Nicollet County Ledger January 12, 2023

on Ag

Minnesota Marijuana Bill Passes House

By Robert Lawson Publisher 612-460-5851

The Minnesota Legislature is on a path toward legalizing pot in the state as the House just passed a bill that is slated to go through, according to the Associated Press (AP), about a dozen different committees and Governor Walz is prepared to sign the updated bill

A previous bill that faced scrutiny before Democrats seized control of both chambers of the legislature was struck down and this new bill is an update to the previous That was 2021 and there was already some bipartisan support

Courtland Looks Into THC

Sales, Planning, Permits, and 2023 Budget Levy

By Robert Lawson Publisher 612-460-5851

The Courtland City Council met on December 1 Planning Commission minutes were included in their packet to review Commissioners have been working on updating a comprehensive plan in regard to zoning of a new area around new highway construction Dave Ubel took commissioners on a driving tour on the new construction to get views from that perspective Each commissioner will give their views on what each area should be, according to minutes from the meeting Councilmember Kraus asked if the planning commission would also discuss the plans for removal of Co Rd 12 and the future of the area including utilities

The city clerk submitted her report to the council Kuester Pit 2 Second Addition and starting to issue permits The public improvements are for the most part completed except curb and gutter work and bituminous, which it is now too late in the year to do Elevations are set along with property pins being installed The clerk has been approached to issue permits now for a party that has purchased nine lots and is ready to build The council reviewed the agreement and pictures obtained, along with reports from the city engineer The council agreed to issuing permits and had a conversation to resume street improvements including Collin Drive in the spring

The city clerk has also received an inquiry into selling THC products With no ordinance in place businesses can sell

without license or permits with the new law that went into effect July 1, 2022 The council will have a planning commission look into what options are The council reviewed the 2023 budget for any reductions needed Finding none, the council agreed to keep the preliminary budget as the final budget Currently, the budget is a 5 2 percent increase

Ralph Bents Council Member/Acting Mayor 507-359-2007

Pam Rodewald Council Member 507-217-7052

Justin Kraus Council Member 507-469-8759

Email Paul Bode Council Member 507-382-3867

Nicollet Public Hearing Held: Infrastructure Improvements

By Robert

As the Ledger previously reported, many communities have already begun selling CBD, HHC, Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta-10 and other similar hemp and terpene products According to Healthline, terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants and some animals Human beings are equipped with cannabinoid receptors in the brain Receptors are a region of tissue, or a molecule in a cell membrane, which responds specifically to a particular neurotransmitter hormone, antigen, or other substance, according to Oxford Languages

St. Peter Saints Singers Showcased Talent at Luther College in Decorah, IA

By Robert Lawson Publisher

612-460-5851 info@nicolletcountyledger

Saint Peter Public Schools got a chance

showcase singing talent in Iowa this

week They posted the news to their

feed a few days ago:

1000 students came together from 220 schools across the Midwest for the Dorian Music Festival at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa SPHS brought 23 talented choir students to rehearse and perform in a combined concert Monday night Congratulations SPHS Director Bri Bergstrom!”

The event was held January 8-9 It was the 73rd Dorian Vocal Festival which is an annual event at Luther College According to their literature, the festival is open to juniors and seniors that have been nominated by their school directors While on campus, students have a chance to rehearse with Luther’s music faculty and participate in sectionals with singers from hundreds of schools around the midwest United States They also get a chance to eat meals in “the Caf”, rehearse in Jensen-Noble Hall of Music and perform in Luther’s Center for Faith and Life Additionally, seniors who are interested in attending Luther got a chance to sign up for a scholarship audition

