HAMPTON NEWS

Passport day in the USA: Dakota County to host passport event March 10.

2012-02-17T12:38:00.001-08:00

Learn about travel requirements for U.S. citizens and apply for a U.S. passport Saturday, March 10 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Dakota County Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley.

U.S. citizens must present a valid passport book when entering or re-entering the United States by air. U.S. citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present a passport book, passport card or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government.

Those wanting a passport must bring a driver's license, certified birth certificate (no copies) and payment for fees. A check or money order is required for State Department fees. Dakota County fees can be paid by check, money order or cash (no credit cards).

Information on the cost and how to apply for a U.S. passport is available at www.travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone, in English and Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778.

Saturday, March 10 is Passport Day in the USA 2012, a national passport acceptance and outreach event. For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us and search "passport day" or call 952-891-7577.

DAKOTA COUNTY FARMINGTON LIBRARY CLANEDAR EVENTS FEB. 27- MARCH 3

2012-02-17T12:36:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 27
MS Word 2010
Free class to learn the basic features of Microsoft Word, a word processing program.
6:00-8:00pm

Thursday, March 1
Storytime for Babies
Stories, activities and playtime for children up to 24 months and their families.
10:30-11:15am

Friday, March 2
Storytime for All Ages
Stories and activities for mixed age groups.
10:30-11:00

The Farmington Library is located at 508 3rd St. in downtown Farmington. For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library<http://www.dakotacounty.us/library> or call 651-438-0250.

Start your own business: Library classes provide the basics.

2012-02-15T13:17:00.001-08:00

Learn what it takes to launch and grow a small business with free classes offered by WomenVenture and Dakota County Library.

"How to Write a Business Plan" will provide tips on planning a practical business model that will help your business stand out in a positive, concise and persuasive way.

Tuesday, March 6 and 13, 6:308 p.m., Burnhaven Library, 1101 W. County Rd. 42, Burnsville.

"How to Finance Your Business" will teach strategies for getting money from the right sources including banks, non-profit lenders, grants and more.

Monday, April 2 and 9, 1:30–3 p.m., Wentworth Library, 199 E. Wentworth Ave., West St. Paul.

"How to Get a Lender to Say Yes" will demonstrate what makes an effective business loan proposal and provide tips on small business financing and underwriting.

Tuesday, April 24 and May 1, 6:30–8 p.m., Farmington Library, 508 Third Street, Farmington.

Registration and attendance at both sessions is required. For more information or to register, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library or call651-450-2900.

6th Annual Crops Day Offers Expert Advice on Irrigation and Nutrient Management

2012-02-14T08:22:00.001-08:00

Farmers and other agricultural professionals can learn about the latest crop nutrient and irrigation management strategies at the 6^th Annual Crops Day scheduled for Tuesday, March 6 at Dakota Electric Association in Farmington. Dakota Electric Association, Southeast Irrigators Association, Kimmes-Bauer Well Drilling, University of Minnesota Extension and Dakota County are sponsoring the free event from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Dr. Tom Scherer, guest speaker from North Dakota State University, will discuss irrigation scheduling to optimize water use and crop yield. Nitrogen, sulfur and potassium management in corn will be presented by Drs. Dan Kaiser and John Lamb from the University of Minnesota. Mike Plutowski, from Dakota Electric Association, will share information about energy conservation programs that are offered to producers. Lunch and a trade show will follow the morning program. While there is no charge for the event, preregistration is requested by March 1. To preregister or for more information, contact Phyllis Bongard at the University of Minnesota Extension-Dakota County office at 651-480-7757 or bonga028@umn.edu. Dakota Electric Association is located at 4300 220^th St. W. in Farmington. CEUs for Certified Crop Advisors have been applied for.

R.I.P. Robert Harold Thurmes

2012-02-14T07:16:00.000-08:00

Age 37 Of Hampton, MN Passed away February 11, 2012. Robbie is the son of Harry and Connie Thurmes of Hampton. He is survived by his parents; siblings, Sandy (Joe) Wall, Jane, Lori and Mike Thurmes; and niece, Kelsey Wall. He is preceded in death by his brother, John; and his grandparents. He resided at Dakota Communities in Eagan. Robbie was born with special needs. Visitation at White Funeral Home in Farmington, on Tuesday, February 14, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, February 15, at 10:30 a.m., with a visitation 1 hour prior to Mass at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Hampton. White Funeral Home Farmington 651-463-7374 www.whitefuneralhomes.com

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Farmington KCs to Host Spaghetti Bingo

2012-02-13T11:57:00.001-08:00

The Farmington Knight of Columbus Council 2400 will be hosting a spaghetti dinner and an evening of Bingo Saturday, Feb. 25, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Church of St. Michael, 22120 Denmark Avenue, Farmington, Minnesota. Featuring the Farmington KC's famous, homemade mouth-watering to-die-for meat balls, the spaghetti dinner will cost just $7.50 for adults, $5.00 for children 6-12, and a maximum of $25.00 for families. Children 5 and under are free. Proceeds will be used for charitable and service projects sponsored by the KCs. The Knights of Columbus is an international Catholic fraternal non-profit charitable service organization with nearly 1.7 million members in more than 13,000 local councils. Last year, Knights donated 60 million volunteer hours and $143 million to charitable and benevolent causes, sponsoring projects to benefit their church, councils, communities, families and youth.

Good year for agriculture decreases number of mediated farm debts

2012-02-13T11:56:00.001-08:00

The effect of a good year for Minnesota agriculture is evident in the University of Minnesota Extension Farmer-Lender Mediation Program's annual report. The number of lenders sending notices requesting mediation of troubled Minnesota farm debts dropped by 24 percent during the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2010.

This is the first time in four years the activity in the program decreased, according to Dick Senese, Extension senior associate dean.

"In recent years, farmer-lender mediation has given farm operations the chance to stay in business until better times," Senese said. "These are better times for agriculture, but there are still situations where farmers and their lenders rely on this program to help them work together to renegotiate, restructure or resolve their debts.

The report showed there were 494 cases in which farm enterprises used mediation to reach agreement with lenders about debts. In 1,718 additional cases, the right to use mediation to resolve debt was waived by the farmers involved. The amount of debt addressed in mediation dropped by almost 65 percent from $624 million in fiscal year 2010 to $221 million in fiscal 2011.

Farming is a cyclical business and most farm enterprises had a good year in 2012, according to Brian Buhr, Extension economist and head of the university's applied economics department. That increase in farm profitability made it easier for farmers to pay their bills on time and avoid troublesome situations with lenders. Most remarkably, livestock profitability has returned as moderating crop prices and rising livestock prices have increased margins, he added.

Minnesota law requires that creditors with a secured debt of more than $5,000 against an agricultural property offer farmer-lender mediation before proceeding with foreclosure, repossession, cancellation of contract or collection of a judgment.

Farmers who are offered mediation can take advantage of a 90-day period to work with lenders to renegotiate, restructure or resolve their debts. A team of mediators, financial analysts and other University of Minnesota Extension professionals manage the program as neutral parties.

Mediation is an informal and confidential process that generally requires less cost and time than adversarial court litigation. To be eligible for farmer-lender mediation, a debtor must own or lease more than 60 acres and earn more than $20,000 in gross agricultural products the preceding year.

Extension's Farmer-Lender Mediation Program, part of USDA's Certified State Agricultural Mediation Program, tracks the number of notices offering mediation—not the total number of farms involved in mediation. The number of notices received is far more than the number of farms involved in mediation. Most Minnesota farm businesses involve multiple family members, and each family member or entity whose name appears on a debt obligation may receive a notice offering mediation.

For more information on Extension's Farmer-Lender Mediation Program or to access the annual report, visit www.extension.umn.edu/community/mediation.

University of Minnesota Extension is a 100-year-old partnership between the university and federal, state and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. Through Extension, the University of Minnesota "extends" its resources to address critical public issues in priority areas, including food and agriculture, communities, environment, youth and families. For more information, visit www.extension.umn.edu.

Five ways crop growers can plan for spring drought.

2012-02-13T08:16:00.001-08:00

A drought threat posed across southern and western Minnesota is the most serious in over a decade, according to University of Minnesota Extension climatologist Mark Seeley.

Climate outlooks currently favor more rain than normal this spring across much of the state, but it might not be enough, Seeley said: "Many areas are so deficient in stored soil moisture they will need 150 to 200 percent of normal rainfall during March and April to make up the difference."

Here are some measures farmers should consider for a planting-season drought:

1.) Consider crop insurance. Producers who take out a loan for inputs are usually required to buy crop insurance. Kent Olson, Extension economist, says others will want to strongly consider it this year. March 15 is the standard deadline for finalizing a plan with your agent for crop insurance.

2.) If soils remain dry, planting season could arrive early. Jeff Coulter, Extension corn agronomist, recommends that growers avoid planting corn before April 18 to reduce the risk of frost damage to young corn plants.

3.) Conserve moisture in the seed zone. Uniform emergence is important for corn. This requires good seed-to-soil contact and adequate moisture in the seed zone, according to Coulter. If dry conditions persist at planting, he advises growers to prepare seed beds close to planting and avoid unnecessary tillage passes.

4.) Consider pre-emergence herbicides to reduce weed competition with corn and soybean, since yield loss due to early-season weed competition is greatest in dry years. According to Jeff Gunsolus, Extension weed scientist, most pre-emergence herbicides are activated with just one-half inch of rainfall. This is similar to the amount needed to stimulate early-season weed flushes. Even if dry weather follows a pre-emergence herbicide, it can still be activated by later rainfall.

5.) Target post-emergence herbicide applications to small weeds that are no taller than 2 inches, Gunsolus says. Larger weeds are more difficult to control if they are drought stressed and they also compete more with corn and soybean for water and nutrients.

Find more information on drought preparation at www.extension.umn.edu/drought.

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Sources: Mark Seeley, University of Minnesota Extension climatologist; Jeff Coulter, University of Minnesota Extension agronomist; Kent Olson, University of Minnesota Extension economist; Jeff Gunsolus, University of Minnesota Extension weed scientist.

Bill's Bits

2012-02-13T05:48:00.001-08:00

Local people and even the weather forcasters sometimes refer to Southern Minnesota as the "Blizzard Belt." This may not have always been true, but local folks tend to remember the year's when snow and blizzard conditions kept everyone close to the warmth of their home.

Back in the early 50's, one particular snow storm hit our area in late March. At that time, we had let our coal and corn cob supply run quite low because we thought spring was right around the corner, but such was not the case. Coal was not available because the roads were blocked, due to the snow storm and blizzard conditions. The only available corn cobs to burn were the cobs left by the chickens that had eaten ofF the corn kernals. While they were not as available as the usual cobs, they were welcome fire fuel at that time of need.

The other corn cobs available were about 300 yards south of our farm yard and were on the neighbor's land. There were no buildings on the land, but my Dad knew they wouldn't care if we used their corn cobs.

So then my Dad and Sister, Gladys carried two 5 gallon pails full of corn cobs back and forth to our furnace and basement area. It was hard work wading through very deep snow, but if we carried enough cobs during the daylight hours, we could get through the night for heat until the next day.

This continued fo 3 days and finally the snow and wind calmed down and coal could be ordered and life on the farm got back to normal. After that ordeal, we made sure that there was always enough fuel available up to at least Easter.

Many years later, a fuel oil furnace was installed and the days of coal and corn cobs were history. Now, in the year of 2012, the present fuel sources are changing every year. No matter how much easier life on the "old farm" has become over the years, it still is a memory of what snow and wind can do to change one's regular day to day farm life.

Many, many, years later, I moved my family of 3 children and my dear wife up to the central part of Minnesota. It seemed to me that this area did not have the over-all
"blizzard" conditions that Southern Minnesota had. However; there were days when school did not meet or there were 2 hour late starts.

