring and an exterior door. If you have any information, contact Conservation Officer Ed Picht. His email address is listed along with this story on our website, Click on the News tab.
Conservation Officer Ed Picht : edward.picht@state.mn.us
SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS REGULATION CHANGES
6-8-11
Colleges and universities across the country are having to adjust their policies for satisfactory academic progress. The change is to keep them in line with new federal regulations that measure program success and ties it to the availability of financial aid. In essence, what the change means to students who use financial aid is that they must achieve a greater degree of success in their coursework or risk loosing financial aid altogether. Rules that are currently in place only go so far as to place a failing student on academic probation. Colleges will continue that practice. But will also tie the lack of academic success to eligibility for federal financial assistance. The change will take effect in the next school year.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
6-8-11
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced yesterday that the USDA is accepting applications for grants to help rural businesses create jobs through cooperative development centers. Vilsack said, "Cooperative development centers are business and job incubators [and] support President Obama's goal to bring increased economic opportunities to rural communities by assisting new businesses as they create sustainable jobs." For more information, you can go to our website for a link to rural development grants.
Visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov for additional information about the agency's programs or to locate the USDA Rural Development office nearest you.
GRANITE FALLS BICYCLIST HEADED HOME
6-8-11
Granite Falls bicyclist Steven DuBois is heading home after encountering some medical problems just days into his planned 2,500 mile trip along the Mississippi River Trail. DuBois, who had to delay his mid-May departure two weeks because of extensive flooding in the lower reaches of the Mississippi, was overcome by heat exhaustion that plagued him for days and finally landed him in the hospital. His situation was further complicated by mechanical problems with his bike and a sprained wrist. In spite of it all, the 24-year-old DuBois remained upbeat and says he has learned a lot. To get through the tough periods he would focus on staying calm and just “keeping on”. He is also an optimistic realist, returning home to recover his health for now, he intends to make another go of it, maybe next year. But, right now, he needs to pay off some medical bills.
MONTEVIDEO FISH POND
6-7-11
On Monday night the Montevideo City Council approved the DNR's request to stock the Tanglewood/Horizon Trails Storm Water Retention Pond with fish A request to officially set up the pond as a fishing area in the city was referred back to the Montevideo Park Board for study. The Park Board will have the task of reviewing the site and making a recommendation back to the city council on whether the pond is a good site for a long term program. Besides stocking the pond the DNR has mentioned that they may be able to find a fishing pier that may work at the site. Some trap netting done by the DNR at the pond last week found that fish there have been surviving the winter. The site may be managed by the DNR as a kids fishing pond, if the city gives its approval. The pond will be stocked with fish within the next several weeks
INVENTORS CONGRESS THIS WEEKEND
6-7-11
The 54th annual Minnesota Inventors Congress will be this Friday and Saturday in Redwood Falls. The Expo is an opportunity for inventors to test market their creations and see what people think of them. Exhibitors and attendees can take advantage of a variety of educational opportunities, check out the Inventing Success Workshops and visit the Inventors Resource Center which is staffed by consultants in the invention development field. Over 5,000 products have been exhibited at the Invention & Idea Show™ since it began in 1958, including the Funnel Hole Ice Auger and the fold-up camp trailer that is most commonly referred to today as a tent camper.
PLANT PATHOGENS
6-7-11
As you decide on what new plants to add to your garden this year, be careful about where those plants are coming from so that you don't accidentally introduce a harmful plant pathogen that could wreck havoc and have unintended consequences. Plants shipped from distant states or other countries may contain pathogens from those areas that were not previously found in Minnesota. For example, back in 2009, some tomato transplants from the south eastern United States were shipped to garden centers from Maine to Ohio. The transplants were infected with the pathogen known as late blight. The resulting disease epidemic spread from home gardens to commercial tomato and potato fields; from the east coast through Wisconsin. Experts recommend that you buy locally grown plants when possible. Read plant labels and choose plants from local nurseries.
MONTEVIDEO POLICE AUCTION
6-7-11
The Montevideo Police Department will be holding their spring auction on Friday at 12:30. There will be 23 vehicles, 20 Bikes, and 29 other items. Vehicles are forfeited and surplus vehicles. The bikes and other items come from unclaimed recovered property. The auction will be held at the City Street Dept Garage located on Gravel Road.
MACCRAY TO CONTINUE FOUR-DAY SCHOOL WEEK
6-6-11
The MACCRAY School District has received State approval to continue their 4-day school week. The State must approve modifications in the school week for any school district. A school has the option of requesting a one, two or three-year approval. In MACCRAY's case, a three-year year approval was sought. To maintain the authorization, the district must file a report every year that demonstrates academic achievement through test scores and other criteria. The primary motivation for reducing a school week lies in cost savings. MACCRAY sees an average cost reduction of $150,000 annually; mostly in transportation costs, but also in heating costs. There was no public outcry expressed in opposition to the four-day school week, public meetings held by the district were minimally attended. Six people came to the meeting in Raymond and only school officials and the press attended meetings in Clara City and Maynard. MACCRAY serves 685 students.
MINNESOTA DRIVING PRIVILEGES AFFECTED BY NEW LAW
6-6-11
Minnesota drivers with outstanding driving violations in other states should be aware that those violations may affect their Minnesota driving privileges starting June 28, 2011. Drivers who know that their driving privileges in another state have been suspended, revoked, canceled or withdrawn are encouraged to resolve the matter before they attempt to apply for, renew, change or upgrade a Minnesota driver’s license. A Federal Law, known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act now requires all states to verify that a person applying for a driver’s license or learner’s permit has no unresolved sanctions or a history of serious violations in another state. The mandate is meant to prevent drivers from obtaining a license from more than one state or from hiding convictions among several states and driving records. As of June 28, Minnesota will not issue, renew, replace or upgrade a driver’s license or learner’s permit for anyone with outstanding sanctions in another state.
AREA RESIDENTS WANT SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO COLLABORATE
6-6-11
Seventeen school districts from the region have been working to identify ways they can work together to enhance learning. As part of the process, a survey of residents was taken. It shows that there is a strong desire for districts to increase collaborative efforts so that students have more opportunities and in order that increased efficiencies can be realized. The survey helped to identify three primary initiatives: The sharing of academic services, through technology and other means, to students across the region; The development of regional staff development opportunities focused on student achievement; and the establishment of a common teacher evaluation process involving the training of administrators across the region. Other possible initiatives to be explored include the increased sharing of school personnel between and among the region's school districts as well as the development of a common calendar including both student contact and staff development days. Survey respondents also showed support for a pre-Labor Day start for the school year.
DAWSON AMENDS CITY CODE
6-3-11
The Dawson City Council has amended city code to allow up to six hen chickens on a premises if a permit is obtained. The action was taken during the last council meeting after the second reading of the ordinance.
POOL AND WATER SAFETY
6-3-11
Schools across the region are closing down for the summer and swimming pools are opening. For millions of Americans, swimming pools and spas are great places for families to spend time together having fun. Yet it’s important to ensure everyone stays safe in and around pools and spas. Pool and spa submersions and drownings happen quickly, especially when they involve children. A child can drown in the time it takes to answer a telephone. Parents and careproviders must be alert to the hazards of drownings, non-fatal submersion injuries and drain entrapments—and how to prevent them. Build on the current safety systems at pools by adopting additional water safety steps. Adding as many proven water safety steps as possible is the best way to assure a safe and fun experience, because you can never know which one might save a child’s life—until it does. Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa and always watch your child when he or she is in or near water
NEWS BRIEFS -RIVER, MOSQUITOS
6-3-11
In Montevideo, the Minnesota River is back over flood stage due to recent rainfall. It has leveled out at 14.74 feet. If we do not receive any more precipitation, the river will gradually begin fall once again to below the 14 foot flood level. In Granite Falls, the river remains below flood stage and is expected to peak 886.8 feet. A full foot below flood stage.
The Montevideo Public Works department began placing anti-mosquito briquets in ponds this week and mosquito spraying will begin in the next few days and continue throughout the summer. Conditions for spraying must be just right in order for it to be effective; winds must be calm and there should be no precipitation. The mosquito spraying program has had a positive effect on outdoor comfort for residents and is believed to help reduce the incidence of mosquitoes bearing the West Nile Virus. City residents who would like to receive automatic notifications of planned spraying can call City Hall and request to be placed on the list.
