The Fergus Falls based organization provides outpatient mental health services for six counties in west central Minnesota. Serving over 6,000 people, Lakeland Mental Health Center has proven to be a valuable asset to this region.
Established in 1949, LMHC was one of the state's first rural mental health care providers. With emphasis on outpatient services beginning in the 1960s, moving away from impatient facilities such as state hospitals was a turning point for specialized individual care.
In January 2010, Lakeland Mental Health Center will relocate into a new facility off County Highway 1. LMHC's current facility has been purchased by Lake Region Healthcare Corporation.
Lakes Country Service Cooperative is pleased to have Lakeland Mental Health Center as one of our valued members.
Congratulations on 60 years of excellent patient care!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
New ethics resources available from the League
Recognizing that public officials often face ethical dilemmas, the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) Ethics Advisory Panel developed two documents for city officials and staff to consider.
The Model Statement of Values is an aspirational document intended to provide a framework of ethical decision-making. It promotes nine ideals, each supported with several examples about what behavior associated with that value might look like.
The Template Code of Conduct is a law-based document, incorporating very specific standards of behavior already written into state statute.
These resources are now available on the League website, along with background information and a brief discussion of issues cities should consider prior to using either document. The LMC Board encourages cities to make their own decisions as to the best way to use these documents. To access the documents visit the League website.
For more information, contact Lena Gould, LMC, at lgould@lmc.org or (651) 281-1245.
The Model Statement of Values is an aspirational document intended to provide a framework of ethical decision-making. It promotes nine ideals, each supported with several examples about what behavior associated with that value might look like.
The Template Code of Conduct is a law-based document, incorporating very specific standards of behavior already written into state statute.
These resources are now available on the League website, along with background information and a brief discussion of issues cities should consider prior to using either document. The LMC Board encourages cities to make their own decisions as to the best way to use these documents. To access the documents visit the League website.
For more information, contact Lena Gould, LMC, at lgould@lmc.org or (651) 281-1245.
FTC delays Red Flags Rule enforcement until June 1
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has once again delayed enforcement of the new Red Flags Rule. The rule requires creditors and financial institutions to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs. Organizations now have until June 1 to be in compliance.
The federal Red Flags Rule applies to entities that qualify as “creditors” or maintain “covered accounts.” Your city is subject to the rule as a “creditor” if residents use city-provided water, electricity, gas, or steam and pay for it later. Similarly, your city utility has “covered accounts” under the rule if your city defers payment for utility services. Other city activities (for example, classes at the community center) may also come under the purview of the rule if your city defers payments and those accounts involve multiple payments or transactions—or if there is a foreseeable risk of identity theft related to particular accounts.
The federal Red Flags Rule applies to entities that qualify as “creditors” or maintain “covered accounts.” Your city is subject to the rule as a “creditor” if residents use city-provided water, electricity, gas, or steam and pay for it later. Similarly, your city utility has “covered accounts” under the rule if your city defers payment for utility services. Other city activities (for example, classes at the community center) may also come under the purview of the rule if your city defers payments and those accounts involve multiple payments or transactions—or if there is a foreseeable risk of identity theft related to particular accounts.
Two ARMER grants available for local governments
As part of the state budget for fiscal year 2009, funds were allocated to the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Communication Networks (DECN) to support local planning and integration with the Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response (ARMER) public safety communication system. This allocation was made in anticipation of the completion of the assessments of existing local communication infrastructure and local alternatives throughout the state.
These funds are being made available to local units of government through two grants. DECN will begin taking applications for these grants on Jan. 15 and will continue to accept applications until the allocated grant funds are fully encumbered. All grant applications received prior to Jan. 15 will be deemed received on Jan. 15.
FY2009 State Homeland Security Program.
A total of $2.6 million was allocated to the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for the following purposes: (1) participation planning funds; (2) infrastructure funds for local implementations; and (3) subscriber radios for local users.
FY2010/2011 State Infrastructure Grant Funds.
A total of $5 million was allocated by the Legislature for up to 50 percent of the cost of local infrastructure for local governments transitioning to the ARMER system. Details of the amount of funding to an individual county or agency are contained in the Notice of Grant Opportunity.
For more information about the grant process, including the Statewide Radio Board (SRB) Standard 6.5.0, which outlines the SRB process for evaluating grants, visit the League of Minnesota Cities website:
http://web.lmc.org/bulletin/bulletin_detail.cfm?art_id=2671&id=5&title=Grants#2671
These funds are being made available to local units of government through two grants. DECN will begin taking applications for these grants on Jan. 15 and will continue to accept applications until the allocated grant funds are fully encumbered. All grant applications received prior to Jan. 15 will be deemed received on Jan. 15.
FY2009 State Homeland Security Program.
A total of $2.6 million was allocated to the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for the following purposes: (1) participation planning funds; (2) infrastructure funds for local implementations; and (3) subscriber radios for local users.
FY2010/2011 State Infrastructure Grant Funds.
A total of $5 million was allocated by the Legislature for up to 50 percent of the cost of local infrastructure for local governments transitioning to the ARMER system. Details of the amount of funding to an individual county or agency are contained in the Notice of Grant Opportunity.
For more information about the grant process, including the Statewide Radio Board (SRB) Standard 6.5.0, which outlines the SRB process for evaluating grants, visit the League of Minnesota Cities website:
http://web.lmc.org/bulletin/bulletin_detail.cfm?art_id=2671&id=5&title=Grants#2671
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
10 Ways Facebook Pages Can Help Local Governments Better Serve Their Constituents
By Eric Eldon
A Facebook page can help a local government build a stronger social connection to the citizens it represents. Sure, local governments in democratic countries are already social, as they do things like offer public hearings around controversial issues, or mail out surveys to residents. But how many people come to hearings, or bother to fill out these surveys — especially students and working-age adults who have many other responsibilities? For any local government leader looking to truly understand the needs of the people they were elected or hired to serve, the answer is never enough.
Facebook offers a number of unique advantages in helping local governments do a better job of listening to their bosses, from features like status updates, to the wall, to applications for polling, longer discussions, videos and photos, and much else. And it’s the most popular social network in the US and scores of other countries around the world; people tend to provide their real names and locations. These factors make it especially useful for local leaders who are trying to figure out who their citizens really are.
General Tips:
Facebook pages can be used in all sorts of ways — it really depends on what the local government’s overall goals are. The first 6 tips deal with more general issues, the second section of 4 tips provides more details on what sort of information to share on your page.
1. Find real constituents:
While anyone can join any Facebook page, the fact that people live their real lives and list their locations on Facebook means that you can easily see if someone commenting on a page is actually a constituent versus, say, a digital out-of-towner looking to cause trouble. Should a government page owner make sure to respond to these people, too, for example? San Francisco, California’s page has a whopping 263,000 fans (around a third of its total population) but a large portion of those fans don’t actually live in San Francisco.
2. Decide who is in control:
Who has the responsibility for managing the page? The city council? The county? The mayor’s office? A paid employee of one of these offices? An independent member of the government? Many local governments are still figuring out how to handle online political campaign disclosures in general; we don’t recommend putting campaign material on a city page, for example. But how restrictive are you going to be about social media in general? Earlier this year, Bozeman, Montana, sparked controversy when it went as far as to ask for employee’s user names and passwords to Facebook and other sites — its goal was to make sure employees didn’t misrepresent the city on those sites, apparently. Also, some issues — like state legislation affecting towns across the state and legal issues may be left for another page. Note that Facebook does allow you to send geo-targeted “updates” to fans in certain geographic areas that appear in a secondary tab in the Facebook message inbox.
