Nicollet County Ledger January 28, 2024

January 28, 2024 | South Central News & Media

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Heartland Hydrogen Energy Hub Allotted $925M for Clean Energy Subsidies

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

It is no secret that the White House under Joe Biden and Minnesota Governor’s Mansion under Tim Walz are shelling out billions to support a growing renewable energy sector. We all read negative headlines from time to time about problems with electric vehicle charging infrastructure, electric vehicle (EV) battery efficiency and environmental issues related to lithium mining, wind turbine recycling and solar panel production (mostly in China). These reports aren’t unwarranted.

Biden has committed money to states that need more EV charging stations and Minnesota has two corridors with more than 150 applicants at last check that were seeking funds for stations along two Interstate freeways in the state.

Walz recently announced hundreds of

millions in other infrastructure upgrades heit. However, it requires a certain level any application. Walmart DC needs there are charging stations that dewater as well, as Minnesota ended up with a of infrastructure, technology, design, to have PLUG technicians on hand on and refuel the systems onsite, powered state budget surplus

by PLUG, who sperecently as well. cializes in hydrogen Hydrogen is far fuel cell technology. more efficient overTheir company’s stock all than lithium batsurged in 2020 during tery powered devicthe bull run in the stock es, whether automomarket, along with bile, farm combine many other renewor construction able, EV and alternaor manufacturing tive energy company machinery. EVs stocks. Many have not have a tough time produced the type of in cold weather results PLUG has, but as recent reports to scale that nationally and testimony has would require signifishown. Walmart cant investment, hence Distribution Center the 7 different hydrouses hydrogen fuel gen hubs that were cell powered power recently identified in lifts and forklift the front page of The machines in temElectrical Worker, peratures as low as -10 degrees fahren- etc. to power hydrogen fuel cells for every shift to work on the machines and a newspaper distributed to members

of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), a trade union, in January.

Federal subsidies totaling around $7 billion were awarded to seven regional hubs for hydrogen power infrastructure to be centered. The hubs are located at strategic geographic locations across the country. Minnesota is part of the Heartland Hub. The other six are Pacific Northwest, California, Gulf Coast, Appalachian, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.

IBEW claims members are already at work on projects jumpstarted via these federal subsidies. That only includes four projects with actual labor contracts so far, and none in Minnesota’s hub location.

Hydrogen only emits water or water vapor and can assist or replace a wide variety of natural gas applications that emit CO2 into the atmosphere. It can

Continued on page 7

Cannabis Law Loophole Draws Discussion, Confusion and Ambiguity Among MN Enforcement Agencies

According to Federal Funds Information for States, or FFIS, allocation estimates for Minnesota total $7.4 billion, as of their most recent update on April 19, 2022. Most of this funding, roughly $6.1 billion, must be matched by nonfederal resources. Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan are committed to securing these critical matching funds in the upcoming FY 2024-25 biennial budget.

Image: Minnesota Management and Budget Office.

South Central Minnesota Cities Awaiting Millions from Infrastructure Spending

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Saint Peter could be getting some needed funding, part of Gov. Tim Walz’s infrastructure plan recently announced in addition to the $48 million likely headed to Mankato to build a state-of-the-art crime lab facility for the state’s Bureau

of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).

Saint Peter could receive $13 million for water and sewer upgrades that are planned in the city.

The money for the BCA comes from a projected appropriation of $142 million for public safety, while the water and sewer upgrades in Saint Peter would come from a projected $215 million set aside for water and transportation infrastruc-

ture in the state.

A Minnesota State Patrol building might also be part of a package in the area, but it is still unclear where that facility would be built.

The legislative session begins midFebruary and counties and cities in Minnesota are eagerly anticipating more public funds to upgrade and/ or repair much infrastructure across the state.

Synthetic cannabis products like these are being sold in some retail stores in Minnesota, and it is unclear who is in charge of regulating these products. This created a loophole for their distributors and wholesalers.

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Lower Sioux in Morton Gets Minnesota As previously reported by the Ledger, cannabis was a major conDHS Circle of Excellence Award tention point among some vocal law

Ten Minnesota human services organizations representing seven initiatives received Circle of Excellence awards from Commissioner Jodi Harpstead last fall.

The 2023 award winners pro-

vide essential services to refugees, Indigenous youth and elders, families with children, people who have public health insurance and people who are starting their recovery journeys. Innovations include offering

Indigenous food options and caring for pets so their owners can enter substance use disorder treatment.

In announcing the winners last fall, Harpstead said: “Each year,

Continued on page 7

enforcement officials including the Nicollet County Sheriff Dave Lange and others in Minnesota. A meeting took place among cannabis regulators and law enforcement recently.

They met on January 11, according to a report by MinnPost, to discuss reports of hemp retailers selling raw cannabis flower that is really just actual cannabis. Another recent headline detailed the botched background check process in the initial hiring for manager of the Office of Cannabis Management, so the state had to reschedule and announce an entirely new recruitment effort for the top pot watchdog. After an

audit found that background checks and procedures weren’t conducted effectively in the Walz administration before the Governor appointed Erin DuPree on September 21 last year to lead the OCM. She resigned two days later, when reports and rumors surfaced that she had sold illegal products through her Apple Valley-based company Loonacy Cannabis Co., according to reporting from both AOL and FOX9 in the Twin Cities. DuPress was vice president of sales and operations and some unpaid tax liens were also later discovered.

Along with the state health department and other state offices, Minnesota cannabis regulation was discussed at this summit as it relates to the flower sales in various unregistered hemp stores. The new law passed, in fact, does not even cover flower sales in the products regu-

lated by the agency that regulates medical sales, the Office of Medical Cannabis in Minnesota. Right now, the medical division under the health department is overseeing the sale of hemp-derived edibles and beverages until a permanent Office of Cannabis Management is established in the state. The push and rush by Democrats and some Republicans alike has not addressed the effective regulation and legal enforcement issues that persist in cities, counties and rural township areas throughout the state that relies on state guidance for their approach. County and city attorneys such as those in Brown and Nicollet Counties are grappling with uncertainty and trying to coordinate efforts with the state, or in some cases just waiting to hear something further than what

Continued on page 7

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Nicollet County Ledger

Ad From the Past

Sunday, January 28, 2024

News from the Archives Saturday and Sunday with their father, W. C. Milliman, in Bernadotte.

They came here to observe Mr. 100 Years Ago – Feb. 14, 1920 Milliman’s birthday anniversary, Miss Anna Ebert is employed which was on Saturday. as domestic at the Reuben Lund 50 Years Ago – Feb. 19, 1970 home.

Those who spent the weekRobert Isenberg, H. E. Hedren and Henry Johnson attended the end at the Ambassador Motel in Oldsmobile dealers’ convention at Minneapolis as guests of Land O the Radisson hotel at Minneapolis Lakes were Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Berdan, Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon last week.

John Satterman will erect his Swenson, Mr. and Mrs. Richard saw mill at the John Lund farm Portner, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Isaacson two miles northeast from Lafayette. and Mr. and Mrs. Leo Marti.

Lois Wellnitz of Princeton spent Those who desire to have lumber sawed may haul the logs over there the weekend here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Wellnitz. now at any time.

Those who gathered at the Gerald Buttermaker Sjostrom of Klossner Forst home Sunday to honor Robert transacted business here Monday.

Aug. A. Johnson has bought the Hamann who is home on furlough, former J. P. Sjogren residence on were, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Schroeder Church Street and will reside there and family of New Ulm, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Meyer and boys, Mr. after March 1st.

Alvin Fjell is installing booths and Mrs. Delton Hamann and famin the H. F. Anderson restaurant. ily, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Bieraugel This makes a great improvement and Mrs. Rose Hamann.

Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Maidl to Anderson’s ice cream parlor.

There will be a greater demand for and family went to the airport in ice cream hereafter, by the young Minneapolis Wednesday to get their daughter, Diane and Deanna folks.

Mrs. C. O. Gustafson of St. Schmitz, who returned that day Peter arrived here Thursday and from a five day visit at the Tony will stay at the Anton Malmberg Cranford home at Metairie, La. home for a while. With her came They also attended the Mardi Gras Curtis Malmberg who has been vis- at New Orleans while there.

Narve Nelson and Otis Muller iting with grandma Gustafson since returned Monday evening from a Christmas.

Pete and Albert Peterson of week’s fishing at Leech Lake with Alfsborg have rented the Freeman Mr. and Mrs. Harold Woods of Gibbon.

Anderson farm in New Sweden.

Forester members from this area Decorator Fjell is painting John who attended the C.O.F. Bowling Peterson’s Ford.