My favorite memory of school "closings" were the announcements from WCCO RADIO (Boone and Erickson) AND the ALBANY RADIO with the famous CLIFF MITCHELL.

I believe the local school bus companies knew more about the weather than the high paid weather forecasters ever did.

History will bear me out that the current weather conditions are always the topic of conversations all over Minnesota and possibly the entire world. I think that is a plus factor in talking with friends, neighbors, and/or strangers. It certainly beats arguing about politics and religion. NOTE!!! MAY ALL YOUR DAYS BE SUNNY AND BRIGHT.

Dakota County Farmington Library Calendar Events.

2012-02-13T05:40:00.001-08:00

Friday, February 24
Storytime for All Ages
Stories and activities for mixed age groups.
10:30-11:00am

Dakota City announces summer youth camps

2012-02-10T13:22:00.000-08:00

Dakota City Heritage Village in Farmington will again offer several four-day sessions of youth day camp in summer 2012. The day camps will run Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. One session of Teen Volunteer Camp is planned and three sessions of Apprentice Day Camp are planned, said Education Coordinator Alisa Peterson.

The Teen Volunteer Camp, offered for the first time last year, is scheduled for June 25-28. This camp is for youth 13 older who would like to volunteer in Dakota City. The camp will focus on training and hands-on activities in the buildings. The training will be different from last year, and space is limited. Following training, these youth will be able to volunteer during the Apprentice Day Camps, the Dakota County Fair, the Harvest Moon Festival and Christmas in the Village.

Youth ages six through 12 are invited to attend Apprentice Day Camp offered July 9-12, July 16-19 and July 30-Aug. 2. Attendees will experience life in the early 1900s by helping with chores, participating in a country school day and doing hands-on activities from that time period. They also will learn about local and state government in 1900, famous and important people of the time, health, games and inventions from the turn of the century. Peterson said that each Apprentice Camp session would be limited to 24 participants.

The cost for all camps will be $125 per youth with campers asked to bring their own lunches and a water bottle each day. Dakota City will provide all project supplies for the camp along with an afternoon snack. Families must furnish their own transportation to Dakota City, located at 4008-220^th St. W. on the fairgrounds in Farmington.

Registrations are being accepted now. Peterson suggested giving a gift certificate for a session of day camp. For a registration form, gift certificate or more information, visit the village's web site at www.dakotacity.org or call 651-460-8050 or e-mail education@dakotacity.org.

Lucky Dog: Local author teaches kids about organ transplants.

2012-02-10T12:49:00.001-08:00

Local author Stacey Waibel will talk about organ transplants and read from her new book, Rudy O'Tooty Monday, March 5, 7–8 p.m. at the Heritage Library, 20085 Heritage Drive, Lakeville, and Wednesday, March 14, 10:30–11:30 a.m. at the Pleasant Hill Library, 1490 S. Frontage Road, Hastings.

Waibel, herself a transplant recipient, has written a series of children's books, featuring her toy poodle Rudy, in an attempt to educate children about transplants and lessen their fears about friends who have had a transplant or about their own situations.

As a child, Waibel was diagnosed with diabetes and lost her sight during her first year of college. She visits libraries and schools to read from her books and answer questions children may have. Her previous titles include Rudy's Incredible Kidney Machine, Rudy Gets a Transplant, Rudy's Check Up and What's On My Nose? In addition to writing children's books, she is a motivational speaker.

Michelle Greubele, illustrator of the series, will appear at the Lakeville program. For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library or call 651-450-2918.

Bill's Bits

2012-02-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in last week's column after listing the women who owned and/or managed businesses in Cold Spring, Mn, this week I would list the female gender who own and/or manage business places in Jackson, Mn. I want say "Thanks to at least 4 people who helped me with this important project.

Those helping me were Mary Ann (Ellefson) Werner, Elizabeth Kroese,(activities director at Good Samaritan in Jackson) and many residents there also. Ginny Krejci was a hard worker on this also, plus her husband and my good friend, Albin Krejci. With that explanation, I will start my list:

1. Lavern Handevidt-Beauty Shop
2. Dorothy Beck & Evelyn Jones-Coffee Shop
3. Mary Matuska-Mary's Gift Shop (she was a sister of Joe Matuska who originally built, owned and run the "whole show.")
4. Ella Dunlavey- High-Way Lunch (she and her daughter, Myrtle Dunlavey Bradley were located on Hwy. 16 and 71 across the street from the original Armory. It was a small building and was on the south side of Dodge Pete's CarDealership. Ella and Myrtle were known for their good home made donuts.
5. Anna Bogh and Barbara Anderson- A & B Cafe. The cafe was located on West Ashley St., South and a little west of the Ben Franklin five & dime Store. That building is no longer there and the previous owner was Mr. Beecham.
6. Edna Olson- Beauty Shop - Her shop was located two houses west of the Sathe Furniture Store. The shop was on West Ashley Street.
7. Grace Holecek- Postmaster in Jackson, Mn for many years. It was not a common position that was occupied by a woman back then. The Post Office was just a little north of the State Theatre.
8. Gladys Gilbert- Teenie Weenie grocery on Brown Street near the old Water Tower.
9. Mamie Weetz- She had roomers and boarders. She rented out rooms to people that might have been High School students and some were adult men and women. She also cooked for some of them.
10. Leona Malchow Dorothy Beck--all three were Ruth (Melvik) Mix Beauticians and had their own shops.
11. Lucille (Arthur) Mix Had a restaurant across the street from the Chozen clothng store
12. Barb (LaVerne) Hanson- Had a ceramics store in the block across from Chozen's also.
13. Joan (Eldon) Bettin and her sister, Dorothy, Jane (Paul) Weseman had a ladies store in the area where Hill Top Video is in downtown Jackson.
14. Evelyn (Damian) Jones and her sister, Dorothy (Harold)Beck had a restaurant in a building South-East of Sathe's Furniture Store in the area where Sasker's Auto Glass is now located.
15. Stella (Dean) Garber had a store with decorative items and gifts in two different locations.
16. Sue (Larry) Anderson operated a similar type of store like Stella Garbers.
17. Gladys(Ken) Nelson had a floral shop a block east of the State Theatre.
18. Mrs. Hatch-She had a restaurant in the block Norh of Main Street, across from Nelson Produce and Feed Store.
19. Marge Herrig- She had a small coffee shop next to the Farmer's Coop Grain Elevator on Depot Hill.
20. Marsha Elsbecker- Heartland Image.
21. Gayle More- Hair Connection.
22. Terry Larson(Mgr)- Family Dollar.
23. Michelle Bratrud (Mgr)- Dairy Queen.
24. Christina Lewis(Mgr)-Casey's General Store and Gas.
25. Bridget Kolander Gilbert- Bridget's Bucksnorts and Brew ha-ha.
26. Kim Barnett- Hairtique for Guys & Gals.
27. Janell Johnson- Expressions.
28. Wanda Heckman (Mgr) Lisa Carter,Owner.
29. Corrine Vacek & Patti Einertson- Beauty Shop.
30. Dawn Duncan- Hair Studio.
31. Dawn Peterson-Dawn's Fabrics.
32. Kim Hinkelday(Mgr)- Burger King.
33. Jodi Edlin-Ashley Hallmark.
34. Jean Liversay Yadlowski- River Rain Boutique.
35. Cheryl Harnden- Permanent Solutions by Cheryl.
36. Kelly Drahota- Off The Hanger.
37. Vicki Orgen- Vicki's Clothing Main.
38. Trudy Miles- Sunlife of Jackson.
39. Rachel Neal- Royal Treatment.
40. Jean Benda- Red Barn.
41. Jll Leen- Royal Lead Boarding Kennel.
42. Joanne Neuenswander- Old Railroad Inn Bed & Breakfast.
43. Kat Stephan- Kat's Hog Heaven.
44. Amanda Benda-Little Huskies Day Care.
45. Mandi Koshbol- Edward Jones.
46. LeeAnn Gruhlke(Mgr)-Trondsets Pharmacy.
47. Melanie Pohlman (Mgr)-Prairie Rehab and Fitness.
48. Kerri Butteris- Jackson Chiropractic.
49. Coni Hutchings- Massage Therapy.
50. Janet Bargfrede- Travel Station.
51. Teri Bargfrede- Insurance Agency.
52. Colleen Anderson- Insurance Agency.
53. Kim Barnett- Beauty Shop.
54. Susan Reiter- Coffee Choices.
55. Barb Hansen- Ceramic Hobby Shop.
56. Marsha Pohlman- Floral Shop.
57. Virginia Stehlik- Sears Catalog Store.
58. Luverne Allen- Wards Catalog Store.
59. Joan Bettin- Small Children's Clothing Store.
60. Norma Knutson- Beauty Shop.
61. Mrs. Oscar Olson- Beauty Shop.
62. Mrs. Art Wolff- Cafe.
63. Mrs. Ray Van Westen-Cafe.
64. Gayle Moore- Beauty Shop.
65. Louise Gregary- Petal Pusher.
66. Elvil Jones & Dorothy Beck- Cafe.

NOTE... I'm sure there are some names and businesses that may have been mispelled, but working by letter, phone and e-mail, it's bound to happen. For this and any omissions of some people, I apologise. If there are some individuals that should be mentioned in this column, let me know at: Bill Goede, 904 3rd St. North, Cold Spring, MN 56320.

MAGGIE GALLAGHER TO SPEAK IN OWATONNA IN DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE

2012-02-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

Co-founder of National Organization for Marriage Speaks on Timely Issues.

The co-founder and immediate past chairman of the Washington-based National Organization for Marriage will speak Sunday, March 4 at 3 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna. As the voters of Minnesota consider the proposed Marriage Amendment for vote in the fall of 2012, Maggie Gallagher’s comments are of interest to many.
The title of her talk is “Defending Marriage in an Age of Confusion.” Gallagher is a co-founder of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), which the Washington Post has called the "preeminent" national organization fighting to protect marriage as the union of husband and wife. Gallagher served as Chairman of the Board until September 2011.
NOM's formal mission is "protecting marriage and the faith communities that sustain it," but as Maggie likes to put it, "we fight gay marriage—and win."
NOM is credited with raising the early money to get Prop 8 on the ballot in California, lead the effort to repeal gay marriage in Maine, helped block gay marriage bills in New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Rhode Island, spent more than $600,000 airing media ads in Iowa that helped persuade Iowans to refuse to re-elect three judges who voted for gay marriage, and helped flip the legislature in New Hampshire after the majority voted for gay marriage in 2010. NOM also played a key role in persuading Minnesota to pass a marriage amendment, bringing the issue to voters in 2012.
Maggie Gallagher is a nationally syndicated columnist and the author of three books on marriage including The Case for Marriage: Why Married People are Happier, Healthier, and Better Off Financially with University of Chicago Prof. Linda Waite. Her forthcoming book Debating Same-Sex Marriage (co-authored with Prof. John Corvino) will be published by Oxford University Press.
Maggie has written for the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Weekly Standard, National Review and other media. She has been a syndicated columnist for fifteen years. Her academic essays have appeared in the Ave Maria Law Journal, the Notre Dame Journal of Law and Public Policy, the Northwestern Journal of Law and Public Policy, the Louisiana Law Journal, and elsewhere. She appears frequently on national media, including EWTN, ABC's Nightline, CNN, Fox News, and NPR.
She has debated gay marriage before audiences throughout the country, at Harvard Law School, Cornell Law School, Princeton University, Yale Law School, the Heritage Foundation, the Brookings Institution, the Franciscan University at Steubenville, the National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association, and the Aspen Gay and Lesbian Institute. She lives in the Washington D.C. area with her husband and family
This presentation is a collaboration of The Call to Be Catholic Speaker Series of Owatonna and the Respect Life Groups of South Central MN. The goal of both groups is to work across parish boundaries to promote knowledge and understanding of the Church’s teaching on moral issues.