3. Make clear administration policies:
Does the government have the budget and the focus to pay someone to post regularly? Ventura, California has a general “civic engagement manager” position, for example, who is charged in part with social media, but the city also pushes its other employees to use social media. Is the page an appropriate forum to discuss issues with citizens — should sensitive issues be reserved for town halls or other in-person forums? If the government has a junior employee reading and responding to comments, it needs clear rules about what sort of comments they can respond to, and what comments should be sent up the hierarchy for response. Many companies use enterprise software services for pages, like Context Optional or Buddy Media, to manage this process. Page owners can also choose to either restrict users from leaving their own status updates, or you can let them post away. We suggest you moderate for hate speech and other inappropriate content, if you choose the latter. Also, watch out for employees who spend too much time using Facebook, especially for non-work related things like social games.
4. Provide useful profile information:
It may seem simple, but what other contact information are you going to provide fans? Many local government pages we’ve seen provide physical addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for central government offices or for specific departments. The pages for Knoxville, Tennessee and Grand Rapids, Michigan, for example, provide addresses, numbers and also business hours. If you do blog or tweet, we also recommend that you provide links to those destinations.
5. Decide if you need more than one page:
Should the police department, the fire department, the school district, and other parts of the government have their own pages? The Dallas, Texas police department has its own page, for example. What about the mayor’s office? On a related note, should each elected leader have their own personal page, that they take with them after they leave office? In general, we suggest more populated cities and counties create pages for individual departments. The goal is to have an active page, and if you’re a local government for, say, just a few thousand people, you don’t want to split your potential fans to the degree that you have a hard time getting conversations started.
6. Share content to and from your other sites:
Many cities already have their own web sites, and some use social tools like blogs or Twitter accounts. How should a page be integrated with these services? If other services already have active communities, then we recommend governments do things like post links to blog articles within their page, in order to help direct Facebook users to discussions already happening off the site. If your government is also using Twitter, Facebook provides an option that lets you repost any update from your page to Twitter; the Twitter app for Facebook, as well as some third-party apps, also let you post from Twitter to your page. If you have a blog, you can use the Networked Blog service or a number of other third party applications to syndicate the RSS feed of your blog into your page. A Facebook page can also be a place to promote other new services from. Cudahy, Wisconsin has an active page, that it has launched a new, full-service web site. Morris County, New Jersey posts to its page — and to other social sites — using Ping.fm, one of several third-party services that let you post remotely. But What to Share?Sharing status updates, photos, and other media in the stream is the single most important aspect of the site, as this information is what appears to users in their news feeds, and what typically generates the most conversation. Are you going to post only major news? Are you going to ask questions of your citizen-fans? Are you going to provide tips?
7. Public service announcements:
Are you making sure important public service announcements are reaching Facebook users? The H1N1 flu season is here, and Fairfax County, Virginia, is posting links about the availability of flu shots, with links to its web site on the topic. Montgomery County, Maryland, used its page to keep fans informed of a traffic light software glitch, and to let commuters know about public transit options.
8. Events:
Orlando, Florida’s page includes posts for about a free workshop for people facing home foreclosures. Maysville, Kentucky, goes as far as to create events on Facebook for civic activities, then posts those events to its page; fans can then see the events and RSVP, allowing the city to get a better idea of how many people are going to show up. You can set your page to include the Events tab, this way fans can see a chronological list of everything happening.
9. Multimedia:
In our random sampling of local government pages, we didn’t see many that made heavy use of photos, videos and other multimedia to increase engagement. We suggest simply reposting the countless, user-generated pieces of content being generated — search Flickr, YouTube and other sites for interesting content to keep people engaged.
10. Applications:
We also didn’t see many pages making use of applications. Using any of the third-party polling applications available on Facebook (accessible through the admin interface of pages), Facebook polls can be a quick and easy way to solicit feedback from Facebook users. Or, you can do what Fairfax County did, which was create a survey on its web site asking for feedback about its Facebook page, then link to the survey via an update to its page.
Local government leaders should look at these questions as a reflection of the new opportunities pages provide. As with any aspect of democratic government, Facebook pages are a work in progress for the entire community — not every attempt to use them will work according to plan, but making the effort is the best way to figure out what works best.
http://www.insidefacebook.com/2009/11/05/10-ways-facebook-pages-can-help-local-governments-better-serve-their-constituents/
A Facebook page can help a local government build a stronger social connection to the citizens it represents. Sure, local governments in democratic countries are already social, as they do things like offer public hearings around controversial issues, or mail out surveys to residents. But how many people come to hearings, or bother to fill out these surveys — especially students and working-age adults who have many other responsibilities? For any local government leader looking to truly understand the needs of the people they were elected or hired to serve, the answer is never enough.
Facebook offers a number of unique advantages in helping local governments do a better job of listening to their bosses, from features like status updates, to the wall, to applications for polling, longer discussions, videos and photos, and much else. And it’s the most popular social network in the US and scores of other countries around the world; people tend to provide their real names and locations. These factors make it especially useful for local leaders who are trying to figure out who their citizens really are.
General Tips:
Facebook pages can be used in all sorts of ways — it really depends on what the local government’s overall goals are. The first 6 tips deal with more general issues, the second section of 4 tips provides more details on what sort of information to share on your page.
1. Find real constituents:
While anyone can join any Facebook page, the fact that people live their real lives and list their locations on Facebook means that you can easily see if someone commenting on a page is actually a constituent versus, say, a digital out-of-towner looking to cause trouble. Should a government page owner make sure to respond to these people, too, for example? San Francisco, California’s page has a whopping 263,000 fans (around a third of its total population) but a large portion of those fans don’t actually live in San Francisco.
2. Decide who is in control:
Who has the responsibility for managing the page? The city council? The county? The mayor’s office? A paid employee of one of these offices? An independent member of the government? Many local governments are still figuring out how to handle online political campaign disclosures in general; we don’t recommend putting campaign material on a city page, for example. But how restrictive are you going to be about social media in general? Earlier this year, Bozeman, Montana, sparked controversy when it went as far as to ask for employee’s user names and passwords to Facebook and other sites — its goal was to make sure employees didn’t misrepresent the city on those sites, apparently. Also, some issues — like state legislation affecting towns across the state and legal issues may be left for another page. Note that Facebook does allow you to send geo-targeted “updates” to fans in certain geographic areas that appear in a secondary tab in the Facebook message inbox.
3. Make clear administration policies:
Does the government have the budget and the focus to pay someone to post regularly? Ventura, California has a general “civic engagement manager” position, for example, who is charged in part with social media, but the city also pushes its other employees to use social media. Is the page an appropriate forum to discuss issues with citizens — should sensitive issues be reserved for town halls or other in-person forums? If the government has a junior employee reading and responding to comments, it needs clear rules about what sort of comments they can respond to, and what comments should be sent up the hierarchy for response. Many companies use enterprise software services for pages, like Context Optional or Buddy Media, to manage this process. Page owners can also choose to either restrict users from leaving their own status updates, or you can let them post away. We suggest you moderate for hate speech and other inappropriate content, if you choose the latter. Also, watch out for employees who spend too much time using Facebook, especially for non-work related things like social games.
4. Provide useful profile information:
It may seem simple, but what other contact information are you going to provide fans? Many local government pages we’ve seen provide physical addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for central government offices or for specific departments. The pages for Knoxville, Tennessee and Grand Rapids, Michigan, for example, provide addresses, numbers and also business hours. If you do blog or tweet, we also recommend that you provide links to those destinations.
5. Decide if you need more than one page:
Should the police department, the fire department, the school district, and other parts of the government have their own pages? The Dallas, Texas police department has its own page, for example. What about the mayor’s office? On a related note, should each elected leader have their own personal page, that they take with them after they leave office? In general, we suggest more populated cities and counties create pages for individual departments. The goal is to have an active page, and if you’re a local government for, say, just a few thousand people, you don’t want to split your potential fans to the degree that you have a hard time getting conversations started.