By Robert Lawson Publisher

Minnesota House Photo

Devotion - We Are Waiting Again

By Dave Linn

Our children had hard time waiting on Christmas Eve They knew presents were coming, and they couldn’t wait to see them No one likes to wait So don’t get in the check-out line behind me There will be two customers in front of me One will need price checks on two or three items The other will check out and then sort through a wallet for six coupons to cash in By that time I’ll remember what I forgot to get, and pull back out of the line But the Israelites had waited four hundred years The temple of Solomon had been destroyed and then rebuilt God had promised that the Messiah would come to the second temple But for four centuries He had not come Not even a prophet had appeared on the scene Had God forgotten His promises of coming? Finally a Savior was announced to Mary and Joseph He would come as the sinless One to remove our guilt Then He left earth and promised to come again It s been almost two thousand years since He promised that What a long wait! But He has a reason for what seems like slowness Peter writes to us, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9 New International Version) I’m a person who prays for patience And I want it right now!” But God was patient with me when my life reflected the fact that I did not believe in Him In fact, He has been patient with all of us Jesus patiently taught Judas for three years, even though He knew Judas was stealing from the disciples’ treasury Jesus wanted to give Judas eternal treasures Instead, Judas accepted an earthly treasure to betray Jesus

We have just been to the manger We see the lengths to which God’s love for sinners led Him Now that same God calls us to be patient and loving with those about us We are called to forgive as God has forgiven us That is Christian patience

A Year in the Bible

By Pastor Wayne Bernau, Immanuel Lutheran

According to a research poll conducted by the Barna Group, approximately 20% of Americans claim to have read through the Bible While most denominations claim to be based on the teachings of the Bible, to me it is surprising that not more of us actually open the Bible regularly and let the Lord speak directly to us through His holy Word

During the next year of 2023 at Immanuel, we are challenging all of our members to read through the New Testament Did you know that the New Testament (Matthew through Revelation) contains a total of 260 chapters? 260 is 52 [weeks] times 5 [chapters] Therefore, if we read 5 chapters each week, we will have read through the most important parts of the Bible in one year In our confirmation studies, we read through portions of the Old Testament one year and then through the entire New Testament the following year a chapter each day This has enabled us to have a solid foundation of faith in the living and abiding Word of God!

While reading recently in the book of Acts, we came across Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true I appreciate the concept behind this passage Paul was a great teacher of the Christian faith, and labored hard to spread its message near and far Some listened and believed and others scoffed But the Bereans listened attentively, and then checked the Scriptures! Rather than just trusting Paul, they looked into the infallible Word of the living God People, including teachers and pastors like me, can easily lead others astray But God s Word is truth and never deceives us Back to the Scriptures!

Listen to some of the many benefits that come from Bible reading and study Paul wrote Timothy: And how from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (II Timothy 3:15-17)

A Year in the Bible

By Father Craig Timmerman

You are beloved! Merry Christmas! Christ is born for us, a babe in a manger It’s something amazing, attractive It is so humble, and so tender This is how our God approaches us – humbling coming to save us Tenderly coming to give us His Love Even making himself totally vulnerable to us! Think of that – God, allpowerful Creator of EVERYTHING, makes Himself completely vulnerable to us He shows us how deeply He cares, loves God is with us – Emmauel! It is such a joy to celebrate Christmas and be a part of the Church family and community here at the Apostles Peter and Paul Area Faith Community in St Peter and Nicollet Joy is the perfect word! When we keep Christ in Christmas, not as a political slogan, but as a way to live these days, we are filled with hope and joy Yes, the world can be dark and scary So was the world when Jesus was born Not much changes from the world’s point of view! But Jesus entered that world and today He enters our world anew When you come to celebrate the Mass of Christ (Christmas, get it?!), you are here with Jesus, Mary and Joseph You are one of the shepherds coming to adore the newborn Savior, the Son of God Joseph and Mary invite you to enter into the manger and even give you the child to hold in your own arms – you are there Jesus is here Yes Jesus was born 2022 years ago – but the Church is here so you can receive Jesus today! I wish you and your families the greatest blessings of this awe-filled season of Christmas, unity and peace in your homes, joy and love in all your gatherings, light that shines in all areas of mourning loved ones or whatever your personal struggles are this time of year Jesus enters into all of that and brings the warmth of God’s tenderness to you He is with you – Emmanuel Merry Christmas! You are beloved!