The local W.C.T.U. will meet with Tournament at St. Peter Sunday Mrs. T. F. Bergquist next Tuesday were Gerald, Richard and Ronald Seitz, Alphonse Goblirsch, Jerome afternoon, Feb. 17.

E. O. Abrahamson and family Weisensel, Leo Maidl, Marion and Henry Abrahamson visited Bushard and Clarence Maidl.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hatch of at the Rudell home at Winthrop Rochester spent the weekend at the Sunday.

Miss Claudia Swenson of Otis Muller home.

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Eckberg Minneapolis visited here over visited at the Carl Lund home in St. Sunday.

John Johnson of Parshall, N. D., Peter Friday evening. was a visitor with his bro-in-law C. NICOLLET LEADER H. Nelson over Sunday.

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Focus on Ag

Current Farm Bill Extended Through 2024

By Kent Thiesse

Farm management analyst kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com

In mid-November the U.S. House and Senate passed a continuing resolution that provided additional federal funding to avoid a government shutdown at the federal level. The continuing resolution that was passed and signed into law also extends the current Farm Bill for one year through September 30, 2024. This means that the current farm program and crop insurance provisions will remain in place through the 2024 crop year. It also will keep other important federal programs such as the Dairy Margon Coverage (DMC) program, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other popular USDA programs in place for at least another year.

The extension will also limit any

immediate changes to the Nutrition Title of the Farm Bill, which funds food assistance programs through SNAP, WIC, and the school lunch program.

The current Farm Bill, known as the “Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018”, expired on September 30, 2023. Even though both houses of Congress held multiple hearings and listening sessions during the past year, no formal legislation for a new Farm Bill has been proposed in either house of Congress. Once a formalized Farm Bill is proposed and discussed, it will need to be passed by both houses of Congress and signed by President Biden before it can be enacted. It was not realistic to complete this process on a timely basis in order to avoid gaps in the continuation of some important USDA programs, which is why a one-year extension was passed by

See FOCUS ON AG, page 5

75 Years Ago – Feb. 16, 1945 W. H. Krohn and family visited at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Swartz in St. Paul, Sunday.

Mrs. Justine Jacobson entertained a group of ladies at her home Saturday afternoon in observance of her birthday anniversary.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Nelson of Winthrop, Mrs. Theo. Ostrom and Grace, of New Sweden, visited Sunday afternoon at the Arthur Flygare home in Bernadotte.

Mr. and Mrs. Delphin Anderson and children, Duane and Gladys, were entertained at dinner Sunday at the Gerald Wise home in New Sweden. The afternoon was spent at the Orville Quist home near St. Peter.

Miss Elaine Isenberg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Delphin Isenberg of Cornish, has completed a course in beauty culture, and also passed the state board examinations, thereby receiving the license for such work.

Raymond Quandt, Hugo Albrecht and Arthur Schaeffler, members of the board of Lafayette township, went to St. Peter, Monday, and attended the annual weed conference, which was held in the court room of the court house.

Mrs. Martha Carlson and Mrs. LeRoy Anderson spent last weekend in the twin cities.

Carl Youngblom of St. Paul and his roommate, Tom Kostuch, returned to St. Paul Monday evening, after a few days visit with the former’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Youngblom.

Misses Betty and Bonnie Milliman, students of the Hamline University, Minneapolis, spent

115 Years Ago – Feb. 18, 1905 The personal property taxes are due March 1st, and unless paid by that time a penalty of 10 percent will be added.

The fifth of its series of club dances was given by the Nicollet Dancing Club at Blank’s hall Tuesday evening. The Nicollet orchestra furnished the music.

Do not forget the special school meeting to be held on Saturday evening, February 25th. It is important that all interested in school matters should attend this meeting.

The school rooms at present are so overcrowded that early provision needs to be made for an extra room and teacher for same.

The farmers of Brighton township will build a co-operative creamery near the place of Adam Jutz, on the southwest corner of section 3, and are busy hauling material for the same now. They will commence with the erection soon as the weather permits and will hold a meeting on Saturday, March 4th, for the purpose of organizing.

A Judson correspondent says a party from Nicollet, who has been cutting ice, had the misfortune of journeying to the river bottom, rather a disagreeable experience, though the distance traveled was only twelve feet. He then drove home six miles, in his wet clothes, which were certainly stiff upon him by the time he arrived. Do you know him?

The blizzard we had Tuesday worked havoc with the train service. No trains went either way until the following morning when the snowplow cleared the tracks.

Except for telephonic communica- the Chester Nelson home Saturday tion, this village was cut off by the evening. drifting snow and extreme cold LAFAYETTE NICOLLET weather.

LEDGER

100 Years Ago – Feb. 14, 1920 Mrs. Henry Netzke visited her daughter at New Ulm the first of the week who has been ill.

George and William Lange of Oshawa township have gone to Sioux City, Iowa, to attend an automobile school.

Show your loyalty to the fire company by purchasing tickets for their annual ball to be given in the Nicollet opera house tonight.

The ladies of the Progressive Banner will give an apron sale for the benefit of the auxiliary in the local auxiliary parlors Saturday afternoon, Feb. 21.

Henry Epper and family are getting comfortably settled in their new, large and modern residence on West Fourth Street, having moved in during the week.

Three auctions are booked for this vicinity in the near future. The sale of Louis Wenholz will occur on February 20. August Schroeder will conduct a sale on February 27th, and H. C. Fricke will close out his personal property on March 4th.

Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Johnson of Langdon, N. D., the latter a sister of J. H. Meurer, arrived here last Friday for an extended visit with relatives in Nicollet and vicinity.

Mr. Johnson was an old time resident of Nicollet and in his early days drove a stage between New Ulm and St. Peter.

Dr. E. F. Vogelpohl, Nicollet’s resident dentist, opened up for business in the former Dr. Meilicke’s office this week. His office is modernly equipped in every respect for his dental practice. Dr. Vogelpohl was called out of town today but will be on deck again Monday morning.

25 Years Ago – Feb. 16, 1995 Congratulations to Peter Anthony, son of Willis and Rachel Anthony, for being named to the Dean’s List at Bethany College. Also to Michael Gunderson, son of Darwin and Brenda Gunderson, who also made the Dean’s List at the University of Minnesota, Morris.

Sharon Gaalswyk, Karen Gaalswyk, Cheryl Epper and Joyce, manager of the Budgetel Motel went to dinner at Charley’s and saw the play at the University in Mankato, “Stepping Out.” Kevin and Jeanette Hewitt of Cleveland entertained Sunday afternoon in honor of their daughter, Heather’s 4th birthday. Among those present were Earl and Evie Nelson of Norseland, Bob and Donna Hewitt of St. Peter, Darren and Corrinne Ely, and Angie Seitzer of Cleveland.

Darryl and Barbara Stevensen and Mr. and Mrs. Wade Zieske of rural New Ulm flew to Florida last week to spend time with Barbara’s parents, Herb and Jolene.

Good winter weather has allowed all aspects of construction for the new InLaws Restaurant at Nicollet to proceed. The business, located at the corner of Highways 14 and 111 in Nicollet, is slated to open in early spring.

Herring Trucking of Lafayette put up a new building on the old railroad right-of-way property over the winter. It’s behind the city disposal plant. The 40 X 75 foot building has space for two trucks and will give the Herrings a place to wash their trailers when they return from trips. Final details are being completed and the building should be ready for use in a few weeks.

85 Years Ago – Feb. 16, 1935 About 7:30 Monday morning, the fire department was called to the farm home of Henry Ott where a bad chimney fire was raging.

There was no damage.

Emil Starke has been busy for the past two weeks cutting logs and sawing lumber for a new barn which he will have erected on his farm this spring.

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Wyngarden and children, who spent several months with Mr. and Mrs. Carl Netzke returned to their home at Tappen, N.D., Wednesday.

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Kettner, Mrs. L. W. Kettner, Mrs. E. A. Zimmermann and Mrs. Aug. Thom, Jr. visited relatives at Truman on Monday. The latter two remained for a week’s stay.

Aug. Koetting of Courtland township was seriously injured, Wednesday morning, when a shed, which he was tearing down, suddenly collapsed, pinning him underneath. His right hip and his right leg were broken.

A social evening was spent at the home of Miss Norma and Gordon Ott Wednesday evening. The time was spent in playing “bunco” with high honors going to Miss Viola Bode and Harvey Enter and Miss Elvira Enter and Harold Heidemann, low. At midnight a delicious lunch was served.

Peter Jutz came down Monday from Pierz with a truck load of potatoes which he is selling very cheap.