6. Share content to and from your other sites:
Many cities already have their own web sites, and some use social tools like blogs or Twitter accounts. How should a page be integrated with these services? If other services already have active communities, then we recommend governments do things like post links to blog articles within their page, in order to help direct Facebook users to discussions already happening off the site. If your government is also using Twitter, Facebook provides an option that lets you repost any update from your page to Twitter; the Twitter app for Facebook, as well as some third-party apps, also let you post from Twitter to your page. If you have a blog, you can use the Networked Blog service or a number of other third party applications to syndicate the RSS feed of your blog into your page. A Facebook page can also be a place to promote other new services from. Cudahy, Wisconsin has an active page, that it has launched a new, full-service web site. Morris County, New Jersey posts to its page — and to other social sites — using Ping.fm, one of several third-party services that let you post remotely. But What to Share?Sharing status updates, photos, and other media in the stream is the single most important aspect of the site, as this information is what appears to users in their news feeds, and what typically generates the most conversation. Are you going to post only major news? Are you going to ask questions of your citizen-fans? Are you going to provide tips?
7. Public service announcements:
Are you making sure important public service announcements are reaching Facebook users? The H1N1 flu season is here, and Fairfax County, Virginia, is posting links about the availability of flu shots, with links to its web site on the topic. Montgomery County, Maryland, used its page to keep fans informed of a traffic light software glitch, and to let commuters know about public transit options.
8. Events:
Orlando, Florida’s page includes posts for about a free workshop for people facing home foreclosures. Maysville, Kentucky, goes as far as to create events on Facebook for civic activities, then posts those events to its page; fans can then see the events and RSVP, allowing the city to get a better idea of how many people are going to show up. You can set your page to include the Events tab, this way fans can see a chronological list of everything happening.
9. Multimedia:
In our random sampling of local government pages, we didn’t see many that made heavy use of photos, videos and other multimedia to increase engagement. We suggest simply reposting the countless, user-generated pieces of content being generated — search Flickr, YouTube and other sites for interesting content to keep people engaged.
10. Applications:
We also didn’t see many pages making use of applications. Using any of the third-party polling applications available on Facebook (accessible through the admin interface of pages), Facebook polls can be a quick and easy way to solicit feedback from Facebook users. Or, you can do what Fairfax County did, which was create a survey on its web site asking for feedback about its Facebook page, then link to the survey via an update to its page.
Local government leaders should look at these questions as a reflection of the new opportunities pages provide. As with any aspect of democratic government, Facebook pages are a work in progress for the entire community — not every attempt to use them will work according to plan, but making the effort is the best way to figure out what works best.
http://www.insidefacebook.com/2009/11/05/10-ways-facebook-pages-can-help-local-governments-better-serve-their-constituents/
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Energy efficiency improvements grants available
League of Minnesota Cities, Nov. 4, 2009
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) included approximately $54 million to the Minnesota Office of Energy Security (OES) for the State Energy Program (SEP) and approximately $40 million for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants program (EECBG), $7.6 million of which was given directly to the state to give to communities that are not direct EECBG recipients. With input from the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), OES has been developing programs to assist local governments.
Facility Cost-Share Grant program
OES will roll out the first of two programs in mid-November. The Facility Cost-Share Grant program will utilize both SEP and EECBG dollars. The first phase of the program will make between $4 million and $6 million available competitively statewide to local governments to make energy efficiency improvements to existing facilities. These improvements should be ready for immediate implementation. The Facilities Cost-Share Grant program will provide grants for up to 25 percent of the cost of a facility improvement with a maximum of $100,000 for each grant award.
The program will be made available to cities, counties, townships, and school districts. Eligible projects include lighting retrofits, existing building commissioning, building envelope improvements, HVAC equipment and control upgrades, and other proposed projects that improve energy efficiency.
The request for proposal (RFP) for the cost-share program will be posted on the EOS website when it becomes available in mid-November. EOS anticipates local governments will have 45 days to submit RFPs.
EECBG competitive grant program
The second program will use state EECBG dollars for a competitive grant to local governments. This program is intended to enhance energy efficiency and reduce energy use across the state. The grants will be awarded to the most competitive cities and counties that are not eligible for direct EECBG formula grants. Proposals will be evaluated based on energy savings and jobs created per grant dollar requested, green house gas emissions savings, and other criteria. More specifics on this program will be available soon.
OES will present a webinar on Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. to discuss the two stimulus programs and to answer questions from local governments. If you are unable to participate in the webinar OES will have the presentation available on its website at a later time along with answers to questions asked.
To register for the webinar, visit https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/265159144.
For more informationMore information on these programs is available on the OES website.
To ask questions, contact Abby Finis, OES, at abby.finis@state.mn.us or (651) 296-6205.
For more information, contact Hue Nguyen, LMC, at hnguyen@lmc.org or (651) 281-1260; Craig Johnson, LMC, at cjohnson@lmc.org or (651) 281-1259; or Lena Gould, LMC, at lgould@lmc.org or (651) 281-1245.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) included approximately $54 million to the Minnesota Office of Energy Security (OES) for the State Energy Program (SEP) and approximately $40 million for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants program (EECBG), $7.6 million of which was given directly to the state to give to communities that are not direct EECBG recipients. With input from the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), OES has been developing programs to assist local governments.
Facility Cost-Share Grant program
OES will roll out the first of two programs in mid-November. The Facility Cost-Share Grant program will utilize both SEP and EECBG dollars. The first phase of the program will make between $4 million and $6 million available competitively statewide to local governments to make energy efficiency improvements to existing facilities. These improvements should be ready for immediate implementation. The Facilities Cost-Share Grant program will provide grants for up to 25 percent of the cost of a facility improvement with a maximum of $100,000 for each grant award.
The program will be made available to cities, counties, townships, and school districts. Eligible projects include lighting retrofits, existing building commissioning, building envelope improvements, HVAC equipment and control upgrades, and other proposed projects that improve energy efficiency.
The request for proposal (RFP) for the cost-share program will be posted on the EOS website when it becomes available in mid-November. EOS anticipates local governments will have 45 days to submit RFPs.
EECBG competitive grant program
The second program will use state EECBG dollars for a competitive grant to local governments. This program is intended to enhance energy efficiency and reduce energy use across the state. The grants will be awarded to the most competitive cities and counties that are not eligible for direct EECBG formula grants. Proposals will be evaluated based on energy savings and jobs created per grant dollar requested, green house gas emissions savings, and other criteria. More specifics on this program will be available soon.
OES will present a webinar on Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. to discuss the two stimulus programs and to answer questions from local governments. If you are unable to participate in the webinar OES will have the presentation available on its website at a later time along with answers to questions asked.
To register for the webinar, visit https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/265159144.
For more informationMore information on these programs is available on the OES website.
To ask questions, contact Abby Finis, OES, at abby.finis@state.mn.us or (651) 296-6205.
For more information, contact Hue Nguyen, LMC, at hnguyen@lmc.org or (651) 281-1260; Craig Johnson, LMC, at cjohnson@lmc.org or (651) 281-1259; or Lena Gould, LMC, at lgould@lmc.org or (651) 281-1245.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Northwest Area Foundation Survey Shows Minnesotans Are Struggling
As part of its national poll of 4,000 Americans exploring local perceptions of the struggle to make ends meet, Northwest Area Foundation found Minnesotans are recession-weary:
- 63% said they've had to cut back on spending
- 55% reported these changes will be permanent
- 27% had problems paying for basic necessities such as mortgage, rent or heat
- 32% have had trouble affording medical care
- 47% said they don't know where to go in their community for help
- 52% are unfamiliar with government services such as food stamps
- A majority says it takes a least $40,000 a year to meet the basic needs of a family of four, which is more than twice the federal poverty level of $21,834 - the fourth consecutive year that a majority of respondents has expressed this
- 59% are hopeful about the national economy
- 80% believe that the number of people struggling to get by in their community can be reduced
The full report was released September 17, along with policy briefs, executive summaries and charts at www.nwaf.org.
Thanks to the Minnesota Council On Foundations for publishing this article in their fall newsletter - Giving Forum.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Residents Active, Productive in Fergus Falls
October 13, 2009 editorial from
The Daily Journal, Fergus Falls, MN.