MY PLATE
6-3-11
First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack have unveiled the federal government's new food icon, MyPlate, to serve as a reminder to help consumers make healthier food choices. MyPlate is a new generation icon with the intent to prompt consumers to think about building a healthy plate at meal times and to seek more information to help them do that by going to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov. The new MyPlate icon emphasizes the fruit, vegetable, grains, protein and dairy food groups. Nutrition, health and consumer advocates applauded the MyPlate icon and reiterated their commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Americans nationwide.
SWIFT COUNTY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY
6-2-11
A seven-month long archaeological survey of Swift County has identified 45 new sites containing evidence of prehistoric habitation. One was identified as a historic building foundation made of field stones. Forty-four of the sites were defined as prehistoric Native American sites. As part of the survey, researchers met with local residents who had collected artifacts from the area. One collection included a Folsom point; a style of fluted point made by ancient Indian people around 11,000 years ago. Before starting their search the research team identified sites in the county that would have been attractive to Native American Indian tribes. They walked fields and took soil core samples which focused more intense scrutiny at promising locations. A number of sites yielded pottery shards and sharp flakes of chert or chert-like stone that was used for stone tools in prehistoric times.
SELF-SUFFICINCY HELP
6-2-11
Area residents who are having trouble making ends meet can get help from a Community Action Council. An Outreach office will make referrals to other agencies, and assist in other ways to solve problems regarding self-sufficiency, energy assistance, housing, and Medicare issues. Community Action Councils also offer limited food assistance and may sell used clothing at very low prices. The Prairie Five Community Action Council serves this area with offices located in Chippewa, Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, Yellow Medicine and Swift counties. The main office is in Montevideo. Contact information can be found in the phone book or go to our website for a link. http://www.prairiefive.com/
SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION
6-2-11
A Montevideo man was honored recently by the Southwest Initiative Foundation. Glen Herfurth received the Leadership Award as a tribute to his contributions throughout the Montevideo community. The Foundation Leadership Award recognizes leaders who bring people or organizations together to face challenges and create new opportunities to strengthen and sustain their communities and the southwest Minnesota region. Their vision, action and dedication make a lasting, positive difference.
The Collaboration Award was presented to Western Minnesota Prairie Waters Convention and Visitors Bureau for it's collaborative work in regional marketing and promotion. Prairie Waters pools the resources of Chippewa, Swift and Lac qui Parle counties as it works to bring in tourism dollars that boost regional economies. It is a program of the Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission
The awards were given during the Southwest Initiative Foundation's 25 year anniversary dinner celebration. The Southwest Initiative Foundation was established by The McKnight Foundation and statewide leaders in 1986 when Minnesota faced widespread financial hardships, high unemployment, and shifting rural economies. It is one of six independent, regionally focused entities that transform financial investments into innovative social services, prosperous industries, and stronger, more vibrant communities. In a quarter century, each regional Initiative Foundation has found its own path, creating unique programs and operational structures.
MACCRAY IPADS
6-1-11
The MACCRAY School Board has decided to move ahead with a three-year lease on 440 iPad 2 tablet computers. The iPads will be distributed to teachers and to students in grades 7-12. Each elementary school will have a portable lab with 25 iPads. The lease for the iPads will be $72,000 a year for three years. The district will spend another $32,000 in the first year to upgrade its technology infrastructure to give its schools wireless networks and to purchase cases and applications for the new equipment. Policies for student use of the computers are still being developed, but it is expected that students will be able to take them home every night and every weekend for use during the school year. The district expects there will be some cost savings by using the tablet computers. Paper and copier expenses should be lower and there should be textbook savings because students will be able to use free digital textbooks. Schoolwork will be streamlined because teachers will be able to assign homework and students will be able to turn it in using the iPads. Another advantage is that the iPads will level the playing field for students whose families don’t own computers or have Internet access.
PREPARING FOR THE AGING OF BABY BOOMERS
6-1-11
Local leaders in senior living are learning that they should be making preparations for a large number of seniors that will be ready to take advantage of senior services in the next 10 to15 years. 21 percent of Yellow Medicine County’s population is age 65 or older and 19 percent of Chippewa County’s population fall within that spectrum. By 2020, there will be more people over age 65 than in elementary, middle and high schools put together. According to the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging, the baby boomer generation will enter retirement and senior living much different than seniors in previous generations. Over 50 percent of future retirees expect to work during their traditional retirement years and 93 percent of Minnesota baby boomers say they plan to continue living in their own home rather than in senior living apartments, assisted living, or other residential care options. Communities and support agencies should now be making preparations for the influx of demands on senior services for the aging population, but are faced with bleak budgets and the likelihood that programs and services will continue to be cut, making an already difficult challenge even more prickly.
RETIREMENT PLANING COURSE
6-1-11
Are you saving enough now to live the same lifestyle that you are currently living once you retire? A 2010 Employee Benefit Research Institute study on retirement readiness found that almost 45 percent of Generation Xers, age 36-45, are at risk of not having sufficient retirement income to pay for basic retirement expenditures as well as unisured health care costs. That risk increased for Early boomers, age 56-62, of whom nearly one-half were found to be at risk. Approximately 44 percent of Late Boomers, age 46-55 appeared to be at risk. The University of Minnesota Extension has developed a new online course that teaches the basics about saving and investing for retirement. Find the Extension's “Invest Now: Money in Retirement” course at www.extension.umn.edu/FinancialSecurity/invest-now.
MONTEVIDEO POLICE NEWS
5-30-11
The Montevideo Police Department conducted alcohol compliance checks last week at 12 establishments in town that sell alcohol. Each of the12 business successfully passed since they asked to check I.D's. Businesses visited in the compliance check were: Fiesta City Liquor, Flinn's, Groats, Topper's, American Legion, VFW, Valentino's, Melody Lanes, Food and Fuel, Casey's, Wal-mart and El Rancho.
The Montevideo Police are reminding city residents that there is a 48 hour parking ordinance. City streets may not be used to indefinitely store boats, campers and other items. No item may be left for days or weeks on end on any street. The ordinance stipulates that after 48 hours your vehicle may be ticketed or towed. This also applies to boats, campers, and trailers, including construction trailers. In the winter, the ordinance shortens to a 24 hour restriction.
LOCAL COUNTIES RECORD “NATURAL DECREASE” IN CENSUS
5-30-11
Census figures show several hundred U.S. counties are experiencing more deaths than births, what demographers call “natural decrease.” The rate of births to deaths is one of the components used by the Census Bureau in formulating population estimates. Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Renville, Swift and Yellow Medicine counties show an overall loss in population. However, only two of those counties — Lac qui Parle and Yellow Medicine — recorded more deaths than births. Lac qui Parle County recorded 24 more deaths than births and Yellow Medicine County recorded 17 more deaths than births. Chippewa County showed a “natural increase” of 24 more births than deaths; Renville County, 7; and Swift County, 4. Migration — both international and domestic — is the other main component of population change. The Census estimates it was the biggest measurable factor in population decreases.
MONTEVIDEO APPLIES FOR FEDERAL AID
5-30-11
Local government officials met last week with FEMA and Homeland Security staff to over the application process for federal assistance for flood related costs. Eligible reimbursement expenses include flood fighting costs and costs to repair damage to public property. Initial applications were completed during the meeting. Montevideo estimates damages at about $265,000. Costs are mostly due to flood fighting efforts, but some damage occurred to roads and utility infrastructure.
CLICK IT OR TICKET CAMPAIGN
5-30-11
Stepped up Click It or Ticket seat belt patrols continue now through June 5. Officers will stop and ticket unbelted drivers or passengers. The state's primary seat belt law requires passengers in all seating positions, including the back seat, to be buckled up or seated in the correct child restraint. A seat belt fine is $25 but can cost more than $100 with court and administrative fees.
MONTEVIDEO POLICE NEWS
5-30-11
The Montevideo Police Department conducted alcohol compliance checks last week at 12 establishments in town that sell alcohol. Each of the12 business successfully passed since they asked to check I.D's. Businesses visited in the compliance check were: Fiesta City Liquor, Flinn's, Groats, Topper's, American Legion, VFW, Valentino's, Melody Lanes, Food and Fuel, Casey's, Wal-mart and El Rancho.
