April 14, 2024 | South Central News & Media
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Saint Peter Residents Could See More Rate Increases on Utility Bills After Wastewater Project
Slides from the City of Saint Peter Public Works Department and Bolton & Menk Engineering firm for the proposed wastewater plant upgrades presented at a public hearing on April 8 at the council meeting. By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com
Saint Peter Public Works Director Pete Moulton (left) and Water Resource Manager, Curtis Thompson.
The Saint Peter City Council held their regular city council meeting on April 8 at 7 p.m., which included a public hearing on the Wastewater Treatment Facility Plan. The council was addressed by Public Works Director Pete Moulton and the city’s water resource manager, Curtis Thompson. “Usually over a 20-year window, we do a planning process,” Moulton said. “The overall goal of this facility plan would be to identify areas where we need to improve our wastewater operations, have the council review some of the alternatives and the facility plan, which you guys have already done.”
Public Works will submit the plan and report to the Public Facilities Authority (PFA) and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) input, if received, at the public hearing. “They will then allow us to be eligible for revolving loan fund money and grants as we see fit based on our income and our rates that we are currently paying,” Moulton said. In February, the council approved the Wastewater Treatment Facility Plan as prepared by Bolton and Menk Engineering. The current wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) was constructed in 2002/2003 and went into operation in February 2004. The plant was designed to manage a 20-year growth period with mechanical equipment designed to treat 2.0 million gallons of wastewater per
day. Since 2004 the facility has performed the function for which it was designed, allowing Saint Peter to remain in compliance with strict state and federal standards and protect the environment. During the preparation of the 2024 Facility Plan, the city evaluated the existing infrastructure and identified needs over the next 20-year growth window which would keep the city in compliance with existing and proposed regulations. There were a few areas that will need to be upgraded and improved, divided into two main categories: collection system and treatment system. The collection system includes a series of underground piping from 4 to 36 inches in size and made of a
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GAC Professor Threatened Feds While in Jail on Fraud Charges He will remain jailed after calling for a United States attorney to be executed
By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com
jailed after calling for a United States attorney to be executed. He asked for Andrew Luger’s execution in a document that was written while he was in jail. On Wednesday, a magistrate A Gustavus professor that has judge ordered the professor to underbeen accused of fraud will remain go a mental health evaluation while
he is in jail as his fraud case proceeds in the courts. Anthony Kroger, 45, of Cottonwood, will be detained after prosecutors showed writings produced aimed at law enforcement and judicial officials that he wrote, including one 1,100 page document.
Kroger was indicted last week by a grand jury on charges of wire fraud, bankruptcy fraud and money laundering charges that relate to allegations that he embezzled nearly $700,000 from a joint real estate venture.
He is a former assistant professor at Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter. He also previously taught at Bemidji State University. Kroger allegedly victimized a business partner and committed several misdeeds against that person, law
enforcement reported and court documents allege. Kroger’s writings, which he dubbed “The Kroger Report”, accused the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of attempting to kill him using
Central College (SCC) in North Mankato announced its seventh psychology transfer pathway at SCC. Students are able to transfer their coursework to a qualified university, NORTH MANKATO – South such as Minnesota State University,
Mankato (MNSU), to receive their psychology degree. This fall semester, students will be able to begin the four-year journey of obtaining a degree in psy-
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SCC Psychology Students Can Transfer to a Four-Year College in MN
Tony Marco, Batteries Plus Mankato Store Manager; Alyssa Marshall, 7th- and 8th-Grade Special Education Teacher at New Ulm Middle School; and Tor Sperling, Owner of Batteries Plus Mankato. Photo by Batteries Plus.