Congratulations to the City of Fergus Falls for being designated as a Fit City by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Clearly, Fergus Falls leaders have worked hard for the designation.The Daily Journal, Fergus Falls, MN.
Here are a few examples;
The recently completed path connecting the Central Lakes Trail to downtown Fergus Falls, encouraging walkers, cyclists and rollerbladders to use the trail.
- The success of the Hoot Lake Triathlon and growing Athletic Republic Half Marathon, both attracting participants locally and regionally.
The development of DeLagoon Park's soccer, baseball and softball fields in recent years.
The expansion of the YMCA in the last decade.
The recent repaving of County Road 1 with a wider shoulder northeast of Fergus Falls was less heralded, but just as important to biking, running and walking enthusiasts.
We hope the Fit City designation also encourages city leaders to follow through on proposals to revitalize Lake Alice and create a system of trails along the Otter Tail River from Union Avenue to the airport. When other street projects come up, we encourage city leaders to design them to allow for cyclists and walkers/runners.
While Fergus Falls may not have the amenities that larger cities have, it has provided, and can continue to develop the resources for its residents to be physically active. And physically active residents will make for a more productive community.Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Minnesota Receives $1,744,926.44 to Improve 911 Services
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced more than $40 million in grants to 30 states and U.S. territories to help 911 call centers across the country improve the ability to locate people calling from wireless and Internet-connected telephones.
“Reaching a 911 operator can make the difference between life and death,” U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said. “These grants will give states and territories the opportunity to improve their 911 systems, enhance safety and help save countless lives across America.”
“A majority of emergency 9-1-1 calls are now coming from wireless and Internet-connected telephones,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. “These grants will help first responders locate where these calls are made and to ensure that help arrives quickly.”
The E–911 grant program was authorized under the Ensuring Needed Help Arrives Near Callers Employing 911 (ENHANCE 911) Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108–494, codified at 47 U.S.C. 942). The grants were available to all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories. The Act authorizes grants for the implementation and operation of Phase II enhanced 911 services and for migration to an IP-enabled emergency network. To qualify for a grant, an applicant must submit a State 911 plan and project budget, designate an E–911 coordinator, and certify, among other things, that the State and other taxing jurisdictions within the State have not diverted E–911 charges for any other purpose within 180 days preceding the application date.
The funds could be used to implement advanced technologies to deliver 9-1-1 calls with automatic crash location information as well as evacuation alerts to people using wireless services, warning them of dangerous situations like a bridge being washed out or a toxic spill.
All states and territories did not apply for funding.
Go to http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/E911grants_090929.html for a list of all grant awards.
“Reaching a 911 operator can make the difference between life and death,” U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said. “These grants will give states and territories the opportunity to improve their 911 systems, enhance safety and help save countless lives across America.”
“A majority of emergency 9-1-1 calls are now coming from wireless and Internet-connected telephones,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. “These grants will help first responders locate where these calls are made and to ensure that help arrives quickly.”
The E–911 grant program was authorized under the Ensuring Needed Help Arrives Near Callers Employing 911 (ENHANCE 911) Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108–494, codified at 47 U.S.C. 942). The grants were available to all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories. The Act authorizes grants for the implementation and operation of Phase II enhanced 911 services and for migration to an IP-enabled emergency network. To qualify for a grant, an applicant must submit a State 911 plan and project budget, designate an E–911 coordinator, and certify, among other things, that the State and other taxing jurisdictions within the State have not diverted E–911 charges for any other purpose within 180 days preceding the application date.
The funds could be used to implement advanced technologies to deliver 9-1-1 calls with automatic crash location information as well as evacuation alerts to people using wireless services, warning them of dangerous situations like a bridge being washed out or a toxic spill.
All states and territories did not apply for funding.
Go to http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/E911grants_090929.html for a list of all grant awards.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Barnesville Hires New City Administrator
Michael Rietz of Castle Hills, Texas has accepted the Barnesville city administrator position.
The city council hired the Brimeyer Group, an executive search firm from Minneapolis, MN to lead in the search process and to negotiate the position's terms on behalf of the city. Five candidates were interviewed last week with a 6-0 vote by the city council to retain the services of Rietz.
The city has been without a city administrator since the beginning of the year when Michael Brethorst stepped down to accept a position with the VA Medical Center in Fargo, ND.
Rietz will begin his new position in Barnesville in the near future.
The city council hired the Brimeyer Group, an executive search firm from Minneapolis, MN to lead in the search process and to negotiate the position's terms on behalf of the city. Five candidates were interviewed last week with a 6-0 vote by the city council to retain the services of Rietz.
The city has been without a city administrator since the beginning of the year when Michael Brethorst stepped down to accept a position with the VA Medical Center in Fargo, ND.
Rietz will begin his new position in Barnesville in the near future.
Recession Putting Triple Strain on Nonprofits
Nonprofits are facing growing demand for services, rising operating costs and lagging revenues in the face of the nationwide recession, according to a variety of studies.
An overview report published by the National Council of Nonprofits cited more than a dozen studies in documenting the extent of the recession's effects on nonprofits.
"Anecdotes and individual studies often get dismissed as outliers," said National Council of Nonprofits president and CEO Tim Delaney, who said the new overview documents "the facts in a way that can no longer get overlooked or ignored."
"The economic threats to nonprofits and the communities we serve are real and dire," said Delaney. "It is both unrealistic and unsafe to those depending on services to simply assume that nonprofits will somehow be able to continue to deliver more services that cost more with declining revenues. The math just doesn't work."
The group recommended that government officials and nonprofit leaders step up collaboration to meet community needs in the absence of more public funding.
http://www.jointogether.org
An overview report published by the National Council of Nonprofits cited more than a dozen studies in documenting the extent of the recession's effects on nonprofits.
"Anecdotes and individual studies often get dismissed as outliers," said National Council of Nonprofits president and CEO Tim Delaney, who said the new overview documents "the facts in a way that can no longer get overlooked or ignored."
"The economic threats to nonprofits and the communities we serve are real and dire," said Delaney. "It is both unrealistic and unsafe to those depending on services to simply assume that nonprofits will somehow be able to continue to deliver more services that cost more with declining revenues. The math just doesn't work."
The group recommended that government officials and nonprofit leaders step up collaboration to meet community needs in the absence of more public funding.
http://www.jointogether.org
Friday, September 25, 2009
Nationwide Public Health Alert Issued Concerning Life-Threatening Risk Posed by Cocaine Laced with Veterinary Anti-Parasite Drug
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is alerting medical professionals, substance abuse treatment centers and other public health authorities about the risk that substantial levels of cocaine may be adulterated with levamisole – a veterinary anti-parasitic drug. There have been approximately 20 confirmed or probable cases of agranulocytosis (a serious, sometimes fatal blood disorder), including two deaths, associated with cocaine adulterated with levamisole. The number of reported cases is expected to increase as information about cocaine adulterated with levamisole is disseminated.
"SAMHSA and other public health authorities are working together to inform everyone of this serious potential public health risk and what measures are being taken to address it," said SAMHSA Acting Administrator Eric Broderick, D.D.S., MPH.
Levamisole is used in veterinary medicine and is currently approved for use in cattle, sheep and swine as an anti-parasitic agent. Although it was once used in human medicine in the past for treating autoimmune diseases and cancer, it is no longer an approved drug for human use.
Ingesting cocaine mixed with levamisole can seriously reduce a person's white blood cells, suppressing immune function and the body's ability to fight off even minor infections. People who snort, smoke, or inject crack or powder cocaine contaminated by levamisole can experience overwhelming, rapidly-developing, life threatening infections. Other serious side effects can also occur.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration and State testing laboratories, the percentage of cocaine specimens containing levamisole has increased steadily since 2002, with levamisole now found in over 70 percent of the illicit cocaine analyzed in July. In addition, a recent analysis in Seattle, Washington found that almost 80 percent of the individuals who test positive for cocaine also test positive for levamisole.
