18 minute read
Agriculture
Kasey (McNab) Nelson
The Globe
BREWSTER — Westberg Eischens accounting and advisement firm has added a new office in Brewster. Kasey (McNab) Nelson, a CPA and accountant with Westberg Eischens since 2014, will serve as its manager. A native of Brewster, Nelson and her husband, Jeremy, relocated there when the opportunity arose to return to the area.
“The partners at Westberg Eischens were extremely supportive of my move and offered to set me up to work remotely,” Nelson said.
However, after further discussions, Nelson and the partners realized it would be beneficial to set up a brick and mortar office space to better serve clients. Nelson rented a space inside Rolling Hills Bank, 224 10th St., and officially opened for business in November.
“This has been a great move for me and my family,” she said. “Before COVID hit, our firm had recently upgraded our client portal and cloud accounting services, so we were already set to work remotely. Now, I have the dual advantage of managing a remote office in my hometown while still remaining plugged-in to the accounting systems and advisement services of a larger accounting firm.”
While her clients include both individuals and businesses, Nelson plans to use her experience serving nonprofits and charitable gambling organizations to grow her existing client list.
“I’m looking forward to re-immersing myself in my community and introducing myself to area businesses,” she said.
Nelson and her husband, Jeremy, have two children. She is a graduate of the University of South Dakota, and has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, as well as a Master’s degree in Professional Accountancy. She received her CPA license in May 2014.
Nelson
Local man charged with possession of stolen car
By Emma McNamee The Globe
WORTHINGTON — Lucio Roman, 23, of Worthington, was charged with possession of stolen property after being found in a stolen vehicle, a felony-level charge. He also faces a misdemeanor charge for operating a vehicle after the revocation of his license. On Dec. 5, a Worthington Police Officer Roman observed a 2004 Honda Accord pull into the parking lot of the Red Carpet Inn. The officer ran the license plate and discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Mankato.
The officer approached the vehicle and made contact with the three occupants. The driver was identified as Roman. All three occupants were detained by officers and Roman was placed in handcuffs, according to the report.
Roman allegedly told the officer that the vehicle was borrowed to him by a friend. He stated he was given the keys and was unaware that the vehicle was stolen.
The officer made contact with a member of the Mankato Police Department about the stolen vehicle and learned it was reported stolen that same day. The registered owner stated he had last seen the vehicle on Dec. 3, and that a Dell laptop was left inside. Officers checked the vehicle and located the laptop.
Roman’s driving privileges in Minnesota were revoked in July.
If convicted, Roman faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and/or $10,000 fine for possession of stolen property. Driving after revocation carries a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Couple charged with drug possession, storing paraphernalia
By Emma McNamee The Globe
PIPESTONE — Christina Barbara Meisenhoelder, 34, and Joshua Lee Meisenhoelder, 34, both of South Dakota, have been charged with felony-level 5th degree drug possession and storing meth paraphernalia in the presence of a child.
On Nov. 30, law enforcement executed a search warrant on a room at the Calumet Inn in Pipestone. Law enforcement knocked and announced their presence at the door and were greeted by Joshua Meisenhoelder. Christina Meisenhoelder was also located in the room according to reports, along with their two-year-old child. Both Joshua and Christina Meisenhoelder allegedly appeared to be “significantly” under the influence of a controlled substance.
While inside the room, law enforcement reportedly observed multiple meth pipes sitting on the table in plain sight. One pipe was immediately field tested and showed positive for methamphetamine. A thorough search of the room resulted in the reported discovery of several meth pipes which field tested positive for meth, zip baggies, a vape device, a cut straw, two butane torches and a glass marijuana pipe. The report also noted several other miscellaneous drug paraphernalia. All of the items discovered were easily accessible to a child.
If convicted, the Meisenhoelders each face a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine for the charge of storing drug paraphernalia in the presence of a child. For the felony drug possession charge there is a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine.
Photos of the Meisenhoelders were not available.
Man charged with domestic assault, property damage
By Emma McNamee
The Globe WINDOM — A warrant has been issued for Justin Olson, Princeton, to face a felony count of domestic assault after a reported altercation at a Windom residence on Dec. 1. Olson, 28, is also charged with a misdemeanor offense for fourth-degree property damage.
According to the criminal complaint, a Windom police officer was dispatched to a Windom residence on Dec. 1 for a reported domestic assault. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with a victim, who had been arguing with Olson for most of the day, according to the report. The victim stated that Olson was being rude and was told to leave.