All are welcome, and free-will offerings are accepted and appreciated ($5 per person suggested).

Seventh Annual Randolph Railroad Days

2012-02-08T08:09:00.001-08:00

Meet Avi: Award-winning author headlines Hastings Reads.

2012-02-07T09:01:00.001-08:00

Newbery-award winning author Avi will appear at Hastings Middle School, 1000 West 11^th Street, Hastings, on Wednesday, Feb. 29, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

His appearance is courtesy of Hastings Reads, a community-wide reading program that encourages reading and book discussions to help us understand the lives and experiences of ourselves and others. This year the theme for Hastings Reads is "The Civil War: Why We Remember." Avi will be discussing his novel "Iron Thunder: The Battle Between the Monitor & the Merimac."

A longtime librarian before becoming a novelist, Avi has written more than 70 books covering the genres of historical novels, comedies, animal adventures and ghost stories—all for children and teens.

The event is free, and all ages are welcome.

For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library or call 651-438-0200.

Control buckthorn during winter dormancy.

2012-02-07T04:55:00.000-08:00

This year's unseasonably warm winter weather and little snow cover makes woody plant control easier in home and agricultural landscapes. Removing invasive plants like buckthorn is more successful in the winter months, when the plant is dormant.

Buckthorn out-competes native plants for nutrients, light and moisture. It also degrades wildlife habitat and threatens the future of forests, wetlands, prairies and other natural habitats. Buckthorn serves as host to pests like the soybean aphid. Since it lacks natural controls like insects or disease that would curb its growth, it must be controlled.

Small seedlings may be pulled. The procedure for control of established buckthorn plants is 1.) Positively identify the tree or woody plant to control, 2.) Cut to form a stump, 3.) Treat the stump with herbicide, and 4.) Dispose of any brush that contains seeds.

Positive identification is important, but can also be difficult when trees aren't leafed out. Buckthorn usually has a tiny thorn at the very tip of most branches. Other desirable trees have a bud. If you scrape the bark of buckthorn it is usually yellowish-orange instead of cream-colored or green. Female buckthorn trees have purplish-black berries with multiple seeds per berry, compared to native trees and shrubs that usually have only one seed per fruit.

Tools for control include pruning loppers, a hand saw or chain saw, a labeled brush killer herbicide in a spray applicator or a tin can and brush. The most effective brush killers for cut stump treatments include Triclopyr as one of the active ingredients. An oil base and ester formulation is best for winter treatments. Follow label directions.

Cut the tree trunk an inch above the ground and treat the surface of the stump with the labeled herbicide. Make sure the entire bark or cambium layer is treated (edges of the stump). If any part of the exposed bark layer from the cut stump is not treated, the tree may sprout again. Properly dispose of the brush. Note that if the tree is a berry-producing (female) buckthorn, the seeds may still be viable and you will need to bag or burn the brush to minimize spread of seed.

A two-person team will be most effective. One person identifies and cuts the tree and the other, following behind, treats the stump. Rope off and work in one small area at a time to best keep track of your progress. Treated areas must be monitored for new seedlings or regrowth annually.

To learn more about buckthorn control, visit www.extension.umn.edu/go/1095. - Gary Wyatt is an agroforestry educator with University of Minnesota Extension.

Black Stallion to Host "Winter Blast" Event on February 19th

2012-02-06T13:29:00.000-08:00

The Black Stallion "Winter Blast Mardi Gras" event is fast approaching and tickets to the dinner party fundraiser event are still available. (Ticket payment form attached below.) Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. at the Black Stallion on Hwy. 52 in Hampton. This year's event will benefit the religious education programs at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Hampton, St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Trier, and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion. The event consists of a dinner, silent and live auction, and music. And while adults are enjoying a fun dinner event, children of all ages are invited to participate in a kids pizza/popcorn/movie party to be held simultaneously at the St. Mathias Church - - only blocks away. Kids will enjoy crafts, games, Wii, movies, and a dinner of their own. It's a perfect night out for all! Please join us for a fun evening.

Car Seat Safety Clinic at CarTime on Saturday, February 11

2012-02-06T13:15:00.001-08:00

Northfield Hospital, in cooperation with its partner, CarTime Auto Service Center, is conducting its monthly Car Seat Safety Clinic on Saturday, February 11, at CarTime's Auto Center on South Highway 3. A certified technician from Northfield Hospital will check the child safety seat, including boosters, to insure that it is a safe product, fits the child, and is properly installed.

Parents and anyone else who transport children can report between 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. with the child, car seat, and the owner's manual. Expectant parents also are welcome to check their car seat installation. This free service is offered on the second Saturday of the month. Appointments are preferred but not required. Call Mamie at 507-663-7087.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. Most of the injuries can be prevented. The rate of serious and fatal injuries goes down by one-half when children are placed in age-appropriate restraints.

Contact Nancy at Northfield Hospital's Education Office, 507-646-1035, for more information.

Matthew Sanford at Lakeville Area Arts Center

2012-02-06T13:14:00.003-08:00

Matthew Sanford, author of "Waking: A Memoir of Trauma and Transcendence," will talk about the accident that left him paralyzed as a teen and his journey to become a yoga instructor and leading advocate of integrative medicine on Saturday, Feb. 25, 7–9 p.m., Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville. The event is free but requires a ticket. Call the Heritage Library at 952-891-0362 or register online atwww.heritagelibraryfriends.com.

Sanford's appearance is a part of OneBook, OneLakeville, a community reading program that is in its fourth year. There are more than 10 programs offered during the month of February, including memoir writing, yoga and book discussion groups.

OneBook, OneLakeville is presented by the Dakota County Heritage Library, the Friends of the Heritage Library and the City of Lakeville. This project was also funded in part with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library or call 952-891-0360.

BABYSITTING TRAINING at Northfield Hospital

2012-02-06T13:14:00.001-08:00

The American Red Cross and Northfield Hospital prepares young people to be babysitters through a six-hour, one-day class. A certified instructor will focus on leadership, basic care, safety and safe play, as well as some first aid.

A few spots remain for the class on Saturday, February 18. The American Red Cross stipulates that students must be between the ages of 11-14. The cost is $45.

Advance registration and payment is required. Contact Nancy at 507-646-1035, to register.

Trails by Candlelight event still a go without snow.

2012-02-06T12:02:00.001-08:00

The Trails by Candlelight event scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11 from 6–9 p.m. at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center in Eagan is still on, but with minor changes.

In years where there is plenty of snow, the Trails by Candlelight event hosts hundreds of cross-country skiers and snowshoers. With the lack of snow this year, the event is being transformed into an evening of hiking and ice skating by candlelight. Four miles of wooded park trails will be lined with candles for an evening hike, and candles will also line a one-half mile ice skating trail and ice rink.

Several bonfires will be available to warm up, and the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center will be open late for event goers to warm up. Hot chocolate, hot dogs, mini donuts and more will be available for purchase in a concession trailer next to the Visitor Center.

The Trails by Candlelight event is open to all ages. Pre-register by Thursday, Feb. 9 for $8 per person or at the door for $10 per person. Youth ages 5 and under free. Bring your own ice skates. For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.mn.us/parks.

Minnesota’s Drinking Water at Risk from Nuclear Power Plants

2012-02-06T06:01:00.001-08:00

On Wednesday in Red Wing, Environment Minnesota and the Minnesota Public Interest Research Group will be joined by Kristen Eide-Tollesfon and a spokesperson from the Prairie Island Indian Community (invited) to release a new report on the threat to drinking water posed by nuclear power plants in Minnesota. * report includes Nationwide map of nuclear plants threatening drinking water.

WHEN: February 8th, 2012, 2:00 PM

WHERE: Red Wing Public Library

WHO: Elissa Walter, Environment Minnesota
Natalie Cook, MPIRG
Spokesperson from the Prairie Island Indian Community (Invited)
Kristen Eide-Tollefson, Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant Study Group

Environment Minnesota Research & Policy Center is a state-wide citizen based group working for clean air, clean water, and open space. www.environmentminnesotacenter.org The Minnesota Public Interest Research Group is a nonprofit, nonpartisan consumer advocacy group. Follow us online at www.mpirg.org

Spelling Bee Results

2012-02-05T12:15:00.000-08:00

St John the Baptist-Vermillion Spelling Bee Winner A-N-N-O-U-N-C-E-D

Students in Grades 3-5 at St. John the Baptist Catholic School-Vermillion competed in class-level spelling bees, culminating with the annual spelling bee of 4th and 5th graders on January 26, 2012. Isabelle Petit, Christian Strommen, and Eva Storkamp represented the 4th grade class; Emily Clemens, Mason Murphy, and Autumn Miller represented the 5th grade class. Eva Storkamp won 1st place and Christian Strommen took 2nd place. The two students will now be competing in the Deanery-level spelling bee on Friday, February 10th at All Saints Catholic School in Lakeville, MN.

Standing with St. John the Baptist Catholic School Principal Sister Tresa Margret are spelling bee winner Eva Storkamp and 2nd place winner Christian Strommen. These two students will now advance to the Deanery-level spelling bee to be held at All Saints Catholic School in Lakeville, MN.

St. John the Baptist Catholic School-Vermillion spelling bee finalists included Eva Storkamp -4th grade (all-school winner), Isabelle Petit (4th grade), Mason Murphy (5th grade), Autumn Miller (5th grade), Christian Strommen-4th grade (2nd place winner), and Emily Clemens (5th grade).

Dakota County Farmington Library Calendar Events February 13-18

2012-02-03T14:50:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 13
Teen Advisory Group
Get involved. New members welcome.
6:00-7:00pm

Tuesday, February 14
Teen Library Day
Drop in for a variety of activities.
3:30-4:30pm

Thursday, February 16
Guitar Hero
Play sweet riffs on the library's big screen.
3:30-4:30pm

Friday, February 17
Storytime for All Ages
Stories and activities for mixed age groups.
10:30-11:00am

Saturday, February 18
Waggin' Tales
Read to certified therapy dogs.
Ages 5-10
10:30-11:30am

Whitetail Woods Regional Park is new name for Dakota County Park

2012-02-02T11:52:00.001-08:00

Whitetail Woods Regional Park is the official name for the new regional park in Empire Township. The Dakota County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the new name at their Jan. 31 meeting.

Whitetail Woods Regional Park has 456-acres of wooded rolling hills with a charming lake and pristine wetland located adjacent to the Vermillion Highlands Modified Wildlife Management Area and the Vermillion River Aquatic and Wildlife Management Area in Empire Township and UMORE Park in the City of Rosemount.

The design process for the new park will begin this year to prepare for the first phase of construction scheduled to start in spring 2013. Phase I elements will likely include an access road, parking, picnic area, restrooms, hiking and skiing trails, play areas and natural resource restoration. The park is scheduled to open in late 2013.

Whitetail Woods Regional Park is the first regional park to be added to the Dakota County Parks System in more than 25 years.

Along with the new park name, the Board adopted Empire Lake as the official name for the lake in the park.

New crop of Master Gardeners joins mighty volunteer force

2012-02-02T11:51:00.001-08:00

When the course wraps up in mid-February, the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener class of 2012 will be the 35th in the volunteer program's history. This year's cohort includes 178 people from 42 counties plus the Fond du Lac tribal nation.

This class will join a force of more than 2,200 Minnesotans who volunteer 131,000-plus hours and give $2.8 million worth of their time per year to benefit schools, community gardens, youth programs, the environment and more through a broad array of horticulture education activities.