New Ulm Teacher Awarded Year’s Worth of Batteries By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com
seventh- and eighth-grade teachers in the New Ulm School District, were awarded a year’s worth of batteries from Batteries Plus in Mankato. Ms. Baker and Ms. Marshall, In honor of National Battery
Day, Batteries Plus recently hosted By Robert Lawson a nationwide contest that allowed Publisher participants to enter for a chance info@nicolletcountyledger.com to win a year’s supply of batteries. Three winners were selected for
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Local and State News Rep. Jeff Brand Applauds New EPA Regulations on PFAS in Drinking Water
1913 — Old Dutch Cleanser Christian Herald
Vintage Photo
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Little Change in Farm Custom Rates for 2024 By Kent Thiesse
Farm management analyst kentthiesse@gmail.com
The USDA “Prospective Plantings Report” that was released on March 28th projected a 4.9 percent decrease in 2024 U.S. corn acreage compared to a year ago, along with a 3.5 percent increase in 2024 soybean acreage from a year earlier. The USDA planting intentions numbers came in lower than the grain trade expected for corn and similar than trade estimates for soybeans. The USDA “Quarterly Grain Stocks Report” was also released on March 28, which lists the estimated U.S. grain inventory as of March 1, 2024, for both “on-farm” and commercial grain storage. The USDA estimates for U.S. corn inventories came in
below the average stocks estimates of the grain traders, while soybean inventories slightly exceeded industry expectations. The USDA prospective planting acreage is based on survey data collected from about 72,000 crop producers in early March. Total U.S. crop acreage was listed at 313.3 million acres, which was down 6.3 million acres or 2 percent from 2023. Most of that decline was due to low commodity prices and the extended drought conditions in the southern Plains States. The USDA estimates for intended 2024 U.S. corn and soybean acreage was viewed as rather “bullish” for “new crop” corn futures prices, meaning higher price expectations, and was viewed as mainly “neutral” for soybean futures
See FOCUS ON AG, page 5
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new federal regulations on PFAS and PFOS in drinking water. Rep. Jeff Brand (DFL – Saint Peter) spoke at a White House press briefing, among senior White House staff and EPA officials, to announce the regulations and highlight the importance of the measure on a local level. Polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are cancer-causing “forever chemicals” that have been found in ground water across the state and the nation. “Turning off the tap on PFAS is vital to public health, and we did that here in Minnesota last year,” said Rep. Brand. “With Amara’s Law, we put our community over corporations in a major stride to protect the next generation from these harmful chemicals. I’m thankful to the Biden-Harris Administration for doing the same on a federal level so that everyone, regardless of zip code, has access to safe drinking water without having to worry about these dangerous contaminants.” Also representing Minnesota at the conference was Nora Strande, sister of Amara Strande, a young woman from Oakdale who died last year of a rare form of cancer caused by PFAS. She was 20 years old. Last year, DFLers passed “Amara’s Law,” which set water standards and banned non-essential PFAS use in a variety of products in Minnesota. Rep. Brand was the only State Official to participate in the conference, a testament to Minnesota’s leadership in PFAS prevention and clean-up efforts. April 10, the Biden-Harris Administration issued the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals.’ Exposure to PFAS has been linked to deadly cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to infants and children. This final rule represents the most significant step to protect public health under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap. The final rule will reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses. Today’s announcement complements President Biden’s government-wide action plan to combat PFAS pollution. Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, EPA is also making unprecedented funding available to help ensure that all people have clean and safe water. In addition to today’s final rule, EPA is announcing nearly $1 billion in newly available funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states and territories implement PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems and to help owners of private wells address PFAS contamination. This is part of a $9 billion investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help communities with drinking water impacted by PFAS and other emerging contaminants – the largest-ever investment in tackling PFAS pollution. An additional $12
billion is available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for general drinking water improvements, including addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS. EPA Administrator Michael Regan will join White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory to announce the final standard today at an event in Fayetteville, North Carolina. In 2017, area residents learned that the Cape Fear River, the drinking water source for 1 million people in the region, had been heavily contaminated with PFAS pollution from a nearby manufacturing facility. Today’s announcements will help protect communities like Fayetteville from further devastating impacts of PFAS. “Drinking water contaminated with PFAS has plagued communities across this country for too long,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “That is why President Biden has made tackling PFAS a top priority, investing historic resources to address these harmful chemicals and protect communities nationwide. Our PFAS Strategic Roadmap marshals the full breadth of EPA’s authority and resources to protect people from these harmful forever chemicals. Today, I am proud to finalize this critical piece of our Roadmap, and in doing so, save thousands of lives and help ensure our children grow up healthier.” “President Biden believes that everyone deserves access to clean, safe drinking water, and he is delivering on that promise,” said Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “The first national drinking water standards for PFAS marks a significant step towards delivering on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing environmental justice, protecting communities, and securing clean water for people across the country.” “Under President Biden’s leadership, we are taking a whole-ofgovernment approach to tackle PFAS pollution and ensure that all Americans have access to clean, safe drinking water. Today’s announcement by EPA complements these efforts and will help keep our communities safe from these toxic ‘forever chemicals,’” said Deputy Assistant to the President for the Cancer Moonshot, Dr. Danielle Carnival. “Coupled with the additional $1 billion investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help communities address PFAS pollution, the reductions in exposure to toxic substances delivered by EPA’s standards will further the Biden Cancer Moonshot goal of reducing the cancer death rate by at least half by 2047 and preventing more than four million cancer deaths — and stopping cancer before it starts by protecting communities from known risks associated with exposure to PFAS and other contaminants, including kidney and testicular cancers, and more.” EPA is taking a signature step to protect public health by establishing legally enforceable levels for several PFAS known to occur individually and as mixtures in drinking water. This rule sets limits