According to the SAMHSA alert substance abuse treatment providers, clinicians, outreach workers, and individuals who abuse cocaine need to be aware of the facts. Levamisole is showing up with increasing frequency in illicit cocaine powder and crack cocaine. Levamisole can severely reduce the number of white blood cells, a problem called agranulocytosis. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ILLNESS THAT NEEDS TO BE TREATED AT A HOSPITAL. If you use cocaine, watch out for:
* high fever, chills, or weakness
* swollen glands
* painful sores (mouth, anal)
* any infection that won’t go away or gets worse very fast, including sore throat or mouth sores -skin infections, abscesses -thrush (white coating of the mouth, tongue, or throat) -pneumonia (fever, cough, shortness of breath)."
SAMHSA is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Food and Drug Administration, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and other federal and international organizations, as well as state agencies to monitor the levamisole issue. CDC will be publishing a case report analysis in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) and will be working with state health departments to systematically collect information on cocaine-associated agranulocytosis cases. Information from this effort will be used to guide treatment and prevention initiatives to address this public health concern.
Individuals are encouraged to report suspected and confirmed cases of agranulocytosis that are associated with cocaine abuse to their respective state health departments. Cases can also be reported to local Poison Control Centers (1-800-222-1222), these centers may also provide assistance in clinical management and additional reporting.
For further medical/technical information, contact Nicholas Reuter, SAMHSA (Nicholas.reuter@samhsa.hhs.gov).
SAMHSA is a public health agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the nation’s substance abuse prevention, addictions treatment and mental health services delivery system.
SAMHSA Press Office 240-276-2130
www.samhsa.gov
"SAMHSA and other public health authorities are working together to inform everyone of this serious potential public health risk and what measures are being taken to address it," said SAMHSA Acting Administrator Eric Broderick, D.D.S., MPH.
Levamisole is used in veterinary medicine and is currently approved for use in cattle, sheep and swine as an anti-parasitic agent. Although it was once used in human medicine in the past for treating autoimmune diseases and cancer, it is no longer an approved drug for human use.
Ingesting cocaine mixed with levamisole can seriously reduce a person's white blood cells, suppressing immune function and the body's ability to fight off even minor infections. People who snort, smoke, or inject crack or powder cocaine contaminated by levamisole can experience overwhelming, rapidly-developing, life threatening infections. Other serious side effects can also occur.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration and State testing laboratories, the percentage of cocaine specimens containing levamisole has increased steadily since 2002, with levamisole now found in over 70 percent of the illicit cocaine analyzed in July. In addition, a recent analysis in Seattle, Washington found that almost 80 percent of the individuals who test positive for cocaine also test positive for levamisole.
According to the SAMHSA alert substance abuse treatment providers, clinicians, outreach workers, and individuals who abuse cocaine need to be aware of the facts. Levamisole is showing up with increasing frequency in illicit cocaine powder and crack cocaine. Levamisole can severely reduce the number of white blood cells, a problem called agranulocytosis. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ILLNESS THAT NEEDS TO BE TREATED AT A HOSPITAL. If you use cocaine, watch out for:
* high fever, chills, or weakness
* swollen glands
* painful sores (mouth, anal)
* any infection that won’t go away or gets worse very fast, including sore throat or mouth sores -skin infections, abscesses -thrush (white coating of the mouth, tongue, or throat) -pneumonia (fever, cough, shortness of breath)."
SAMHSA is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Food and Drug Administration, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and other federal and international organizations, as well as state agencies to monitor the levamisole issue. CDC will be publishing a case report analysis in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) and will be working with state health departments to systematically collect information on cocaine-associated agranulocytosis cases. Information from this effort will be used to guide treatment and prevention initiatives to address this public health concern.
Individuals are encouraged to report suspected and confirmed cases of agranulocytosis that are associated with cocaine abuse to their respective state health departments. Cases can also be reported to local Poison Control Centers (1-800-222-1222), these centers may also provide assistance in clinical management and additional reporting.
For further medical/technical information, contact Nicholas Reuter, SAMHSA (Nicholas.reuter@samhsa.hhs.gov).
SAMHSA is a public health agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the nation’s substance abuse prevention, addictions treatment and mental health services delivery system.
SAMHSA Press Office 240-276-2130
www.samhsa.gov
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE
Mn/DOT seeks public input for Minnesota's first statewide rail plan.
Sept. 22, 2009
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Members of the traveling public, transportation stakeholders, rail providers and local government officials are invited to provide input for development of the Minnesota Department of Transportation's 2009 Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan at the second and final round of public open houses scheduled at seven locations statewide.
"We appreciate the feedback on the rail plan that we have received to date, and encourage additional members of the public to attend one of these open houses to give us their ideas about rail issues that affect their lives and businesses," said Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel.
The plan, mandated by the 2008 Minnesota Legislature, will provide guidance for statewide rail initiatives and investments and will make Minnesota eligible for federal funding. Public input received from these open houses, a series of stakeholders meetings and ongoing commentary will help Mn/DOT develop a draft of the plan that identifies:
- An overall vision for effective use of the state's rail network and its future development.
- Public and private sector roles for use of rail in the state's transportation system.
- Priority intercity and high-speed passenger rail corridors for travel within and beyond Minnesota.
- Ways to enhance national and international freight access to markets, services and logistics.
- Measures and guidelines for public investments in rail assets and services.
- Requirements for Minnesota's participation in national rail initiatives, programs and resources.
There will be a brief presentation on the Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan planning process at each open house. After the presentation, Mn/DOT officials and national rail consultants will be on hand to discuss current and future rail programs, answer questions and take input.
2009 Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE
5-7 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 6
ST. CLOUD
Mn/DOT Office and Training Center
3725 - 12th St. N.
St. Cloud
5-7 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 7
ROCHESTER
Rochester Community/Technical College
Heintz Center
1926 Collegeview Drive SE
Rochester
5-7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 8
RED WING
Red Wing Main Library
Foot Room
225 East Ave.
Red Wing
5-7 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 14
TWIN CITIES METRO
St. Paul Union Depot
214 East 4th Street
St. Paul
5-7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 15
DULUTH
Duluth Union Depot and Transportation Museum - Great Hall
506 W. Michigan St.
Duluth
5-7 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 21
MOORHEAD
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Room C-118
1900 28th Ave. S.
Moorhead
5-7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 22
MANKATO
Best Western N. Mankato
1111 Range St.
Mankato
For more information about open houses, call Mn/DOT's Office of Passenger Rail at 651-366-3199.
Public input received will be presented to advisory and steering committees and key community, industry and government officials in November 2009. The Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan will be completed by Dec. 31, 2009, and then presented to the Minnesota Legislature. The completed plan will be included in the Minnesota Statewide Transportation Policy Plan and will enter into required state and federal reviews in January 2010. For information, go to http://www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/railplan/.
To request these documents or information in an alternative format call 651-366-4718 or e-mail ADArequest@dot.state.mn.us.
To request an ASL interpreter at an open house, call 651-366-4720. To request other reasonable accommodations, call 651-366-4718; the Minnesota Relay Service toll-free at 1-800-627-3529 (TTY, Voice or ASCII) or 711, or e-mail your request to ADArequest@dot.state.mn.us.
Sept. 22, 2009
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Members of the traveling public, transportation stakeholders, rail providers and local government officials are invited to provide input for development of the Minnesota Department of Transportation's 2009 Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan at the second and final round of public open houses scheduled at seven locations statewide.
"We appreciate the feedback on the rail plan that we have received to date, and encourage additional members of the public to attend one of these open houses to give us their ideas about rail issues that affect their lives and businesses," said Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel.
The plan, mandated by the 2008 Minnesota Legislature, will provide guidance for statewide rail initiatives and investments and will make Minnesota eligible for federal funding. Public input received from these open houses, a series of stakeholders meetings and ongoing commentary will help Mn/DOT develop a draft of the plan that identifies:
- An overall vision for effective use of the state's rail network and its future development.
- Public and private sector roles for use of rail in the state's transportation system.