The Montevideo Police are reminding city residents that there is a 48 hour parking ordinance. City streets may not be used to indefinitely store boats, campers and other items. No item may be left for days or weeks on end on any street. The ordinance stipulates that after 48 hours your vehicle may be ticketed or towed. This also applies to boats, campers, and trailers, including construction trailers. In the winter, the ordinance shortens to a 24 hour restriction.
LOCAL COUNTIES RECORD “NATURAL DECREASE” IN CENSUS
5-30-11
Census figures show several hundred U.S. counties are experiencing more deaths than births, what demographers call “natural decrease.” The rate of births to deaths is one of the components used by the Census Bureau in formulating population estimates. Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Renville, Swift and Yellow Medicine counties show an overall loss in population. However, only two of those counties — Lac qui Parle and Yellow Medicine — recorded more deaths than births. Lac qui Parle County recorded 24 more deaths than births and Yellow Medicine County recorded 17 more deaths than births. Chippewa County showed a “natural increase” of 24 more births than deaths; Renville County, 7; and Swift County, 4. Migration — both international and domestic — is the other main component of population change. The Census estimates it was the biggest measurable factor in population decreases.
MONTEVIDEO APPLIES FOR FEDERAL AID
5-30-11
Local government officials met last week with FEMA and Homeland Security staff to over the application process for federal assistance for flood related costs. Eligible reimbursement expenses include flood fighting costs and costs to repair damage to public property. Initial applications were completed during the meeting. Montevideo estimates damages at about $265,000. Costs are mostly due to flood fighting efforts, but some damage occurred to roads and utility infrastructure.
CLICK IT OR TICKET CAMPAIGN
5-30-11
Stepped up Click It or Ticket seat belt patrols continue now through June 5. Officers will stop and ticket unbelted drivers or passengers. The state's primary seat belt law requires passengers in all seating positions, including the back seat, to be buckled up or seated in the correct child restraint. A seat belt fine is $25 but can cost more than $100 with court and administrative fees.
BE WARY OF PHONE SCAMS
5-27-11
Phone scammers are canvasing the area looking for unsuspecting victims. During the phone call, the scamster tells unwary targets that they are under investigation for tax fraud, and they should call an 800 number within 24 hours to retain the services of a firm that will help to protect them. When contact is made, you are then asked to send money to pay for the service. The 800 number, currently originating out of Georgia, is not registered to a legitimate business. The scammers get your money and are never heard from again. A variation of the scam tells you that you have become a victim of check fraud and should call the 800 number to arrange protection services. The alarming nature of the situation these types of phone calls set up and sense of urgency they create can be very emotional. Do not to fall prey to them, they are not authentic.
GAS PRICES
5-27-11
Average retail gasoline prices in Minnesota have fallen 11 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.74/g. This compares with the national average that has dropped 6 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.80/g. Including the change in gas prices in Minnesota during the past week, prices are $1.12/g higher than one year ago and are 6 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 5 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 1 dollar and 4 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.
CLICK IT OR TICKET CAMPAIGN
5-27-11
Unbelted drivers or passengers will be ticketed during stepped up enforcement of seat belt laws now through June 5. Police departments from around the state will increase Click It or Ticket seat belt patrols to prevent a repeat of the deadly spring in 2010, when a flurry of traffic crashes killed 11 people within four days, nine who were not belted. According to Public Safety Officials, a seat belt is a motorist's best defense in case of a crash. In rollover crashes, unbelted motorists are usually ejected from the vehicle. In most cases, the vehicle will roll over them. Often, unbelted motorists will crack teeth out on steering wheels or break their noses, and even slam into and injure or kill others in the vehicle. The state's primary seat belt law requires passengers in all seating positions, including the back seat, to be buckled up or seated in the correct child restraint. Officers will stop and ticket unbelted drivers or passengers. A seat belt fine is $25 but can cost more than $100 with court and administrative fees.
PRODUCERS MAKE SIGNIFICANT PLANTING PROGRESS
5-27-11
Warmer weather throughout the week this past week allowed soybean producers to make significant planting progress, according to the USDA, NASS, Minnesota Field Office. As of May 23, soybean planting had advanced to 81 percent complete. Other crops nearing planting completion included canola, potatoes, and green peas. All three crops were 93 percent planted or greater. Corn was 78 percent emerged, with 87 percent of the crop rated in good to excellent condition. Temperatures reached the highest levels so far this year, with highs approximately 5° above normal during the reporting period. Statewide, five-and-a-half days were rated suitable for fieldwork. The statewide average temperature was 57o, nearly average for the week.
PRINSBURG CRASH VICTIMS IDENTIFIED
5-26-11
A 55-year-old Bloomington man and a 22-year-old Iowa man have been identified as the two people killed in a fiery, head-on crash Sunday afternoon in Prinsburg. David A. Lundgren was the driver of the 2005 Chevy Silverado that burst into flames after it collided with a 2005 Ford Super Duty pickup driven by Dorothy Hovland, 75, of Shakopee. The passenger in the Chevy pickup was identified as Travis F. Belline. No hometown was listed by the State Patrol. Hovland was airlifted to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale and is in critical condition. A passenger in her vehicle, Raymond Minahan, 75, of Ortonville was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. According to the State Patrol, Hovland was going west on state Highway 7 near Sixth Street and the Lundgren vehicle was going east when they crashed head-on.
FORMER MONTEVIDEO CLINIC STAFFER APPOINTED AT ST. CLOUD
5-26-11
The St. Cloud VA Health Care System recently appointed Mark A. Aberle, as the Extended Care & Rehabilitation Administrative Service Line Director/Nurse Administrator. The Service provides extended care and rehabilitation services for Veterans and a variety of rehabilitation programs. Aberle’s VA service began in 1992. He has served at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center and the Montevideo and Alexandria VA Clinics. A Veteran and current member of the U.S. Army Reserve, Aberle commands an installation medical support unit in Fargo, ND.
AG SECRETARY TALKS ABOUT IMMIGRATION
5-26-11
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met yesterday with American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman to talk about how to fix the broken immigration system so that it works for American agriculture and meets America’s 21st century economic needs. Vilsak said Wednesday that about one-third of all American farm workers are immigrants and it is difficult to know which ones are documents and which ones aren’t. Vilsack said “Congress is considering some legislation based on an e-verify system. [The] hope is that they understand and appreciate that what is needed is comprehensive immigration reform and any program that is structured, whether it is e-verify or something else, needs to take into consideration the unique aspects of agriculture.”
SCHOOL DISTRICT INTEGRATION FUNDING BEING THREATENED
5-26-11
Integration funding is being threatened for a few school districts in the area. The State Department of Education provides integration funding to a school district if it has a minority student population 20 percent or more higher than neighboring districts. Yellow Medicine East, Dawson-Boyd and Canby have all been receiving funding, but state budget cutbacks and changing demographics are conspiring to bring them to an end. Integration funds are used to increase opportunities for interaction between students in racially-isolated areas and their adjacent districts or school sites. The program also provides improved educational opportunities designed to close the academic achievement gap. The status of Yellow Medicine East and other Integration Revenue budgets are currently under review and a determination from the Department of Education is expected in about a week. The state budget battle is still being waged.
HEARING SCHEDULED FOR TAX ABATEMENT REQUEST IN CANBY
5-25-11
A tax abatement request in Canby has been scheduled for a public hearing. The request is for a 10-year tax abatement for a project by the Farmers Cooperative Association. The construction on the project has already begun. Local governments have the ability to offer tax abatement to encourage new business or expansion of existing business. Canby Farmers Coop is requesting the abatement to help in their project to add a dry fertilizer plant to the existing facility. Most of the Yellow Medicine County Board leaned toward opposing the request, but ultimately voted to let the public hear both sides of the issue at a public hearing at 3 p.m. on June 14 at the Yellow Medicine County Courthouse.
GRANITE FALLS COMMISSIONS
5-25-11
There are openings on a couple of commissions in Granite Falls. Mayor Smiglewski, <<< If any of you are interested in serving, if your a city resident, if you are interested in serving please contact either myself or any other council member or just simply call the city hall and leave a message with city clerk Joan Taylor. We welcome any citizen from granite to become a part of those committees and that decision making process. >>> There is one opening on the Utilities Commission and one on the Planning Commission.
