Governor Tim Pawlenty
January 15, 2009
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Does the Governor’s State of the State address send mixed messages to cities?
http://www.governor.state.mn.us/stellent/groups/public/documents/web_content/prod009309.pdf
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
A MINNESOTA WITHOUT POVERTY
Business, government and faith leaders to gather on January 21, 2009 to affirm recommendations to end poverty in Minnesota by 2020, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 218 10th St. S., Moorhead, MN 56560 from 3:00 PM—4:00 PM
A Minnesota Without Poverty, the statewide movement that is galvanizing support from business, government and the faith communities in Minnesota, announced plans for a Jan. 21, 2009, public affirmation of recommendations made by the Legislative Commission to End Poverty in Minnesota by 2020. A gathering at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moorhead, MN will be held simultaneously with the St. Paul ceremony. The public is invited to attend and participate.
The Legislative Commission to End Poverty in Minnesota by 2020 has compiled a comprehensive list of recommendations that erase or reduce the barriers that force people to live in poverty. The recommendations identify problems and solutions in key areas: education, health care, transportation, employment and welfare. The recommendations, if implemented, would have the potential to lead to a poverty-free Minnesota by 2020.
Ending poverty is possible when we show up, stand up, sign up, and speak up. A Minnesota Without Poverty is a statewide, interfaith movement to end poverty in Minnesota by 2020.
This announcement is brought to you by Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership.
Their Mission: To assist low-income people in their quest for self-sufficiency. Their Vision: To be a visible leader in encouraging self-sufficiency and attainment of personal goals through valued services that address the people in the communities we serve.
Originally posted on the Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership blog site.
http://lakesandprairiesblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/minnesota-without-poverty.html
A Minnesota Without Poverty, the statewide movement that is galvanizing support from business, government and the faith communities in Minnesota, announced plans for a Jan. 21, 2009, public affirmation of recommendations made by the Legislative Commission to End Poverty in Minnesota by 2020. A gathering at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moorhead, MN will be held simultaneously with the St. Paul ceremony. The public is invited to attend and participate.
The Legislative Commission to End Poverty in Minnesota by 2020 has compiled a comprehensive list of recommendations that erase or reduce the barriers that force people to live in poverty. The recommendations identify problems and solutions in key areas: education, health care, transportation, employment and welfare. The recommendations, if implemented, would have the potential to lead to a poverty-free Minnesota by 2020.
Ending poverty is possible when we show up, stand up, sign up, and speak up. A Minnesota Without Poverty is a statewide, interfaith movement to end poverty in Minnesota by 2020.
This announcement is brought to you by Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership.
Their Mission: To assist low-income people in their quest for self-sufficiency. Their Vision: To be a visible leader in encouraging self-sufficiency and attainment of personal goals through valued services that address the people in the communities we serve.
Originally posted on the Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership blog site.
http://lakesandprairiesblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/minnesota-without-poverty.html
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Minnesota Senate Budget Discussion: Solving the Budget Problem Together
The Senate has created a Senate Budget Discussion website, welcoming ideas from the public regarding the state budget. The Minnesota State Senate’s Budget Discussion Website is an online community designed to invite you to contribute your ideas on the state budget. Your ideas will help the Senate develop a budget that reflects the values and needs of our communities.
The Minnesota Senate wants to hear from you. This web site is designed to gather ideas to solve the state's budget crisis from as many Minnesotans as possible. We welcome all suggestions, large or small. Your ideas will help shape the Senate's spending decisions and your creativity could spark innovative solutions.
During this Session, the state will set its budget for the next two fiscal years: July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011. The November 2008 economic forecast revealed that the state government faces a deficit of more than $4.8 billion dollars over the next two years. This is a very significant budget deficit. In order to create a balanced budget for the next two years, we will need to consider all ideas and be creative in finding solutions. All Minnesotans will need to be a part of the decision-making process.