Most stay in the program for at least 10 years, but at least three "charter members" from the first class in 1977 remain active. Julie Weisenhorn, state director for Extension's Master Gardener program and a retired Master Gardener, knows first-hand why they do it.

"Master Gardeners want to give back to their community and they are interested in horticulture," she says. "They also value lifelong learning and want to have a meaningful connection to the University of Minnesota."

The core course is required for these aspiring Master Gardeners—and it's also intense. In addition to background on Extension and the program, they learn about the most up-to-date University research in 14 topics ranging from soils and botany to lawn care, and from plant diseases to insects.

The classes are taught by Extension educators, scientists and University professors. They are offered both face-to-face and online, and many people choose to take them as a hybrid of the two models.

After completing the core course, volunteers spend one year and at least 50 hours as Master Gardener interns. After the internship year, they must contribute a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer work each year. There is also an annual continuing education requirement for volunteers.

Some choose to help children plant school gardens, teach neighbors how to grow healthy foods or assist with U research. "Master Gardeners will always involve others in the community with the decision-making, and strive to educate others through the experience," says Weisenhorn. "That impact is so important."

What else should the graduating Master Gardener class of 2012 expect from its first years in the program? Volunteers should expect to work hard. "Even in a community garden, somebody is going to have to shovel the compost," says Weisenhorn.

But Master Gardeners aren't bothered by a little work. "They can teach people about the benefits and practices of composting at the same time they are shoveling it," she says. "The passion to dig in and make a difference--that's what keeps them going."

For more information on Extension's Master Gardener program, including how to become a Master Gardener volunteer, visit www.extension.umn.edu/master-gardener.

University of Minnesota Extension is a 100-year-old partnership between the university and federal, state and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. Through Extension, the University of Minnesota "extends" its resources to address critical public issues in priority areas, including food and agriculture, communities, environment, youth and families. For more information, visit www.extension.umn.edu.

Wellness Education at Northfield Hospital: Can’t Eat Wheat” support group meets on February 6

2012-02-01T12:35:00.000-08:00

The Northfield area "Can't Eat Wheat" support group will learn about the expanding world of gluten-free products on Monday, February 6, 6:30-8:00 p.m., at the Northfield Hospital Conference Center.

Kate Wall, grocery manager at Just Food Co-op will share the changes that she has seen in recent years and how decisions are made to stock the shelves.

The Northfield "Can't Eat Wheat" group focuses on living well with celiac disease, gluten intolerance or wheat allergies. Those who are coping with this condition or are interested in learning more are welcome to attend. Families and friends are welcome. There is no cost for this program. For additional information, contact Jody at 507-663-6071, or contact the education office at Northfield Hospital.

Pleasant Hill Library in Hastings Hosts Used Book Sale

2012-02-01T07:32:00.001-08:00

Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library Host the Winter Used Book Sale February 10 and 11

The Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library will host their annual Winter Used Book Sale on Friday, February 10th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, February 11th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The sale will be held in the meeting room of the Pleasant Hill Library, located at 1490 South Frontage Road in Hastings. Beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, all items will be sold at half price. Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library members are invited to a special pre-sale event on Thursday evening, from 5-7 p.m. People may register to become a Friend of the Library at the presale event or, indeed, anytime during the sale. Membership fees begin at $10 per year. Also new this year is a special bookmark book giveaway. Hastings area students may trade in a designated bookmark for a free book any time throughout the sale. Bookmarks are available at the library, and at local schools. Many items will be for sale during the event, including gently used books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles and games. Books include hard covers, as well as paperbacks. Items for children, teens and adults will be sold at the Winter Used Book Sale. Proceeds from the sale are used to fund and enhance library services and programs throughout the year. For more information regarding the Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library Used Book Sale, call the library at 651-438-0200.

Randolph's New School Sign

2012-01-31T13:33:00.000-08:00

DFL Caucuses To Meet At Black Stallion on Feb.7th at 7pm

2012-01-31T12:16:00.001-08:00

Local DFL Caucuses will be held February 7, 2012 at 7:00 pm. DFLers from Hampton City, Hampton Township, Marshan, Miesville, New Trier, Randolph, Ravenna, Vermillion and Welch will meet at the Black Stallion Grill in Hampton, 23385 Emery Ave. The caucus start at 7:00, registration begins at 6:30.

KC EVENTS

2012-01-31T12:13:00.001-08:00

• The Farmington Knight of Columbus Council 2400 will be hosting a pancake breakfast Sunday, February 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Church of St. Michael, 22120 Denmark Avenue, Farmington, Minnesota. Pancakes, French toast, sausage links, and scrambled eggs will be served along with coffee, juice and water. Good Will offerings will be accepted. All proceeds will go towards local charities.The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal non-profit charitable service organization. Funds raised by the Knights are donated to a variety of worthy causes in need of assistance.

• Three boys and a girl were the winners in the Farmington Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship held January 14 at Levi Dodge Middle School.

In the Girls 10-Year-Old division, the winner was Paulina Montbriand

In the Girls 11-Year-Old Division the winner was Alyssa Wagner.

In the Girls 12-Year-Old Division the winner was Victoria Montbriand.

In the Girls 13-Year-Old Division the winner was Kayla Schultz.

In the Boys 10-Year-Old Division the winner was Grahm Hertaus.

In the Boys 11-Year-Old Division the winner was Cole Eckert.

In the Boys 14-Year-Old Division the winner was Grant Ruedy.

Twenty young sharpshooters participated in the event. The winners are eligible to compete in the District Championship in February. The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship is sponsored annually sine 1972, with winners progressing through local, district, and state competitions. International champions are announced by the K of C international headquarters based on scores from the state-level competitions. All boys and girls 10 to 14 years old are eligible to participate and compete in their respective age divisions. The Knights of Columbus is an international Catholic family fraternal service organization with nearly 1.7 million members in more than 13,000 local councils. Last year, Knights donated over 60 million volunteer hours and $more than $140 million to charities and benevolent causes, sponsoring projects to benefit their church, councils, communities, families and youth.

Three business models drive small-farm growth in Minnesota.

2012-01-30T08:07:00.000-08:00

The agricultural economy in Minnesota is strong, and some of that strength is coming from the growth of small farms. Increased interest in local foods and products is driving that growth.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines small farms as farms with $250,000 or less in sales of agricultural commodities. The 2007 Census of Agriculture indicates that's 91 percent of U.S. Farms and over half of the land. Most of the growth is in the area of very small farms that have sales less than $10,000.

Three types of business opportunity have helped create a positive environment for both farmers and people interested in local, healthy foods—farmers markets, other merchandising options and farm-to-school programs.

Farmers markets can be a great option for finding locally produced food, as well as adding vitality to a community. They are popping up in rural Minnesota as well as in cities and suburbs. Many farmers markets now accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program food assistance coupons and other assistance vouchers.

Other merchandising options include roadside stands, on-farm stores and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, in which families purchase a regular share of the foods produced.

Farm-to-school programs are also becoming another option for small farm production, and Minnesota is a leader in this area. Farmers are able to work directly with local schools to sell healthy and locally grown produce to the school districts, and can get help through University of Minnesota Extension's Farm to School resources (www.extension.umn.edu/farm-to-school).

The face of the small farms is changing with new farmers, urban farming and recent immigrants. Often, many of these new farms have another primary occupation. These new farmers are seeking education that will help to make them successful in their new professions. The University of Minnesota Center for Farm Financial Management (CFFM) offers a website called AgPlan www.agplan.umn.edu, developed to help rural businesses to develop a business plan.

Extension has a Small Farms program, a network of educators who support people new to agriculture, those moving from hobby to career farming and those building on generations of experience. For more information, visit www.extension.umn.edu/smallfarms. - Nathan Winter is an agricultural production systems educator with University of Minnesota Extension.

The State of OpenCourseWare

2012-01-27T10:47:00.000-08:00

The State of OpenCourseWare. Read More Here!

Defending The Blue Line

2012-01-27T10:43:00.000-08:00

Please consider casting your vote for Defending the Line in the President and First Lady's program, Joining Forces.

Wouldn't it not be an honor that a non-profit military support organization in the State of Minnesota to be selected, which promotes one of the state's largest sport, hockey.

For those that deleted our newsletter, here is a summary of their mission. Please review the website, to determine their cause and effect on our military and their families. Hopefully, you remember, Roseville raised over $10,000 for this organization and Defending The Blue Line sent hockey equipment to Kuwait for the military to enjoy the sport.

Defending The Blue Line. http://defendingtheblueline.spydertrapdev.com/ is a local 501c(3) non-profit organization. They ensure that children of military members are afforded every opportunity to participate in the game of hockey. They accomplish this by providing free equipment for military kids, hockey camps, special events and financial assistance for registration fees and other costs associated with hockey. They are located at 1206 N Frontage Road, Suite B, Hastings, MN 55033.

Community Collaborative Event Announcements

2012-01-27T10:42:00.000-08:00

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community of Hastings

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a comprehensive program that creates awareness for the purpose of connecting Service members and their families with community support, services and resources, while honoring their sacrifices.

Community Collaborative Event Announcements

January 25, Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., Dakota County Beyond the Yellow Meeting, Northern Service Center, West St Paul. MN

January 25^th, Wednesday, 6:15 p.m., Church of the Advent, 412 Oak Street, Farmington. Military Mother/Grandmother Luncheon. This is the 4^th year in which we honor the mothers and grandmothers of active duty service members. The first year, 40 attended and last year almost 120" It has grown to be a wonderful and moving event to paper those women who have raised our service members. This year the event will be held on Saturday, May 12^th at St Michael's Church in Farmington. In addition to a lovely meal, they have pamper stations, entertainment and valet parking .. So fun! If you were interested in volunteering on the planning committee, your representation would be appreciated.

January 27^th, Friday, 1:50 p.m. meet with Justin Hahn, HHS Military Support, in preparation for the April/May Military Events.

January 27^th, Friday, 6 – 9 p.m., Celebrate United, Annual Social Event, United Way of Hastings, Hastings Country Club. Join us for an evening of fun as we thank our volunteers, recognize our donors, and honor our incoming and outgoing board members. RSVP to Mari Mellick at mari@unitedwayofhastings.org

January 28^th, Saturday, 5 – 7:30 p.m., Liver on The River, Sons of the American Legion, Nelson Lucking American Legion Post 47, 50 Sibley St., Hastings, MN. Cost is $8.75 and hamburger steak can be substituted for liver. Support the families of our Veterans!!

January 29^th, Sunday, 3 p.m., Vietnam Veterans Golf Tournament Planning Committee, Nelson Lucking American Legion Post 57, 50 Sibley St., Hastings. Golf tournament will be held at Emerald Greens on June 23. Proceeds for this tournament will be utilized for a monument at the State Veterans Cemetery at Little Falls and further education of the Vietnam Veteran Monument in Washington, D.C.

January 31^st, Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. County Veterans Service Officer Meeting, Farmington, VFW

February 4^th, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 pm. Business Plan in a Day. Hastings High School Room B211. Discuss and work on each section of a business plan, including Company Description, Marketing, Operations, Management Structure, Future Development, Financial, and the Executive Summary. For people who need a business plan to: Create a new business; expand an existing business; seek financing from a bank/other lender; approach investors, such as angel investors or venture capitalist; enter a business plan competition or complete a college business plan project; and plan strategy & direction of a company. Bring a flash drive and plan to give instructors $14 for materials. Break for lunch on your own. MEGAN TSUI is an entrepreneur with 12+ years experience consulting and coaching entrepreneurs. She is the Entrepreneur in Residence at St. Olaf College working with students starting businesses. Cost is $49, ca11 (651) 480-7670 to register.