- Priority intercity and high-speed passenger rail corridors for travel within and beyond Minnesota.
- Ways to enhance national and international freight access to markets, services and logistics.
- Measures and guidelines for public investments in rail assets and services.
- Requirements for Minnesota's participation in national rail initiatives, programs and resources.
There will be a brief presentation on the Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan planning process at each open house. After the presentation, Mn/DOT officials and national rail consultants will be on hand to discuss current and future rail programs, answer questions and take input.
2009 Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE
5-7 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 6
ST. CLOUD
Mn/DOT Office and Training Center
3725 - 12th St. N.
St. Cloud
5-7 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 7
ROCHESTER
Rochester Community/Technical College
Heintz Center
1926 Collegeview Drive SE
Rochester
5-7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 8
RED WING
Red Wing Main Library
Foot Room
225 East Ave.
Red Wing
5-7 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 14
TWIN CITIES METRO
St. Paul Union Depot
214 East 4th Street
St. Paul
5-7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 15
DULUTH
Duluth Union Depot and Transportation Museum - Great Hall
506 W. Michigan St.
Duluth
5-7 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 21
MOORHEAD
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Room C-118
1900 28th Ave. S.
Moorhead
5-7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 22
MANKATO
Best Western N. Mankato
1111 Range St.
Mankato
For more information about open houses, call Mn/DOT's Office of Passenger Rail at 651-366-3199.
Public input received will be presented to advisory and steering committees and key community, industry and government officials in November 2009. The Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan will be completed by Dec. 31, 2009, and then presented to the Minnesota Legislature. The completed plan will be included in the Minnesota Statewide Transportation Policy Plan and will enter into required state and federal reviews in January 2010. For information, go to http://www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/railplan/.
To request these documents or information in an alternative format call 651-366-4718 or e-mail ADArequest@dot.state.mn.us.
To request an ASL interpreter at an open house, call 651-366-4720. To request other reasonable accommodations, call 651-366-4718; the Minnesota Relay Service toll-free at 1-800-627-3529 (TTY, Voice or ASCII) or 711, or e-mail your request to ADArequest@dot.state.mn.us.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Productive Alternatives Celebrates 50 Years of Serving Otter Tail County!
For the past 50 years, Productive Alternatives has proven that people with disabilities are a valuable part of the economic workforce.
Productive Alternatives has grown and evolved from a farming operation for the former State Hospital in Fergus Falls to currently providing services to companies throughout the region. In addition to the production factory, Productive Alternatives also manages the Otter Express public transportation buses, the detox program and a new mental health crisis unit.
Seven Productive Alternative sites will gather on October 10, 2009 for a 50th anniversary gala and fundraiser. They will also host a consumer recognition banquet on October 27, 2009 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Alexandria.
Productive Alternatives has grown and evolved from a farming operation for the former State Hospital in Fergus Falls to currently providing services to companies throughout the region. In addition to the production factory, Productive Alternatives also manages the Otter Express public transportation buses, the detox program and a new mental health crisis unit.
Seven Productive Alternative sites will gather on October 10, 2009 for a 50th anniversary gala and fundraiser. They will also host a consumer recognition banquet on October 27, 2009 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Alexandria.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Federal grant funding available to cities to address energy assurance and reliability concerns
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is making $10.5 million in competitive grant funding available to cities to prepare energy assurance and reliability plans. This funding is made available through the Local Energy Assurance Planning (LEAP) initiative as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Cities can receive between $60,000 and $300,000 for this effort.
Public Technology Institute (PTI) conducts a variety of energy assurance educational and outreach programs tailored specifically for local officials through the support of the DOE Office of Energy Reliability. PTI is available to provide free support to cities as they prepare their proposals.
Local Government Energy Assurance Guidelines, published by PTI with the DOE’s support, is designed to help city and county officials address energy assurance and security concerns for mission-critical government facilities and will serve as a resource for cities interested in submitting proposals for funding as part of the LEAP initiative. A PDF of this guide is available at no charge on the PTI web site. A soft cover version of the guide can be purchased for $33.49 plus shipping.
According to the DOE, the goal of this funding program is to facilitate recovery from disruptions to the energy supply and enhance reliability and quicker repair of outages. This initiative will create jobs at the local level and allow cities to have well-developed, standardized energy assurance and resiliency plans that they can rely on during energy emergencies and supply disruptions.
Under the LEAP initiative, city governments will address energy supply disruption risks and vulnerabilities in their plans to lessen the devastating impact that such incidents have on the economy and the health and safety of citizens.
The deadline for cities to submit their proposals to the DOE is Oct. 8 at 2 p.m.
For more information on the LEAP initiative, visit the Fedconnect web site (see the public opportunities section, funding number DE-FOA-0000098).
For more information about free assistance from PTI, contact Ronda Mosley, PTI, at rmosley@pti.org.
Public Technology Institute (PTI) conducts a variety of energy assurance educational and outreach programs tailored specifically for local officials through the support of the DOE Office of Energy Reliability. PTI is available to provide free support to cities as they prepare their proposals.
Local Government Energy Assurance Guidelines, published by PTI with the DOE’s support, is designed to help city and county officials address energy assurance and security concerns for mission-critical government facilities and will serve as a resource for cities interested in submitting proposals for funding as part of the LEAP initiative. A PDF of this guide is available at no charge on the PTI web site. A soft cover version of the guide can be purchased for $33.49 plus shipping.
According to the DOE, the goal of this funding program is to facilitate recovery from disruptions to the energy supply and enhance reliability and quicker repair of outages. This initiative will create jobs at the local level and allow cities to have well-developed, standardized energy assurance and resiliency plans that they can rely on during energy emergencies and supply disruptions.
Under the LEAP initiative, city governments will address energy supply disruption risks and vulnerabilities in their plans to lessen the devastating impact that such incidents have on the economy and the health and safety of citizens.
The deadline for cities to submit their proposals to the DOE is Oct. 8 at 2 p.m.
For more information on the LEAP initiative, visit the Fedconnect web site (see the public opportunities section, funding number DE-FOA-0000098).
For more information about free assistance from PTI, contact Ronda Mosley, PTI, at rmosley@pti.org.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Rural Business Enterprise Grant Awarded to the City of Frazee
The City of Frazee is being awarded $90,000 as part of the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) sponsored by USDA Rural Development.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the selection of 145 recipients for more than $15.3 million in grants to start or expand businesses in rural communities. Through Recovery Act funding, businesses will be able to access critical capital that will help with start-up and working capital loans, building and plant renovations, transportation improvements, project planning and other business needs.
With a $10,000 contribution from the Frazee Economic Development Authority, there will be access to a $100,000 revolving loan pool for start-up and expanding businesses in Frazee.
A reception to accept the $90,000 grant award will be help on September 16th at 9:30 a.m. at the Frazee Events Center located at 105 Lake Street NE in downtown Frazee.
Congratulations to the City of Frazee for this fantastic opportunity!
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the selection of 145 recipients for more than $15.3 million in grants to start or expand businesses in rural communities. Through Recovery Act funding, businesses will be able to access critical capital that will help with start-up and working capital loans, building and plant renovations, transportation improvements, project planning and other business needs.
With a $10,000 contribution from the Frazee Economic Development Authority, there will be access to a $100,000 revolving loan pool for start-up and expanding businesses in Frazee.
A reception to accept the $90,000 grant award will be help on September 16th at 9:30 a.m. at the Frazee Events Center located at 105 Lake Street NE in downtown Frazee.
Congratulations to the City of Frazee for this fantastic opportunity!
62nd Annual Underwood Harvest Festival
Underwood celebrates the beginning of a new season on Labor Day weekend by hosting the 62nd Harvest Festival.
Activities kick-off Friday evening with a steak fry and live music. A fishing tournament is set to begin early Saturday morning, as well as a parade and a variety of other activities throughout the day. The festival will conclude with a street dance in front of the fire hall Saturday night.