MINNESOTA WALK-IN ACCESS PROGRAM
5-25-11
Starting June 1, a pilot program of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Board of Soil and Water will offer extra financial incentive to farmers enrolled in any federal or state conservation program if they allow hunters access to their land. Participants are eligible for additional payments of up to $13 per acre per year for allowing hunters access in the Hunter Walk in Access Program. The program pays a base rate of $10 per acre per year, with a minimum eligible requirement of 40 acres. Bonuses of a dollar each are paid if the landowner has at least 160 acres in the program, signs a multi-year agreement, or has land in the program within a half-mile of a public hunting area. The intent of the program is to encourage more hunting in Minnesota which has been in decline in over the years. There are conditions attached to the money. Landowners in the program cannot pick and choose who can hunt on their land, or restrict access in any season. However, landowners are relieved of liability for any harm hunters may suffer. The program will be implemented in 21 southwestern Minnesota counties, including Lyon, Lac qui Parle, Chippewa, Swift, Renville, Big Stone, and Yellow Medicine counties.
WILLMAR MAN SENTENCED FOR BREAK INS AND SHOTS FIRED AT POLICE OFFICERS
5-25-11
Leroy Diaz Evans, 26, of Willmar, was sentenced Tuesday to 25 years in prison for his role in two home invasions and for shots fired at Willmar police officers. The sentence is for two first-degree burglary charges and for use of deadly force against a peace officer. Because of the violent nature of the crimes, Diaz Evans will serve all of the time in prison. He was given credit for 252 days already served in jail and was ordered to pay $250 in fines and $3,516.00 in restitution.
CLARA CITY STREET IMPROVEMENT BID COMES IN LOW
5-24-11
The bid for the Street Improvement Project in Clara City has come in lower that anticipated. Dunnick Brothers were awarded the one-million-293-thousand dollar bid which came in one-quarter of a million dollars less that engineers had anticipated it would. The project consists mostly of street, storm sewer and water main replacement. A separate bid would add a lift station for one-hundred-one-thousand-852-dollars. A public hearing is set for June 14th that will disclose the final assessment cost to property owners.
MAYNARD MEYER INDUCTED INTO BROADCASTING HALL OF FAME
5-24-11
Madison radio man Maynard Meyer has been named to the Museum of Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Meyer's selection recognizes not only the many achievements of hes distinguished career in radio, but also his leadership in the community. With his induction into the Hall of Fame, Meyer will take his place among the all-time greats in Minnesota radio and television. Meyer was born and raised in Benson and started working part-time in radio as an announcer at KBMO in Benson in 1967. His first full-time job in broadcasting was at KMRS in Morris. He and his partner, Terry Overlander, put KLQP-FM in Madison on the air in 1983. Meyer and his fellow inductees will be honored at the 11th Annual Museum of Broadcasting Hall of Fame Gala in October.
KOENEN VOTES TO SUPPORT GAY MARRIAGE BAN
5-24-11
As the question of whether or not to put the issue of banning gay marriage on the 2012 ballot came to vote in the state House of Representatives Rep. Lyle Koenen said his vote of support was a reflection of his district and his personal conscience. Koenen, a DFL’er from Clara City, was one of two Democrats to vote with Republicans to pass the bill. Koenen said he had not received a lot of pressure one way or the other from his west central Minnesota constituents about the issue, but said his vote was in line with the majority of residents from his district.
CHANGING LANDSCAPE FOR CAMPING OPTIONS
5-24-11
The Memorial Day weekend,coming up later this week, heralds the advent of camping season. Most people think of campgrounds as being frequented solely by hikers, fishermen and other outdoor recreation enthusiasts, all of whom have their own tents or Rvs. But campgrounds are casting a much wider net today by offering a new type of camping experience – one that often includes organized activities, themed weekends, entertainment and rental accommodations. In an effort to making camping accessible to everyone, campground operators are stepping up their investments in rental accommodations, including park model cabins. Some also offer unique accommodations, such as furnished tipis, converted train cars and custom-built tree houses. And if you don’t find yourself hiking or fishing, many campgrounds now offer organized activities and entertainment, from arts and crafts classes to competitive events, while nighttime entertainment include outdoor movies and singalongs around the campfire, Karaoke competitions, murder mystery dinners and nighttime scavenger hunts.
TWO KILLED IN CRASH
5-23-11
Two people were killed and two others injured Sunday afternoon in a fiery head-on crash in Prinsburg. According to the State Patrol, a 2005 Ford Super Duty pickup driven by Dorothy Hovland, 75, of Shakopee, collided with a 2005 Chevy Silverado around 2:26 p.m. yesterday afternoon. The Silverado burst into flames. Two individuals in that vehicle died. Their names will not be released until later today. Hovland was airlifted to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale and is in critical condition, according to the State Patrol. A passenger in her vehicle, Raymond Minahan, 75, of Ortonville was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. The State Patrol reports that Hovland was going west on state Highway 7 near Sixth Street and the other vehicle was going east when they crashed head-on. Although the road was dry at the time of the crash, the State Patrol says subsequent downpours have made it difficult to investigate the scene.
GRANITE FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT GETS THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA
The Granite Falls Fire Department will be receiving a thermal imaging camera. Thermal imaging cameras have been in use in U.S. Fire Departments since the 1990's. They are used to find the seat of a fire, observe fire progress and spread, identify critical building construction features, and to monitor threats to structural integrity as fire fighters are battling a blaze.
GRANITE FALLS TO REMOVE FLOOD AFFECTED HOMES
Granite Falls continues to position itself to be better prepared for flood events along Prentice Street in town. The street runs parallel to the river for several blocks. <<< ... two houses will be moved, a couple more will be dealing with down the road. But so far there are two houses that will be demolished, and some others side structures that are in some of those places where we have to remove buildings to get at the flood, ...and to construct the flood protection program behind the rest of the homes on Prentice Street. >>> Mayor Smiglewski says, the city called for quotes for residential demolition of the homes at last weeks council meeting.
MONTEVIDEO MAN ARRESTED FOR BURGLARY
5-23-11
A Montevideo man has been arrested for burglary of trailer home. 19 Year old Jordan Strommer of Montevideo was arrested Friday after a report that he allegedly entered a trailer home and removed property from that home while the owner was in jail. Strommer made his first appearance on Saturday in Chippewa County Court.
TAKE KID FISH-NEWS STORY
5-23-11
It was another damp but fun and exciting “Take A Kid Fishing “on Saturday at Volden’s Pit, Sponsored by 1460 KDMA Radio and DJ’s Sporting Goods of Montevideo. Over 50 area kids and parents came out to endure the uncertain weather, go after the big fish, enjoy a hot dog shore lunch and to get some great prizes. Unfortunately there were not many fish caught, but there were winners. Karly Envoldsen caught the most fish which got her the “The Most Fish Trophy”, Drew Huddleston brought in a 20 inch sucker giving him the right to the “ Biggest Fish Trophy”, and Brett Smiens came in with a 7.75 inch bass which landed him the “Smallest Fish Trophy.” Congratulations to all our winners and a big thank you from KDMA Radio, DJ’s and the other participating sponsors… A BIG “THANK YOU FOR TAKING A KID FISHING” SEE YA NEXT YEAR!
GRILLS GONE WILD WINNERS
5-23-11
Congratulations to winners that were drawn on Friday in the Grills Gone Wild contest. $100 Charcoal Grill winners were Branden Maher of Granite Falls, Bea Hoppe of Montevideo, and Pat Freese of Maynard. Winner of the Grand Prize Gas Grill was Justin Swenson of Appleton.
GRANITE FALLS RESIDENTS DISPLEASED WITH CABLE SERVICE
5-20-11
Residents in Granite Falls who are displeased with their cable service have had their voices heard. A representative from service provider MediaCom was on hand at a Council meeting earlier this week to hear complaints that centered on pricing, lack of channel selection, incomplete Twins baseball coverage and lack of Big 10 Network showing. Granite Falls Mayor Dave Smiglewski: <<< We expressed that concern very strongly to MediaCom's representative. He said he would take these concerns back to the company, but couldn't promise anything. And he also said that there was likely to be someone from their office with more authority than he to be out here in the future to meet with us. We told him that we would very much encourage that. And that we were are not happy with how things have gone for the level of service we are receiving for the price. >>> Council also reminded the representative that Granite Falls had been notified that there was going to be a rate increase. Council made it clear that there was no justification for it.