Mrs. Martin Zins and daughters spent Thursday at Nicollet with her sister, Mrs. R. J. Dauffenbach.

Joyce and Allen Erickson, Henry Maritz, Margie Monson and Mrs. Ella Johnson were entertained at

10 Years Ago – Feb. 18, 2010 Nicollet senior Jordan Rudenick surpassed the 1,000 point career mark in a make-up game with St. Clair Saturday afternoon. Rudenick, a four-year player for the Nicollet High School, has been a consistent scorer for the Raiders and is a good all-around player.

Congratulations to Steve and Barb Hulke of Courtland on becoming grandparents for the first time.

Little Hannah Hulke was born to their son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Andria, February 7.

The fourth annual Polar Plunge at Lake Hallett in St. Peter Sunday was even bigger and better than the first three. A total of 313 “human plungers” raised more than $44,000 for Special Olympics. Those numbers are up from 110, 165, and 196 plungers and $21,000, $28,500, and $30,000 in the first three. Nicollet County Sheriff Dave Lange and his group opened the plunge. Nicollet American Legion Post 510 was represented by Del Vulcan and Bruce Connelly. The gals went first and the guys followed when the Courtland Fire Department jumped. Group members were Pam Meyer, Mary Luepke, Jenna Krueger, Danielle Bode, Dave Ubel, Leon Luepke, Jon Rewitzer, Brandon Matter, Adam Marti, and Pat Stadick. Lafayette Ambulance “Team McFreezies” included Kim Schwab, Daryl Trautmiller, Kevin Reinhart, Jay Carlson, Jessi Gieseke, Collin Gieseke, and Marti Uhde.

Andrew and Lisa Quist of Norseland were among nearly 90 Minnesota Farm Bureau members who attended the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Promotion and Education Conference January 29-30 in Bloomington.

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Sunday, January 28, 2024

Page 3

Nicollet County Ledger

College News

Nicollet County Area Sports

National CTE Letter of Intent Marshall Defeated in Gymnastics Meet This Past Week Signing Day at SCC in February 22

The final score for the January between New Ulm Public-NUACS- was 129.475 to 115.000, in favor of The Ledger will continue to proVarsity Gymnastics meet MVL and Marshall Gymnastics New Ulm. vide further updates this season.

All Participants Will Receive Scholarships of New Ulm Boys Beat Marshall in Varsity Hoops on GAC Campus $500 or More The final score for the New ing Marshall was 88-79, favor- each other on January 26. will continue to provide further South Central College

Press Release (January 22, 2024) – Benjamin Franklin said, “The world is run by the people who show up.” Future South Central College (SCC) students who show up at this year’s National CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day will automatically receive a scholarship of $500 or more. Signing Day will take place on February 27 on SCC’s Faribault Campus and February 28 on the college’s North Mankato Campus. The event includes a Signing Ceremony where participants will sign a letter of intent to hold their place in the program of their choice for next Fall Semester.

During the event, some participants will receive Minnesota State Workforce Development Scholarships of up to $2,500 and all other participants will receive SCC Foundation Scholarships of $500 or more. “We are grateful to our SCC Foundation for ensuring all participants receive scholarships at this year’s Signing Day,” said SCC President Annette Parker.

Each year, colleges around the country honor new students who are entering career and technical (CTE) fields through National CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day. Established by the Na-

tional Coalition of Certificate Center (NC3), the event mirrors the NCAA’s National Signing Day for those who commit to playing sports in college.

But instead of recognizing athletes, Signing Day pays tribute to those pursuing an education leading to a career in a high-demand field.

South Central College offers a wide variety of CTE programs with approximately 100 degree, diploma, and certificate options. Anyone considering starting one of these programs in Fall 2024 is encouraged to register for Signing Day by February 14 at www. southcentral.edu/Sign.

About South Central College South Central College (SCC) is a comprehensive community and technical college that is part of the Minnesota State system with campuses in Faribault and North Mankato. The college offers programs that prepare students to start or advance in a rewarding career after graduation, transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree - or do both. SCC also provides customized workforce education for professionals and organizations.

SCC is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer/Educator. For more information, visit www.southcentral.edu.

Ulm Boys Basketball team fac- ing New Ulm Eagles. They faced

MN River Bulldogs Hopeful at New Ulm Varsity Ice Hockey Match New Ulm got the win over the Minnesota River Bulldogs of St. Peter area on January 22.

The Bulldogs head coach Chris Miller really wanted the win, but conceded to New Ulm’s superior playing that night.

Press Release Applications are available and being accepted for two, $500 scholarship awards provided by the Adolph and Emily Lokensgard Scholarship Trust Fund and the Nicollet County Farm Bureau. To receive an application, please contact the Nicollet County Farm Bureau by emailing nicolletcountyfarmbureau@gmail. com or by calling (612) 756-4421.

The application deadline is April 1, 2024.

Eligibility to compete for a schol-

“We played really well tonight and I feel like we deserved the win but at the end of the day New Ulm made one more play than we did,” Miller said.

Miller pointed out the highlights of players on the ice for the matchup

against New Ulm. “Isaac Schaffer was really good for us tonight. We recently moved him to forward because we felt like he could help us offensively and tonight he scored our second goal.”

Miller also highlighted a player

with consistency on the ice.

“Drew Simonette has been our most consistent guy offensively and he got us on the board again tonight,” he said. “I am happy with the effort the boys put in tonight, most nights that effort earns us a victory.”

Ashley Chomyn (Soccer, Winnipeg, Manitoba), Warden Dahlgren (Men’s Cross Country, Edgeley, N.D.), Teddy Giefer (Baseball, Courtland, Minn.), Christian Norby (Baseball, Ashby, Minn.), Tad Scherbenske (Baseball, Rapid City, S.D.), Madeleine Schneider (Tennis, Gartrigen, Germany), Madeleine Shwaluk (Softball, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba), Paige Shwaluk (Softball, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba), Brody Sorenson (Baseball, Grand Forks, N.D.), and Mara Weisensel (Volleyball, New Ulm, Minn.) were named as recipients of the award.

The honor, named for the late NCAA President Dr. Myles Brand, is bestowed to NSIC academic senior student-athletes who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher (student-athletes can only earn the award once). Each student-

athlete will be recognized by the NSIC with a certificate of achievement and a wristwatch.

A total of 261 student-athletes from the NSIC’s 15 institutions will receive the award in its 15th year.

“I am filled with pride on how our student-athletes in the NSIC continue to excel in the classroom, in the community and on the playing field. These are characteristics in which Dr. Myles Brand emphasized. I am extremely proud of all these student-athletes for their devotion to their universities, the NSIC and to their personal academic and athletic goals. I have no doubt these student-athletes will continue to achieve success in life well beyond the classroom and the competition venues,” said Lind.

Dr. Myles N. Brand, visionary leader, educator and reformer, served as the President of the Na-

tional Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) from 2003-2009. He passed away in September 2009 at the age of 67 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Brand presided over passage of the most comprehensive academic reform package for intercollegiate athletics in recent history – a package that refocused the attention of student-athletes, coaches and administrators on the education of student-athletes. Brand also changed the national dialog on college sports to emphasize the educational value of athletics participation and the integration of intercollegiate athletics with the academic mission of higher education.

His impact on Division II ran deep by implementing an identity campaign and a strategic-positioning platform tied to specific divisional attributes. He challenged Division II to continue its game environment and community engagement focus, and improve academic success rates.

West High School by a score of 5973.

B Squad: The Nicollet B-squad boys lost to

GHEC-T-M Jags 39-52 Friday night.

C Squad: The Nicollet C-squad boys lost to the Jags Friday 33-41. Jordan Goet-

tlicher scored 11 points, Jacob Volby scored 10, Colton Rengstorf scored 7 and Ray Busch, Noah Fitzner and Izaak Rodman scored 2 points each.

Volleyball Athlete Mara Weisensel of New Ulm Receives NSIC Award at U of M Crookston Campus, Along with Nine Other Athletes

BURNSVILLE, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Crookston had 10 student-athletes earn arship award includes the follow- the NSIC Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction award ing: A high school senior or an un- as announced by the Northern dergraduate college student who is Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Thursday. enrolled or is planning to enroll on a full-time basis in a post-secondary school and major in or demonstrate a strong interest Varsity: in the field of either Agriculture or On Tuesday, January 23, the NiFamily and Consumer Science. collet Varsity Boys Basketball team Applicants must be a resident of lost their game against Martin County Nicollet County.

Applications must be complete and include a transcript of grades or a grade report with a cumulative GPA on the report.

Farm Bureau Offering Scholarships Minnesota Farm Bureau

The Nicollet County Ledger reporting.