Remember that you are always welcome to contact your local Senator by letter, telephone, email or personal visits to the Capitol. We hope that this website will be another way for you to be a part of the legislative process.
http://budgetforum.senate.mn/
The Minnesota Senate wants to hear from you. This web site is designed to gather ideas to solve the state's budget crisis from as many Minnesotans as possible. We welcome all suggestions, large or small. Your ideas will help shape the Senate's spending decisions and your creativity could spark innovative solutions.
During this Session, the state will set its budget for the next two fiscal years: July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011. The November 2008 economic forecast revealed that the state government faces a deficit of more than $4.8 billion dollars over the next two years. This is a very significant budget deficit. In order to create a balanced budget for the next two years, we will need to consider all ideas and be creative in finding solutions. All Minnesotans will need to be a part of the decision-making process.
Remember that you are always welcome to contact your local Senator by letter, telephone, email or personal visits to the Capitol. We hope that this website will be another way for you to be a part of the legislative process.
http://budgetforum.senate.mn/
Monday, December 1, 2008
LCSC Launches new Leadership Skills Training series for 2009
At the request of member agencies, Lakes Country Service Cooperative is pleased to be able to offer a series of five leadership workshops for mid-management level employees in 2009.
Building Relationships with Decision Makers....February 12, 2009
This workshop will give you real life ideas as to the value of building relationships with decision makers and things you can do to begin and sustain the relationship over time.
Committees That Work.......March 11, 2009
This workshop will address the Seven Meeting Traps most groups, committees and boards find themselves in from time to time. This workshop will name and traps and offer solutions for each. It will address meeting guidelines, bad meeting behavior, agenda management, leading from the back and much more.
Your Conflict Type........April 9, 2009
Conflict is a given in our lives. We all handle it differently. The Thomas Kilman Conflict Inventory is an instrument that allows each person to determine how they handle conflict, the strengths of each type and the "shadow" side of each type. This is an eye-opening session that looks at the personal side of conflict.
Ethical Decision Making......September 24, 2009
In your work, you're presented with perplexing decisions every day. What is right? What is wrong? How do you know? This session will help you understand Ethical Decision Making frameworks that you can use to make decisions. We will utilize some case studies and look at the qualities ethical people have. Come to this session with examples, questions and your stories as we explore this provocative topic.
Public Participation.......October 15, 2009
How do we get the public involved in setting an organizational agenda? Just what is Public Participation and how do we make it happen? This workshop will help you gather input from the public and key stakeholders on any issue. Strategically determine who in the public is for you and who is against you and how looking at all sides of an issue will enable you to make appropriate decisions based on the input you have received.
Registration is on-line at the Lakes Country Service Cooperative website.
www.lcsc.org
Contact Pam Ness for more information: pamness@lcsc.org
Building Relationships with Decision Makers....February 12, 2009
This workshop will give you real life ideas as to the value of building relationships with decision makers and things you can do to begin and sustain the relationship over time.
Committees That Work.......March 11, 2009
This workshop will address the Seven Meeting Traps most groups, committees and boards find themselves in from time to time. This workshop will name and traps and offer solutions for each. It will address meeting guidelines, bad meeting behavior, agenda management, leading from the back and much more.
Your Conflict Type........April 9, 2009
Conflict is a given in our lives. We all handle it differently. The Thomas Kilman Conflict Inventory is an instrument that allows each person to determine how they handle conflict, the strengths of each type and the "shadow" side of each type. This is an eye-opening session that looks at the personal side of conflict.
Ethical Decision Making......September 24, 2009
In your work, you're presented with perplexing decisions every day. What is right? What is wrong? How do you know? This session will help you understand Ethical Decision Making frameworks that you can use to make decisions. We will utilize some case studies and look at the qualities ethical people have. Come to this session with examples, questions and your stories as we explore this provocative topic.
Public Participation.......October 15, 2009
How do we get the public involved in setting an organizational agenda? Just what is Public Participation and how do we make it happen? This workshop will help you gather input from the public and key stakeholders on any issue. Strategically determine who in the public is for you and who is against you and how looking at all sides of an issue will enable you to make appropriate decisions based on the input you have received.