EPISCOPAL CHUCH IN APPLETON APPLIES FOR HISTORIC RECOGNITION
5-20-11
Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Appleton has applied to be listed on the national register of Historic Places. The process for listing a property on the National Register is a rigorous one. It begins with research to establish the property's significance. This information is recorded on a nomination form, reviewed and presented to the Minnesota Historical Society's State Review Board. If the property meets Register criteria, the nomination is sent to Washington, D.C., for final review, approval and placement on the National Register. The National Register criteria for evaluating the significance of properties were developed to recognize all people who made a contribution to the country's history. The City of Appleton has sent a letter to the Minnesota Historical Society in support of the nomination.
MONTEVIDEO TO BEGIN ANNUAL MOSQUITO SPRAYING
5-20-11
Montevideo will once again be spraying to suppress the mosquito population inside city limits. Spraying may begin as soon as next week. City officials report a sizable decrease in mosquito complaints since the program began in 2004 and anecdotal evidence points to a better quality of life. There have been no reported deaths due to West Nile disease since spraying began. There was one documented West Nile death prior to the start of the program. The suppression agent used by the city was heavily researched prior to its use and was chosen to be as non-toxic to humans yet effective on mosquitoes as possible. City residents who wish to be notified before each time the city sprays may call city hall and request to be placed on a call list.
PLANTING ADVANCES DESPITE ACTIVE WEATHER
5-20-11
Planting progress was made this past week in spite of frequent rain showers, according to the USDA, NASS, Minnesota Field Office. As of May 15, spring wheat advanced 21 percentage points to 39 percent planted. Corn advanced 19 points to 47 percent planted. Similar progress was made with oats, barley and sugarbeets at 54 percent planted, 22 percent planted and 31 percent planted, respectively.
YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY 911 SERVICE RESTORED
5-19-11
Emergency 911 service in Yellow Medicine County was down for a while yesterday afternoon. County dispatch was unable to receive any administrative or emergency calls. And all of Yellow Medicine 911 calls were routed through Lyon County. Service was restored yesterday at about 6pm.
GRANITE FALLS CONSIDERS SOCIAL HOST ORDINANCE
5-19-11
The Granite Falls City Council has taken the first step toward enacting a “Social Host” ordinance. Granite Falls Mayor Dave Smiglewski reports <<<The council had quite a bit of discussion about it and we felt at the end of the discussion that we should move forward with the first reading of that ordinance. That does not enact the ordinance, it just gets the discussion on the table. We will have it scheduled for our next meeting, if folks have concerns or support or take exception to what that social host ordinance is about, please contact the council members, or myself, and let us know before our next meeting. But the council did go ahead and go forward on it and there seems to be fairly wide support on the council for enacting. >>> Yellow Medicine County has already adopted the ordinance, as has Renville County and the City of Canby. The Clarkfield City Council is currently considering its adoption. A social host ordinance holds individuals (social hosts) criminally responsible for hosting or allowing an event on private or public property where persons under age 21 possess or consume alcohol, regardless of who supplies the alcohol to the minors. The ordinance would apply to social hosts that know or reasonably should know that alcohol is being possessed or consumed by underage persons at their property or at any event they are hosting on public or private property.
CLARA CITY CHIPPEWA COUNTY SHARED SERVICE BUILDING
5-19-11
Clara City City Administrator Windy Block reports that the city has purchased 8 acres of land just east of Donnors Crossroad. <<< Our goal is that's where we hope, on part of it, to build a collaborative center for our public works garage and the county highway department from Chippewa County. We'll put up a building there and jointly share some of the pieces there, like restrooms and wash bays and break rooms and welding rooms. >>> The agreement with the county is that Clara City would purchase the land, then the county would begin work on site development and the design of the building.
CHIPPEWA RIVER DAM REMOVAL
5-18-11
The dam on the Chippewa River in Montevideo will be coming down soon. Chris Dohlmeier of the DNR was on hand at a Public Hearing earlier this week to explain the project. The existing dam will be removed and boulders will be put in place to create a series of rapids at the site of the dam. A number of people spoke during the hearing, including Pat Moore of CURE, some people had questions about the effect on the area, Lagoon Park, and the banks, but in the end the consensus of those in attendance was that the removal was a good idea. The dam has been damaged in a series of floods since 1997 rendering the dam inoperable. The state has deemed the dam to be unsafe; and the dam affects the natural migration of wildlife up the Minnesota into the Chippewa River. The Montevideo City Council approved a resolution to go ahead with the project, which will be funded by the DNR and The National Fish and Wildlife Service.
MONTEVIDEO ANNUAL BUILDING AWARDS
5-18-11
At Monday nights Montevideo City Council meeting the council gave out its annual building awards for 2010. The annual building award program recognizes residential, rental, commercial or industrial construction or remodeling that is special, unique, or high quality in its design and construction. Categories are flexible. 2010 Residential category winners were:
Jim and Alta Wick, at 502 South 12th Street, for their Large Addition and attached garage construction. Contractor was Lannie Ashling and Jim and Sally Tongen, 721 South 9th Street for additions to their house. Their Contractor was Jerry Larson. The Rental Rehabilitation Award went to Hamtim Properties, 114 North 7th Street Exterior Remodel, Contractor Randy Dyrdahl. Commercial Remodel Award went to Christa Landmark Photograhy, Studio and Boutique 320 N. 1st Street Store Front Remodel. And in the final category of New Commercial Development Mary Haff won the award for Perfect Paws Vet Clinic located at 1220 Grove Avenue.
BICYCLIST DELAYS TRIP
5-18-11
Granite Falls bicyclist Steve DuBois has had to delay his Mississippi River Trail adventure because of extensive flooding along the lower reaches of the Mississippi. DuBois had expected to be on the trail in the New Orleans area by now, but has delayed his departure till May 29th so that he reduces the risk of becoming stranded. The 3,000 mile – 3 month long journey will take him all the way to the headwaters of the Mississippi at Lake Itasca here in Minnesota. On this ride, DuBois will take with him two influences that have had a significant impact on his life. The memory of his father who inspired him to take on the bike challenge. And he will endeavor to raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders. DuBois found out at the end of last year that he has Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of Autism. Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders. It's causes are generally not understood and there are different levels of severity and combinations of symptoms. DuBois is using this delay to continue his fund-raising efforts. You can contact him via email, go to kdmanews.com to find the link. sketch_m@hotmail.com .
APPLETON AMBULANCE BUILDING UPGRADE
5-17-11
The Appleton City Council has approved an upgrade to the lighting in thier ambulance building. The current lighting which is 20 or more years old will be replaced with energy efficient T8 bulbs. The upgrade is expected to cost roughly $2,200. Rebates offered through Ottertail Power will reduce the cost by $700 to $800. The balance of the costs will payback in five years as a result of energy savings due to the energy efficient nature of the new bulbs.
CLARKFIELD GETS NEW CITY ADMINISTRATOR
5-17-11
A new city administrator has taken the reins in Clarkfield. Scott Weskys' first day on the job was Monday. He is originally from Waseca, MN. He graduated from Minnesota State University – Mankato with a degree in Urban and Regional studies. Wesky is getting familiar with the layout of the town while meeting residents, business owners and trying to learn everyone’s name. Retiring City Administrator Kathy Kittleson will be staying on until work on the Tax Increment Financing District for the Prairie Grain Partners Expansion is complete. That is expected to be sometime in July.
GOVENOR'S FISHING OPENER
5-17-11
KDMA General Manager Roger Hill returned from from his 16th Annual Governors opener held at Lake Pokegama Near Grand Rapids Minnesota this past weekend, once again without a fish...The opener at Grand Rapids was rainy from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., but then turned to a great sunshiny day...Over 300 people attended the opener, held at Rutgers Lodge...As always with the governors opener it’s our job to help promote various parts of our great state as a place for a weekend or a week away on a family vacation, and the Grand Rapids area can do just that with many items of interest for the entire family....From fishing and boating, ice fishing and snowmobiling, and is also the home of Judy Garland...Highly recommended as a great 4 ½ hour drive away..The Grand Rapids area is a place you’ll truly enjoy.....From Roger, it was fun, it was wet, it was windy, and it was cold...Just another great opener...and next year it’s off to Lake Waconia just west of the Twin Cities.