Farm Bureau

on

passing spark an increased thirst for God’s love and may we walk in his sacred footprints recalling the abundant teachings he has left etched in the history of the Church as a great gift

The faithful and I of the Diocese of New Ulm join the Universal Church in praying for the eternal rest of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI As an extraordinary theologian, he had an unrelenting passion for the truth which he taught with great compassion and humility His personal encounter with Jesus Christ radiated a joy that could not be contained and he desired that the entire world embrace Our Savior, the greatest gift of God the Father In his first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), he articulated the passion of a shepherd’s heart: “We have come to believe in God’s love: in these words the Christian can express the fundamental decision of his life Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event a person which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction (#1) As we are sent as missionary disciples to carry on his legacy, may his

A Statement from New Ulm Bishop Chad W. Zielinski

the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Assisting producers facing high input costs to access domestic, innovative fertilizer capacity Improving risk protection for underserved producers Investing in new choices and meat processing capacity for livestock producers Providing relief for producers impacted by disaster and the pandemic

Today, at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced several major developments at the U S Department of Agriculture that will benefit farmers, ranchers and producers across the nation

Secretary Vilsack announced that USDA continues to make progress in the following areas by:

Minnesota Pot Law Continued from Page 1

AP reported the House commerce committee approved the bill on a voice vote then sent it off to be scrutinized in the other dozen committees The senate approval process may be lengthy as well The bill’s lead author, Democratic Rep Zack Stephenson, of Coon Rapids, said the bill is a step in the right direction for Minnesota Stephenson chairs the committee Minnesotans are ready, Stephenson said Cannabis should not be illegal in Minnesota Minnesotans deserve the freedom and respect to make responsible decisions about cannabis themselves, Our current laws are doing more harm than good ” In October, President Joe Biden announced he would pardon thousands of cases of people with criminal marijuana charges Many states are continuing to push for regulated legalization in a shift that is often at lagerheads with law enforcement groups and the pharmaceutical industry, who many perceive as profiteers, along with a private prison complex, from marijuana prohibition Bill HF100 will move along to House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee

The current version would permit a person age 21 or older to use, possess, or transport cannabis paraphernalia; possess two ounces or less of cannabis flower in a public place; possess five pounds or less of cannabis flower in a person’s residence; possess or transport eight grams or less of adult-use cannabis concentrate; possess or transport edible products infused with a total of 800mg or less of THC; give away cannabis flower and cannabinoid products in an amount that is legal for a person to possess in public; use cannabis flower and cannabinoid products in private areas; and cultivate up to eight cannabis plants, of which four or fewer may be mature, flowering plants However, there would be several legal limits on marijuana use, and civil penalties for violating those limits

Adults would be prohibited from using cannabis in state correctional facilities, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of cannabis, giving cannabis to a person under the age of 21, or giving cannabis as a promotional gift “Our current laws are doing more harm than good,” he said “State and local governments are spending millions enforcing laws that aren’t helping anyone – money that could be put to far better purposes ”

This bill came with some bipartisan amendments, giving some Republicans relief on issues they have with the bill The subject of local control or lack thereof was the subject of an amendment unsuccessfully offered by Rep Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) It would have given cities or towns options to enact local ordinances regulating cannabis business licenses that could differ from those proposed statewide Two other Republican amendments were adopted One offered by Rep Anne Neu Brindley (R-North Branch) would add a health warning for pregnant or breastfeeding women on cannabis products

A final amendment from Rep Jeff Dotseth (R-Kettle River) would require the Office of Cannabis Management to study the health effects of secondhand cannabis smoke

Nicollet County Board Updates

By Robert Lawson Publisher 612-460-5851 info@nicolletcountyledger com

The Nicollet County Board of Commissioners met for the regular meeting on December 13, 2022, where they approved a conditional use permit for expansion of an electrical substation, a new telecommute work policy and other initiatives Under the administration portion of the board meeting, the 2023 levy resolution was adopted, which contained a more than $25 million budget The total was $25,518,834 00, a 5 2 percent increase from

the previous year The motion was carried with a unanimous vote by the board

The county public works director requested a final payment be made to contractor PciRoads LLC for their work on a culvert repair The payment for $138,510 was approved The board also approved a new telecommute work policy, in which employees of the county could work remotely on “a case-bycase basis only when it would have either neutral or positive effects on customer service” All voted in favor of the proposed policy