February and March, Hastings Reads, http://www.unitedwayofhastings.org/hastingsreads.html, is a community-wide program that seeks to encourage reading and discussion of books and the ways in which they can help us understand the lives and experiences of others and ourselves. Everyone is invited to read the book and participate in the events. Let's start reading and talking today! Special Events include February 5 – Hastings Read Kickoff, Feb 16 – Gregg Aamot, Guest Speaker, and February 22 – Local Immigrants Panel Discussion.

February 9^th, Thursday, 7:00 p.m., Community Beyond The Yellow Ribbon Organizational Meeting, Nelson Lucking American Legion Post. Interested Military, Veterans, Citizens, Businesses, and Organizations interested in partnering are welcome. Agenda will be many of the ongoing items in this announcement.

Feb 12^th, Sunday, 2:00 pm, Change of Command Ceremony, Minnesota National Guard Armory, Hastings, Invitations have been extended to community members, specifically the Mayor, Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Veteran Service Organizations, and Beyond The Yellow Ribbon. Lets display our community spirit in saying "Thank You" to CPT Grupe and welcome the new commander.

February 15^th, Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., Hastings Community Partners, City Hall. This months subject is Allina's CRCS WISDM project (ColoRectal Cancer Screening With Improved Shared Decision Making) aims to improve rates of colorectal cancer screening in Hastings by integrating tools and resources in primary care clinics - and engaging in a broader community health campaign. Allina is in the planning stages of this project – and hope to implement sometime in July/August later this year

March 3^rd, Saturday, 7:45 to 9:15 pm., Salute to Our Military & Veteran Families – Open Public Skating, Hastings Civic Arena, 2801 Red Wing Blvd, Hastings, MN 55033. Honor our military and veteran families by bring a nonperishable food item for our supporting partner, Hastings Family Services in its mission to provide assistance and support to our neighbors, often those who fall between the cracks in our society, those facing unexpected financial crisis, isolation, or loneliness. March is Minnesota FoodShare Month. Hosted by the City of Hastings, Department of Parks and Recreation, Hasting Civic Arena in collaboration with the Community Beyond The Yellow Ribbon initiative,

March 31^st, Noon to 3 p.m., Honoring all Servicewomen – Past and Present. Servicewomen's Luncheon, Gallagher Hansen VFW Post #295, 111 South Concord Exchange, South St Paul, MN 55075. Women have a long, proud tradition of military service that must be recognized. "Duty, Honor, Pride. These words reflect the spirit of generations of American women who have sought to defend the rights and freedom of others. The history of women in the armed forces began more than 220 years ago with women who served during the American Revolution and continues through the present day. The communities of South St Paul and Hastings are honored to serve these women who contributed so much to our Nation. Women Veterans are one of the fastest growing segments of the Veteran population. Women make up 1 percent of the country's veteran population, 15 percent of active duty service members and nearly 18 percent of guard and reserve forces. Let's remember the special contributions of the ever-increasing number of women serving in the armed forces. Registrations can be made by returning the bottom portion of the flyer, and registration cost of $10.00 to Marilyn Rothecker, 356 13th Avenue North, South St Paul, MN 55076 by March 15th. For additional information about this event, please contact Marilyn, South St. Paul Coordinator, (651) 451-6007, or email marilyn839@msn.com.

Local Organizations That Help

Quilts for Valor. Last year, 2011, the local ladies thru Fabric Town, Apple Valley, group sewed and made 160 quilts. For Southern MN, over 390 were distributed. The So. MN number will change when all areas finish reporting to Page Johnson. Additionally, they are distributing over 168 quilts to the returning soldiers of the 1-34th Inf Bde, in addition to the VAMC. Contributions should be payable to Quilts for Valor (QOV) and sent to Helen Lucken, 17120 200^th St E., Hastings, MN 55033

Defending The Blue Line. http://defendingtheblueline.spydertrapdev.com/ is a local 501c(3) non-profit organization. They ensure that children of military members are afforded every opportunity to participate in the game of hockey. They accomplish this by providing free equipment for military kids, hockey camps, special events and financial assistance for registration fees and other costs associated with hockey. Donations can be made on-line or sent to 1206 N Frontage Road, Suite B, Hastings, MN 55033.

Minnesota Veteran Family Support, http://mvfs-mn.org/, is also a local 501c(3) non-profit organization that was started in 2007 to provide support, programming, and resources to Minnesota Families before, during and after deployment. MVFS helps the families of deployed and deploying military with school supplies (Project Backpack), social events (CHOMP) and acknowledgement of the sacrifices that children make. Donations can be made one line or sent to Post Office Box 4, Hastings, MN 55033.

Military Family Care Initiative

Recently, a call was received from a military spouse, who reported that she has not had heat for two days. Thanks goes to, Dakota Comfort Systems, Inc for caring for our military family and responding on a Saturday.

Lend your muscles; Open your heart. Whether you are an individual or a community business/organization make a difference in our community, right where you live, for our citizens and military families. Check out, the United Way of Hastings, website, https://volunteer.truist.com/uwoh/volunteer/, it represents a concern. Turn it into action to find volunteer opportunities, it's the right place to find community service opportunities, for caring and help lighten burdens. It demonstrates the tradition of the good people of Hastings, who are caring and generous with their time and talents in a tangible way It means a lot to our community, which stands ready to help, especially military families

Dean W. Markuson
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon - Community of Hastings
436 Tiffany Drive
Hastings, MN 55033(651) 438-2208
Email: deanrvnvet@aol.com

Phone (651) 438-2208

Goodhue County 4-H’s General Livestock Judging Team Places 10th at nationals!

2012-01-27T10:40:00.000-08:00

Ryan Stehr, Kelsey Glaess, Ellin Stolp and Taylor Waugh competed in the National 4-H Livestock Judging Competition on January 7, 2012 in Denver, CO. Pictured with the team is coach LeeAnn Waugh.

Joining the team were alternates Stacey Glaess and Kendrah Schafer and guests Madison Schafer and Emalie Stolp. Pat Glaess and LeeAnn Waugh chaperoned the trip.

Ellin, Emalie, Kendrah, Ryan, Stacey, Kelsey, and Madison take a break from practicing to enjoy the gorgeous scenery at Este Park in Colorado.

Team members practiced their judging skills at college campuses in Brookings, SD and Lincoln, NE on the way to Denver.

Congratulations to Goodhue County 4-H’s General Livestock Judging Team! Eight 4-Hers and two adult volunteers left Tuesday, January 3 to travel to Denver for the Western National Roundup. The judging contest was held Saturday, January 7. The group attended the Livestock Expo on Sunday and returned to Minnesota on Monday.

Goodhue County 4-H’s competing team included Ryan Stehr of Zumbrota, Kelsey Glaess of Cannon Falls, Ellin Stolp of Oronoco and Taylor Waugh of Goodhue. Joining the team were alternates Stacey Glaess of Cannon Falls and Kendrah Schafer of Goodhue and guests Madison Schafer of Goodhue and Emalie Stolp of Oronoco. 4-H Adult Volunteers Pat Glaess of Cannon Falls and Coach LeeAnn Waugh of Goodhue chaperoned the trip.

“This experience was phenomenal!” 4-H Adult Volunteer Pat Glaess said after returning home from chaperoning the trip. “This trip was a phenomenal opportunity to watch these kids lead, learn from each other, grow in skills, develop friendships together and have fun… I would do it all over again.”

Along the way, the group stopped in Brookings, SD and Lincoln, NE to practice and sharpen their judging skills at local farms and tour a few college campuses.

Glaess spoke of the team’s growth throughout the trip and how each person advanced in their skills. “They especially grew with their ability to give reasons and put what they evaluated into words effectively,” Glaess said.

For some of the group, this was their first traveling experience outside of Minnesota. They even got to take a break from practicing to enjoy the scenery at Este Park in Colorado.

Much thanks goes to 4-H Adult Volunteer LeeAnn Waugh, who coached the team all summer and led them to this point. She organized the many practices, provided opportunities to practice at the University of Minnesota and local farms prior to the trip, planned the trip’s itinerary and coordinated fund-raising for the trip.

“There’s not a word to describe LeeAnn’s commitment with the kids,” Glaess said.

4-H Livestock Judging Contest Results…

• Competing against more than 20 teams, Goodhue County 4-H placed 3rd in sheep placings, 5th overall for sheep, 10th in swine reasons, 10th overall for reasons, and 10th place in the final standings.

• Ellin Stolp placed 2nd in swine placings, 6th in goat placings, 10th overall for goats, 16th overall for swine, and 27th in sheep placings.

• Kelsey Glaess placed 14th overall for beef, 14th overall for swine, 16th in beef reasons, 17th in swine reasons, 20th overall for reasons.

• Ryan Stehr placed 5th in sheep placings, 15th overall for sheep, and 20th overall for placings.

• Taylor Waugh placed 10th in sheep placings, 22nd in sheep reasons, 11th overall for sheep, 26th in goat placings and 31st overall for goats.

Much thanks goes to the individuals and businesses who sponsored the Goodhue County 4-H General Livestock’s trip to the national competition this year. Sponsors include: Ag Partners Co-op, AgStar Financial Services, Anderson Veterinary Service, Aspelund Ever Readies 4-H Club, Belle Creek Peppy Peppers 4-H Club, Gary and Tamra Berg, Cannon Valley Ranch, Cannondale Farms, Cargill, Inc., Central Livestock Association Zumbrota Market, Central Valley Co-op, Cherry Grove Busy Gophers 4-H Club, Dairyland Beef Producers Association, Goodhue County Cooperative Electric, Hay Creek Pioneers 4-H Club, Horizon Milling LLC, Katie Mack, Minnesota Select Sires, River Country Cooperative, Sammelson Club Lambs, Schafer Farms of Goodhue, Inc., Security State Bank of Kenyon, Stolp Quality Repair, Neil and Margaret Stolp, Voxland Bros. and Wabasha Co Cattlemans Assn. Now that is a lot of support for Goodhue County 4-Hers!

4-H youth across the nation are leading efforts to solve problems in their communities and make a difference for their futures. 4-H is one of the largest youth development organizations in Minnesota and the largest in the nation with six million young people. 4-H in Goodhue County claims 700 youth members, about 12% of the youth population, and 300 adult volunteers. It is ranked the 3rd largest county 4-H program in Minnesota. 4-H, as part of the University of Minnesota Extension, is a program where youth learn through opportunities that provide them hands-on experiences in 4-H’s mission mandates of science, engineering and technology; healthy living; and citizenship. The program promotes life skills using your head, heart, hands and health. 4-H has connected youth and their communities with the innovative research and resources from our nation’s 106 land-grant universities and colleges for more than 100 years.

To find out more information about 4-H, or to locate a 4-H club in your area, visit the Goodhue County 4-H website at www.extension.umn.edu/county/goodhue and click on 4-H in Goodhue County, or contact Goodhue County 4-H at the Goodhue County Extension Office at 651-385-3100, 1-800-385-3101. - By Amy Gergen, Goodhue County 4-H Program Coordinator

Dakota County Farmington Library Calendar Events for February 6 - February 11

2012-01-27T10:22:00.001-08:00

Monday, February 6
Wii Games for Teens
Bowling, skiing, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Dance Dance Revolution and more.
3:30-4:30pm

Tuesday, February 7
Cultural Exchange: One Family's Experience
Discover the international and intercultural education opportunities presented by student exchange.
6:30-8:00pm

Thursday, February 9
Books & Beyond: Valentine Fun
Valentine stories and crafts with ISD 192 ECFE. Ages 0-6.
10:30-11:00am

Thursday, February 9
Teen Make & Take: Duct Tape Flowers
Make a rose to give to somebody special. Supplies provided.
3:30-4:30pm

Friday, February 10
Storytime for All Ages
Stories and activities for mixed age groups.
10:30-11:00am

Saturday, February 11
Microsoft Excel Basics for Building Job Skills
Presented by the Science Museum of Minnesota Computer Education Center.
10:00am-12:00pm

The Farmington Library is located at 508 3rd St. in downtown Farmington, For more information call 651-438-0250.