MONTEVIDEO LEVY REFERENDUM
5-17-11
Voters in Montevideo may be asked to vote on an operating levy during an upcoming election. A special work session is set for Monday, May 23, when the Montevideo School Board will be discussing whether or not to put a referendum on the ballot. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Luther Heller said that the school district has two elections — this fall or in 2012 — to get a referendum passed before the current levy expires. When that happens, the district will lose approximately $750,000 in funding from the current levy. The district would need $500 per pupil just to maintain current levels. The board will also discuss the need to request additional funding. For the past term, students and staff at the Montevideo schools have dealt with reconfigured and crowded classrooms as well as alterations in the delivery of services, after a failed referendum last year, the district had to make tough choices to balance the budget.
MONTEVIDEO SCHOOLS IN SESSION ALL DAY ON FRIDAY
5-17-11
The early dismissal day for Montevideo students that was scheduled for this Friday, May 20th, has been moved to Wednesday, June 8th. Students will attend classes for a full day this Friday.
APPLETON REFERENDUM
5-16-11
The City of Appleton will be holding a special referendum in June to ask residents to approve the refinancing of some bonds for Appleton Area Health Services. When Apple Ridge Estates were built back in the early 1990's bonds were issued for their construction. According to City Administrator Roman Fidler, those bonds could now be refinanced with bonds that carry a lower interest rate and would give Appleton Area Health services approximately $650,000 in working capitol. <<< It's sort of like if you have a higher interest loan on your house and you can refinance at a lower rate and save money. That's sort of the principle that we are looking at doing at the health facility here in town. >>> If voters approve the referendum, the interest rate will drop from approximately 6% to less than 3%. And the pay off will be in less than 10years which is a shorter term than the existing bonds. The referendum will be on June 15th.
“DELAYER BOOM”
5-16-11
Women with a college degree are experiencing a "delayer boom," says the U.S. Census Bureau. The latest census statistics show that they are giving birth at a later age than other women and are having fewer children overall by the end of their childbearing years. Women with less than a high school education had three times as many births as women with at least a bachelor's degree. The report also showed that More than half (55 percent) of women who had a child in the last year were in the labor force. And of those women, about one third (34 percent) were working full time, 14 percent were working part time, and 7 percent were unemployed. ...Almost one-quarter (23 percent) of women with a birth in the last year reported living in households with family incomes of at least $75,000. At the other end of the income scale, about one in five (21 percent) were living in families with incomes under $20,000.
BLANDING'S TURTLES
5-16-11
Blanding’s turtles are on the move in southern Minnesota once again. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Nongame Wildlife Program staff wants to know when people spot them. Blanding's turtles can be found in both prairie and forested regions. They prefer calm, shallow water, including wetlands and slow-moving rivers and streams with rich vegetation. Blanding’s turtles aren’t always in water, though. The turtles may spend time basking in sunny areas. Often barely visible or concealed under vegetation, the turtles may go undetected. The turtles may also be found in adjacent grassy areas, shallow marshes and wet meadows. Blanding's turtles are easily identified by their bright yellow chin and underside of the neck. The upper shell is dome-shaped and very smooth, with dark specks and streaks of yellow throughout. The adult is about the size of a football. The turtles are good indicators of what's happening to land and water habitats. DNR Specialists say that if the Blanding's turtle is struggling, you can bet there are impacts to other wildlife species as well as humans.
FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE
5-13-11
On Tuesday, President Obama issued a disaster declaration for twenty counties in Minnesota including Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Lyon, McLeod, Redwood, Renville, and Yellow Medicine Counties. The President’s declaration allows HUD to offer foreclosure relief and other assistance to certain families living in these counties. HUD will also offer state and local governments federally guaranteed loans for housing rehabilitation, economic development and repair of public infrastructure.
MONTEVIDEO POLICE NEWS
5-13-11
Montevideo Police Officer Derek Olson has graduated from the MN Drug recognition expert program. Police can easily identify and pick up drunk drivers. But when an erratic driver doesn’t show any trace of alcohol on a breathalyzer, police need expert training to tell if they are high on something else. A nationally recognized program, offered in Minnesota, trains officers in drug-recognition. Olson is the 2nd Officer Certified as a "DRE", Sgt Jeff Eickhoff is the other.
The Montevideo Police Department is looking to identify a car and two individuals whose images were captured on surveillance video. The department has posted photos on it's Facebook page. A reward may be available. Anyone with information should contact the Montevideo Police Department. Contact information can be found on the KDMAnews website. CONTACT INFORMATION: 320-269-9402 or tips@montevideopolice.com or send a message on Facebook.
FARM EXPORTS REACH AN ALL TIME HIGH
5-13-11
According to a statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, U.S. farm exports reached an all-time high of $75 billion during the first half of fiscal year 2011. The gains in U.S. agricultural exports are particularly encouraging news for those who live in rural America or earn a living in farming, ranching and agriculture-related industries, because exports are creating jobs here at home. Farm exports alone will support more than one million jobs in America this year. China is our top export market, accounting for nearly 20 percent of all U.S. agricultural exports. Canada is our second-largest market.
DAWSON WOMEN WINS IN LOTTERY GAME
5-13-11
A Dawson woman has won $5,000 in a Minnesota scratch off game. Katie Evers claimed her prize last Tuesday. The winning ticket was purchased at Food-N-Fuel in Montevideo.
REAL ESTATE TAX DUE
5-13-11
Property owners should take note that Monday, May 16 is the final day to pay the first half of their 2011 Real Estate tax installment without penalty. Payments must be post-marked no later than May 16th to avoid any late payment penalty.
YME SCHOOL BOARD REPORT
5-12-11
The Yellow Medicine Medicine East school board has approved a revised budget for the current year. Superintendent Alan Stoeckman, <<< “we made several modifications throughout the year, kind of real time needs, as we had some needs throughout the district for staffing and the positive thing is that the result is well have a projected increase in our fund balance. So even though all the changes occurred, we'll should have an increase of about $47,000.” >>> The first preliminary budget for next year was presented after being studied by the Finance Committee. <<< “Because of reserves they are comfortable with a deficit budget which doesn't often happen. But our fund balance is stable enough we believe that we can have a deficit budget for the next year. Especially with the uncertainty from the state legislature not knowing if or how much money there may be coming along, so it's a good feeling to know that we are on stable ground financially and we can move forward with our planning.” >>> The board also approved retirement packages for three employees and one leave of absence required to attain retirement status. ...And work on policy revisions and adoption continues so that the district can stay current with legislation.
REPORT ON WHY PEOPLE MOVE TO THE AREA
5-12-11
A study conducted by the Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission to determine some reasons why people are choosing to move to the region has been published. The study also outlines demographics and economic impacts. The study, titled "Regional Recruitment: Strategies to Attract and Retain Newcomers" is a joint project of the UMVRDC, and a group of local economic development professionals working with Ben Winchester, University of Minnesota Extension research fellow. The project used a combination of demographic statistics and personal interviews to find out why people move to the area.
The results show that in spite of slight overall population loss as young people leave rural areas and small towns, there has been an overall increase of people aged 35 to 45 in every county in the region. They tend to be well-educated with higher-than-average incomes, and are more likely to buy or start businesses, take leadership positions in the community, and engage in volunteer activities. Sixty percent of them had no previous ties to the area.
Interviews revealed that many came to the area before they had jobs lined up, and a large number went from two incomes to one or took a career cut to move here. The top three reasons given for moving to the area were: lifestyle, a good place for children, and good schools.
PATEL RECEIVES HUMPHREY LEADERSHIP AWARD
5-12-11
Former Clarkfield resident and Yellow Medicine East High School graduate Anita Patel was awarded the Hubert H. Humphrey Public Leadership Award last month. The Hubert H. Humphrey Public Leadership Awards honor individuals, organizations, or projects that have made significant contributions to the common good through public leadership and service. Patel is vice president of racial justice and public policy of the YWCA of Minneapolis, where she hosts racism workshops and community dialogues and creates custom corporate racial justice training programs.