Dean's List

Cloud State University Dean's List

Announcement

ST CLOUD, Minn (January 11, 2023) - St Cloud State University has announced the names of more than 1 100 students whose academic achievement placed them on the 2022 fall semester dean s list To be eligible for the honor students must have a grade point average of 3 75 or higher on a 4 0 scale

St Cloud State University is Minnesota's second-largest university, with more than 11 000 students from our regional communities, area states, and 90 different

nations Students choose from more than 60 graduate study programs and more than 200 majors, minors and preprofessional programs that hold nearly every available national accreditation The 100-acre campus is located about an hour northwest of Minneapolis along the banks of the Mississippi River

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, COLLEGE, MAJOR Nicollet, MN

Mitchell Black College of Health and Wellness Professions, Medical Laboratory Science, BS

New Ulm Chamber Annual Meeting Held on January 26

New Ulm, MN--- The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce is having its Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 26th at Turner Hall The event begins with a social hour at 5:30 pm, with dinner at 6:30 pm and a program to follow The program will consist of information regarding 2023 Chamber initiatives, updates from committees, recognition of the Tourism Person of the Year, and announcement of the Business of the Year Award recipients

The following are nominated for Large Business of the Year: Nuvera, Christensen Farms, and Gag Sheet Metal The Small Business of the Year nominees are Fuel Graphics Co , New Ulm Real Estate, and Bank Midwest Chamber members were asked to nominate businesses for this recognition based on three criteria: Chamber involvement community involvement and economic impact Congratulations to all of the businesses for their recognition from the New Ulm business community Chamber businesses are allowed one vote per business Businesses must be present to vote; absentee ballots will not be accepted

Since 1974, the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce has recognized a business in the New Ulm Area for their Chamber involvement, community involvement and economic impact in the area A variety of businesses have been recognized over the years including both large employers, small businesses and retail sectors Starting in 2019, the Chamber Board chose to celebrate two deserving businesses, one large and one small for their contributions and involvement

New this year, the Annual Meeting program will also include recognition of the 2023 Tourism Person of the Year This year’s award recipient is Lisa Besemer This award is designed to honor an individual, couple or organization who have made a significant and longterm contribution to the economic health of New Ulm through their involvement in the field of tourism Each year the CVB accepts nominations for this honor, which are reviewed by the CVB Committee Lisa Besemer has been a longtime tour guide for the Chamber/CVB/Museum,

leading countless city tours for tour groups, students, Oktoberfest festers (horsedrawn trolley rides), and for people interested in relocating to New Ulm She has been on committee and boards for various organizations, including CVB, Brown County Historical Society, Junior Pioneers, United Way of the Brown County Area, State Street Theater, Grand Center for Arts and Culture, New Ulm Area Foundation and more Congratulations to Lisa on this well-deserved recognition

The Annual Meeting program will include comments from Chamber President Sarah Warmka, Outgoing Board Chair Erin Lafferty Incoming Board Chair Andy Lilleoden, recognition of Lisa Besemer as Tourism Person of the Year and the announcement of the Small and Large 2023 Business of the Year winners Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber office or online for $35 before January 13 th , and $40 after January 13th Contact the Chamber with any questions Get tickets for the event at chamber@newulm com , 507233-4300

Dean's List

Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, MN (January 10, 2023) - Scott Berger, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Alexandria Technical & Community College, recognizes individual students for academic excellence The following students were named to the Dean's List for achieving a GPA of 3 5 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credits Fall Semester 2022:

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME Courtland, MN

Maddox Mortensen Lafayette, MN

Audrey Beranek

Nicollet, MN Josi Hansen

Lafayette City Council 2023 Meetings Schedule

January 9 7:00 pm

February 13 7:00 pm

March 13 7:00 pm

April 10 6:30 pm * Local Board Appeals & Equalization (LBAE) hearing

April 10 6:30 pm * council meeting will proceed after hearing

May 8 7:00 pm

June 12 6:00 pm *City Blight tour prior to the council meeting

July 12 7:00 pm * (Wednesday)