Registration is on-line at the Lakes Country Service Cooperative website.
www.lcsc.org
Contact Pam Ness for more information: pamness@lcsc.org
Friday, November 14, 2008
Fergus Falls Community Zero Adult Provider Program; Judicial Response to Underage Drinking
The Fergus Falls Community ZAP project is a partnership between the Otter Tail Family Services Collaborative Chemical Health Work Group and the Otter Tail County Safe Communities Coalition. These two committees have the membership of over 35 different county-based organizations including, but not limited to local police departments, the Sheriff''s Department, Public Health, the County Attorney's Office, public school districts, the MN State Community & Technical College, chemical dependency treatment providers and specialists and Lakes Country Service Cooperative.
We know that persons under the age of 21 usually obtain alcohol directly or indirectly from those over the age of 21. We believe that by working with parents and other adults, youth, law enforcement, prosecutors, judges and others directly involved with chemical use issues, we can make a change in the community norms that will foster long term efforts and reduce underage drinking within Otter Tail County.
ZAP in Fergus Falls:
We know that persons under the age of 21 usually obtain alcohol directly or indirectly from those over the age of 21. We believe that by working with parents and other adults, youth, law enforcement, prosecutors, judges and others directly involved with chemical use issues, we can make a change in the community norms that will foster long term efforts and reduce underage drinking within Otter Tail County.
ZAP in Fergus Falls:
- Allows for enhanced enforcement of adult provider laws by increasing overtime hours for officers to fully investigate and identify the source of the alcohol when minors are found in possession of it within Otter Tail County.
- Provides for increased identification of the adults purchasing and providing alcohol to minors by finding overtime above and beyond those hours currently provided by law enforcement to increase surveillance and patrol during key community events when minors are often arrested for consuming alcohol.
- Strives to increase public awareness of the dangers and consequences of underage drinking and to reduce the amount of alcohol provided to minors by adults over the age of 21.
The program activities identified within this grant project will be carried out between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. The specific dates for increased surveillance and patrol by law enforcement will include, but not be limited to: September 27 (MN State Community & Technical College Homecoming); October 3 (Fergus Falls High School Homecoming); November 28 (Friday after Thanksgiving when many college students are home from college); May - June 2009 at the DeLagoon City Park during adult league softball season; and June 2009 City of Fergus Falls Summerfest.
To date, added law enforcement hours through this program has charged 61 minors with underage consuming, as well as two adults for providing alcohol to minors.
For more information regarding the ZAP Program in Fergus Falls, contact:
Jane Patrick, Coordinator; Otter Tail Family Service Collaborative; 218-736-3458
Pam Ness, Coordinator; Lakes Country Service Cooperative; 218-739-3273
Bremer Emergency Fund
A joint response by the Foundation and Bremer Bank to the current economic crisis, the Bremer Emergency Fund will provide one-year grants of up to $100,000 to help organizations provide emergency financial assistance to individuals and families in Bremer communities who are struggling to continue to provide basics such as food, warm and stable housing, health care, and reliable transportation in the face of increased unemployment and high prices.
We recognize that timely financial assistance can sometimes make the difference between instability and security, enabling families and individuals to meet emergency needs and retain housing or jobs. Then, once basic needs are met and a crisis is averted, families are in a better position to access community programs that can help them achieve long-term stability and participate fully in their communities' economic, civic, and social life.
The Bremer Emergency Fund honors the legacy and vision of Foundation founder Otto Bremer, who believed that people could survive and flourish if they had help at critical times. In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, Bremer liquidated many of his personal assets to help the "countryside banks" in which he had invested ride out the hard times. The Bremer Emergency Fund reflects this commitment to the bank communities and to the support of those working to make their lives better. The Foundation's grant dollars will be supplemented by a donation from Bremer Bank.