for five individual PFAS: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPODA (also known as “GenX Chemicals”). The rule also sets a limit for mixtures of any two or more of four PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and “GenX chemicals.” By reducing exposure to PFAS, this final rule will prevent thousands of premature deaths, tens of thousands of serious illnesses, including certain cancers and liver and heart impacts in adults, and immune and developmental impacts to infants and children. This final rule advances President Biden’s commitment to ending cancer as we know it as part of the Biden Cancer Moonshot, to ensuring that all Americans have access to clean, safe, drinking water, and to furthering the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to environmental justice by protecting communities that are most exposed to toxic chemicals. EPA estimates that between about 6% and 10% of the 66,000 public drinking water systems subject to this rule may have to take action to reduce PFAS to meet these new standards. All public water systems have three years to complete their initial monitoring for these chemicals. They must inform the public of the level of PFAS measured in their drinking water. Where PFAS is found at levels that exceed these standards, systems must implement solutions to reduce PFAS in their drinking water within five years. The new limits in this rule are achievable using a range of available technologies and approaches including granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange systems. For example, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, serving Wilmington, NC – one of the communities most heavily impacted by PFAS contamination – has effectively deployed a granular activated carbon system to remove PFAS regulated by this rule. Drinking water systems will have flexibility to determine the best solution for their community. EPA will be working closely with state co-regulators in supporting water systems and local officials to implement this rule. In the coming weeks, EPA will host a series of webinars to provide information to the public, communities, and water utilities about the final PFAS drinking water regulation. To learn more about the webinars, please visit EPA’s PFAS drinking water regulation webpage. EPA has also published a toolkit of communications resources to help drinking water systems and community leaders educate the public about PFAS, where they come from, their health risks, how to reduce exposure, and about this rule. “We are thankful that Administrator Regan and the Biden Administration are taking this action to protect drinking water in North Carolina and across the country,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. “We asked for this because we know science-based standards for PFAS and other compounds are desperately needed.” “For decades, the American people have been exposed to the family of incredibly toxic ‘forever chemicals’ known as PFAS with no
protection from their government. Those chemicals now contaminate virtually all Americans from birth. That’s because for generations, PFAS chemicals slid off of every federal environmental law like a fried egg off a Teflon pan — until Joe Biden came along,” said Environmental Working Group President and Co-Founder Ken Cook. “We commend EPA Administrator Michael Regan for his tireless leadership to make this decision a reality, and CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory for making sure PFAS is tackled with the ‘whole of government’ approach President Biden promised. There is much work yet to be done to end PFAS pollution. The fact that the EPA has adopted the very strong policy announced today should give everyone confidence that the Biden administration will stay the course and keep the president’s promises, until the American people are protected, at long last, from the scourge of PFAS pollution.” “We learned about GenX and other PFAS in our tap water six years ago. I raised my children on this water and watched loved ones suffer from rare or recurrent cancers. No one should ever worry if their tap water will make them sick or give them cancer. I’m grateful the Biden EPA heard our pleas and kept its promise to the American people. We will keep fighting until all exposures to PFAS end and the chemical companies responsible for business-related human rights abuses are held fully accountable,” said Emily Donovan, co-founder of Clean Cape Fear. More details about funding to address PFAS in Drinking Water Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is making an unprecedented $21 billion available to strengthen our nation’s drinking water systems, including by addressing PFAS contamination. Of that, $9 billion is specifically for tackling PFAS and emerging contaminants. The financing programs delivering this funding are part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that have been historically marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Additionally, EPA has a nationwide Water Technical Assistance program to help small, rural, and disadvantaged communities access federal resources by working directly with water systems to identify challenges like PFAS; develop plans; build technical, managerial, and financial capacity; and apply for water infrastructure funding. Learn more about EPA’s Water Technical Assistance programs. More details about the final PFAS drinking water standards: For PFOA and PFOS, EPA is setting a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal, a non-enforceable health-based goal, at zero. This reflects the latest science showing that there is no level of exposure to these contaminants without risk of health impacts, including certain cancers. EPA is setting enforceable Maxi-
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Local School News
Message From MAPS Superintendent on Strategic Roadmap for District Mankato Area Public Schools Superintendent Paul Peterson
Over the last 18 months, Mankato Area Public Schools has engaged with students, staff, families and
community members about the future of our public school system. Strategic planning is all about the future, and the input that has been collected makes it clear that there is great admiration for where our
system has been over the last several decades and a sense of urgency for improving the daily experiences for each student and family member we serve. Linked here is a draft of the school
district’s vision, mission, core values and strategic priorities developed by the MAPS School Board. School Board members used the information and input that was collected through surveys, focus groups, interviews and
data to establish a future-focused roadmap for our school district to study, prepare and implement education innovations at the systems-, school- and classroom level. Prior to giving final approval, the
School Board is interested in collecting feedback. If you would like to weigh in on any aspect of the revised Strategic Roadmap, please use this link on isd77.org and share your thoughts.
for a dwelling.