MINNESOTA WEST RECOGNIZED FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
5-10-11
Minnesota West Community and Technical College has been recognized as having strong outcomes in three top areas of student success. The standards, measured by the Aspen Institute, rated performance, which includes graduation rates including transfer, and degrees and certificates for full-time students. Also, improvement of completion performance over time and equity – institutional record for completion outcomes for disadvantaged students. Of the country's 1,200 community colleges, Minnesota West Community and Technical College ranked in the top 10% and is eligible now to compete in the new $1-million fund for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING PROPOSAL
5-10-11
State Republicans released their proposal for the redistricting of Minnesota's eight congressional districts on Monday. T publican congressional redistricting proposal would shift the five counties south of the Minnesota River from the 7th District into the 1st District. The 1st Congressional District, currently represented by Democratic Rep. Tim Walz, would continue to to cover the southern portion of the state but would also creep north along the Minnesota River to include Marshall and Madison. And instead of the way the 7th and 8th Districts currently divide northern Minnesota in a north-to-south fashion, the boundaries would run east to west, causing the current 7th District to stretch from Minnesota's eastern border to the state's western border. The plan would mean Democratic Rep. Collin Peterson would swap districts with Republican Rep. Chip Cravaack. Democrats have not yet released a proposal. Republicans in the Senate have said they plan to adopt the House plan. It will then be up to DFL Gov. Mark Dayton to either sign or veto it, and he has said he wants broad, bipartisan support for a new map. The courts will take over the process if Dayton and the Legislature can't reach agreement by February 21, 2012.
KOENEN REPORTS ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
5-10-11
In a report from the state capitol, Representative Lyle Koenen says that four constitutional amendments are being brought up in committee in both the Minnesota House and Senate. <<< “One of them, which is referred to as the Marriage Amendment, which states that marriage is between one man and one women, that one's moving. Also, the photo ID for voters would need to come and vote. That one is also moving along fairly rapidly here. The other one requires a super majority or 60% of the legislature to pass any type of tax increase. And the other one would establish the budget target based on the previous years revenue, and I think what they do is take the previous years revenue, cut 2% of it and that would set the budget target.“ >>> If the amendments pass the House and Senate they would then go to the voters to decide – in November 2012.
MONTEVIDEO POLICE SEEKING DESIGNATION AS PRESCRIPTION DRUG COLLECTION SITE
The Montevideo City Council recently authorized the Montevideo Police Department to look into the establishing the police department as a collection site for leftover or unused prescription drugs. Collection will help to keep drugs out of the wrong hands and will help the environment by keeping drugs out of our sanitary sewer system and eventually into our rivers. To become a site the police department will need to acquire a state permit as well as establish a mechanism for the drugs to be disposed of. It is expected that it will take several months to obtain the necessary permits.
CLARA CITY TO GRANITE FALLS CONSTRUCTION OPEN HOUSE
5-9-11
If you are interested in learning more about the concrete repair project on Highway 23 from Clara City to Highway 212 near Granite Falls you are invited to attend an open house on Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Maynard Community Center. Maynard. Mn/DOT staff and contractor representatives will be available to discuss the project, which is scheduled to begin June 8.
GRANITE FALLS HOSPITAL NEW WEBSITE
5-9-11
Visitors to the Granite Falls Municipal Hospital and Manor web site at www.granitefallshealthcare.com can expect a new look, along with increased user-friendly functionality and utility. Granite Falls Municipal Hospital and Manor Administrator George Gerlach said, “It's been a while since the site was updated. Since the last site was implemented, new technology has come along that allowed us to add some new features. The new site provides a complete online resource with healthcare services, healthcare news, classes, online bill pay and much more.” One entire section on granitefallshealthcare.com is dedicated to the services that are available for patients at the hospital. The information provides patients with details about services and what to expect when undergoing certain treatments at the hospital. The health news section is filled with monthly tips and healthcare reminders.
NATIONAL ARSON AWARENESS WEEK
5-9-11
During National Arson Awareness Week, May 1–7, State Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl wants to focus public attention on a crime that is too often dismissed as victimless or impossible to control. “Arson takes lives, destroys possessions and paralyzes communities with fear,” he says. “It may be an act of revenge, cruelty, fraud or delinquency — but it’s always a criminal act. And we all pay for it; our home and vehicle insurance rates reflect the cost of arson.” The crime of arson is usually identified by investigators, but too often, the criminal is not. It can take a community to catch an arsonist, and that’s one reason for Arson Awareness Week. People who are watchful and know the facts on arson can help prevent it or help apprehend arsonists.
The State Fire Marshal advises citizens who know of, or suspect an act of arson to call their fire or police department. Report suspicious activity near houses or buildings, and participate in Neighborhood Watch groups. In addition,
• Don’t allow leaves, firewood or other combustibles to remain near buildings. They make arson easy for vandals and cause flames to spread rapidly.
• Keep doors and windows of unoccupied buildings locked. Keep the keys handy. If necessary, board the building up.
• Illuminate the exterior of buildings at night and keep commercial dumpsters at least five feet from building walls.
“Never be afraid to make use of the Minnesota Arson Hotline,” Rosendahl says. “It exists to help stop arson, and your call may be anonymous if you feel that’s best.” The Arson Hotline number is 800-723-2020.
KUBLY REPORT FROM CAPITOL
5-6-11
According to Senator Gary Kubly budget negotiations have stalled... the governor has requested one bill and some of the conference committees are not even meeting, <<< They think the Governor should be involved at the conference committee level. They think it's pretty tough to negotiate when you have more than one point of view being presented. >>> … One of the most positive things that is happening at the capitol ...Health and Human services held a hearing on sex offenders and decided that for low level offenders they would create a panel to review each case and determine whether the offender could be given some kind of supervised release. <<< we've never let any sex offender out and some of the low level ones are getting fairly old now and it does seem to me that particularly the low level offenders are not much risk any more >>> Kubly says that it is very expensive to keep them in prison or civilly committed and this would be a way to reduce costs. Right now the state is paying $120-thousand a year per inmate and the cost is eating up the budget. This arrangement would place about a half a dozen inmates in some other form of housing outside of commitment and do that for about the same money as keeping them in prison. The proposal passed out of committee with bi partisan support.
CYCLISTS, BIKE REGISTRATION AND ADDRESSING
5-6-11
Bike riding season is here, Public Safety officials remind you that a bicycle is considered a vehicle on the roadway and has exactly the same rights as any other vehicle. One of the most common bike accident scenarios involves motorists colliding with cyclists while overtaking them. Be sure to allow enough room to safely pass a cyclist ...take into consideration the space needed for sudden moves or mishaps. And for bicycle owners, your investment in the most popular recreational activity in the world can be protected by registering your bike with your local police department. Registration will help you recover you bicycle in case it is stolen.
The Montevideo Police Department provides free bike registration. A description of your bike and it's serial number is kept on file and an identification sticker is placed on the bike. Any MPD officer can help register your bike. Also, prevent theft by keeping bikes locked up in garages or houses. The PD gets literally over 100 reports of bike thefts yearly, most are taken from yards, ridden and dumped.
Business owners in Montevideo are being reminded that city ordinance and the fire code require a building number to be prominently displayed on the front of all businesses. This allows Police and other emergency responders to locate your business more readily. Approximately 25% of Montevideo businesses are currently in compliance with the ordinance.
CLARKFIELD LIONS CLUB SPEARHEAD FUNDRAISING EFFORT
5-6-11
A Clarkfield man is grateful for the outpouring of support that he has received after being diagnosed with West Nile disease. Jerry Livermore contracted a rare and extreme case of the disease last July and has been struggling with it's affects. In April a benefit for Livermore raised enough money to purchase a wheel-chair equipped minivan that will transport him to his outpatient care in Marshall. The Clarkfield Lions club spearheaded the effort to raise funds to purchase the minivan. They received $32,000 in donations from the community.
GRANITE FALLS FLOOD TASK FORCE CONSIDERS CONDITION OF DIKE ROAD
5-5-11
The Granite Falls Flood Task Force will be considering the condition of Dike Road and 11th Avenue extension in the wake of flooding this spring. The Task Force was formed by the city to examine flood mitigation and recovery issues and bring back any recommendations to the city council.