We will be inviting proposals for this initiative beginning on November 14, with a submission deadline of December 15, 2008. We will notify recipients of grants by January 15, 2009. Eligible organizations are those whose beneficiaries are residents of the Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin communities served by Bremer Bank. Additional information on the Emergency Fund and application forms are available on our website, www.ottobremer.org.
Foundation decisions will be based on: demonstrated community need; geography; the organization’s experience and capacity; and the organization’s ability to provide follow-up and support, including links to additional community resources.
Randi Ilyse Roth, Executive Director
Otto Bremer Foundation
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 2250
St. Paul, MN 55101-2107
651-312-3723 (direct)
651-227-8036 (office)
888-291-1123 (toll-free)
Email: rroth@ottobremer.org
Web: http://www.ottobremer.org
We recognize that timely financial assistance can sometimes make the difference between instability and security, enabling families and individuals to meet emergency needs and retain housing or jobs. Then, once basic needs are met and a crisis is averted, families are in a better position to access community programs that can help them achieve long-term stability and participate fully in their communities' economic, civic, and social life.
The Bremer Emergency Fund honors the legacy and vision of Foundation founder Otto Bremer, who believed that people could survive and flourish if they had help at critical times. In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, Bremer liquidated many of his personal assets to help the "countryside banks" in which he had invested ride out the hard times. The Bremer Emergency Fund reflects this commitment to the bank communities and to the support of those working to make their lives better. The Foundation's grant dollars will be supplemented by a donation from Bremer Bank.
We will be inviting proposals for this initiative beginning on November 14, with a submission deadline of December 15, 2008. We will notify recipients of grants by January 15, 2009. Eligible organizations are those whose beneficiaries are residents of the Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin communities served by Bremer Bank. Additional information on the Emergency Fund and application forms are available on our website, www.ottobremer.org.
Foundation decisions will be based on: demonstrated community need; geography; the organization’s experience and capacity; and the organization’s ability to provide follow-up and support, including links to additional community resources.
Randi Ilyse Roth, Executive Director
Otto Bremer Foundation
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 2250
St. Paul, MN 55101-2107
651-312-3723 (direct)
651-227-8036 (office)
888-291-1123 (toll-free)
Email: rroth@ottobremer.org
Web: http://www.ottobremer.org
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is pleased to announce the availability of the Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) Biomass Heating Program.
This program provides grants and loans to local units of government for the installation of biomass heating projects in publicly owned facilities. The funding award limit is $250,000, with a required minimum local match of 1 to 1.
A total of $1 million will be awarded.
Applications for funding will be accepted until April 30, 2009, or until all funds are committed, whichever is sooner.
For more information, please go to:
http://www.deed.state.mn.us/Community/assistance/MIF_BiomassIntro.htm
This program provides grants and loans to local units of government for the installation of biomass heating projects in publicly owned facilities. The funding award limit is $250,000, with a required minimum local match of 1 to 1.
A total of $1 million will be awarded.
Applications for funding will be accepted until April 30, 2009, or until all funds are committed, whichever is sooner.
For more information, please go to:
http://www.deed.state.mn.us/Community/assistance/MIF_BiomassIntro.htm
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
City of Hoffman Awarded Grant
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development officials last month awarded the City of Hoffman nearly $1.8 million to fund two community development projects.
Paid from the 2008 farm bill, most of the money - more than $1.5 million - will go toward installing a new city water system. The rest will help replace Hoffman's aging fire hall.
The city has been working for the last year to secure federal funding for the two projects, reported City Clerk Pat Lawson. The current city water system was built in the 1950's. As part of the project, the city will also build a new 100,000 gallon water tower; twice as large as the old tank.
Construction on the new water system is set to begin next spring.
(Source: "Minnesota Cities" volume 93, issue 9 by the League of Minnesota Cities and Alexandria Echo Press)
Paid from the 2008 farm bill, most of the money - more than $1.5 million - will go toward installing a new city water system. The rest will help replace Hoffman's aging fire hall.