The property is generally located south of Boettger Road, east of Hollywood Avenue and north of Oakwood Avenue. The preliminary plat was approved with conditions by the City Council at their February 28, 2024 meeting. Utilities currently serve the property and can serve the undeveloped lot. The Comprehensive Plan does
not recommend a park within the platted area. The platted area totals 2.78 acres and consists of one half block of property. The property currently consists of one lot. The plat will divide the property into three lots. The platted area is surrounded by three streets and an alley. The plat would divide the property as follows: Lot 1 – 92,652 s.f. – 2.13 acres Lot 2 – 15,669 s.f. – 0.36 acres Lot 3 -- 12,750 s.f. – 0.29 acres Total 121,071 s.f. – 2.78 acres The three lots comply with City zoning standards for the R-1 zoning district. The distance from the church building to the Lot 3 lot line is 20.5 feet. The required setback is 20 feet. The angle in the lot line was necessary to comply with the city’s setback
requirements. The plat would allow the church to sell the parsonage and the undeveloped lot. The parsonage has an attached three stall garage. There are a total of approximately 76 spaces in the parking lot. The property is generally level and its east property line abuts an alley. The platting fee of $290 (Base fee of $200 and $30 per lot) has been paid. The parkland dedication fee of $350 for the one undeveloped lot was also paid. An electronic file of the plat in AutoCAD 2016 or new format was provided by the surveyor and a five-foot easement on the east side of the rear property line of the proposed Lot 2 in order to provide utilities from the alley to the undeveloped lot was provided on the plat with an easement area expanded to include Lot 3.
Public Hearing on UMC Final Plat First Addition at New Ulm City Council By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com
The New Ulm City Council will hold a public hearing on the final plat of Oakwood United Methodist Church (UMC) First Addition on April 16 at its regular city council meeting. After the public hearing, the council will recommend to close the public hearing and offer a resolution approving the final plat of Oakwood UMC First Addition located at 1630 Oakwood Avenue & 1613 Boettger Road. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the final plat at its March 28, 2024 meeting. There are no outstanding conditions. The 1630 Oakwood Avenue property is for the church and the
1613 Boettger Road property is
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Business, Personal Finance, Credit and Investment News
DFL leadership says ‘no’ to housing bill that would revoke city zoning controls Housing Crisis Continues By Madison McVan Minnesota Reformer
It’s the “season of disappointment” for Democratic-Farmer-Labor lawmakers, House Speaker Melissa Hortman said Thursday, as she and other party leaders decide which bills will come to the floor for debate, and which will be lost — at least until next year. Hortman and Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy both said Thursday they do not support passing a bill this session that would revoke zoning controls from local governments — a
proposal meant to increase housing supply, reduce prices and curtail exclusionary zoning practices that have historically been used to keep low-income families and people of color out of wealthier neighborhoods. “The (bill) to change zoning from being a locally-determined issue to a state level policy decision is a very significant policy change,” Hortman said. “It’s happening in a couple of states — Washington state, Montana… Minnesota is generally not on the leading edge of states doing radically different policy approaches. We want to see how
something works — will it actually increase the supply of affordable housing or will it just allow developers to build more high value homes in certain high value areas?” A Pew report released in January found that similar policies in Minneapolis — particularly those that encouraged the development of new apartment complexes — moderated housing prices in the city. But representatives of rural cities have expressed concern that the proposed legislation is a “one size fits all” approach that doesn’t adequately account for differ-
ences between large and small cities. Hortman pointed out last session’s historic investment in affordable housing and said those investments need time to take effect. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said the proposals could come up again in future years. “Solving our state’s housing crisis has been a top priority for this Legislature, and we are exploring zoning as an important component of expanding access to housing,” Murphy said in a statement. The “missing middle” bill (HF4009/
SF3964), named for the types of housing it would legalize statewide like duplexes and small homes, contains many provisions that would limit cities’ ability to restrict development. For example, cities could not impose square footage requirements on homes or impose height and setback restrictions on proposed apartment complexes. The bill has bipartisan support, but was aggressively opposed by cities, whose elected officials do not want to cede control over local planning. Lobbyists and local government leaders who testified against the bill also argue
that the bill — which would make it easier for developers to build apartments in all areas of the state — would strain local infrastructure like water and sewer lines. Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, said Thursday that she’s “hopeful” the accessory dwelling unit component of the bill will be incorporated into other legislation later this session, in part because it appeals to individuals’ property rights.
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Law, Crime, Courts, Fire and Emergency Services News ASK A TROOPER By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol
Question: I am puzzled as to why seat belts are mandatory in vehicles along with a fine for not complying but our precious cargo in school buses are not required to wear them? Answer: School buses are one of the safest modes of transportation even without seatbelts. School buses are safer because of their large size and design. School bus interiors are designed on “compartmentalization”, which packs seats closely together and covers them with energy-absorbing pads. This minimizes their movement upon impact.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, less than one percent of all traffic fatalities involve children on school transportation vehicles. 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)
Fishing regulations updated in online version The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has updated the online version of the 2024 Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet to address an omission and make two corrections. On pages 7 and 29, an omitted regulation was added. Anglers fishing in open water in the Minnesota River downstream of the Granite Falls dam and in the intrastate portion of the Mississippi River downstream of St. Anthony Falls may use two lines. This regulation has been in effect since July 1, 2023. Anglers must continue to use one line when fishing other inland waters (including rivers) or Canada-Minnesota border
waters. Two lines are also permitted for anglers on Minnesota border waters with Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Two lines are also allowed statewide when fishing through the ice. Additionally, on page 14, the age range for anglers requiring a trout stamp was incorrectly listed; it is 1864. And, on page 66, the beginning closure date for the fish sanctuary on the St. Louis River Estuary was incorrectly listed; it is March 1. The online fishing regulations booklet and more information about fishing in Minnesota are available on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr. gov/fishing).