Olson reportedly grabbed the victim’s property, who then took it back. Olson then put his arm around the victim’s neck, like a chokehold, and tossed the victim aside. The victim yelled to a bystander for the police to be called. When Olson heard another individual in the house on the line with dispatch, he reportedly went into the living room and began to destroy the victim’s property, including a TV, lamps, vase and more. Olson then fled the scene.
Olson has a domestic assault no contact order violation conviction from October, and a felony domestic assault conviction from June. He was also convicted on a felony terroristic threat charge in 2015.
If convicted, Olson faces a maximum of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine for the felony domestic assault charge. The property damage charge carries a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
A mugshot of Olson is not available.
AG BRIEFS
Dec. 15 dairy webinar looks at corn silage
ORANGE CITY, Iowa — The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team monthly webinar series continues from noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 15. The program “What does this season’s corn silage look like?” features a presentation by Neal Wininger, feed and forage consultant with Dairyland Labs of Arcadia, Wis.
Wininger will discuss what the lab analysis from this year’s corn silage samples tell him about the quality of the crop and what producers can anticipate about how it will convert into milk in the tank.
Producers, dairy consultants and industry reps are encouraged to attend the webinar. There is no fee for the program and preregistration is not needed.
To join, visit https:// iastate.zoom.us/my/ dairyteamfredprogram.
For more information contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Field Specialist Fred Hall at (712) 737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu. Feedlot Forum returns Jan. 18 in Sioux Center
ORANGE CITY, Iowa — Feedlot Forum, the premier Extension program for the cattle feeding industry, is back in-person on Jan. 18, at the Terrace View Event Center, Sioux Center, Iowa.
Feedlot Forum focuses on the latest emerging trends in beef feedlots. Cattle feeders should come prepared to participate and discover how to stay competitive in the beef industry.
The forum includes Marvin Hammond, Elanco technical specialist, providing a “handson” session on proper implanting. He will watch participants place an implant in provided cattle ears and comment on how they might improve their technique.
Dan Thomsen, ISU faculty member and presenter on Doc Talk, will discuss the walk toward traceable beef and its importance to the beef industry.
Chase DeCoite, director of animal health with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, will lead off the afternoon program by talking about the newly adopted U.S. Cattle Industry Feedyard Audit, and Lee Schulz, ISU livestock market economist, will round out the day with a beef market outlook.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to listen to updates from the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Beef Center, and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, plus peruse a trade show featuring 24 agri-businesses with new services and products to support cattle feeding.
Registration can be completed online at https://go.iastate.edu/ ZKECIJ on or before Jan. 10. There is a registration fee to attend.
For more information, contact Beth Doran at (712) 737-4230 or doranb@iastate.edu.
NFO wraps up Minnesota state convention
OLIVIA — Local meat processing, or the shortage of it in Minnesota, emerged as one of the main issues at the Minnesota National Farmers Organization state convention Saturday in Olivia. Guest speaker Thom Petersen, Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture, said it all started when COVID-19 hit the country in 2020. Major packing plants were forced to close down and farmers turned to their local processors and butcher shops to sell at least some of their cattle.
But local processors had their problems too, due to the pandemic, such as worker shortage and regulations. Some were forced to close also, while meat shelves in grocery stores became nearly empty.
Petersen expressed his appreciation to National Farmers, Minnesota Farmers Union, and Land Stewardship Project for their help in working on legislation to assist meat processors and help new processors get started. In addition, a new course in meat cutting will soon begin at Ridgewater College in Willmar to eventually provide more employees for the industry.
Petersen also said that in the first half of 2021, Minnesota did not lose any dairy farmers, a stark contrast to the huge losses due to low milk prices the past few years.
National Vice President Bruce Shultz, Montana, also spoke. He said the food chain system in the U.S. is broken, referencing when workers became sick or had to quarantine due to COVID-19, and processing and transportation slowed down considerably.
Many state leaders, including State President Joe Neaton of Watertown, expressed a desire for the national organization to develop a new or improved grain marketing program that would new members and new grain production into the organization. That message was conveyed to Vice President Shultz during convention discussions.
Industrial hemp forum planned Feb. 9
ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will host its 2022 Industrial Hemp Forum virtually from 9 a.m. to noon, Feb. 9. The event is free to attend.
Forum topics include updates on the MDA’s hemp licensing requirements, new inspection requirements for those processing hemp into other products, and opportunities in fiber production.