U of M survey: Minnesotans predict higher leisure travel spending in 2012

2012-01-24T05:14:00.001-08:00

A majority of the state's residents spend their leisure time in Minnesota, and 78 percent said they plan to spend as much or more money on leisure travel in 2012 compared to 2011, a new survey by the University of Minnesota Tourism Center reveals.

Among respondents surveyed during the fourth quarter of 2011, a majority (54 percent) said they plan to spend the same amount of money on leisure travel in 2012 compared to 2011, while 24 percent said they plan to spend more. Previous visitor research indicates travelers spend nearly equal amounts on shopping, recreation and food.

"This demonstrates that travel and tourism-dependent communities and businesses can be optimistic for 2012," said Ingrid Schneider, director of the U of M Tourism Center. "Traveler dollars flow through economies at all levels, and tourism attractions and opportunities add to Minnesotans' quality of life."

Beyond their own leisure spending, nearly 70 percent of respondents said they view tourism as "important" to their local economy. This is a first-ever focus on importance to the local economy.

Previous Tourism Center surveys found that 99 percent of Minnesotans saw tourism as "important" or "very important" to the state's economy. "These numbers indicate that travel continues to be an important part of consumer behavior," said John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism. "Travel means huge dollars for every region of our state."

The tourism industry generates $11.3 billion in leisure and hospitality sales in Minnesota, including $732 million in sales tax, and accounts for close to 250,000 jobs, according to Explore Minnesota Tourism.

The research study was supported by the Carlson Chair of Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, and was conducted as part of the 2011 Minnesota State Survey by the Minnesota Center for Survey Research. More than 800 telephone interviews were conducted with state residents aged 18 or older from October to December 2011. The margin of error was 3.5 percent.

The University of Minnesota Tourism Center is a collaboration of University of Minnesota Extension and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. For more information on tourism research and Extension programs, visit www.tourism.umn.edu.
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For more news from U of M Extension, visit www.extension.umn.edu/news or contact Extension Communications at extnews@umn.edu.

Winners Named in Farmington KCs Free Throw Championship.

2012-01-23T13:15:00.001-08:00

Three boys and a girl were the winners in the Farmington Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship held January 14 at Levi Dodge Middle School.

In the Girls 10-Year-Old division, the winner was Paulina Montbriand.

In the Girls 11-Year-Old Division the winner was Alyssa Wagner.

In the Girls 12-Year-Old Division the winner was Victoria Montbriand.

In the Girls 13-Year-Old Division the winner was Kayla Schultz.

In the Boys 10-Year-Old Division the winner was Grahm Hertaus.

In the Boys 11-Year-Old Division the winner was Cole Eckert.

In the Boys 14-Year-Old Division the winner was Grant Ruedy.

Twenty young sharpshooters participated in the event. The winners are eligible to compete in the District Championship in February.

The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship is sponsored annually sine 1972, with winners progressing through local, district, and state competitions. International champions are announced by the K of C international headquarters based on scores from the state-level competitions. All boys and girls 10 to 14 years old are eligible to participate and compete in their respective age divisions.

The Knights of Columbus is an international Catholic family fraternal service organization with nearly 1.7 million members in more than 13,000 local councils. Last year, Knights donated over 60 million volunteer hours and $more than $140 million to charities and benevolent causes, sponsoring projects to benefit their church, councils, communities, families and youth.

Farmington KCs To Host Pancake Breakfast February 5th.

2012-01-23T13:13:00.001-08:00

The Farmington Knight of Columbus Council 2400 will be hosting a pancake breakfast Sunday, February 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Church of St. Michael, 22120 Denmark Avenue, Farmington, Minnesota. Pancakes, French toast, sausage links, and scrambled eggs will be served along with coffee, juice and water. Good Will offerings will be accepted. All proceeds will go towards local charities. The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal non-profit charitable service organization. Funds raised by the Knights are donated to a variety of worthy causes in need of assistance.

Filling the rural Minnesota leadership gap.

2012-01-23T09:25:00.001-08:00

How many people does it take to run your small town? How many people are available to fill that need?

Starting with these simple questions, University of Minnesota Extension conducted a study in 2010 that revealed two significant trends in rural Minnesota leadership: 1.) The number of community organizations, and thus the number of leadership positions, is increasing, and 2.) The number of people who are able and prepared to serve as leaders is declining.

According to study author Ben Winchester, Extension research fellow, organizations in the most rural counties require an average of one in 34 residents to serve in leadership positions, compared with one leader required for every 143 residents of major metropolitan areas. So, the demand for leadership is up to five times more in rural counties than in urban areas, while the supply of leaders is diminishing.

Clearly, there's a leadership gap in rural Minnesota—a gap made more problematic because the issues facing Minnesota's rural communities are more complex than ever. We have many people in rural areas who are capable of becoming effective leaders. But it won't happen overnight.

As an Extension educator and program leader for the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (MARL) Program, I have taught leadership for more than a decade. I think we need two key things to close the leadership gap:

New skills for current leaders. Successful leaders in rural Minnesota must think about the problems they face in new ways. Today, leaders need additional skills and new problem-solving frameworks in areas such as dealing with complex problems without easy answers, facilitating group decision making, and engaging citizens in issues that affect them. They also need to know more about themselves, such as their preferred leadership style and how they deal with conflict.

A more welcoming approach among current leaders to new community members. In another study, Winchester documents the in-migration of new, well-educated, 30-to-49-year-olds to rural Minnesota communities. These newcomers are often well-positioned to assume leadership roles in small towns, but rural communities must take steps to engage them.

If you live in a small town, you can help close the leadership gap by recruiting new leaders, rather than going back to the same leaders time and again. You also can help by supporting leadership training opportunities.

In addition to MARL, which is offered by Extension in partnership with Southwest Minnesota State University, Extension offers a variety of leadership education opportunities, often in partnership with other groups and organizations.

MARL is currently taking applications for its two-year training experience. The program includes nine seminars across the state and in Washington, D.C., as well as an international study tour. For more information and an application, visit www.marlprogram.org.

To learn more about Extension leadership training in general, including standard and customized offerings, visit www.extension.umn.edu/U-Lead. - Mike Liepold is a leadership and civic engagement educator with University of Minnesota Extension.

Statewide High Tunnel Conference set for Feb. 8-9 in Baxter, Minn.

2012-01-23T07:17:00.001-08:00

The 2012 Minnesota Statewide High Tunnel Conference will be held Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 8 and 9, at The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes in Baxter, Minn.

A Beginning High Tunnel Grower workshop with a "Basics of High Tunnel Production" session will be held the morning of the first day, Feb. 8, from 8:30 a.m. to noon for beginning growers and those who need a review. The main conference will start at 12:45 pm.

Keynote speakers for this year's conference include: Mary Gardiner from Ohio State who will present "Identifying and Enhancing Beneficial Insects"; Russ Groves from University of Wisconsin will be presenting "Managing and Controlling Whiteflies, Aphids and other High Tunnel Pests"; and Cary Rivard from Kansas State will present "The Art of Grafting High Tunnel Plants."

Other topics include:
• High Tunnel Coverings, Screens and Exclusion Materials
• Pushing the Financial Pencil with High Tunnels
• Bumblebees and High Tunnels
• Strawberry Production
• Soil Fertility
• The Whys and Hows of Pruning Tomatoes
• High Tunnel Crop Automation
• Maximizing High Tunnels for the Farm to School Program
• High Tunnel Varieties
• High Tunnel Grower Problem Solving Session

For more information or to request a brochure and registration form, contact the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Office, Grand Rapids, Minn., at (888) 241-0885, Sue Schuler at schul925@umn.edu, Terry Nennich at nenni001@umn.edu, or visit the University's High Tunnel website at http://hightunnels.cfans.umn.edu.

Preschool & Kindergarten Open House Scheduled

2012-01-22T14:58:00.000-08:00

St. John the Baptist Catholic Elementary School-Vermillion announces its Open House schedule for the 2012-2013 school year. The open house event for both preschool programs (2-day and 3-day) will be February 7th at 6:30 p.m. The open house for Kindergarten families will be February 16th at 6:30 p.m. The preschool through Grade 5 school of 135 students is located 6 miles southwest of Hastings. A 6th grade program will be launched in the fall. District busing is provided within a radius of the school. The school coordinates with local childcare providers and YMCA Kids Compass for before and after-school care. Families are welcome to schedule a school tour or request enrollment information by calling the School Office at 651-437-2644 or visiting the school website at www.stjohns-vermillion.com

Dakota County Farmington Library Calendar Events for January 30 - February 4

2012-01-20T08:02:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, January 31

Computer Basics

Free class for those who have little or no experience with computers. Registration Required.

2-4pm

Thursday, February 2

Storytime for Babies

Stories, activities and playtime for children up to 24 months and their families.

10:30-11:15am

Friday, February 3

Storytime for All Ages

Stories and activities for mixed age groups.

10:30-11:00am

The Farmington Library is located at 508 3^rd St. in downtown Farmington, For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library or call 651-438-0250.

HASTINGS READS EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY 2012

2012-01-20T06:59:00.001-08:00

February Marks the start of Hastings Reads

Hastings Reads, the community–wide reading program, officially kicks off the first week of February, 2012. This year's theme is "The Civil War: Why we Remember". This program seeks to encourage reading and discussion of books and the ways in which they can help us understand the lives and experiences of ourselves and others. Events throughout the week include guest speakers, book discussions, author visits, family events, and a special showing of the classic movie, Gone With The Wind, shown at the Marcus Theater in Hastings.

The 2012 Hastings Reads selection of books includes: B is for Battle Cry, by Pat Bauer (geared for elementary age children); Iron Thunder, by Avi (geared for middle grades); and The Widow of the South, by Robert Hicks (for teens and adults). The Pleasant Hill Library has a limited supply of books which may be checked out during the program. Hastings Reads is sponsored by the United Way of Hastings, the Hastings Public Schools Foundation, the Ruth and George Doffing Charitable Gift Fund, AAUW, the Dakota County Pleasant Hill Library, and Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library. It is supported by Hastings schools, the YMCA, Community Education, OASIS, and the LeDuc Historic Estate.

There are a number of programs planned which will be held throughout the community during the Hastings Reads program. Below is a list of the programs. For more information about Hastings Reads, check out the website at www.hastingsreads.com.

Hastings Reads Events

The Civil War: Why We Remember

Saturday, February 4

2:00 pm

LeDuc Historic Estate

Spencer Johnson, local Civil War historian and reenactor, discusses the Civil War and why we remember. (Students, check with your teacher to see if he/she is offering extra credit.)

Gone with the Wind

Sunday, February 19

1:30 pm

Marcus Hastings Theater

The 1939 film is returning to the big screen for one showing in Hastings! Gone with the Wind won 10 Academy Awards and is based on Margaret Mitchell's Pulitzer-Prize-winning novel. You don't want to miss this large-screen showing of an American classic.'kstyx@hastingsstargazette.com'

Discussion for Adults & Teens

Tuesday, February 21

6:30 pm

Dakota County Pleasant Hill Library

Community members will enjoy refreshments while discussing Robert Hicks' The Widow of the South. Allan Cotter, librarian and facilitator of the LeDuc Book Group, will lead the discussion. (Students, check with your English and social teachers to see if they are offering extra credit!)