Kaleena Burkes Named Director of Murdered and Missing Black Women and Girls Office
Office is first of its kind in the nation; will be a voice for Black women and girls, work with law enforcement, and stand with communities Minnesota DPS April 9, 2024
ST. PAUL — A proven researcher and passionate advocate has been named the first-ever director of the Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls (MMBWG) Office. Kaleena Burkes brings years of a unique blend of professional and personal experience to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Burkes’ foundation of analytical experience combined with a commitment to collaboration will help ensure the MMBWG Office is successful in giving a voice to a group that often has gone overlooked, said DPS Commissioner Bob Jacobson.
“It is not simply that Director Burkes has what is needed to use proven analytics to start this important office,” Jacobson said. “Talk to her for even a few minutes and it becomes obvious that within her lies a much-needed, empathetic soul, ready to bring solutions and attention to issues the MMBWG Office will work through.” Before being appointed as MMBWG director, Burkes spent nearly seven years working in various roles at the state’s Guardian ad Litem Board. While there, she led organizational development by implementing racial equity and advocacy initiatives. She also addressed training needs throughout
the state to improve outcomes for families and children involved in juvenile and family court proceedings. Director Burkes has earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice from the University of Alabama, but maintains a strong appetite for learning. “What I continue to learn in the classroom is important, but what I learn from the people around me is just as powerful,” Director Burkes said. “The Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Office will succeed because we will first listen to the needs of those we serve — Black women and the community that supports and uplifts the voices of Black women. We will learn from them and we will work to
bring light to people who are often in some of the darkest moments of their lives.” Legislation to establish the MMBWG Office was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz in 2023. The office will address systemic barriers that perpetuate the disparate violence that Black women experience. For example, Black women are three times more likely to be killed than their white counterparts. Additionally, although Black women make up only 7 percent of the population in Minnesota, 40 percent of domestic violence victims in Minnesota are Black women. The MMBWG Office is under DPS’ Office of Justice Programs.
NUPD 4/3/2024 2:16:11 PM 202400002198 Harassment 2418 Broadway St N 301 New Ulm Icr Only SEPD 4/3/2024
10:30:58 AM 202400000508 Theft 300 Main St E Sleepy Eye Case File BCSO 4/1/2024 1:24:24 PM 202400002192 Scam/fraud 19476
130th Av Cottonwood Township Case File SEPD 4/2/2024 12:12:01 PM 202400000503 Criminal Damage
To Prop 200 Main St E Sleepy Eye Icr Only SFPD 4/2/2024 1:42:21 PM 202400000289 Theft 20 Maple St W 18 Springfield Icr Only
St. Paul, MN: The Minnesota Department of Corrections’ (DOC) tradition of excellence continued at the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Region 12 Narcotic Trials on March 10 in Wright County. The DOC has a national reputation for doing very well at these events and
this time was no different. “I’m proud of our canine teams,” said John Melvin, director of the DOC’s Office of Special Investigations. “The training and professionalism displayed by the DOC’s canine officers and their partners continues to be exceptional.”