Nicollet Boys Basketball Team Struggles This Season But Still Puts in Plenty of Effort

Local Author Visits Taylor Library On Thursday, January 25, selfpublished author Jason Willis visited the North Mankato Taylor Library at 6 p.m. Willis teaches high school English, indigenous studies, creative writing and mythology, but every morning during the school year, he wakes up at 5 a.m. to write 1,000 words, according to a new release from the library. He grew up in South Dakota and currently lives in Ma-

pleton. His books feature tales of local Minnesota towns and historical figures, Blue Earth legends, folklore, ancient mythologies, mystery and adventure. The program was made possible by a grant from Minnesota voters that is distributed by the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative from legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Saint Peter Hosts Winterfest 2024 St. Peter Chamber of Commerce Winterfest will run from January 26 to February 11, according to the St. Peter Chamber of Commerce.

Friday, January 26 featured the opening ceremony with a bonfire and me-

dallion hunt.

Friday, February 2 will feature WinterMania wrestling at Johnson Hall. Saturday, February 3 will feature Super Snow Saturday with several family activities and Snow in

the Park at Veterans Park. The Polar Plunge is scheduled at Hallett’s pond also that day, along with WinterSlam Demolition Derby at Nicollet County Fairgrounds.

Saturday, February 10 will feature

a Winter Walk at River’s Edge Hospital at 1 p.m. From 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, February 11, there will be a Dad’s Belgian Waffle Breakfast hosted by the Saint Peter Lions at the Saint Peter Community Center.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

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Focus on Ag Continued Local College Student Achievements Announced Here From Page 2 Congress. The continuing resolution that was passed will also maintain funding for most federal agencies, including those that are part of USDA, until either mid-January or early February of 2024.

When most people hear of a “Farm Bill”, they think of the commodity programs and payments that affect crop producers. Some people may be aware that crop insurance and conservation programs are included under the Farm Bill, and some are knowledgeable that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and food stamps are part of the Farm Bill legislation.

However, very few people outside of government officials and policy experts are aware that the Farm Bill also covers funding for rural fire trucks and ambulances, export promotion, international food aid, forestry programs, ag research and extension education at land-grant universities, and school lunch programs. The current Farm Bill passed in 2018 was over 1,000 pages in length, and contains 12 separate Titles, which cover a multitude of programs that are administered by USDA. Farm Program for 2024 The recent extension of the 2018 Farm Bill means that the “price loss coverage” (PLC) and “ag risk coverage” (ARC) farm program options for eligible crops will remain in place for the 2024 crop year and will be similar to PLC and ARC programs for the 2019 to 2023 crop years. For 2024, producers will be able to choose between the price-only PLC and revenue-based ARC program choices for the 2024 crop production year. The ARC program choice includes both the county-yield based “ARC-CO” program, which is most popular, and the “ARC-IC” program, which is based on farm-level yields.

If no choice is made, the 2023 farm program choice will remain in place for 2024. The deadline to finalize the farm program choice and to enroll for 2024 farm program benefits will likely be March 15, 2024, at local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. As of this writing, USDA has not yet made any official announcements regarding 2024 farm program sign-up.

Crop base acres for 2024 will likely remain at the same levels as 2023 for all crops on most farms, unless there are adjustments in base acres for crop acres that were added via land purchases or rental agreements or acres that are no longer eligible for farm program payments. The 2023 farm program yields on individual farm units, which were last updated in 2020, will be continued to calculate potential PLC payments. The ARCCO “benchmark yields” for 2024 will be based on the “Olympic-average” Risk Management Agency (RMA) county average yields for the 2018 to 2022 crop years. The national “market year average” (MYA) price for each program crop for the years 2018-2022 will be averaged to calculate the 2024 “benchmark price” for the ARC-CO and ARC-IC programs.

The calculation formulas, etc. for the 2024 PLC, ARC-CO and ARC-IC programs will likely remain the same as in previous years.PLC payments for 2024 will be made if the final MYA price for 2024 falls below the reference price for a given crop. ARCCO payments for 2024 will be made if the final county revenue for the year (county yield x final 2024 MYA price) falls below the 2024 benchmark revenue (county benchmark yield x benchmark price) for a given crop. The calculations for the ARC-IC program are the same as for the ARC-CO program, except ARC-IC uses farm-level yield data and considers all crops on a farm unit together for calculation of potential payments in a given year.

PLC and ARC-CO payments are paid on 85 percent of crop base acres, while ARC-IC payments are paid on only 65 percent of base acres.

The 2014 Farm Bill established “statutory reference prices” for all

crops that were used to calculate PLC payments. The 2018 Farm Bill set the fixed statutory prices as minimum reference prices and added the possibility for “effective reference prices” (ERP).

The ERP allows the reference price to increase by as much as 15 percent above the fixed reference price (fixed price x 115%). The final ERP for a given year is the higher of the fixed statutory price or the 5-year “Olympic average” price for a commodity times 85 percent (.85). The “Olympic average” price is calculated by taking the market year average (MYA) price for the five previous years (not including the current marketing year), dropping the high and the low price, and then averaging the other prices for the other three years. For the 2024 crop year, the “Olympic average” price is based on the MYA prices for the years 2018 to 2022, which is then multiplied by 85% (.85) to determine the final ERP price.

The final effective reference prices (ERP) for the 2019 to 2023 crop years were at the minimum statutory levels of $3.70 per bushel for corn, $8.40 per bushel for soybeans, and $5.50 per bushel for wheat, meaning that calculation for higher ERP levels was not triggered for any of those three crops.

MYA prices have been high enough in recent years to likely result in higher 2024 PLC reference prices for corn and soybeans; however, the wheat reference price will likely remain at the minimum level. The higher reference prices for corn and soybeans potentially increases the likelihood of PLC payments for the 2024 crip year, especially for corn if average market prices continue to decline during the 2024-25 marketing year. (Please refer to the attached Table.) Following are the estimated 2024 PLC reference prices: Corn = $4.02 per bushel (maximum is $4.26/bu. and minimum is $3.70/bu.)

Soybeans = $9.26 per bushel (maximum is $9.66/bu. and minimum is $8.40/bu.)

Wheat $5.50 per bushel (maximum is $6.33/bu. and minimum is $5.50/ bu.)

The 2024 benchmark (BM) prices that are used for the ARC-CO and ARC-IC programs are also based on the five-year “Olympic average” MYA prices for 2018 to 2022; however, the ARC benchmark prices are not factored downward by 85 percent (x .85).

The minimum BM price is the statutory reference price for a given crop.

Following are the estimated ARC-CO and ARC-IC benchmark prices for the 2024 crop year: Corn = $4.75 per bushel $3.98/bu.in 2023) Soybeans = $10.89 per bushel ($9.57/bu.in 2023) Wheat $6.21 per bushel ($5.50/bu. in 2023) BOTTOM – LINE Another provision in the 2018 Farm Bill allows farm operators to make year-to-year decisions between PLC, ARC-CO and ARC-IC for each eligible crop on an FSA farm unit.

Assuming that the PLC and ARC-CO farm program provisions and calculations in 2024 stay relatively similar to recent years, farm operators will want to do a bit more analysis before finalizing year-to-year farm program decisions for various crops. The potential for higher PLC reference prices and increasing benchmark prices will make that decision a bit more challenging for 2024 than in recent years.

USDA has not yet announced the 2024 farm program details and sign-up dates at local FSA offices.

Note — For additional information contact Kent Thiesse, Farm Management Analyst and Sr. Vice President, MinnStar Bank, Lake Crystal, MN. (Phone — (507) 381-7960) E-mail — kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com) Web Site — http://www. minnstarbank.com/

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Carthage College Announces Fall 2023 Dean’s List KENOSHA, WI (01/22/2024)-Carthage College recognizes William Simmons from Mankato, Minnesota for being named to the Fall 2023 Dean’s List.

Dean’s List honors are accorded to Carthage students who achieve a minimum 3.5 grade-point average while carrying at least 12 lettergraded credits in a given semester.

ABOUT CARTHAGE Carthage College is raising expectations for a private college experience. It blends the best liberal arts traditions with desirable degree programs, transformative learning opportunities, personal attention from distinguished faculty, and a focus on career development, which makes its graduates competitive in the workforce. Founded in 1847, Carthage is located on an idyllic shore of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in the thriving corridor between Milwaukee and Chicago. Grow with Carthage: www.carthage.edu Iowa State University announces fall semester 2023 Dean’s List AMES, Iowa (January 22, 2024) – More than 10,800 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the fall semester 2023 Dean’s List.