August 14 7:00 pm

August 21 7:00 pm

September 12 7:00 pm *(Tuesday)

October 9 7:00 pm November 13 7:00 pm

December 5* 7:00 pm *(Tuesday) December 11 7:00 pm

Public Notices

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING consider the following requests:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Nicollet County Board of Adjustments and Appeals will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 23 2023 at 7:00 p m in the County Board Room of the Nicollet County Government Center in Saint Peter The applications and accompanying documents are available for review during normal business hours prior to the meeting at the Property Services Office 501 South Minnesota Avenue Saint Peter MN 56082 This information is also available on the County website at: www co nicollet mn us

The purpose of said hearing is to

To hear the request of ISG Inc , on behalf of Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School, 45638 561st Ave, New Ulm, MN 56073, for a variance to reduce the bluffline setback to 0 feet for the purpose of constructing a school addition, on property located in the northeast ¼ of the southeast ¼ Section 35110-30, in Courtland Township Reference Zoning Ordinance 603 4

To hear the request of Gregg & Lois Bode, 51850 Co Rd 21, Courtland, MN 56021, for a

variance to reduce the side yard setback to 2 feet for the purposes of replacing a garage, on property located in Government Lot 1 Section 34110-29, in Courtland Township Reference Shoreland Ordinance 501 and Zoning Ordinance 611 4

PlaceLegalNoticesinthe NicolletCountyLedgerat

Technical & Community College Dean's List for fall 2022

St

Nicollet City Council

Alley South of 6th Street between Pine Street & 300 feet east of Elm Street

Alley north of 3rd Street between Hopp Avenue & Main Street

Burg Avenue

Alley east of Burg Avenue south of 1st Street

Property owners had specific questions for their property assessment and the specific work for their property Most concerns by Burg Avenue property owners were why a nearby farmer is not being assessed for the storm water repairs and a decision on an alley north of 3rd Street between Hopp Avenue and Main Street Owners along the alley south of 6th Street voiced concern about trees being removed from the park to blacktop the alley asking if the alley will have a speed zone and how long the project will last They also wanted to know if their driveway entrance is to be paved The Resolution #12-08-22 to order improvements and prepare plans for the 2023 infrastructure improvements was approved on a motion made by Mary Wels which was seconded by Council

Weston

With no further business the public hearing was adjourned at 7:28 p m

Marian A Altmann, age 78, of St George, died on Friday, December 30, 2022 at home surrounded by her family Marian was born on July 2, 1944 in New Ulm, MN to John L and Leona (Hoffmann) Boettger She grew up on the family farm and attended country school in Albin Township, graduated from St Mary s High School Sleepy Eye in 1962 and went on to attend Union Hospital School of Practical Nursing and graduated in 1963 Marian was united in marriage to George H Altmann on October 1 1963 at St Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye They were blessed with 59 years of marriage; together they raised three sons and four daughters on the family farm near St George, MN Marian was a women of strong faith She worked alongside her husband on the family farm and the insurance business She enjoyed cooking, gardening, quilting, dancing, attending and cheering on grandchildren in their many activities She was a dedicated member of St George Catholic Church where she volunteered countless hours of her time with the church family Marian is survived by her husband George; children Peter Altmann (special friend Leane) of New Ulm MN Carolyn (Dave) Boutain of Fargo ND Cheryl (Paul) Cardinal of Buffalo MN, Paul Altmann of Phoenix, AZ, Cathleen (Brian) Rutschow of Marshfield, WI, Christine (Matt) Schmidt of Brooklyn Park, MN, and Patrick (Cari) Altmann of Farmington, MN; grandchildren Mindy (Jacob) Nordquist Michael Joseph & Daniel Boutain Emily & Abigail Cardinal Nicholas & Ashton Altmann Andrew & Matthew Rutschow Alyssa Victoria & August Schmidt Paige Carter & Mason Altmann; one great-grandson Corvus Nordquist; sisters Darlene (Robert) Tauer of Hanska MN Jane (Patrick) Mathiowetz of Bakersfield CA and Rita (Eugene) Reinhart of New Ulm MN; sisters-in-law Jeanie Rathman and LaVonne Kraus both of New Ulm MN; and many nieces and nephews She was preceded in death by her parents Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a m on