“Our virtual forum is designed for anyone currently involved in the industry or those interested in getting involved with hemp production, processing, or marketing,” said MDA Assistant Commissioner Whitney Place. “We want to share as much information as we can about this crop so growers and processors can be successful.” 2022 will be the second year Minnesota will operate under a federally-approved state plan that governs hemp production and regulation. The state previously worked under a hemp pilot program from 2016-2020.
For more information and to register, visit mda.state.mn.us/hempforum2022. ment of Transportation (MnDOT) and Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will host two public sessions to explore ways to reduce the impacts of climate change through a Minnesota Clean Fuel Standard (CFS).
In October, the Walz administration directed state agencies to determine if and how Minnesota should move forward with a CFS.
MnDOT and the MDA are engaging stakeholders and listening to the public as a key part of that process. The state’s goals through this process include identifying action steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, create new jobs, attract new economic investments, and reduce air and water pollution in both urban and rural communities.
The public is invited to participate in an upcoming virtual session offered from noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 14; and from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 15.
For more information about a Clean Fuel Standard and links to access the public meetings, visit dot.state.mn.us/ sustainability/clean-fuel-standard.html.
Find a special handyman or a handyman’s special FIX IT!
By Julie Buntjer The Globe
REGIONAL — According to the Minnesota Department of Health on Tuesday, 12,445 new cases of COVID-19 and 45 deaths were the latest to be recorded in the state.
Of the new cases, 28 were reported in Nobles County, 22 in Cottonwood County, 18 in Jackson County, 14 in Murray County, 12 in Pipestone County and seven in Rock County.
Among the 45 newly reported deaths were 36 individuals from private residences, eight from long-term care or assisted living facilities and one who was homeless. The youngest death was a Hennepin County teen aged 15-19, with two deaths among 35-39 year olds and four deaths among individuals in their 40s statewide.
Minnesota has now lost 9,699 residents due to complications from COVID-19, with 945,445 individuals testing positive for the virus once or more since testing began.
Following is current, cumulative data for area counties:
Nobles County: 5,317 cases; 5,153 no longer isolating as of Dec. 2; 54 deaths; 64.3% of residents ages 5 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
Cottonwood County:
Pipestone County:
Long-term care facilities reporting an exposure from a case of COVID-19 in a resident, staff person or visiting provider as of Dec. 2 include Parkview Manor, Ellsworth, and Edgebrook Care Center, Edgerton.
Nobles County Public Health encourages all eligible individuals to seek vaccination. Private providers in Worthington include Access Family Medical Clinic/Avera Medical Group, Hy-Vee Pharmacy, Sanford Health, Sterling Pharmacy and Walgreens. Contact Nobles County Public Health at 2955213 with questions.
The Iowa Department of Health reports 12,254 new cases of COVID-19 and 91 deaths within the last seven days. Thus far in the state, 7,445 deaths are blamed on the virus. IDH also reported 721 residents hospitalized with complications from COVID-19, with another 162 patients in Intensive Care Units in the state. Of those patients in ICU, 86.5% were not fully vaccinated against the virus, while 71.9% of hospitalized individuals were not fully vaccinated.
In northwest Iowa, the number of positive cases, along with the percentage of fully vaccinated residents aged 12 and older last updated on Friday were: Dickinson County: 23 cases; 61.9% fully vaccinated. Lyon County: 38 cases; 46.4% fully vaccinated. Osceola County: 7 cases; 49.8% fully vaccinated.
Johns Hopkins University reported at 10:20 a.m. Tuesday that 789,997 Americans have died from the virus, including 32,896 people in the last 28 days.
The Minnesota Department of Health continues to ask people to stay home if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and/or are awaiting test results, and to practice universal precautions including washing hands with soap (for 20 seconds), social distancing, and avoiding crowded or confined spaces.
Minnesota to cover tuition for certified nursing assistants
By Dana Ferguson The Globe
ST. PAUL — Walz administration officials on Monday, Dec. 6, announced they would use $3.5 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds to pay tuition and fees for Minnesota students working to become certified nursing assistants.
State health and education officials set a goal to bring 1,000 new certified nursing assistants into the workforce before Jan. 31 to help quell a caregiver shortage impacting the state’s long-term care facilities. More than 70% of nursing homes report that they can’t admit new residents due to insufficient staffing.
That shortage has also caused a bottleneck in Minnesota hospitals since they can’t discharge patients to the facilities. In an effort to ease the strain on hospitals and care facilities, federal medics have deployed to Minnesota, the state has opened alternative care sites and 400 National Guard members trained to relieve caregivers in nursing homes.