Students named to the Dean’s List must earn a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work.

Students listed below are from your area.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, CLASS YEAR, CURRICULUM North Mankato, MN Charles Raymond Hanneman, 4, Psychology Lillian L. Schmidt, 5, Liberal Arts and Sciences Specials (Non-Degree) Julia Schmitt, 3, Event Management Kristin E. Thompson, 4, Criminal Justice Max Thomas Willemsen, 2, Industrial Engineering Saint Peter, MN Sophia Mary-Paula Doherty, 2, Architecture-Professional Degree Iowa Lakes Community College Releases Fall 2023 Honors Lists (January 23, 2024) - Iowa Lakes Community College releases the Fall 2023 Honors Lists recognizing students who achieve the highest academic standards earning inclusion on the President’s List or Dean’s List.

For the Fall 2023 semester, 141 students earned President’s List, an honor achieved by those who recorded a “straight-A” or 4.0 GPA, and 263 students made the Dean’s List of students who earned a 3.25 GPA or higher for the semester.

In addition to achieving the required GPA, students must also be full-time and enrolled in 12 or more graded credits to be eligible for the President’s List or Dean’s lists.

Iowa Lakes Community College adheres to the Higher Learning Commission, the Iowa Department of Education, the Veterans Administration, and the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) guidelines to ensure students obtain a quality accredited education.

More About Iowa Lakes Community College: Located in the Iowa Great Lakes, one of the Midwest’s most dynamic and energetic regions, Iowa Lakes Community Col-

lege offers individuals more than 60 nationally recognized degrees, certifications, and pre-professional programs to consider for a future career. Iowa Lakes campuses are located throughout a five-county area in Emmetsburg, Estherville, Spencer, and Spirit Lake.

Ranked in the top twenty community colleges in the nation*, Iowa Lakes graduates are well prepared to continue a four-year bachelor’s degree program or start a high-demand career with the knowledge, preparation, and skills needed to succeed. Iowa Lakes offers students of all ages and life stages multiple options to continue their education.

Financial aid is available to ensure education is affordable. In addition, dedicated faculty and staff help students at Iowa Lakes achieve personal, academic, and professional goals.

Iowa Lakes Community College is ranked #18 among the top community colleges in the country. More information at Learn.org.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, HONOR Courtland, MN Brooklyn Bode, President’s List Area Students make the Fall 2023 Dean’s List at St. Olaf College NORTHFIELD, Minn. (January 24, 2024) - The following local students made the Fall 2023 Dean’s List at St. Olaf College. The Dean’s List is a scholarly award for students who demonstrate academic excellence.

Located on 300 acres in Northfield, Minn., St. Olaf College is a residential liberal arts institution with an enrollment of more than 3,000 students offering over 85 undergraduate majors, concentrations, and preprofessional tracks. 98 percent of recent graduates are employed, in graduate school, or engaged in fulltime service work. St. Olaf is committed to meeting the demonstrated financial needs of every student with 98 percent of students receiving scholarships or grants.

St. Olaf is an Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ECLA)-affiliated college. The college’s mission is to challenge students to excel in the liberal arts, examine faith and values, and explore meaningful vocation in an inclusive, globally engaged community nourished by Lutheran tradition. St. Olaf students and faculty come from a wide range of religious traditions, including those who do not claim any faith tradition.

Visit stolaf.edu.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, MAJORS (if listed), PARENTS (if listed) North Mankato, MN Olivia Ceminsky, Psychology, Jason and Jennifer Ceminsky NORTH MANKATO, MN Freya Gordon, Chemistry and Gender & Sexuality Studies, Joel and Gay Gordon SAINT PETER, MN Katie Engeldinger, English, Peter and Annette Engeldinger The College of St. Scholastica announces students named to the Fall 2023 Dean’s List DULUTH, MN (01/25/2024)-- The College of St. Scholastica is proud to announce its Fall 2023 Dean’s List recipients. Dean’s List members have achieved a 3.75 grade point average or above on a 4.0 scale. The College of St. Scholastica would like to commend these students for their honorable academic achievements. Keep up the excellent work!

Makena Byrd of Saint Peter

(56082) Joshua Van Grootheest of North Mankato (56003) St. Scholastica is a private, independent college established in 1912 and founded in the Catholic Benedictine tradition. It is nationally recognized for educational quality, affordability and student outcomes. The U.S. News & World Report includes it on its Best National Universities and Top Performers on Social Mobility lists. The College is ranked on Money magazine’s “Best Colleges for your Money” list and Princeton Review’s list of Best Midwestern Colleges. A First Forward Institution, St. Scholastica, is recognized for developing new initiatives to support first-generation student success. The College’s six-year graduation rate is higher than the state, regional and national average.

Learn more at css.edu.

MSOE Dean’s List - Fall Semester 2023 MILWAUKEE, WI (01/24/2024)-Milwaukee School of Engineering congratulates students named to the Fall Semester 2023 Dean’s List.

Jaydon Thompson of Saint Peter was named to the Dean’s List .

Thompson is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering.

Carlee Emery of North Mankato was named to the Dean’s List with High Honors. Emery is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

MSOE encourages excellence in academic achievement and, as a result, publishes the Dean’s List and Honors List each fall and spring semester. Students taking undergraduate courses who have earned at least 12 credits in residence at MSOE, are in good academic standing, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher are on the Dean’s List. Students on that list who have maintained a 3.70 or higher receive “high honors.”

Students with a term GPA of 3.20 or higher, who are not on the Dean’s List, are on the Honors List.

Milwaukee School of Engineering (www.msoe.edu) is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow.

The independent, non-profit university has about 2,800 students and was founded in 1903. MSOE offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, actuarial science, business, computer science, machine learning, nursing, perfusion and user experience. Faculty are student-focused experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom. This approach to learning makes students ready now as well as prepared for the future. Longstanding partnerships with business and industry leaders enable students to learn alongside professional mentors, and challenge them to go beyond what’s possible. MSOE graduates are leaders of character, responsible professionals, passionate learners and value creators.

Area students named to Dean’s List at UW-River Falls RIVER FALLS, Wis. (January 26, 2024) - The fall semester Dean’s List at the University of WisconsinRiver Falls has been released by Registrar Kelly Browning. It honors 1,656 students.

To be named to the Dean’s List, a full-time undergraduate must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a scale of 4.0, or midway between an “A” and “B” average.

Area students are listed below by

name, hometown and major.

About UW-River Falls: UWRF is a student-centered institution that provides excellent accessible academic programs serving the needs of our region, the state and beyond.

HOMETOWN, STATE; ZIP CODE, NAME, MAJOR Nicollet, MN 56074, Benjamin Koser, Animal Science North Mankato, MN 56003, Morgan Mawby, Agricultural Business Saint Peter, MN 56082, Rowan Snay, English University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) Announces Dean’s List for Fall Semester 2023 DULUTH, Minn. (January 26, 2024) - The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) has announced its Dean’s List for Fall Semester 2023.

Students on the Dean’s List have achieved a grade point average of 3.50 or higher while earning a minimum of 12 letter-graded credits.

The four colleges within UMD are: College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) College of Education and Human Service Professions (CEHSP) Labovitz School of Business and Economics (LSBE) Swenson College of Science and Engineering (SCSE) About UMD One of five campuses that comprise the University of Minnesota System, the University of Minnesota Duluth integrates liberal education, research, creative activity, and public engagement and prepares students to thrive as lifelong learners and globally engaged citizens. With an enrollment of nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the Duluth campus offers 87 undergraduate and post-baccalaureate degrees, and graduate programs in more than 24 different fields. To see UMD’s Land Acknowledgement statement and learn more, visit d.umn.edu.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, CLASS YEAR, COLLEGE, PLAN(S) North Mankato, MN Benjamin Arndt, Sophomore, UMD-Sci & Eng. Swenson Coll of, Mechanical Engineering B S M E Nora Crockett, Freshman, UMDSci & Eng. Swenson Coll of, Pre Undeclared Science Kendra Davide, Freshman, Col of Arts, Hum & Soc Sci, Criminology BA Parker Keenan, Sophomore, UMDSci & Eng. Swenson Coll of, Chemical Engineering BS Ch E Ty Neils, Freshman, UMD-Sci & Eng. Swenson Coll of, Computer Science B S Eliana Palesotti, Senior, Education & Human Service Pro, Exercise Rehab Sci B A Sc Alaina Spaude, Sophomore, Labovitz School of Bus & Econ, Pre Business Elie Wendinger, Freshman, UMDSci & Eng. Swenson Coll of, Chemistry B S Saint Peter, MN Isabel Avant, Freshman, Education & Human Service Pro, Pre Social Work Alexia Hollerich, Senior, Education & Human Service Pro, Exercise Rehab Sci B A Sc Alexander Schaffer, Sophomore, UMD-Sci & Eng. Swenson Coll of, Biochemistry B S Layne Sherwood, Senior, Education & Human Service Pro, Psychology B A Sc

Housing and Real Estate SPONSOR THIS SECTION OF THE LEDGER info@nicolletcountyledger.com Habitat for Humanity St. Peter Project Update

30+ Percent of Homes Paid Off in Kato Metro Area Study Says

Construction Coverage Construction Coverage, a trade publication, reported that 30.3 percent of Mankato area homes are paid off, above the U.S. average.

