Month: December 2021

The National Audubon Society invites birdwatchers to participate in the longest-running community science survey, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). On Saturday, December 18, birders and nature enthusiasts in Crookston will take part in this tradition, many rising before dawn to participate. Rydell and Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuges host a similar count on Friday, December 17. This is the 122nd annual count hosted by Audubon.

This year is the 50th year volunteers have counted birds in the Crookston area. Last year 16 volunteers braved high winds and cool temperatures to count 33 species of birds totaling 1877 individuals. Everyone is hoping for better weather this year!

You do not have to be an expert to participate. The only equipment required are binoculars and a bird book. Typically, novice birders are paired with more experienced counters, however, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the count will be run in a similar fashion to last year’s count. Participants will count birds independently in assigned locations within a 15-mile diameter circle that includes the city of Crookston. This event can serve as a great learning experience for beginning birders. Participants can count from a vehicle or on foot, depending on their comfort and the weather conditions that day. Volunteers survey the rural areas in the morning and usually focus on the city of Crookston in the afternoon. Volunteers can assist for the full day, just the morning or afternoon. Bird feeders are an important part of the count, too. People who live in the count circle also can participate by reporting bird sightings at their home feeders.

All volunteers will receive a map of the count circle and a count form with the birds typically seen, in addition to other resources. Interested volunteers must register by Friday, December 10 to participate. If you are interested in participating or have questions about the count, contact John Loegering, volunteer count compiler, via email at jloegeri@umn.edu or 218-280-8014.

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is a free community science project organized by the National Audubon Society. Counts are open to birders of all skill levels and Audubon’s free Bird Guide app makes it even easier to learn more. For more information and to find a count near you visit www.christmasbirdcount.org.

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The Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds the public that it is illegal to deposit snow on or next to a public highway or street.

“Placing snow on or near a public road creates hazards, including drainage problems, drifting, sight obstruction, and unsafe access,” said Paul Konickson, Assistant District Engineer – Operations. “Keep crosswalks, intersections, entrances, and exits clean and unobstructed.”

Minnesota law and many local ordinances prohibit the plowing, blowing, shoveling, or otherwise placing of snow onto public roads or sidewalks. This includes the ditch and right-of-way area along the roads.

Violations are considered misdemeanors, but civil penalties also apply if the placement of snow creates a hazard, such as a slippery area, frozen rut or bump, that contributes to a motor vehicle or pedestrian crash. The civil liability can extend to both the property owner and the person who placed the snow.

MnDOT maintenance crews in District 2 plow and maintain over 3,900 miles of state highways in northwestern Minnesota.

For tips on safe winter driving, go to www.mndot.gov/workzone/winter.html.

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The Crookston Area Chamber presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to KROX, The Voice of the Valley on Wednesday afternoon. Below is a press release from the Chamber discussing why KROX was chosen –

KROX is a distinguished group of long-standing professionals who have not only made their mark in the world of commerce but have enriched Crookston and the surrounding communities. They continuously display long-term business success, strong community involvement, demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a changing business world. They are a true leadership role model, and we are so fortunate to have them in the heart of Crookston and the Valley.

Below is a video of Chamber Executive Director Mark Landa presenting the award to the KROX staff.

Accepting the award from L-R: Wyatt Morrell, Beau Melbye, Chris Fee, Jeanette Fee, and Steve Krueger.

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First Community Credit Union (FCCU) is the UMC fall semester Maroon and Gold winner. “Congratulations to Dana and her team! We have had a great response in showing our colors of maroon and gold. Over the last three months we have visited over thirty Crookston businesses,” said Michelle Christopherson, Director of Outreach and Engagement.

First Community Credit Union (FCCU) wins a $150.00 gift certificate and a spirit box. “We encourage all businesses to show their spirit every Friday. To register your business, sign up here or contact Christopherson at mchristo@umn.edu or 218.281.8369.

Pictured with Regal the Golden Eagle are FCCU team members: Trey Christopherson, Dana Jonsson, ‘02, Amber Leiser, Amanda Lisell, Will Knox, and Kaci Forness.

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The Minnesota Department of Health released the COVID-19 numbers for today and the state reported 3,140 cases with 75 deaths. 3 deaths were reported in northwest Minnesota. 2 in Beltrami County and 1 in Polk County. Polk County reported 18 new cases with one probable, Pennington County had 6 with four probable, Roseau County had 6, Mahnomen County had 6, Marshall County had 3 with one probable, and Norman County had 1,

All the information is below –

Data is for cases that were tested and returned positive. At-home test results are not counted by MDH.

All data is preliminary and may change as cases are investigated. Many data points are collected through an online survey or during case interviews; however, not all cases are interviewed. Case interviews are focused on people under 18 years old, hospitalizations, deaths, and people with vaccine breakthrough or variants. Data presented below is for all cases, regardless of interview status.

Positive PCR test results are considered confirmed cases. Positive antigen test results are considered probable cases. All probable cases get the same public health follow up and recommendations as cases confirmed by PCR tests.

Testing

Minnesota Case Overview

Cases no longer needing isolation

Deaths

Hospitalizations

Case Demographics

Age

Gender

Race & Ethnicity

Residence

Cases by County of Residence

County of residence is confirmed during the case interview. At the time of this posting not all interviews have been completed.

As of 10/28/21, likely exposure and residence type are no longer collected for all cases and therefore no longer reported. Archived data can be found in the COVID-19 Weekly Report.

The post MINNESOTA REPORTS 3,140 NEW COVID CASES AND 75 DEATHS, POLK COUNTY HAS 18 NEW CASES AND 1 DEATH appeared first on KROX.

Derek Goebel, Altru’s director of finance and supply chain, has been named to Prairie Business’ ‘40 Under 40’ list for 2021.

Goebel has been with Altru for 11 years and has served on multiple teams, including planning, performance improvement, operations, and finance. He has also served in the National Guard for 13 years, including mobilizations both overseas and stateside. Goebel has led initiatives to support Altru’s financial turnaround, while also serving on the command center team during the COVID pandemic.

Goebel is scheduled to graduate in December with his second bachelor’s degree, this one in accounting. Previously he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in business administration.

“Derek is a trusted and respected expert at Altru, focused on balancing the growth of the organization with financial stability,” states Annie Bonzer, director of marketing and public relations at Altru. “He excels at maneuvering through complex situations effectively and quietly while promoting the engagement of the team and success of the organization.”

Annually, Prairie Business magazine profiles 40 young professionals in the region, all under the age of 40. These inspiring and dedicated professionals come from a wide range of industries and have made significant impacts in their chosen professions and communities.

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