January 7, 2023 at St George Catholic Church in St George Father Gerald Meidl will celebrate the Mass Burial will follow in

the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – North Chapel in New Ulm The visitation will continue one hour prior to the

Marian A Altmann

car-semi crash

Wintrhop According to Mankato Free Press, a 57-year-old North Mankato man was injured in the crash Wednesday morning Troy Michael Schull, driving eastbound in a 2021

Wednesday collided with a 2007 International tractor The crash happened at the exit road from Heartland Corn Products Road conditions that morning were snowy and icy Schull was transported to a hospital in Arlington with non life-threatening injuries according to State Patrol and the truck driver Timothy Gordon Fabian 58 of Springfield was not injured MANKATO Minn (KEYC) - The North Mankato Fire Department responded to a house fire yesterday

On Monday, fire crews from the North Mankato Fire Department responded to a house fire They arrived at 809 South Avenue, a single family home in the city Firefighters observed heavy smoke billowing from the front and side doors of the house Most damage was on the main level of the house According to a report from KEYC, there was moderate fire damage to the second floor, but no one was injured in the fire The cause of the fire is under investigation

A man was arrested after allegedly threatening to kill someone for removing snow from a parking lot Alpha Media reported Colton T Lang 28 is jailed in Nicollet County Charges are pending in the incident according to the report The North Mankato Police Department responded to the report around 11:15 a m Tuesday Police said the report indicated Lang brandished a firearm After police secured a townhome with a perimeter, Lang exited the townhome, according to the report Police said a handheld BB gun was recovered

Member Phil Radel The motion was carried with all voting in favor

Mayor Froehlich and Council Members Wels, Tom Rieke and Radel were present Council Member Matt Anthony was absent Vanessa Drill Josh Anderson Joe Duncan and Eric Hauser (Bolton & Menk), Kevin Ostermann Mike Holmin Tom Uehling Bill and Barb Blashack Jerome and Shaun Anderson Richard and Brittany Michels Glenn Thompson

Jongbledt, Adam and Melanie Aschenbrenner, Bill Beranek, Anna Pugh, Barbara Frank Daniel Sheeks Andrew Beitlich Jamie Havemeier Adam and Amie Reichel Jerry Salfer Dan Thompson, Steve and Kelly Olson, Jordan and Heather Robb, John and Erin Anderson and Robert Krueger were present at the meeting

Dorian Vocal Festival, where St Peter Saints students were invited to sing and take part in festivities at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa (see page 1)

Sibley

County Youth

Competed at 4-H National Project Bowl

450 4-H youth tested their knowledge in agriculture-related topics challenge on April 9 in Sauk Rapids

In April 2022, Sibley County 4H’ers competed at the General Livestock State Project Bowl competition The senior team, consisting of Rachael Dose, member of the Arlington Conquerors; Lydia Rose, of the Rush River Rushers; Nicole Sievert, of the Blazin’ West Stars; Mitchell Olson, of the Blazin’ West Stars; along with Coach Julie Sievert placed first ensuring a trip to a national contest They had a choice of attending the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville KY or the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO The team chose to participate at the North American International Livestock Exposition Once a team attends a national competition, they are not eligible to compete at that competition again

The team continued to practice from the state competition in April until the national competition in November General Livestock Project Bowl participants expand their knowledge in beef, meat goats, sheep and swine in the areas of nutrition, management, anatomy, breeds, reproduction, economics, meat cuts and current events

Ledger News Briefs

U of M Aquatic

The Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) at the University of Minnesota announces the launch of six new research projects These projects were selected as part of a competitive proposal process following a comprehensive research needs assessment conducted by MAISRC The results of these projects will lead to better prevention of aquatic invasive species and improved management of Minnesota’s resources, including the species impacted by AIS The projects include:

Carp Remediation: Climate Change, Ecological and Economic Benefits, led by Dr John Downing