Gov. Tim Walz in a news release Monday said the state would cover the cost of tuition, fees, study materials and other expenses of those training to become certified nursing assistants. And 10 high schools will receive funding to train students to become nursing assistants.
“Our long-term care facilities are relying on a new generation of certified nursing assistants to provide quality care to their patients,” Walz said. “By working with communities, colleges, and care providers around Minnesota, we will recruit and train these new CNAs and ensure we have the staff we need in long-term care.”
And state leaders put out a call for Minnesotans interested in obtaining the nursing certifications to apply.
“Our college campuses stand at the ready to offer training, but now we need Minnesotans to answer the call,” Minnesota Office of Higher Education Commissioner Dennis Olson said. “If you are about to graduate high school, a current college student, or someone looking for a career change, I hope you will consider pursuing a career as a certified nursing assistant. Together, we can improve the health and wellness of our great state.”
Long-term care organization leaders on Monday said the recruitment effort would help build up a qualified nursing workforce in Minnesota’s senior housing communities. And that could ensure quality care for
Dana Ferguson / Forum News Service
Zackery Smith practices speaking with a long-term care patient Nov. 30 as part of a 75-hour training to become a temporary nursing aide. Smith is one of the hundreds of National Guard members set to deploy to long-term care homes around the state next week to work as a temporary caregiver.
residents.
“Nursing assistants are the foundation of any senior care environment, and it is imperative, for both public health and community well-being, that we are training an adequate number of individuals to serve our seniors in places they call home,” said Patti Cullen, president and CEO of Care Providers of Minnesota. “This is an essential starting point, and we hope to continue to work together to increase starting wages and benefits to entice more Minnesotans into this valued profession.”
State health officials on Monday also announced that they would open a fourth alternative care location in Hastings to free up hospital bed space in the Twin Cities. Benedictine Living Community-Regina in Hastings is set to become a care site for up to 17 patients coming out of emergency or intensive care settings.
And the first three teams of National Guard members trained as certified nursing assistants were sent out to North Ridge Health and Rehab in New Hope, Mille Lacs Health System Long Term Care in Onamia and PioneerCare in Fergus Falls to relieve caregiving staff there. They are set to begin work on Tuesday, Dec. 7.
Follow Dana Ferguson on Twitter @bydanaferguson, call 651290-0707 or email dferguson@ forumcomm.com
Park Rapids man killed in car crash south of Blackduck
HINES, Minn. — A Park Rapids man is dead after a two-vehicle collision on Sunday evening, Dec. 5, on U.S. Highway 71, south of Blackduck.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Zennah Erickson, 19, of Park Rapids, was driving a 2006 Kia Rio with passenger Colton Erickson, 20, of Park Rapids, when she collided with a Ford F250 driven by Daryl Lundberg, 50, of Blackduck, at 5:55 p.m.
According to the incident report, the Ford F250 was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 71 near Sprucewood Lane NE and the Kia Rio was traveling southbound when it lost control, went sideways into oncoming traffic and struck the F250.
Colton was fatally injured, Zennah had non-life-threatening injuries and Lundberg is listed as having no injuries on the report.
There was snow and ice on the road at the time of the incident, all parties were wearing their seatbelts and alcohol is not believed to be a factor, according to the report.
The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, Blackduck Fire Department, Blackduck Ambulance Service and Bemidji Ambulance Service also responded to the scene.
BRIEFS
— Forum News Service
Arradondo won’t seek a new term as Minneapolis police chief
MINNEAPOLIS – Medaria Arradondo said Monday, Dec. 6, he will not seek a new term as the city’s chief of police and will retire from the department next month.
Arradondo thanked Minneapolis officers and their families for their work and support. “They have served under the most challenging of times in our recent history and I am forever grateful for their service,” he told reporters in announcing his plan.
He said that he wasn’t stepping down for another job elsewhere and had no plans to seek elected office.
Arradondo, 54, has been with the department since he joined as a patrol officer in 1989. He was appointed chief in 2017 by then-mayor Betsy Hodges in the wake of the police killing of 911 caller Justine Ruszczyk.
He was appointed to his first three-year term in 2018.
Arradondo in October spoke out strongly against a ballot measure intended to remake his department, warning the changes wouldn’t fix relations between residents and the police and could do serious damage to a department already severely understaffed.
He described the department then as “flatlining” and suggested that he would step down as chief if the measure passed. It failed.
Mayor Jacob Frey said he expected to announce an interim chief in the coming days along with plans for a national search. The interim chief will take over once Arradondo leaves in mid-January.
— MPR News