Canine teams play an integral role in overall safety and security for everyone in our correctional settings, especially in locating and removing harmful drugs and other dangerous contraband items. Top Department Team (two-person team)
Brian McCarthy and Dennis Zahn from MCF-Stillwater Room Search 1st- Alan Gocken, MCF-Oak Park Heights Overall Placement 3rd - Brian McCarthy, MCF-Stillwater
Brown County Police and Sheriff’s Activity Logs MN DOC K-9 Teams Have Excellent Showing at Regional Competition
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Focus on Ag Continued Dakota Meadows Middle School in North Mankato From Page 2 Commences Construction on Referendum Project prices on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). After the USDA planting intentions report was released on March 28, December 2024 corn futures closed up 16 cents per bushel and November soybean futures were basically steady. Typically, these late March USDA Reports are very critical to farm operators and grain traders due to their impact on grain market prices in the Spring and early Summer months. During these months, many farm operators try to sell remaining grain inventories from the previous growing season, as well as look for opportunities to forward price a portion of the anticipated crop for the current year. In a majority of years, corn and soybean prices usually reach their “peak-price” during the period from April until June, which is why these reports are so important. Highlights from the March 28th USDA Planting Intentions Report: Corn — The planting intentions report indicated that just over 90 million acres of corn are expected to be planted in the U.S. in 2024, which is a decrease of 4.6 million acres or 4.9 percent from the 2023 corn acreage of 94.6 million acres. The 2024 U.S. corn acreage would still be above the 2022 corn acreage of 88.2 million acres. The highest corn acreage recorded in recent decades in the March USDA survey was 97.3 million acres in 2012. The current USDA corn acreage estimate was about 1.7 million acres below the average grain trade estimate. Based on the report, 2024 planted corn acreage is likely to decrease in all of the major corn production States. The largest expected decrease in expected corn acreage is 700,000 acres (8.1%) in Minnesota. Other large decreases in corn acreage include Indiana at 350,000 acres (6.4%), Missouri at 350,000 acres ((9.1%), Iowa at 300,000 acres (2.3%), Illinois at 300,000 (2.7%), South Dakota at 300,000 (94.8%), Ohio at 300,000 ((8.3%), and North Dakota at 250,000 (6.2%). Nebraska’s corn acreage was only expected to decrease by 100,000 acres (1%). Soybeans — Based on the estimates in the March 28th Planting Intentions Report, U.S. soybean acreage in 2024 is projected at 86.5 million acres, which represents an increase of 2.9 million acres from a year ago. The 2024 U.S. soybean acreage estimate compares to 83.6 million acres in 2023, 87.4 million acres in 2022, 87.2 million acres in 2021, and the record 90.2 million acres in 2017. The projected USDA soybean acreage came in very close to the average grain trade estimates for 2024. The highest increase in estimated 2024 soybean acreage was in North Dakota, with an expected increase of 700,000 acres, followed by Missouri with an increase of 400,000 acres. Smaller increases in 2024 soybean acreage are likely to occur in Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Kansas was the only major producing State to show a decline in anticipated soybean acreage for 2024. Wheat — Due to the continued potential impacts on worldwide wheat production that has resulted from the Russian war in Ukraine, there was considerable interest in the U.S. planting intentions for Spring wheat in 2024. The intended total U.S. wheat acreage for 2024 is estimated at 47.5 million acres, which is down 4 percent from 49.6 million acres in 2023 but still exceeds 45.8 million acres in 2022. Spring wheat acreage for 2024 was estimated at 11.3 million acres, which is very similar to last year. Spring wheat acres in 2024 are expected to increase in Minnesota and South Dakota, decrease slightly in North Dakota, and stay the same in Montana. Highlights from the March 28th USDA Grain Stocks Report: Corn — The total U.S. corn stocks
on March 1, 2024, were listed at over 8.35 billion bushels, which is an increase of 13 percent from a year earlier. The March 1st USDA corn stocks estimates were slightly below the average grain trade estimate. The report indicated that a significant number of farmers are still hanging on to their 2023 corn inventory, with nearly 61 percent of the total corn stocks being held in on-farm storage. One negative in the USDA grain stocks report was that implied corn usage from December, 2023 through February, 2024 was down about 12 percent compared to a year earlier. Many farmers are hoping that favorable corn stocks numbers, together with the expected reductions in 2024 U.S. corn acreage, will spur a rally in the cash corn market in the coming weeks. This would allow farmers to liquidate some of the large 2023 corn inventory that is still in on-farm storage. Soybeans — Soybean stocks on March 1, 2024, were listed at just under 1.85 billion bushels, which is up 99 percent from a year ago but is still slightly below the total soybean stocks on March 1, 2022. About half of the total soybean stocks were held in on-farm storage. The total U.S. soybean usage from December, 2023 through February, 2024 was estimated at 1.16 billion bushels, which was down about 13 percent from a year earlier. The March 1 soybean stocks estimate came in slightly above the average estimate of grain traders. The higher levels of grain stocks, together with the expected increase in 2024 soybean acreage may limit any substantial increases in the CBOT soybean futures prices in the coming weeks. Wheat — Total wheat stocks on March 1, 2024, were listed at just over 1.09 billion bushels, which is up 16 percent from March 1, 2023. Of that total, approximately 25 percent of the wheat stocks were held in on-farm storage. The implied U.S. wheat usage in the past quarter was 334 million bushels, which was down about 10 percent from the same quarter a year ago. Corn and soybean market prices declined considerably in the past 12 months due to increasing supplies and reduced demand compared to previous years. Nearby CBOT corn futures closed at $4.42 per bushel on March 28 following the release of the USDA reports, which compares to $6.60 per bushel on Mach 31, 2023 following the release of the reports a year ago. New crop December corn futures on March 28 closed at $4.76 per bushel, compared to $5.66 per bushel a year ago on March 31. 2023. Nearby CBOT soybean futures closed at $11.91 per bushel following the USDA report on March 28, compared to $15.05 per bushel on March 31, 2023 and new crop November futures closed at $11.86 per bushel on March 28, compared to $13.20 per bushel a year ago. The March 31st USDA report was based on producer surveys of planting intentions, as of March 1st; however, there is potential for these planting intentions to be adjusted slightly when final planting takes place. The lower cost of production for soybeans has likely encouraged the potential for more soybean acres in 2024; however, the potential for early spring planting in many areas of the Midwest could encourage an increase above the intended corn acreage. Any enhancement in corn prices in the coming weeks could also be favorable for increases in corn acreage. In the past twenty years, final corn acreage has increased above the prospective March 1 planting estimate in twelve years and decreased in eight years. Note — For additional information contact Kent Thiesse, Farm Management Analyst, Green Solutions Phone — (507) 381-7960; E-mail — kentthiesse@gmail.com