Effective rusty crayfish removals to protect wild rice, led by Josh Dumke

Culturing Microalgae to Support Aquatic Invasive Control Species, led by Dr Daryl Gohl

Starry stonewort and wild rice: assessment and response, led by Dr Dan Larkin

Beyond the sign: Influencing recreational boaters required behaviors

Practical field-based tools for detecting high priority microbes led by Dr Nicholas Phelps

Nicollet Girls Basketball

Halftime 26-28 Alden Final 65-60 Nicollet in OT

Nicollet leaders: Leah bode 21 pts Savannah Klockziem 19 pts 9 reb Brooklyn bode 13 pts 7 reb Shannon soost 7 pts 19 reb

Alden leaders: Alyvia Newman 20 pts Macy mattson 14 pts Nicollet 4-6

Halftime 34-20 Nicollet won 62-52

Nicollet leaders: Leah bode 21 pts Savannah Klockziem 12 pts Shannon soost 9 pts 10 reb Hatti Hansen 9 pts

Mcw leaders: Emily Anderson 23 pts Kari matejka 11 pts Ella Carlson 10 pts

Nicollet record 6-6, 5-3 conference Next game Thursday Jan 12 at mcw 7:15

Governor Walz Announces Minnesota Ranked as a Top State to Raise a Family

Says WalletHub Study

expanding economic opportunity for all Minnesotans, we know how to make Minnesota the best state in the country for children and families ”

[ST PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced that Minnesota is the second best state to raise a family according to a recent WalletHub study Minnesota’s top ranking is based on 51 key indicators of familyfriendliness including quality of health, safety, education, affordability, and the economy “Making Minnesota the best state in the country to raise a family has been my mission since I first took office four years ago In my inaugural address last week, I reiterated that goal said Governor Walz “I am proud of this recognition, but we know that there is more work to be done to help children and families across the state thrive From lowering costs for working families, investing in a world-class education for ur students, and

“Over the last four years, the Governor and I have placed children and families at the heart of our administration ” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan “This ranking reflects that commitment and encourages us to keep fighting for our littlest Minnesotans We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to educate, protect, and care for our children and families I look forward to stepping up to the challenge to make Minnesota the best state in the country to raise a family ”

WalletHub study ranks Minnesota second in the nation based on 51 indicators

Focus on Ag

By KENT THIESSE Farm Management Analyst Vice President, MinnStar Bank

The deadline to sign-up for the 2023 farm program is March 15 at local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices throughout the United States Beginning in 2021 and continuing through 2023, farm program choices (PLC, ARC-CO or ARC-IC) can be made on an annual basis for each crop in a given marketing year This allows producers to choose or switch their farm program choices on each FSA farm unit for a given year Eligible producers are able to choose between the price-only Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and revenue-based Ag Risk Coverage (ARC) program choices The ARC program choice includes both the county-yield based ARC-CO program choice and the ARC-IC program, which is based on farm-level yields

The farm program choice between the PLC and ARC-CO is specific to each eligible crop and may vary on the same FSA farm unit For example a producer could choose PLC for corn and wheat and ARC-CO for soybeans on the same farm unit The farm program choice can vary from farm unit to farm unit for the same crop For example, a producer could choose PLC for corn in one county and ARC-CO in another county if the farms are separate FSA farm units

The ARC-IC program must be applied to all covered commodities on a given FSA farm unit, and all farm units in a state that are enrolled in ARCIC are considered together in one ARC-IC calculation In addition, ARC-IC payments are paid on only 65% of crop base acres, compared to payments on 85% of base acres for PLC and ARC-CO payments This may limit situations where ARC-IC is a favorable farm program option If producers do not make a 2023 farm program choice, they will automatically be enrolled into the same farm program choice that was selected for the 2022 farm program agent for details

Analyzing Farm Program Decisions for 2023 (FOCUS ON AG) Continued From Left

Overview of the 2023 PLC and ARC-CO Decision All 2023 PLC and ARC-CO payments for corn and soybeans will be based on the market year average (MYA) price from Sept 1, 2023, through Aug 31, 2024 The MYA price is a monthly average farm-level price from throughout the U S that is weighted for the volume of bushels sold each month The current higher crop price levels on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), as well as local cash grain prices, will likely have little impact on the final 2023 MYA prices unless the current prices are maintained into this fall and the first half of 2024