The city has been working for the last year to secure federal funding for the two projects, reported City Clerk Pat Lawson. The current city water system was built in the 1950's. As part of the project, the city will also build a new 100,000 gallon water tower; twice as large as the old tank.
Construction on the new water system is set to begin next spring.
(Source: "Minnesota Cities" volume 93, issue 9 by the League of Minnesota Cities and Alexandria Echo Press)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
2008 Fall Regional Alliance Meeting
Lakes Country Service Cooperative (LCSC) hosted the 2008 Fall Regional Alliance Meeting in the Eagle Conference Room at LCSC on September 10, 2008.The 2008 Fall Regional Alliance Meeting offered approximately 30 city, county, nonprofit and other governmental agency members an opportunity to gain information on LCSC trends, grant opportunities, infrastructure financing, and to find out first hand what state and regional elected officials are doing to support their communities and agencies.
Featured speakers during the morning session included LCSC executive director Jeremy Kovash, LCSC coordinator Pam Ness, LCSC health and safety manager Melissa Mattson, West Central Initiative president, Nancy Straw and keynote speaker Terry Kuhlman, Executive Director of the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA). PFA is responsible for the administration and financial management of revolving loan funds and other programs to assist local government and others with the construction of public infrastructure.
The afternoon session featured an open forum for audience interaction with regional elected officials, as well as candidates running for public office. Panel members included State Representative Bud Nornes, State Representative candidate Greg Stumbo, Senator Dan Skogen, Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen, State Representative candidate Mark Murdock, State Representative Morrie Lanning, State Representative candidate Mark Altenburg, Brenda Elmer on behalf of Senator Norm Coleman, and Andy Martin on behalf of Senator Amy Klobuchar .
Panel topics of discussion included water and waste management, local tax levees, state funding for school districts, health care, state seat belt laws, and city financing, to name a few. All audience participants and panel members had an opportunity to comment on any/all issues presented.
Featured speakers during the morning session included LCSC executive director Jeremy Kovash, LCSC coordinator Pam Ness, LCSC health and safety manager Melissa Mattson, West Central Initiative president, Nancy Straw and keynote speaker Terry Kuhlman, Executive Director of the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA). PFA is responsible for the administration and financial management of revolving loan funds and other programs to assist local government and others with the construction of public infrastructure.
The afternoon session featured an open forum for audience interaction with regional elected officials, as well as candidates running for public office. Panel members included State Representative Bud Nornes, State Representative candidate Greg Stumbo, Senator Dan Skogen, Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen, State Representative candidate Mark Murdock, State Representative Morrie Lanning, State Representative candidate Mark Altenburg, Brenda Elmer on behalf of Senator Norm Coleman, and Andy Martin on behalf of Senator Amy Klobuchar .
Panel topics of discussion included water and waste management, local tax levees, state funding for school districts, health care, state seat belt laws, and city financing, to name a few. All audience participants and panel members had an opportunity to comment on any/all issues presented.
West Central Truck Rodeo
The Otter Tail County Employees’ Safety Committee and the Otter Tail Highway Department sponsored and operated a truck rodeo at the Red Horse Ranch Arena on September 17, 2008.The truck rodeo is a test of driving skills for highway maintenance workers who drive snowplow trucks. The trucks are set up with a snowplow in front of the truck, and a wing plow on the front right hand corner of the truck. The drivers’ skills and judgment were tested in approximately eight different configurations.
The course included: driving forward through and around a set of barrels, then backing up through the same set of barrels; with the side wing plow down, driving close around a curve without hitting posts; driving past a series of mailboxes with the same wing plow down without hitting the mailboxes; driving a marked straight line; with the truck box up, driving beneath a bridge (bridge is made of metal poles); backing up to a loading dock; driving down a narrow path without hitting the side markers; and stopping within a few inches of a line. Drivers are also given a specified amount of time to complete the course.
The truck rodeo provides drivers with the opportunity to sharpen their driving skills and become prepared for plowing snow in the winter months.
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