Their newly released report was about the U.S. locations with the most working-age residents who have paid off their homes.

While nearly 63 percent of owner-occupied housing units are owned free and clear for homeowners age 65 and older, less than 28 percent of homeowners below retirement age have paid for their homes in full.

“This can leave the vast majority of the working population exposed to financial impact during periods of economic turmoil,” the study Photo submitted by Habitat for Humanity, who is accepting applica- authors wrote.

Not all areas have equal rates tions for St. Peter and Mapleton currently. St Peter- Family of 4 The St. Peter building class of 2024 has prepared the roof to be shin- of free-and-clear homeownership, gled in a week. Next they move to putting up interior walls and see however. Researchers ranked locations by the share of owner-occupied the floor plan take shape. households without a mortgage, and with positive income and a working-

age primary householder (under the age of 65).

Their findings for the Mankato Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) included the following highlights: As expected, monthly housing costs, such as mortgage payments, insurance, utilities, etc., differ considerably between homeowners with and without mortgages.

For homeowners under 65 without a mortgage, these costs total a median $661 per month, but $1,704 for those with a mortgage.

In addition to higher monthly housing costs, working-age homeowners with a mortgage tend to have higher household incomes.

Among those households with a mortgage, the median income is $108,200 compared to $90,000 for those without a mortgage.

Overall, 30.3 percent of the area’s homes are paid off-higher than the national average of 27.7 percent.

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Sunday, January 28, 2024

Page 7

Nicollet County Ledger

Cannabis Law Loophose Draws Discussion, Confusion and Ambiguity Among MN Enforcement Agencies Continued From Page One been offered thus far. MinnPost further reported that the medical cannabis regulator concluded it has no jurisdiction over raw unprocessed hemp flowers, only processed hemp products. THCA is one such popular product that has become available locally. It is essentially the same thing as

traditional buds with THC. Their exact legal status is currently debatable and take advantage of a long used loophole in the legal drug market that includes smoke shops, so-called head shops and other adult product shops. Other non-thc examples include “salvia”, “spice” and

“bath salts”. Kratom, a synthetic compound that mimics an opioid high is another example that has many concerned as reports have detailed dangerous incidents: public health officials have recorded more than 2,000 fatal kratom-related overdoses since 2021, according to data

Energy Hub Continued From Page One

collected from 40 states and Washington, D.C. as Tampa Bay Times reported last month. The Kratom substance may be the most shocking and concerning loophole example yet, considering the nation’s opioid and fentanyl epidemic.

The OCM is set to start its

effective role in 2025 and begin issuing permits, but some believe that could take up to 2026 to start being effectively rolled out. Now, the Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC) seems to be at odds with law enforcement in this confusing time. The OMC does not want to coordinate with

law enforcement over the flower sales and does not currently test those products, according to MinnPost’s report. Nevertheless, law enforcement requests continue to mount since their office was referred to the hemp products pending the establishment of a new permanent OCM.

also work in tandem with nuclear power, which the United States has not upgraded generally overall for a long time.

The Heartland Hub region has received a total of $928 million.

IBEW represents workers at KATO Engineering in North Mankato, which is a subsidiary of Nidec Corporation in Japan. The company builds industrial sized generators and alternators for applications in

military, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, energy and others.

All of these technologies also help strengthen the grid and manage load balance as well as provide transportation and other infra-

structure needs. Local governments including New Ulm, Lafayette and others nearby have also been taking advantage of subsidies, grants and other benefits from renewable energy programs in an effort to reduce

carbon emissions nationwide. The Heartland region, meanwhile, has no publicly announced projects being undertaken at the moment. It is highly likely that many will come forth, however, due to the lucrative

prospect of the subsidies involved.

The White House successfully pushed through the largest infrastructure spending package ever, now the country awaits its fruits for the decades to come.

we lift up partners who are making real progress toward an equitable Minnesota where all people can achieve their highest potential. We are so proud of all the ways this year’s award winners are applying community knowledge and innovative ideas to solve persistent prob-

lems. Their work has a remarkable impact on our state.”

The annual awards honor outstanding initiatives and innovations that address critical needs in Minnesota’s communities and help strengthen equity in the human services system. This was the twelfth

year of the awards, which DHS started in 2012.

The commissioner traveled to the Lower Sioux Indian Community in Morton, Minneapolis, Mounds View, Northfield and St. Louis Park to present awards.

More information about the

Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Awards is on the DHS website.

Lower Sioux Indian Community, Morton Commissioner Harpstead with Lower Sioux Indian Community staff and guests Cansa’yapi Kan (Elders) is a pro-

gram that works toward reinstating the role of elders within the Tribe as a strategy to transfer knowledge and promote healing and well-being for the elders in the community. This includes leveraging senior and intergenerational activities at the new Tribal learning center. A commer-

cial and teaching kitchen has been added for congregate meals and activities. The program also features a chef and offers Indigenous-based food options.

To learn more, check out a DHS video about Lower Sioux Indian Community and their award.

Lower Sioux Awarded Continued From Page One

Law Enforcement Beat Law, Crime, Courts, Fire and Emergency Services News

OTS Awards Two North Mankato Officers North Mankato police officers Nick Herwig and Anthony Daily were recognized at the

January 16 North Mankato City Council meeting by the Minnesota Office of Traf-

fic Safety (OTS). Herwig received a 2023 All-Star Honorable Mention Award for his

dedication and significant efforts in combating impaired driving. Daily received a Hat

Trick Award for making three impaired driving arrests during one shift.

Blethen Berens announced this past week that attor-

ney Jared Koch has joined the firm’s partnership. Koch

practiced law for five years, all as an associate at the Ble-

then Berens firm. He practices in the areas of business

law, real estate, estate planning, probate and guardian-

ship law.

Koch Named Partner at Blethen Berens

LeSueur County Crash Results in Janesville Man’s Death

and

conservatorship

LeSueur County Sheriff’s Offices reported their dispatch center received a call about a motor vehicle crash near a residence on Tetonka Lake Road in Ely-

sian Township January 9 around 5:30 p.m. Elysian Fire and Rescue and sheriff’s deputies responded. Deputies determined a 2003 Ford Taurus had left the

roadway and through a ditch, into the yard where it collided with a large tree and caused extensive front end damage to the driver’s vehicle. The driver was

identified as 57-year-old Elvin Leigh Wehking of rural Janesville. He was extracted from the vehicle and treated at the scene by rescue and ambulance

personnel. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Sheriff Brett Mason said there wasn’t evidence of driver impairment and the road was free of snow. The

cause is still under investigation. North Ambulance Service from Waseca and Life Link Air Ambulance Service also assisted at the scene.

Daniel William Boettcher, 38, of North Mankato, was charged with felony threats of violence in Blue Earth County Court

this past week. According to a criminal complaint, he was cut off drinks at Mettlers, an adult topless club, and kicked out

twice before returning a third time to threaten staff and try to assault an individual, the complaint stated. The victim held

Boettcher down until police arrived, whom he also became violent against, according to reports. Boettcher was put into

a squad car and he banged on the inside of the vehicle, then was sent to jail where he had to be cut from his clothing and

continued to fight with jail staff. He was eventually tasered to end the ordeal, according to reports.

On January 19 around 5:30 p.m., Sibley County Sheriff ’s Office responded to a call re-

garding a vehicle crash near the intersection of Scenic Byway and 270th Street. Melissa

Daschner, 48, of Arlington, was traveling southbound on Scenic Byway when she struck

a tire in the roadway with her vehicle. Her vehicle had moderate disabling damage to the

front end, according to the report. No injuries were reported.

John’s Mobile of Belle Plaine

assisted the sheriff ’s office at the scene.

On January 22, just before 8 a.m. the Sibley County Sheriff’s Office was informed of a past crash that

took place earlier in the morning.