Activities kick-off Friday evening with a steak fry and live music. A fishing tournament is set to begin early Saturday morning, as well as a parade and a variety of other activities throughout the day. The festival will conclude with a street dance in front of the fire hall Saturday night.
13th Annual Truck Rodeo
Maintenance crews from six counties gathered at the West Otter Tail County Fairgrounds on September 2nd to test their skills at driving snow plows, skidsteers, backhoes and motor graders.Employees from Becker, Wadena, Douglas, Grant, Todd, Wilkin and Otter Tail counties, as well as the city of Fergus Falls participated in the one-day event that focused on safety training.
Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and State Patrol were on hand at the rodeo to answer questions about safety and truck inspections. Equipment vendors also attended the rodeo.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Warning! - Frequent Phishing Attacks On Facebook
Facebook is the fastest growing social networking website in the world with a million new users weekly and more than 200 million in all. It's also a popular target for phishing attacks that are popping up with regular frequency. Why Facebook? Because as a social networking site, click- through rates on messages from friends are always going to be high, even if the contents of the message are somewhat out of the ordinary. Spammers know this and are taking advantage of the trusting environment. For example, Facebook users have been getting messages that appear to come from friends with "hello" in the subject line and links inviting them to check out sites with unusual URLs like "areps.at," "kirgo.at" and "bests.at.'' If you log into one of the sites, scammers take your e-mail address and password, and then send the same URL to all your friends.
Since many Facebook users use the same passwords across a variety of sites, a successful phishing scammer could potentially gain illegal access to their accounts on other sites such as Web-based e-mail. That paves the way for still more attacks, as phishers can then use victims' hijacked e-mail accounts to compromise other websites and spread more messages containing malicious links. To combat these threats, Facebook recommends the following:
Since many Facebook users use the same passwords across a variety of sites, a successful phishing scammer could potentially gain illegal access to their accounts on other sites such as Web-based e-mail. That paves the way for still more attacks, as phishers can then use victims' hijacked e-mail accounts to compromise other websites and spread more messages containing malicious links. To combat these threats, Facebook recommends the following:
- Use an up-to-date browser that features an anti-phishing black list, such as Internet Explorer 8 or Firefox 3.0.10.
- Use unique logins and passwords for each of the websites you use.
- Check to see that you're logging in from a legitimate Facebook page with the facebook.com domain.
- Be cautious of any message, post, or link you find on Facebook that looks suspicious or requires an additional login.
- Become a fan of the Facebook Security Page for more updates on new threats as well as helpful information on how to protect yourself online.
Monday, July 27, 2009
New Minnesota Laws Effective Aug. 1, 2009
The following is a listing of select new laws passed during the 2009 legislative session that take effect Aug. 1, 2009.
Student lifesavers trained properly
Schools that offer students training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automatic external defibrillator use will be required to use certain instruction. A new law, sponsored by Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL-St. Paul) and Sen. Kathy Saltzman (DFLWoodbury), requires districts that voluntarily offer students training in CPR to ensure that training will be in accordance with the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross or other nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines. Mariani said the odds of surviving cardiac arrest are only 10 percent without the intervention, but acquiring the right kind of skills “properly trains our young people to be lifesavers as they go out into the world.”
HF648/SF567*/CH107
Schools that offer students training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automatic external defibrillator use will be required to use certain instruction. A new law, sponsored by Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL-St. Paul) and Sen. Kathy Saltzman (DFLWoodbury), requires districts that voluntarily offer students training in CPR to ensure that training will be in accordance with the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross or other nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines. Mariani said the odds of surviving cardiac arrest are only 10 percent without the intervention, but acquiring the right kind of skills “properly trains our young people to be lifesavers as they go out into the world.”
HF648/SF567*/CH107
Contractor or employee?
A new law addresses the misclassification of some workers in the trucking and courier industry as independent contractors rather than employees. Sponsored by Rep. Sheldon Johnson (DFL-St. Paul) and Sen. David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm), the law lays out factors all needing to be present for a worker to be considered an independent contractor, including when the individual:
• owns the equipment or holds it under a bona fide lease arrangement;
• is responsible for the equipment’s maintenance and operating costs;
• is paid based on work performed, not time expended;
• substantially controls the means and manner of the service performance; and
• enters into a written contract specifying that the relationship is one of an independent contractor and not that of an employee.
HF813/SF910*/CH89
A new law addresses the misclassification of some workers in the trucking and courier industry as independent contractors rather than employees. Sponsored by Rep. Sheldon Johnson (DFL-St. Paul) and Sen. David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm), the law lays out factors all needing to be present for a worker to be considered an independent contractor, including when the individual:
• owns the equipment or holds it under a bona fide lease arrangement;
• is responsible for the equipment’s maintenance and operating costs;
• is paid based on work performed, not time expended;
• substantially controls the means and manner of the service performance; and
• enters into a written contract specifying that the relationship is one of an independent contractor and not that of an employee.
HF813/SF910*/CH89
State agencies will be allowed to hold some meetings electronically instead of in person
As long as the public has access to the meetings, and other certain conditions are met. Sponsored by Rep. Sheldon Johnson (DFL-St. Paul) and Sen. Mee Moua (DFL-St. Paul), the law applies to all state departments, boards, commissions and other state government entities. Under the law, all meeting participants must be able to hear all discussion and testimony; at least one member of the government entity must be physically present at the regular meeting location; members of the public who are present at the regular meeting location must be able to participate in testimony and hear all member discussion and votes; and all votes must be conducted by roll call.
HF456/SF764*/CH80
HF456/SF764*/CH80
Training for shaken baby syndrome
Shaken baby syndrome training for certain providers caring for children up to age 5 is increased, effective Aug. 1, 2009. Sponsored by Rep. Phil Sterner (DFL-Rosemount) and Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes (DFL-Winona), the law requires 30 minutes of training for both shaken baby syndrome and sudden infant death syndrome for licensed chemical dependency treatment programs that serve clients with children, licensed child care centers and providers, and child foster care providers that care for children. The training is required at least once every five years. Previous training was only required for those caring for infants.
HF782/SF978*/CH26
Shaken baby syndrome training for certain providers caring for children up to age 5 is increased, effective Aug. 1, 2009. Sponsored by Rep. Phil Sterner (DFL-Rosemount) and Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes (DFL-Winona), the law requires 30 minutes of training for both shaken baby syndrome and sudden infant death syndrome for licensed chemical dependency treatment programs that serve clients with children, licensed child care centers and providers, and child foster care providers that care for children. The training is required at least once every five years. Previous training was only required for those caring for infants.
HF782/SF978*/CH26
Changes to temporary drawdowns
Cities and counties will no longer need the approval of every lakefront property owner along a public water body in order to temporarily lower the lake’s water level. A new law, effective Aug. 1, 2009, allows the commissioner of natural resources to issue public waters work permits to public entities for a drawdown, if the commissioner deems it is in the public’s best interest, at least 75 percent of the riparian landowners agree to the drawdown and the permit applicant holds a public hearing. The permit applicant must mail notices of the hearing to affected property owners and publish the date, time and place of the hearing in a local newspaper. Local governments and watershed districts temporarily drawdown the water level in a lake as a management tool to prevent or eradicate invasive species. The law, sponsored by Rep. Paul Rosenthal (DFL-Edina) and Sen. Ken Kelash (DFL-Mpls), excludes public waters that have been designated by the commissioner for the protection and management of wildlife.
HF1539/SF640*/CH48
Cities and counties will no longer need the approval of every lakefront property owner along a public water body in order to temporarily lower the lake’s water level. A new law, effective Aug. 1, 2009, allows the commissioner of natural resources to issue public waters work permits to public entities for a drawdown, if the commissioner deems it is in the public’s best interest, at least 75 percent of the riparian landowners agree to the drawdown and the permit applicant holds a public hearing. The permit applicant must mail notices of the hearing to affected property owners and publish the date, time and place of the hearing in a local newspaper. Local governments and watershed districts temporarily drawdown the water level in a lake as a management tool to prevent or eradicate invasive species. The law, sponsored by Rep. Paul Rosenthal (DFL-Edina) and Sen. Ken Kelash (DFL-Mpls), excludes public waters that have been designated by the commissioner for the protection and management of wildlife.