Council From Page One variety of materials including clay, cast iron, concrete and plastic. It also includes three lift stations with the main lift responsible for supplying all wastewater to the plant. The older part of the city is mostly clay and subject to inflow (illegal connections, roof leaders, sumps) and infiltration (bad joints, broken pipe). Infiltration happens when water enters the town’s collection system through defective pipes, pipe joints, manholes or wet basements. Often, that’s a steady low flow or continuous flowing process. It can be corrected by joint sealing and pipelining or pipe replacement. Inflow is water that enters the City’s collection system from sump pumps, roof leaders, foundation drains, and cross connections. It usually occurs during periods of rain. Illegal connections need to be removed from the system and discontinued. The existing collection system is receiving excessive inflow and infiltration and
a customer service program developed to address additional water needs updating, city staff say. The treatment system is a different part of the equation. It begins with pretreatment that consists of fine screens and grinders to remove major solids that grind organic matter. That process is followed by grit separation, to remove sand and inorganics. Primary treatment includes chemical mixing to assist with solids separation and uses clarifiers that let solids settle and deliver water to the biologically aerated filters (BAF’s). Secondary Treatment uses BAFs that are contained within media filters with styrene beads used to remove the strength of the wastewater by biological activity. That activity is initiated by air flow through the media. The final process is ultraviolet (UV) disinfection where the treated wastewater runs through a channel of ultraviolet light to disinfect the water. Treatment
and disposal of the biosolids is the last process. It includes liquid storage, dewatering, treatment by pasteurization (with lime and heat) and dry solids storage prior to disposal. Pretreatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment would each need additional replacements or upgrades within the next five to ten years, according to city staff. “Ultraviolet disinfection improvements are 10+ years out, since we did replace the unit in 2019 when we completed the Ameresco energy efficiency project,” the report in the agenda noted. The biosolids portion has an immediate need (1-2 years) since staff continues to see major mechanical failures and added maintenance costs due to equipment wear and difficulty finding replacement parts. “Our goal is to discuss a schedule for improvements, anticipated costs and to take input from the public related to the report. A public
hearing is required to meet PFA requirements to be included on the ‘Intended Use Plan’ (lUP) which makes the City funding eligible. The state’s Public Facilities Authority (PFA) prepares an annual lUP based on the MPCA’s project priority list which are projects and activities eligible for Clean Water state revolving fund dollars during the state fiscal year.” Moulton said the previous projects in 2002/2003 cost the city around $16 million. Part of it was funded through grant money. The council recently toured the facilities to learn more about the plan for upgrades and replacements. The total cost in loans the city will take on would be more than $150,000 for a little more than $1.8 million in debt, which could potentially cost the average wastewater ratepayer in the city another $46 per month approximately. City staff is still working on the details with the finance department.
mum Contaminant Levels at 4.0 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, individually. This standard will reduce exposure from these PFAS in our drinking water to the lowest levels that are feasible for effective implementation. For PFNA, PFHxS, and “GenX Chemicals,” EPA is setting the MCLGs and MCLs at 10 parts per trillion. Because PFAS can often be found together in mixtures, and research shows these mixtures may have combined health impacts, EPA is also setting a limit for any mixture of two or more of the following PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and “GenX Chemicals.”
EPA is issuing this rule after reviewing extensive research and science on how PFAS affects public health, while engaging with the water sector and with state regulators to ensure effective implementation. EPA also considered 120,000 comments on the proposed rule from a wide variety of stakeholders. Background: PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals,’ are prevalent in the environment. PFAS are a category of chemicals used since the 1940s to repel oil and water and resist heat, which makes them useful in everyday products such as nonstick cookware, stain resistant clothing, and firefighting foam. The science is
clear that exposure to certain PFAS over a long period of time can cause cancer and other illnesses. In addition, PFAS exposure during critical life stages such as pregnancy or early childhood can also result in adverse health impacts. Across the country, PFAS contamination is impacting millions of people’s health and wellbeing. People can be exposed to PFAS through drinking water or food contaminated with PFAS, by coming into contact with products that contain PFAS, or through workplace exposures in certain industries. Since EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the PFAS Strategic Roadmap in October 2021, EPA
has taken action – within the BidenHarris Administration’s whole-ofgovernment approach – by advancing science and following the law to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and hold polluters accountable. The actions described in the PFAS Strategic Roadmap each represent important and meaningful steps to protect communities from PFAS contamination. Cumulatively, these actions will build upon one another and lead to more enduring and protective solutions. In December 2023, the EPA released its second annual report on PFAS progress. The report highlights significant accomplishments achieved under the EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap.