Discussion for HHS Students

Thursday, February 23

2:50 pm

Media Center

High school students and staff are invited to the media center after school to discuss Avi's Iron Thunder. The compelling plot will make for an interesting discussion. Start reading the book today. (Students, check with your English and social teachers to see if they are offering extra credit!)

Family Event

Friday, February 24

6 pm – 8 pm

Hastings Area YMCA

(Multipurpose Room)

This event is for families with children in elementary school. Pat Bauer and David Geister are not only the author and illustrator of B is for Battle Cry; they are also living-history actors. They will share their love for history and literature with your family. Bring your young ones to the YMCA for the perfect combination of pizza, books, and fun. You do not need to be a member of the YMCA, and no registration is required.

Almost to Freedom

Sunday, February 26

1:30 pm

Steppingstone Theatre

Families with children in grades 2-8 are invited to attend the play Almost to Freedom, about the Underground Railroad, at the Steppingstone Theatre. Tickets include bus transportation and cost $12. Tickets can be purchased through Community Education. The bus will leave the middle school parking lot at 1:30 pm.

Middle School Book Club

Mondays-Thursdays, January 9-26

After School

Room 252

All 5^th-8^th graders from the community are invited to join the Avi book club. The book club will meet after school Mondays-Thursdays in January. Your teachers will give you the details. Join us for reading, discussions, activities, and snacks. What a great way to prepare for the author's visit!

Avi—Author Visit

Wednesday, February 29

School day and

6:30 pm

HMS Auditorium

Avi, award-winning author of numerous young-adult books, will spend the day at the middle school, speaking with students about Iron Thunder. In the evening, he will read and perform from his books for the community. Bring one of his books for an autograph! (Students, check with your English and social teachers to see if they are offering extra credit!)

Pleasant Hill Library in Hastings Hosts Used Book Sale

2012-01-20T06:43:00.001-08:00

Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library Host the Winter Used Book Sale February 10 and 11

Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library members are invited to a special pre-sale event on Thursday evening, from 5-7 p.m. People may register to become a Friend of the Library at the presale event or, indeed, anytime during the sale. Membership fees begin at $10 per year. Also new this year is a special bookmark book giveaway. Hastings area students may trade in a designated bookmark for a free book any time throughout the sale. Bookmarks are available at the library, and at local schools.

Many items will be for sale during the event, including gently used books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles and games. Books include hard covers, as well as paperbacks. Items for children, teens and adults will be sold at the Winter Used Book Sale. Proceeds from the sale are used to fund and enhance library services and programs throughout the year. For more information regarding the Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library Used Book Sale, call the library at 651-438-0200.

Statewide High Tunnel Conference set for Feb. 8-9 in Baxter, Minn.

2012-01-19T04:55:00.001-08:00

The 2012 Minnesota Statewide High Tunnel Conference will be held Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 8 and 9, at The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes in Baxter, Minn.

A Beginning High Tunnel Grower workshop with a "Basics of High Tunnel Production" session will be held the morning of the first day, Feb. 8, from 8:30 a.m. to noon for beginning growers and those who need a review. The main conference will start at 12:45 pm.

Keynote speakers for this year's conference include: Mary Gardiner from Ohio State who will present "Identifying and Enhancing Beneficial Insects"; Russ Groves from University of Wisconsin will be presenting "Managing and Controlling Whiteflies, Aphids and other High Tunnel Pests"; and Cary Rivard from Kansas State will present "The Art of Grafting High Tunnel Plants."

Other topics include:
• High Tunnel Coverings, Screens and Exclusion Materials
• Pushing the Financial Pencil with High Tunnels
• Bumblebees and High Tunnels
• Strawberry Production
• Soil Fertility
• The Whys and Hows of Pruning Tomatoes
• High Tunnel Crop Automation
• Maximizing High Tunnels for the Farm to School Program
• High Tunnel Varieties
• High Tunnel Grower Problem Solving Session

For more information or to request a brochure and registration form, contact the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Office, Grand Rapids, Minn., at (888) 241-0885, Sue Schuler at schul925@umn.edu, Terry Nennich at nenni001@umn.edu, or visit the University's High Tunnel website at http://hightunnels.cfans.umn.edu.
--------------
Source: Terrance T. Nennich, Extension Professor, Commercial Vegetable and Fruit Production
University of Minnesota Extension, email: nenni001@umn.edu, phone: (218) 280-7713

One family shares their experience of international student exchange.

2012-01-18T13:15:00.001-08:00

A Dakota County family will share their experience of hosting an international student and sending their own child abroad, on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6:30—8 p.m., Farmington Library, 508 Third Street, Farmington.

Carrie Grimm, a Lakeville resident, sent her daughter to Argentina on an international student exchange program, and in turn, the family hosted a student from Argentina.

The event is free and all ages are welcome.

This presentation is part of Dakota County Library's annual Minnesota Mosaic® cultural arts series, which is sponsored by The Dakota County Library Foundation.

For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library or call 651-438-0250.

Randolph School Expands its "Grab and Go" Breakfast Offerings

2012-01-17T07:53:00.001-08:00

In This Issue

Quick Links

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.RANDOLPH.K12.MN.US

Join Our List

Breakfast Kiosk

Month/Year

In an effort to provide high-quality, nutritional foods to Randolph public school students, the offerings on the new "Grab and Go" breakfast kiosk were increased starting today, Tuesday, January 17, 2012.

Our First Customer

Among the 12 new items being offered on the new kiosk are bagels, cereal bowls - including reduced sugar varieties, breakfast pizzas and burritos, egg and cheese wraps and fresh fruit.

"Grab and Go" is designed to make it easier for students to eat breakfast, especially those students who may be rushed in the morning and forgo a healthy breakfast to get to school. It's also convenient for parents in that it offers a back-up breakfast choice that is more nutritious and costs less than what is often offered at convenience marts.

It doesn't matter who you are or what your family income status is -- if you are a Randolph student and you missed breakfast or you are still hungry after the breakfast you ate, you should stop by the breakfast kiosk and fuel-up for school.

Fueling up for the Day!

Sincerely,

Mike Kelley

Randolph Public Schools

HASTINGS READS EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY 2012

2012-01-13T14:02:00.001-08:00

February Marks the start of Hastings Reads

Hastings Reads Events

The Civil War: Why We Remember

Saturday, February 4

2:00 pm

LeDuc Historic Estate

Spencer Johnson, local Civil War historian and reenactor, discusses the Civil War and why we remember. (Students, check with your teacher to see if he/she is offering extra credit.)

Gone with the Wind

Sunday, February 5

1:30 pm

Marcus Hastings Theater

Discussion for Adults & Teens

Tuesday, February 21

6:30 pm

Dakota County Pleasant Hill Library

Discussion for HHS Students

Thursday, February 23

2:50 pm

Media Center

Family Event

Friday, February 24

6 pm – 8 pm

Hastings Area YMCA

(Multipurpose Room)

Almost to Freedom

Sunday, February 26

1:30 pm

Steppingstone Theatre

Middle School Book Club

Mondays-Thursdays, January 9-26

After School

Room 252

Avi—Author Visit

Wednesday, February 29

School day and

6:30 pm

HMS Auditorium

Dakota County Farmington Library Calendar Events for January 23-28

2012-01-13T12:40:00.001-08:00

Friday, January 27

Movies for Kids

Enjoy fun children's books in movie format.

10:30-11:00am

Friday, January 27

Teen Cupcake Contest

Pick up a registration form at the library and enter your best cupcake recipe. Ages 12-18.

3:30-4:30pm

The Farmington Library is located at 508 3^rd St. in downtown Farmington, For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library or call 651-438-0250.

10 Most Controversial College Newspapers

2012-01-12T06:18:00.001-08:00

College newspapers offer a great forum for exploration of the news and opinion, but as with all forums of information, eventually, someone is going to say something that others don't like. In these controversial college newspapers, we'll take a look at incidents, opinions, and actions that set things on fire within the college community and beyond. Whether it's seemingly obscene photos or personal attacks, these college newspapers push the line and the boundaries of free speech. Read More Here: http://www.onlinecolleges.net/2012/01/11/10-controversial-college-newspapers/

Black History comes to life: Tuskegee Airman appears at library for Black History Month.

2012-01-11T13:33:00.000-08:00

Retired United States Air Force Maj. Joseph Gomer will share the remarkable story of the talented and courageous Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American squadron of fighter pilots, on Saturday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m.–noon, at the Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley. The Tuskegee Airmen fought the Nazis in the air and on the ground during World War II. Gomer is one of the few surviving Tuskegee Airmen.

Gomer, born in Iowa Falls, Iowa in 1920, dreamed of flying airplanes from the time he was a small boy. He took pilot training as a student at Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls before the war. In July 1942, he enlisted in the Army. The Army took note of his pilot training and sent him to Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama to take part in an experimental program launched my congressional order in March 1941.

Throughout February, Dakota County Library is hosting other programs celebrating Black History Month through the month of February. All of the programs are funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. To view the entire list of programs, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library, search Black History Month.

Schouweiler elected as Dakota County Board chair.

2012-01-10T12:35:00.001-08:00

Commissioner Nancy Schouweiler was elected as the 2012 Dakota County Board Chair during the Jan. 10 board meeting. Schouweiler has been on the board since 1999 representing District 4, which includes the cities of Inver Grove Heights Precincts 1–7, Eagan Precincts 10, 12–16, 18–20 and Apple Valley Precinct 10.

Schouweiler served as the board chair in 2008 and in 2004.

Commissioner Kathleen Gaylord, District 2, who has served on the board since 2003, was elected the 2012 vice-chair.

In addition, the board appointed chairs for Dakota County's three Committees of the Whole— Administration, Finance and Policy; Community Services; and Physical Development. Commissioner Kathleen A. Gaylord, District 2, is chair of the Administration, Finance and Policy Committee of the Whole; Commissioner Liz Workman, District 5, is chair of the Community Services Committee of the Whole; and Commissioner Paul J. Krause, District 6, is chair of the Physical Development Committee of the Whole. Find additional committee appointments for Dakota County Commissioners at www.dakotacounty.us, search elected officials.

Bill's Bits

2012-01-10T06:15:00.001-08:00

SIGHTS AROUND JACKSON, MN FROM YEARS PAST- Albertus Field- This was the sight of many of the Jackson's Independent Baseball Team's games.

A regular spectator at the games was a big, big man by the name of Harry Halvorson, His loud comments would bring a laugh from the crowd quite often.
His most famous line was when Tommy Gee was rounding third base and heading for home. A strong throw was coming in from the left fielder and "Harry hollered, "Hold your third," but with Harry's Scandinadivian accent, the word third came out somewhat different ( You can figure that word out) Because that was so long ago, I can't tell you the names of the players, except two of them. As I mentioned earlier, Tommy Gee was on the team and I believe he played third base. Another player that I remember was Don (Cob) Anderson. He had a fast ball that fooled many opposing batters.

The story goes that one time the umpire called a pitched ball from Cob, low. The catcher said, "Cob throws the ball so hard and fast that you can't even see it." The umpire said,"That's true, but it "sounded" low." I'm sure there are numerous stories out there that could be told, but I will need you Pilot Reader's to help me out...Later on, the Albertus Field was the sight of Jackson High School "JHS" Football games. Before lights were installed, the games were played in the afternoon on Friday.

Now, from baseball and football to swimming:

The Jackson Municipal swimming pool was located right next to the Fairgrounds. Word has it that at one time the area was a tile factory, which created a very deep hole for the start of a pool. For a number of years it was a below average place to swim. Eventually the City made it into a great pool to swim in, with Lifeguards and a concrete block building for changing into one's swim suit. The improvements were a safer bottom to the pool with a gradual slope into deeper water, a brand new Diving Tower with two spring boards at different distances from the water. The surrounding area around the pool was re-sodded with nice green grass and was great to lie on and catch some rays of beautiful sunshine. This was a plus for us teenage guys, because the girls would take a "dip" in the pool and then lie on the grass to get a tan. Needless to say the number of cars, with eager boys in the parking area greatly increased on a sunny Sunday afternoon. AH! those were the days!