HF1539/SF640*/CH48
Alert notification assurance
Law enforcement agencies that issue crime alerts will be required to put them in a format that “a disabled person can access with commercially available text-based screen reader software.” Sponsored by Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) and Sen. Ken Kelash (DFL-Mpls), the law also classifies as private the names and contact information of citizens requesting a crime alert.
HF254/SF265*/CH22
Law enforcement agencies that issue crime alerts will be required to put them in a format that “a disabled person can access with commercially available text-based screen reader software.” Sponsored by Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) and Sen. Ken Kelash (DFL-Mpls), the law also classifies as private the names and contact information of citizens requesting a crime alert.
HF254/SF265*/CH22
No laser pointing at planes
Knowingly pointing a laser at an aircraft could result in a jail sentence. A new law sponsored by Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul) and Senate President James Metzen (DFL-South St. Paul) makes the action a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $3,000 fine. When the laser hits an aircraft windshield, it turns the plexiglass opaque, blinding the pilot. Lasers that run on AAA batteries can be purchased at many office supply stores or big box retailers and some have a range of up to 10 miles. The law exempts search and rescue situations when the person on the ground is indicating their location.
HF1097/SF1408*/CH73
Knowingly pointing a laser at an aircraft could result in a jail sentence. A new law sponsored by Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul) and Senate President James Metzen (DFL-South St. Paul) makes the action a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $3,000 fine. When the laser hits an aircraft windshield, it turns the plexiglass opaque, blinding the pilot. Lasers that run on AAA batteries can be purchased at many office supply stores or big box retailers and some have a range of up to 10 miles. The law exempts search and rescue situations when the person on the ground is indicating their location.
HF1097/SF1408*/CH73
Mental health 911 assistance
Beginning Aug. 1, 2009, mental health crisis teams will be added to the list of emergency 911 responders, where available. Supporters said there is not one number to call when someone is having a mental health crisis and is in need of help, and that mobile crisis teams can assess a situation and provide cost-effective ways to stabilize the individual, including a referral to mental health centers, clinics or crisis homes. Rep. Joe Mullery (DFL-Mpls) and Sen. Tom Saxhaug (DFL-Grand Rapids) sponsor the law.
HF448/SF707*/CH128
Beginning Aug. 1, 2009, mental health crisis teams will be added to the list of emergency 911 responders, where available. Supporters said there is not one number to call when someone is having a mental health crisis and is in need of help, and that mobile crisis teams can assess a situation and provide cost-effective ways to stabilize the individual, including a referral to mental health centers, clinics or crisis homes. Rep. Joe Mullery (DFL-Mpls) and Sen. Tom Saxhaug (DFL-Grand Rapids) sponsor the law.
HF448/SF707*/CH128
Licensing full-time firefighters
Full-time firefighters hired on or after July 1, 2011, will need a license, and volunteer and on-call firefighters will have the option of getting a license by following the same requirements as full-time firefighters. To receive a three-year license, a person must demonstrate competency in fire prevention, fire suppression and hazardous material operations. A license will be renewed without testing, provided the firefighter had at least 72 hours of training during the previous three years. The approximately 2,000 current full-time firefighters would be exempted. To ensure there is no fiscal impact to the state, a $75 fee is established for the original license and each renewal. The new law, effective Aug. 1, 2009, calls for the Board of Firefighter Training and Education to appoint an accredited organization to prepare and administer firefighter certification examinations. Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights) and Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope) sponsor the law.
HF1805/SF1219*/CH153
Full-time firefighters hired on or after July 1, 2011, will need a license, and volunteer and on-call firefighters will have the option of getting a license by following the same requirements as full-time firefighters. To receive a three-year license, a person must demonstrate competency in fire prevention, fire suppression and hazardous material operations. A license will be renewed without testing, provided the firefighter had at least 72 hours of training during the previous three years. The approximately 2,000 current full-time firefighters would be exempted. To ensure there is no fiscal impact to the state, a $75 fee is established for the original license and each renewal. The new law, effective Aug. 1, 2009, calls for the Board of Firefighter Training and Education to appoint an accredited organization to prepare and administer firefighter certification examinations. Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights) and Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope) sponsor the law.
HF1805/SF1219*/CH153
Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day created
Firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty now have their own day of remembrance in Minnesota. Sponsored by Rep. Mike Obermueller (DFL-Eagan) and Sen. Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan), a new law designates the first Sunday in October as Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day. On that day, each U.S. and Minnesota flag on the Capitol grounds will be flown at half-staff. According to the Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Association, there have been 197 line-of duty firefighter deaths in Minnesota, with the first being recorded in 1881 in Minneapolis, and the most recent in 2008 in Pine City.
HF422/SF237*/CH87
Firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty now have their own day of remembrance in Minnesota. Sponsored by Rep. Mike Obermueller (DFL-Eagan) and Sen. Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan), a new law designates the first Sunday in October as Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day. On that day, each U.S. and Minnesota flag on the Capitol grounds will be flown at half-staff. According to the Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Association, there have been 197 line-of duty firefighter deaths in Minnesota, with the first being recorded in 1881 in Minneapolis, and the most recent in 2008 in Pine City.
HF422/SF237*/CH87
GPS usage, toy safety addressed in public safety law
Global Positioning Systems can be mounted or located near the bottommost portion of a vehicle’s windshield beginning Aug. 1, 2009. The provision, initially proffered by Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL-Willmar) and Sen. David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm) as HF85/SF323, is part of the larger omnibus public safety policy law sponsored by Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn Center) and Sen. Mee Moua (DFL-St. Paul). Other provisions taking effect Aug. 1, 2009, include:
• a business that sells over-the-counter methamphetamine precursor drugs is required to retain a sales log for three years and make it available for inspection by law enforcement at all reasonable times;
• commercial retailers are prohibited from selling a toy designed primarily for children under age 12 that has been recalled for safety reasons; and
• the state’s trespass law is amended to include entering any public or private area lawfully cordoned off by a peace officer.
HF1301/SF993*/CH59
Global Positioning Systems can be mounted or located near the bottommost portion of a vehicle’s windshield beginning Aug. 1, 2009. The provision, initially proffered by Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL-Willmar) and Sen. David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm) as HF85/SF323, is part of the larger omnibus public safety policy law sponsored by Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn Center) and Sen. Mee Moua (DFL-St. Paul). Other provisions taking effect Aug. 1, 2009, include:
• a business that sells over-the-counter methamphetamine precursor drugs is required to retain a sales log for three years and make it available for inspection by law enforcement at all reasonable times;
• commercial retailers are prohibited from selling a toy designed primarily for children under age 12 that has been recalled for safety reasons; and
• the state’s trespass law is amended to include entering any public or private area lawfully cordoned off by a peace officer.
HF1301/SF993*/CH59
Passing speed limit increased for some
Drivers will be allowed to exceed the speed limit by 10 mph when passing another vehicle going the same direction on a two-lane highway with a speed limit of at least 55 mph. This provision is part of a new law making failure to wear a seatbelt by a primary offense. Although the law is sponsored by Rep. Kim Norton (DFL-Rochester) and Sen. Steve Murphy (DFLRed Wing), the passing provision is taken from HF464/SF601, sponsored by Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFLVirginia) and Sen. David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm).
HF108*/SF42/CH165
Drivers will be allowed to exceed the speed limit by 10 mph when passing another vehicle going the same direction on a two-lane highway with a speed limit of at least 55 mph. This provision is part of a new law making failure to wear a seatbelt by a primary offense. Although the law is sponsored by Rep. Kim Norton (DFL-Rochester) and Sen. Steve Murphy (DFLRed Wing), the passing provision is taken from HF464/SF601, sponsored by Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFLVirginia) and Sen. David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm).
HF108*/SF42/CH165
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