Thomas Schafer, 45, of rural Gibbon, was traveling southbound on

625th Avenue between 274th Lane and 280th Street in Moltke Township when his 2018 Dodge Ram

pickup was involved in a sideswipe with a 2017 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Nathan Jones,

35, of Gibbon. Jones was traveling northbound on 625th Avenue at the time of the incident, accord-

ing to the report. Both vehicles sustained minor damage. No injuries were reported.

On January 23 around 9 a.m., Sibley County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a vehicle crash on MNTH 15 about ¼-mile

south of County Road 10. The crash took place in Transit Township about 3 miles north of Winthrop. Emma Neet, 20, of New

Ulm had been driving a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu northbound on 15. Neet had passed a semitractor trailer and lost control of

her vehicle on the ice-covered road. The vehicle entered the east road ditch, struck a field and rolled one time, according to the

report. Neet did not report being injured from the crash. The vehicle sustained moderate damage and couldn’t be driven away.

Winthrop police, Winthrop Fire & Rescue and Winthrop Ambulance also responded at the scene.

On January 23, just after 8:30 a.m. the Sibley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle crash about

⅓-mile south of 330th Street in rural Alfsborg Township. Thomas Blickem, 67, of New Ulm was

driving a 2006 Chevrolet Colorado pickup southbound on 15 when he lost control of the vehicle and it left

the roadway and crossed the northbound lane and struck a powerline pole, according to the report. Blick-

em was transported by ambulance to a local hospital to be treated for minor injuries. Minnesota State Patrol,

Lafayette Fire Department, Lafayette Ambulance and Allina Ambulance also assisted at the scene.

By Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol

it made it impossible to tell if someone was actually stopped or moving slowly (also, if they changed lanes, there was no way to tell). I was having trouble seeing anyway, and this made it worse. Is this something they teach in drivers’ education these days?

Answer: This is a great question. A driver can use their hazard lights to

warn other motorists of a vehicular traffic hazard that requires caution in approaching, overtaking or passing.

Situations with limited visibility such as a blizzard, thick fog and heavy rain could constitute a traffic hazard. Other hazardous scenarios could include: • A vehicle having issues

maintaining a minimum safe speed.

• A flat tire or mechanical breakdown on the shoulder of the road.

• An impaired driver or driver conducting dangerous behaviors.

If a line of traffic is moving along at the same speed, I am not sure it would be in the best interest for anyone in that lane to be using hazard

lights. It is important to know which vehicle is moving at a slower speed than the rest of the flow of traffic or for those needing to make lane changes and needing to signal. As mentioned earlier, it’s generally for the lone vehicle causing the hazard.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and

always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848. (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@ state.mn.us)

commencing no sooner than the date of this Order.

Upon hearing her petition, the Complaint Review Committee may recommend that the Board continue, modify, or remove, or impose conditions and restrictions as deemed necessary.

Wade Mitchell Larson, M.D. #40046 Partners in Pediatrics 13980 Northdale Blvd.

Rogers, MN 55374 Year of Birth: 1970 Date of Action: January 13, 2024 Nature of Misconduct: Inability to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness; becoming addicted or habituated to a drug or intoxicant; and violated the terms of the Health Professional Services Program participation agreement.

Action Taken: Dr. Larson’s license is conditioned as follows: • Shall participate in the Health Professionals Services Program (“HPSP”) and fully comply with all terms and conditions of his HPSP

Participation Agreement. Shall sign releases allowing HPSP to provide all compliance and treatment data to the Board. A violation of his HPSP Participation Agreement will constitute a violation of this Order.

• Shall sign all necessary releases allowing the Board to obtain medical, mental health, therapy, chemical dependency, and substance use disorder records from any treating professional, evaluator, or facility. He shall allow the Board or its designee to communicate with all treating health professionals.

• May petition for reinstatement of an unconditional license no sooner than four years from the date of this Order. Upon petitioning, shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board, of a minimum of four years of documented, uninterrupted recovery commencing no sooner than the date of this Order. Upon hearing his petition, the Complaint Review Committee may

recommend that the Board continue, modify, or impose conditions and restrictions as deemed necessary.

Melissa Mary Nesdahl, P.A. #9997 1035 Walnut Ridge Drive Eagan, MN 55123 Year of Birth: 1976 Date of Action: December 20, 2023 Nature of Misconduct: The Board shall automatically suspend a license against any physician assistant if the physician assistant has been adjudicated as mentally incompetent.

Action Taken: Ms. Nesdahl’s license is suspended.

Meghabhuti Roth, M.D. #29482 5361 Madison St, NE Fridley, MN 55421 Year of Birth: 1953 Date of Action: December 19, 2023 Nature of Misconduct: A license to practice medicine is automatically suspended if the licensee is committed by order of a court pursuant to chapter 253B. Action Taken: Dr. Roth’s license is suspended.

North Mankato Man Arrested for Assault

Sibley County Responds to Crash on Scenic Byway Gibbon Drivers Involved in Crash

New Ulm Driver Crashes in Transit Township Near Winthrop

New Ulm Driver Crashes in Alfsborg Township, Lafayette Emergency Services Respond

Ask A Tropper

Question: I was driving on the freeway during the worst part of a recent storm. Just had a question—are people supposed to use their emergency flashers when they are driving? So many cars on the freeway were, and

MN BMP Takes Adverse Actions in December-January Minnesota Board of Medical Practice Press Release of Publishable Actions executed between December 6, 2023 and January 22, 2024

To research a regulated professional’s qualifications, visit the Board’s Professional Profile at www.mn.gov/boards/ medical-practice/ Heather Jessica Bell, M.D. #53537 1347 Ridge Rd. Motley, MN 56466 Year of Birth: 1982 Date of Action: January 13, 2024 Nature of Misconduct: Engaged in unethical or improper conduct.

Action Taken: Dr. Bell’s license is reprimanded and conditioned as follows: • Within six months of the date of this Order, shall successfully complete the following preapproved coursework: o Professional Boundaries; o Medical Ethics.

• Within three months of successful completion of the above-referenced coursework, shall

write and submit, for Committee approval, a paper discussing what she has learned from the coursework and how she will implement this knowledge into her practice; and • May petition for reinstatement of an unconditional license upon successful completion of the terms and conditions of this Order.

Hannah Grace Johnson, P.A. #13697 1005 W. 6th St. Unit 4 Chico, CA 95928 Year of Birth: 1990 Date of Action: January 13, 2024 Nature of Misconduct: Engaged in unethical or improper conduct; and inability to practice with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness, drunkenness, use of drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other type of materials, or as a result any mental or physical condition.

Action Taken: Ms. Johnson’s license is conditioned as follows: • Shall participate in the Health Professionals Services Program (“HPSP”)

and fully comply with all terms and conditions of her HPSP Participation Agreement. Shall sign releases allowing HPSP to provide a copy of her Participation Agreement and all compliance and treatment data to the Board. A violation of her HPSP Participation Agreement will constitute a violation of this Order.

• Shall sign all necessary releases allowing the Board to obtain medical, mental health, therapy, chemical dependency, and substance use disorder records from any treating professional, evaluator, or facility. She shall allow the Board or its designee to communicate with all treating health professionals.

• May petition for reinstatement of an unconditional license no sooner than two years from the date of this Order. Upon petitioning, shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board, of a minimum of two years of documented, uninterrupted mental health stability

SPONSOR THIS SECTION: info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Page 8

Nicollet County Ledger

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Local Food Purchase Assistance Grant Provides $91,000 to Support Local Farmers and Feed the Community: Region Nine Region9 Development ed purchasing food from farmCommission ers who have extra products that Press Release aren’t sold through their normal channels and converting them into A partnership between the ready-to-eat meals. These meals Region Nine Development are shared throughout the region at Commission and three local food shelves like those in Mankato, organizations is supporting local St. James, and Janesville. To date, farmers and feeding members of they have been able to use the the community. The partnership, funds for 70 turkeys and 180 dozen which is funded by the Minnesota eggs from local farms.

Department of Agriculture’s Local Natasha Frost who helps manFood Purchase Assistance (LFPA) age SC MN Food Recovery said Grant, has brought $91,000 to the “We are thrilled to be part of such region to buy food from local farm- an important public investment. ers and distribute it at no cost to We appreciate the financial investunderserved communities in South- ment in underserved farmers and Central Minnesota. The partners in look forward to using these local charge of sourcing and distributing products to supplement meals disthe food include SC MN Food tributed for free to those in need.”

Recovery, Wooden Spoon, and the Living Earth Center. These organiWooden Spoon will be using zations all play an important role in their funding to increase the food access in the region. amount of local fresh fruits and As part of the project, each vegetables they provide to the partner has their own avenues for Head Start programs across the distributing the food. For SC MN region, ensuring that the youngest Food Recovery this has includ- and most vulnerable students have

access to the best food to fuel their development.