fighter jets and rabid bat infection. Kroger began working at Gustavus in January and he has taught at other institutions in the United States as well. It’s still unclear whether the government will pursue additional charges for the threats. Kroger accuses
Luger of terrorism, capital crime and even high treason and calls for his execution, which troubled the federal prosecution. The magistrate judge, David Schultz, said the charges filed do not justify pretrial detention but the threats and safety of the public do. Kroger and a partner in Scotland
he is accused of victimizing, set up a company to buy Texas properties sold at auction for unpaid tax bills. Kroger allegely used funds for extravagant personal purchases and laundered money using bullion and automobiles, then filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy to conceal it all.
Kroger is represented by Jordan Kushner, who said Kroger is demanding $9 trillion from the government for raiding his family’s farm. Kroger has degrees from the University of Minnesota and University of South Dakota, even two master of law degrees from Georgetown.
chology, starting at SCC. Through SCC’s new Minnesota State Psychology Transfer Pathway program, students there can obtain an associate degree then transfer their credits toward a psychology bachelor’s degree at MNSU or six other state universities in the state’s Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system. Students like Juan Mora who are enrolled in the program for this upcoming fall semester were at an SCC event to showcase the programs at SCC and MNSU, where food was provided and students and faculty were able to discuss the program and get to know one another. Mora, who has had a longtime interest in music, wants to get his degree then focus on either psychiatry or psychoacoustics, which is the study of sound perception and audiology. In other words,
the psychology of sound and music. “It’s very interesting because I’m one of the first students in the program and originally I was going to do social work, because that would be the easiest way, but now that the program is available, I’m just super grateful and excited to start my career through the use of this program,” Mora said. “I’m a musician and I’ve always liked music.” Nikki Erickson is also a pathway student in the program. “I wanted to build a foundation for when I go to the university so I have something to stand on and get my generals out of the way,” she said. Jane Greathouse is a psychology instructor at SCC. “This program will give students a solid foundation for this first years of a psychology degree they can take
to a four-year university and then eventually go on to graduate school to become psychologists, therapists, researchers…,” Greathouse said. “There are quite a few jobs you can get with this skill.” Laura Attenberger, Vice President of Academic Affairs at SCC was also at the event at SCC, along with faculty from MNSU, to meet with current and prospective students in the program. Stomper, the MNSU Mavericks athletics mascot, was also available at the event. There was a raffle drawing that Stomper helped out with. “We also have transfer pathways in biology, business, communication studies, early childhood education, economics and pre-social work,” Attenberger explained. “Last year, we had 148 students graduate with either a transfer pathway degree or
an associate of arts degree that was able to transfer to a university.” Minnesota State Transfer Pathway degrees were established by the MnSCU system to enable students to complete the first couple years of a bachelor’s degree at a state two-year institution like SCC before transferring to a university like MNSU with junior status already, and many of their general education and prerequisite course requirements already complete. “There is an increasing demand for educated individuals who can help meet the psychological needs of our diverse communities in a wide variety of roles,” Greathouse said. Greathouse has taught psychology at SCC for 20 years. Details about the program can be found at southcentral.edu/ PsychPathway.
Brand on PFAS Continued From Page Two
GAC Professor Continued From Page One
SCC/MNSU From Page One
Teacher Continued From Page Three the prize and they were able to also nominate a teacher to receive the same prize. Baker and Marshall are both special education teachers in New Ulm. They were nominated by Patti Hengel and they were at the battery shop in Mankato Wednesday, April 10, where they were greeted and
awarded with their prize box by the Mankato Batteries Plus store owner, Tor Sperling and store manager, Tony Marco. Sperling said he owns multiple stores in the Midwest and that the exact amount of batteries is calculated by the type of user the battery owners are surveyed to be.
They are then given a container of batteries that should last that estimated amount of time based on their usage type. “It’s like a big black case kind of thing,” he said in a telephone interview with local media this past week. According to Sperling, the
nationwide contest only selected three winners across the country for these types of awards, too, so it’s a small chance for the many hundreds of stores there are, he explained. “It’s a pretty big deal,” he said. The other winners are in Reno, NV. and Spartanburg, S.C.
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Nicollet County Ledger
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Tornado in St Peter Marks 25 Years Ago
St. Peter Area Chamber of Commerce Photo Submitted
SCC HOLDS AN OPEN HOUSE FOR PSYCHOLOGY TRANSFER PATHWAY PROGRAM
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