From the lazy days of Summer to the cold days of Winter. There was a area in the Des Moines River where there was a bayou area right in town. My friend Gaylord Larsen, who was a good skater, talked me into putting on a pair of Hockey Skates and I promptly fell on my bottom side. Even though I didn't skate well, it was fun to be out with other schoolmates and friends. Later, there was a nice Mom who invited us in for a very welcome cup of hot chocolate. Frankly, it just doesn't get any better than that! To put it all in a "nutshell," Jackson truly represents the phrase, "Minnesota Nice!" AMEN"

NOTE: I know there are other places in and around Jackson that have some fond memories, but I'll end it for now.

15 Fascinating Academic Studies Done on Twitter

2012-01-10T05:55:00.001-08:00

Three hundred million users, one billion tweets each week, and three thousand tweets per second. This thing called Twitter is blowing up. It's been five years since Jack Dorsey released the blue bird of social connectedness onto the scene, but it's only been fairly recently that tweeting has caught fire. The soaring popularity of the microblogging service has attracted the attention of researchers who have come up with some pretty rad data through fascinating studies like these. Read More Here.

Farmington KCs Sponsoring Youth Free Throw Championship

2012-01-09T11:47:00.001-08:00

All boys and girls ages 10 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the 2012 Knights of Columbus free throw championship, hosted by the Farmington Knights of Columbus Council #2400.

The local competition will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Levi Dodge Middle School, 4200 208th Street West in Farmington, Minn. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.

All contestants on the local level are recognized for their participation in the event. Participants are required to furnish proof of age and written parental consent. Entry forms will be available at the event. For additional information contact Vince Olson at 651-463-9456.

The Knights of Columbus is an international Catholic family fraternal service organization with nearly 1.7 million members in more than 13,000 local councils. Last year, Knights donated over 60 million volunteer hours and more than $140 million to charities and benevolent causes, sponsoring projects to benefit their church, councils, communities, families and youth.

Recycled manure solids for cow bedding can succeed with proper management, research shows.

2012-01-09T11:45:00.000-08:00

Stall bedding materials for cows have become increasingly expensive and difficult to find. This situation has prompted many dairy producers to search for more feasible alternatives, such as sand and recycled manure solids.

Although sand can be considered the ideal bedding source for dairy cows, not all producers are willing and able to convert to sand bedding because it presents some manure-management challenges. So, what about recycled manure solids? Is anyone making it work in the Midwest?

Adam Husfeldt (University of Minnesota graduate student) and I conducted an observational study on 38 dairy farms in Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota and Iowa that were using solids for bedding freestalls. We wanted to find out what management practices and bedding characteristics were associated with bulk tank somatic cell count (SCC) and evaluate animal welfare in these operations.

We documented various aspects of herd management, including how solids were obtained and managed, their bedding practices, etc. Bedding, milk and feed samples were collected. Cows were scored for hygiene, hock lesions and locomotion, and milking prep procedures were recorded.

Our goal was to collect as much information as possible during the farm visits and from records throughout the year. In the end, 23 variables were used for our analysis of their association with bulk tank SCC.

We concluded that excellent cow preparation at milking time, sanitation of milking equipment, cow hygiene, adequate dry cow housing and bedding/stall management appear to be critical in maintaining a low SCC while successfully using manure solids for bedding. Type of manure solids used—digested, raw or composted—had no association with SCC.

Moisture is one of several factors necessary for bacterial growth in bedding materials. Therefore, it is important to keep stall bedding as dry as possible to minimize exposure to environmental mastitis pathogens. Additional methods to help dry stall bedding (use of a blower, good barn ventilation, adding equipment to remove moisture after separation) could help reduce bedding moisture.

We also learned that lameness prevalence was similar, hock lesion prevalence was slightly higher and cow hygiene was better than in herds using sand for bedding.

More of our results and observations are available on the University of Minnesota Extension dairy website at www.extension.umn.edu/go/1092. We sincerely thank all the dairy producers who participated in this study.

For more educational information and resources for dairy producers, visit www.extension.umn.edu/dairy. - Marcia Endres is an animal scientist with University of Minnesota Extension.

Dakota County Farmington Library Calendar Events for January 16-21

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Wednesday, January 18
Microsoft Publisher 2010 Computer Class
Create signs, business cards, and more using the desktop publishing program. Registration Required.
6-8pm

Thursday, January 19
Guitar Hero for Teens
Play sweet riffs on the library's big screen.
3:30-4:30pm

Friday, January 20
Storytime for All Ages
Stories and activities for mixed age groups.
10:30-11:00am

Saturday, January 21
Waggin' Tales
Read to certified therapy dogs. Ages 5-10.
10:30-11:30am

The Farmington Library is located at 508 3rd St. in downtown Farmington, For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library<http://www.dakotacounty.us/library> or call 651-438-0250.

Dakota County Farmington Library Calendar Events for January 9-14

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Monday, January 9
Teen Advisory Group
Get involved. New members welcome.
6-7pm

Tuesday, January 10
Teen Library Day
Drop in for a variety of activities.
3:30-4:30pm

Friday, January 13
Storytime for all ages.
Stories and activities for mixed age groups.
10:30-11:00am

The Farmington Library is located at 508 3rd St. in downtown Farmington, For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library<http://www.dakotacounty.us/library> or call 651-438-0250.

Regional Director Jayne Hager Dee to Retire from University of Minnesota Extension

2012-01-03T08:19:00.001-08:00

After thirteen years in a leadership position with University of Minnesota Extension, Jayne Hager Dee will be leaving the organization in early January. She came to Dakota County in 1998 as the County Extension Director and now serves Dakota, Freeborn, Goodhue, Mower, Rice and Steele Counties as Regional Director, with responsibilities for the Extension program, staff and office operations. Her work includes building strong community partnerships to secure funding for Extension and opportunities for programming to meet community needs. She is also the director of the Regional Extension Office in Farmington.

At the University of Minnesota, Jayne was selected to participate in the University of Minnesota Women's Leadership Institute, as a Policy Fellow with the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute, as a member of the Faculty Senate and participated in LEAD-21, the national land grant university system leadership development program.

Jayne's work life began in public relations and marketing in the food industry where she enjoyed a sixteen year career. She joined Iowa State University Extension in 1989 as the Coordinator of the Iowa Public Policy Education Project and moved into university administration as Assistant Director of the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, also at Iowa State University.

She has been active in many state and local organizations. She served as a County Supervisor (County Commissioner) in Marshall County, Iowa and as an elected member of the Iowa Valley Community College District Board of Directors. She was the President of the Iowa 4-H Foundation and has served on several foundation boards. After moving to Minnesota, she was chosen Vice-Chair of the Minnesota Board on Aging and Vice-Chair of the SELCO Regional Library Board. Currently, she is Chair of the Northfield Charter Commission and Secretary of the Minnesota Public Radio Twin Cities Community Advisory Council. And she plans to continue her volunteer service in retirement.

Dee's responsibilities will be shared by Kim Boyce and Sarah Chur, the new Extension Regional Directors in the Central Region, and LuAnn Hiniker and Nathan Crane, the new Regional Directors in the Southeast Region.

Educator Mary Duncomb to Retire from University of Minnesota Extension

2012-01-03T08:18:00.000-08:00

During the past 34 years, there has been a consistent face in the Dakota County 4-H youth development program, who provided leadership and ideas to keep the program fresh and relevant to the changing times. That face belongs to Mary Duncomb, who will retire in early January from University of Minnesota Extension after a 40 year career.

Mary began her extension career in Swift County then moved to Scott County. In the fall of 1978, Mary moved back to Dakota County, her home county, and has been working with others to grow the 4-H program ever since. In 2004, University of Minnesota Extension moved to a regional model, with Mary now managing the 4-H programs in Dakota, Goodhue and Washington Counties. Through a variety of changes over the years, Mary remained focused on ensuring quality youth development programs that reached all audiences. As a result, Dakota County boasts the largest 4-H youth development program in the state of Minnesota.

Mary introduced the Youth Teaching Youth Program in Dakota County in 1986. The Youth Teaching Youth Program trains high school youth to teach elementary aged youth on alcohol, seat belt safety and tobacco decisions, character education, and most recently bullying. The program uses an effective delivery that allows older teens to serve as role models to younger youth, as well as build their own public presentation skills. Teen teachers have also been able to explore their career choice of teaching. This program has won national, state and local area honors. It is a National 4-H Program of Distinction as well as earning the Met Life Foundation Award of Excellence.

Mary has also been able to secure funding to allow 4-H programs to grow and meet current needs. She has sought and received funding to learn and implement a GIS/GPS programs with Dakota County 4-H members and adult volunteers. Mary also received funding to design and conduct reuse and recycling programs. She has contributed to curriculum development on the local and state level. Mary served on the Operation Military Kids design team, which wrote lesson plans that have been distributed throughout the world to military installations.

Mary builds her work through the relationships with others; whether program coordinators, community partners, stakeholders, youth or adult volunteers. She is always looking for the best way to get the right people around the table to ensure that all voices and perspectives are heard and they have the most buy-in to allow for success. She has a keen sense on how to bring others together to move the program forward.

She has been recognized both by the University of Minnesota as an outstanding Extension Educator but also has been awarded National Association of Extension 4-H Agents awards.

Throughout her career, Mary Duncomb saw the possiblities for youth and acted to make them happen.

Library’s adult reading program begins Jan. 17.

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Winter is a great time to warm up with a good book—and that's what the Winter Jackets program is all about. The eleventh annual reading program for adults runs Jan. 17 to Feb. 29 at all Dakota County libraries. The program encourages adults to take time to enjoy the simple pleasure of wintertime reading, write reviews and attend author programs. In addition, for every book read and reviewed, participants are entered into a weekly prize drawing.

Author programs include:

Peter Geye, Safe from the Sea author, Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan on Thursday, Jan. 19, 7– 8:15 p.m.
Ellen Baker, author of I Gave My Heart to Know This, and Keeping the House Heritage Library, 20085 Heritage Dr., Lakeville on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 7 – 8:15 p.m.
William Kent Krueger, author of the Cork O'Connor series, Pleasant Hill Library, 1490 S. Frontage Rd, Hastings on Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m.– noon
John Reimringer, Vestments author, Burnhaven Library, 1101 W. County Rd. 42, Burnsville on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7– 8:15 p.m.
Faith Sullivan, author of three novels including The Cape Ann, Wentworth Library, 199 E. Wentworth Ave., West St. Paul on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 10:15 – 11:15 a.m.

Winter Jackets is presented in partnership with the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA). There is no cost to participate or attend programs.

Pick up a title from one of these featured authors and meet them at author discussion groups this winter. To view discussion questions for the featured titles from the author series, or for more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library, search winter jackets.

Meet local authors: Author Fair brings local authors and publishers to you.

2012-01-03T07:35:00.001-08:00

Meet local authors and publishers at Dakota County Library's first local author fair. Forty adult, teen and children's authors will be on hand to talk about and sell their books 1–4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley.

Keynote speaker David Housewright, award-winning mystery author, will talk about writing and publishing at 1 p.m. The Loft Literary Center will present two workshops: Tips for Publication at 2 p.m. and The Nuts & Bolts of Picture Book Writing at 3 p.m.

Light refreshments will be provided and drawings for free books will be held. This project is funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library, search local author fair, or call 651-450-2918.