GRANITE FALLS WATER TREATMENT PLANT WORK BEGINS NEXT WEEK
5-5-11
According to Granite Falls Mayor Dave Smiglewski, mobilization to the construction site for the new water treatment plant is expected to begin next week <<< That is of course at Miller and Oak Street, right across the street from the current water treatment plant. It's going to be a big project, taking all of this year and well into next year to complete. At the end of it all, the city will have of course a state of the art water treatment plant that is long overdue and will be out of the flood plain. >>>
MONTEVIDEO WATER TOWER INTERIOR INSPECTION
5-5-11
In anticipation of repainting the water tower this summer, the City of Montevideo had on site a crew from Liquid Engineerings from Billings, Montana, who inspected the inside of the tank using diving equipment. To keep the water in the tank clean, before diving in the tower, the diver took a shower from a portable shower unit that had been hosited to the top of the tank for this purpose. To prepare they bathed in water with 200 parts per mission of chlorine and wore special insulated diving equipment (the water in the tank was about 42 degrees). During the inspection they reviewed welds, fill pipe, drains, coatings and ladders. Their recommendation was that the inside was in good shape, and inspect again in 3-5 years. The outside does have some rust issues and needs a new paint job, which will be done this year. The divers told Supt. Hayunga that they had no issues with diving into a large, overhead steel tank, but disliked diving into lakes or the ocean.
YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY TO COLLECT PROBLEM MATERIALS
5-5-11
Yellow Medicine County will have its annual problem materials collection this Saturday, with collection sites in Granite Falls, Clarkfield and Canby. Residents can dispose of problem materials that landfills will not accept such as appliances, electronics, and tires, at the county highway shops in each town. The county will be receiving materials from 8-10:30 a.m in Granite Falls, from noon-2:30 p.m. in Clarkfield, and from 4-6:30 p.m. in Canby. According to Paul Henriksen, Lyon County Environmental administrator, most appliances will be accepted free of charge. Although, a $10 fee will be charged to cover costs of collection and recycling for air conditioners, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, and electronics such as computers, TVs, copy machines and printers. The county shops will charge from 50 cents to $1.75 for disposing of fluorescent bulbs, and from $1.75 to $35 for tires, depending on the size. Henriksen said electronics contain heavy metals that might be hazardous to the environment, but can be recycled. Tires are either ground up to recycle the rubber, or burned with coal in energy plants.
NEWS FROM GRANITE FALLS
5-4-11
In news from Granite Falls, the City Council agreed to take part in a program that will save a significant amount of money in the upcoming 2.6-million-dollar sewer project. Granite Falls Mayor Dave Smiglewski:<<< (Smiglewski)
Council also approved a policy for retired law enforcement officers to carry hand guns. <<< “The city will issue them a retired police officer identification – at their own cost- that allows them to do this. It is a policy that is recommended by the Minnesota Police Officer Standards Training Board. The council went ahead with a recommendation to Police Chief Russ blue to do that.” >>>
And the diseased elm tree removal contract was awarded during the council meeting. Minnesota Valley Tree Service will once again be working to remove elm trees that have been afflicted with Dutch Elm disease.
ENERGY SECTOR PARTNERHIP GRANT
5-4-11
A grant that provides comprehensive, entry-level maintenance training for the renewable energy and biofuels industries has been awarded to the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (S W M / PIC) and partner organizations. The energy sector partnership is an initiative of the Governor's Workforce Development Council, a 31-member body that analyzes and recommends workforce development policies to the governor and Legislature to ensure a globally competitive workforce for Minnesota. Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council is collaborating with Southwest Adult Basic Education, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Fibrominn and ADM Corn Processing to advance talent development in Minnesota, as they work to prepare the next generation of workers for the new energy economy.
MINNEOTA NATIVE RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP
5-4-11
SMSU Senior Matt Moon, from Minneota, has been awarded the Randall J. and Jean S. Replinger Award for Excellence in Environmental Science for this semester at Southwest Minnesota State University. The Randall J. and Jean S. Replinger Award is given to a senior Environmental Science major who has demonstrated academic excellence and shown superior performance in designing, conducting and presenting independent research projects. They must also present their research project at the SMSU Undergraduate Research Conference. Not only has Matt excelled in his academic pursuits, he is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, an organization dedicated to creating “lasting positive change”. Matt is also avid amateur wildlife photographer and has provided a series of excellent photographs that we have displayed in the SMSU Natural History Museum. After graduating from SMSU in May, Matt hopes to be working for a state or federal agency in an environmental position related to water resources.
YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY SEEKS CHANGE IN STATE LAW
5-3-11
The Yellow Medicine County Board passed a resolution of support for the Minnesota Accountable Government, Innovation and Collaboration Act (MAGIC) at its regular meeting last week. The act would reverse current practice where everything counties want to do is prohibited if it's not permitted; ...to permitting counties to do anything not prohibited, and would mandate counties provide certain services. Jeff Spartz, executive director of the Association of Minnesota Counties, said this provision in the bill would bring the counties in alignment with the cities. The bill also seeks to change the relationship of the counties with the state government, by allowing counties to pursue goals for the general welfare with local government structures of their own design for a three-year trial period, after which the state Legislature could authorize them to continue.
MNDOT ADOPT A HIGHWAY PROGRAM
5-3-11
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is looking for volunteers for its Adopt a Highway program, a public service campaign where community groups, churches, businesses and individuals pick up litter along Minnesota highways.
In the 21 years since its introduction, the program has saved the state of Minnesota millions of dollars. Adopt a Highway volunteers pick up 26,000 tons of litter per year along Minnesota highways, which saves Mn/DOT an estimated $5 million annually and allows Mn/DOT to use the resources, that would have otherwise been used to pick up litter, for highway improvement and safety projects.
By joining the Adopt a Highway program, groups agree to:
· Adopt a highway for a minimum of two years.
· Select a segment of highway approximately two miles in length.
· Pick up litter on both sides of a highway.
· Pick up litter as often as needed spring through fall—usually two to three times a year. The spring pickup should be done in April or May before the first grass mowing.
Those interested in adopting a highway can visit: www.dot.state.mn.us/adopt/contact.html to find out who to contact in their area.
MARSHALL ROADWORK
5-3-11
You may encounter daytime shoulder and lane closures this week in Marshall during installation of new accessible pedestrian signals and countdown pedestrian indicators. The project is expected to be completed in one week, weather permitting and will affect the intersections of Highway 68 and Third, Fourth and Fifth streets. And the West junction with Highway 68 and Highway 59
MONTEVIDEO CHIPPEWA RIVER DAM
5-3-11
The Montevideo City Council will hold a public hearing at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, May
1 6 in council chambers. 103 Canton Avenue. Montevideo, MN.
Purpose of the hearing is to discuss the possible removal of the Chippewa River dam in
Montevideo. All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard.
NEWS FROM MONTEVIDEO
5-2-11
Bailey Eickhoff, Eagle Scout Candidate, will be presenting a proposal tonight to erect a Veterans Memorial alongside the existing veterans memorial, north of the Montevideo City hall building. The proposed project includes a new monument which will include symbols of all armed forces, a small walkway, and benches. In anticipation of the proposal to the city council, Bailey has reviewed the proposal with several local service and veterans organizations, and other local support is expected.
The Montevideo City Council will review an offer from O'Reilly Automotives Stores, Inc. to purchase a tract of land from the City in the Ost Subdivision. The proposed store would be almost 7,000 square feet in size, and would be placed along side Highway 7, east of the Co-Op Credit Union. If the purchase is approved, ground breaking would expect to happen sometime this summer.
The Montevideo City Council will review a number of planned improvements to the city hall building. These improvements include replacement of existing heating coils in the HVAC system (estimated to cost about $7,500), brick repair ($2,000), and reconstruction of the handicap ramp and other concrete work, estimated to cost about $6,000. Funds for these repairs will come out of the city's Capital Improvement Fund, and have been saved over the last few years for these purposes.
HIGHWAY 23 PROJECT AT CLARA CITY
5-2-11
A construction/rehabilitation project between Clara City and Granite Falls scheduled for Highway 23 this summer will detour traffic through Sacred Heart. The project addresses deteriorated concrete that is removed in either spot repairs or as partial or full panels. It will also include the installation of dowel bars, that will eliminate the rhythmic bump and rattle common to highway travel. Local traffic will continue to be able to access homes and businesses along the affected route. Work is expected to start early in June and will last anywhere from tow to four months. A public meeting has been scheduled for May 11 at