For the Living Earth Center, this funding will support two of its programs. The first is their work at the Blue Earth County Farm which donates produce to organizations such as Echo Food Shelf, CADA House, and Mankato My Place.

Another section of this funding will go towards the Living Earth Center’s Emerging Growers program which provides space, tools, and mentorship for farmers who don’t have access to land but want to grow food at a larger scale to sell into the local food economy. The funding will provide these growers with an economic incentive to encourage the development of their enterprises.

This partnership will continue through September of 2025 and seeks to build a long-lasting ecosystem that makes locally grown products more accessible for the community of South-Central Minnesota.

MAPS School District Approves Bonds Sale for Construction and Ratifies Sale

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

The Mankato Area Public Schools District 77 met on January 23 to discuss approval of construction bids for Roosevelt Elementary School.

On January 9, 2024, multiple bids for each of the work scopes were received for the Roosevelt

Elementary Secure Entrance and Classroom Addition, according to school board documents.

The recommended action by the administrative team, Kraus-Anderson Construction (Construction Managers) and ISG Architects and the board’s professional design team was that the bids, a total amount of $3,464,619.31, be accepted by the School Board. The Bond

Referendum will be used to fund this project.

Before adjourning the school board meeting, the board discussed ratification of the Sale of Series 2024A General Obligation Bonds.

At the December 5, 2023 School Board meeting, the School Board received information pertaining to an upcoming bond sale. At the December

5 meeting, the School Board approved a resolution that authorized the Superintendent/ Director of Business Services and a Board Officer to execute a Bond Purchase Agreement for the stated purposes. The sale of these bonds commenced on Wednesday, January 17, and met all the parameters approved by the board to complete this sale.

The School Building Bonds

will be used to finance the acquisition and improvement of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, safety and security improvements districtwide, improvements to support early childhood learning, a swimming pool addition in the west attendance area, and improvements to Mankato West High School.

The board’s recommend-

ed action was that the board approve resolution relating to $105,000,000 General Obligation School Building Bonds Series 2024A, ratifying the award of sale.

Hoover Elementary, in North Mankato, which is in Nicollet County and is a separate city from Mankato, is part of the Mankato Area Public Schools District 77 system.

NEWS RELEASE 860 AM KNUJ / SAM 107.3 FM will be in various communities over the next month to celebrate 2024 Town Days. Since 1982, KNUJ has done on-location broadcasts and this year it includes visiting over 25 communities across its 14-county listening area. Below is the list of Towns and dates

that will be featured in January/ February 2024.

Monday January 29 Wabasso afternoon Tuesday January 30 Brownton/ New Auburn afternoon Wednesday January 31 Morgan/ Franklin morning Thursday February 1 Bird Island morning

Friday February 2 Sleepy Eye afternoon Monday February 5 Arlington morning Tuesday February 6 BLHS afternoon Wednesday February 7 Henderson afternoon Thursday February 8 Courtland morning

Friday February 9 Winthrop morning Monday February 12 Lake Crystal morning Tuesday February 13 Nicolett afternoon Wednesday February 14 Springfield morning Thursday February 15 St. James afternoon

Friday February 16 Gaylord morning Monday February 19 Norwood Young America morning Tuesday February 20 Redwood Falls afternoon Wednesday February 21 St. Peter morning Thursday February 22 Fairfax afternoon

Friday February 23 Glencoe morning Monday February 26 Lafayette afternoon Tuesday February 27 Madelia afternoon Wednesday February 28 Sanborn & Lamberton morning Thursday February 29 Gibbon afternoon

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Eight cities will receive support from the latest round of Active Transportation Planning Assistance grants to help them increase the number of people walking and biking to destinations in their communities, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today.

“Whether a community wants to reduce pollution, curb traffic, revitalize its Main Street, or increase residents’ health and safety, MnDOT’s Active Tra nspor t ation Pla n n i ng Assistance program brings together neighbors to dream big and develop a work plan for building their own network for

walking and bicycling,” said Will Wlizlo, Active Transportation coordinator.

Grant recipients are the following cities: Minneapolis - Multi-corridor study for seven neighborhood greenways Rochester - Active transportation connection plan along 2nd

Street through downtown area St. Paul - Neighborhood active transportation study for West Side neighborhood Coon Rapids - Communitywide active transportation plan Roseville - Bicycle master plan Alexandria - Community-wide active transportation plan

St. Peter - Community-wide active transportation plan Cannon Falls - Communitywide active transportation plan Funded by the Minnesota Legislature, the grants cover the estimated $100,000 cost of technical assistance from a consultant, such as developing an action plan and demonstration proj-

ect. The cities will not receive money directly from MnDOT. Each community is responsible for implementation costs (e.g., for construction) of their action plan.

Learn more about the program: mndot.gov/active-transportationprogra m /planning-assistance. html.

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

The Saint Peter City Council and city staff discussed the fate of the fire hall in Saint Peter for about six months up until September

2023 when they decided they would proceed to award the final purchase to Tremendous Brewing, one of two planned local brew pubs for the town. Paddlefish Brewing has already opened its doors after construction this past year. The city is banking on its downtown

area being an epicenter of entertainment and shopping in hopes of continuing its economic boom, a result of its proximity on US Hwy. 169. The highway is a corridor between growing Mankato and the sprawling Twin Cities. An Islamic Center was also proposed

at the site, which drew some controversial statements from a former mayor of the town. LocAle Brewing company submitted a proposal with River Rock Kitchen and Bakery Company in partnership for a brewery/bakery.

Tremendous Brewery is a busi-

ness partnership between Greg Melchoir, Kurt Stoel and Ben Findley, who put up an offer of $300,000 to convert the old fire hall, while retaining its historic fire hall traits, another popular move with city planners who have worked with the council on pre-

serving and maintaining a sense of history and culture within the city’s planned architecture and design schemes. Music, comedy and the arts will be a part of the entertainment lineup of the venue as well.

They plan to open this summer, on or near the Fourth of July.

MANKATO - 01/22/2024 — Mankato Area Public Schools Community Education Department’s Enrichment and Leisure Services Program has received a $35,000 grant supporting the launch of the transformative arts initiative, “Get Hands-On with Art and Rhythm.”

These offerings, spanning from February 2024 to December 2024, are made possible through gener-

ous funding and are designed to offer 40 unique arts opportunities for preschool children, school-age youth, seniors aged 55+, and youth and adults with disabilities.

The grant, awarded to Mankato Community Education Department’s Enrichment + Leisure Services Program, enables the hosting of arts experiences led by expert facilitators in various disciplines

such as visual arts, dance, music, creative writing, and more. With a capacity to impact over 2000 participants, the offerings will provide stipends of $100 to artists teaching a course, fostering accessibility and efficiency.

“We are honored to have been awarded this grant, which serves as a testament to our commitment to enriching the community through

the transformative ‘Get Hands-On with Art and Rhythm’ offering.

With the support of this grant, we look forward to providing diverse arts experiences to a broad audience, fostering creativity, and offering professional opportunities for our local artists and musicians. This initiative aligns with our mission to enhance cultural vibrancy and community engagement, making

arts accessible and impactful for everyone.” - Audra Nissen Boyer, Director of Community Education at Mankato Area Public Schools.

As the grant cycle concludes, Mankato Community Education plans to utilize enrollment and evaluation data to continue offering the most impactful experiences on a fee-for-service basis. This initiative not only provides unique opportu-

nities for community members but also creates professional opportunities for local artists and musicians.

If you are interested in proposing a class, submit your information here. To learn more about the “Get Hands-On with Art and Rhythm”, please contact the Community Education Department at commed@isd77.org or call (507)3875501.

KNUJ Stops in Nicollet, Courtland, St. Peter and Lafayette for 2024 Town Days

St. Peter among eight Minnesota cities to receive Active Transportation Planning Assistance grants

Tremendous Brewing Will Open its Doors at Old St. Peter Fire Hall This Summer

Mankato Area Public Schools and Community Education Celebrates Grant Award for “Get Hands-On with Art and Rhythm”

nicolletcountyledger.com

CIA

COMMUNITY INSURANCE AGENCY

Community Insurance Agency of Lafayette, Inc. Melissa Schultz

Agent License #1011072

761 Main Ave. • P.O. Box 306 Lafayette, MN 56054 Office: 507-228-8201• 1-800-481-8201 Fax: 507-228-8248 • Cell: 507-276-9639 melissa@cialafayette.com • www.cialafayette.com