Following is brief overview of the farm program choice between PLC and ARC-CO for the 2023 crop and marketing year for corn, soybeans and wheat in most instances: • Corn The most difficult decision between the PLC and ARC-CO program choice for 2023 is probably for corn, especially given the current level of CBOT and cash corn prices However, the prospects for large U S corn acreage in 2023 and a trendline national average corn yield in 2023 could increase total U S corn supply and potentially put post-harvest pressure on corn prices The final corn MYA price from 2014-2019 was $3 70 per bushel or lower, resulting in corn PLC payments from 2015-2019 The final 2020 MYA price was $4 53 per bushel and the 2021 MYA corn price was $6 per bushel The current 2022 MYA price estimate is $6 80 per bushel, which would trail only $6 89 per bushel in 2012 The 2023 benchmark price for corn increased to $3 98 per bushel, compared to the 2023 PLC reference price of $3 70 per bushel PLC payments are only made if the final MYA price is below $3 70 per bushel, while potential 2023 ARC-CO payments will be dependent on both the final 2023 MYA price and the 2023 county average yields At a final 2023 MYA price of $3 98 per bushel, the final 2023 county yield would need to be 15% or more below the county benchmark yield to initiate a 2023 ARC-CO payment For example, if the county benchmark yield is 200 bu /A , the final 2023 county yield would need to be 170 bushels per acre or lower to initiate a 2023 ARC-CO payment

Another way to look at the ARC-CO decision for corn is to consider that if the final 2023 county average yield is the same as the county benchmark yield, the final 2022 MYA price would need to decline below $3 43 per bushel in order to initiate an ARC-CO payment At a $3 43 per bushel final MYA price, there would be a $ 27 per bushel PLC payment The PLC program provides corn MYA price protection from $3 70 down to $2 20 per bushel Producers in counties that are susceptible to drought or other potential yield challenges for 2023 may want to consider the corn ARC-CO program for 2023

Soybeans Given the current CBOT prices and local soybean price levels and projections, the 2023 farm program analysis probably leans toward ARC-CO in most instances The 2023 soybean ARC-CO benchmark price is $9 57 per bushel and the 2023 PLC price is $8 40 per bushel The final county yield for 2023 will likely need to be 15% or more below the county benchmark yield in order to initiate a 2023 soybean ARC-CO payment This equates to a county average yield decline of 7-10 bushels or more per acre in most primary soybean production counties in the Midwest The final 2023 soybean MYA price needs to drop below $8 40 per bushel to initiate 2023 PLC payments which has never occurred from 2014 to 2021 and there has not been a PLC payment under the current farm program format The final 2021 MYA soybean price was $13 30 per bushel and current 2022 MYA price estimate is $14 per bushel for the 2022 marketing year that ends on Aug 31, 2023

• Wheat In the past, the farm program decision has been the easiest for wheat; however, that may be different for 2023 Both the 2023 PLC reference price and the ARC-CO BM price for wheat are $5 50 per bushel, so the ARC-CO scenario is somewhat similar to corn The 2023 marketing year for wheat and other small grains runs from June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2024, so the current wheat price trends are probably more pertinent than with corn and soybeans The final wheat MYA price was below $5 50 per bushel from 2015-2020, with substantial PLC payments earned in many of those years; however, the final 2021 MYA price for wheat was $7 63 per bushel and the current projected MYA price for 2022 is $9 20 per bushel Generally, wheat producers have tended to favor the PLC program over the ARC-CO program, due to past PLC payments; however, in areas with variable yields it may be worth looking at ARC-CO Another factor that could encourage producers to enroll corn and wheat base acres in the PLC program, and possibly soybean base acres, is the availability of the Supplemental Crop Option (SCO) crop insurance program The SCO coverage is an add-on option to traditional federal crop insurance that is only available with the PLC farm program option and not with the ARC-CO program choice Check with a crop insurance