Month: April 2022

The National Weather Service in Grand Forks, North Dakota has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for northwest and west central Minnesota and eastern North Dakota from 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 6 to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 7. 

The advisory includes the Minnesota cities of Crookston, East Grand Forks, Ada, Twin Valley, Halstad, Moorhead, Hallock, Karlstad, Lancaster, Warren, Stephen, Argyle, Breckenridge. The North Dakota cities of Cavalier, Walhalla, Drayton, Pembina, Neche, St. Thomas, Grafton, Park River, Lakota, Mcville, Aneta, Tolna, Grand Forks, Cooperstown, Finley, Hope, Mayville, Hillsboro, Hatton, Portland, Valley City, Fargo, Lisbon, Enderlin, Gwinner, Milnor, Forman, Rutland, Wahpeton, Edinburg, Adams, and Lankin.

* WHAT…A wintry mix of rain and snow. Where falling snow occurs near whiteout conditions will occur. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 5 inches, mainly on grassy and elevated surfaces. Locally higher amounts are possible. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE…Portions of northwest and west central Minnesota and northeast and southeast North Dakota.

* WHEN…From 10 AM Wednesday to 1 PM CDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions at times. Significant reductions in visibility may occur where falling snow combines with strong winds. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commutes.

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The Severe Weather Awareness Week Topic for Wednesday is Floods with Crookston Firefighter Shane Heldstab. Heldstab explains that seasonal snowmelt flowing into the rivers, river flow blockage, and heavy spring and summer rainfalls can raise their levels and cause overland flooding on roadways and properties. He gave some tips on what people can do to prepare themselves and prevent property damage.

Floods are one of the most common natural hazards in Minnesota, especially in the spring, with seasonal snowmelt being one of the leading causes of flooding. Thankfully, floods like that tend to develop slowly, so the National Weather Service can warn the public about them, but flash floods can develop quickly due to heavy rains or ice dams breaking due to the warmer weather. With low-lying areas, or areas by a lake, river, behind a levy, or downstream from a dam, being at a much higher risk than others. When the National Weather Service issues a flood watch or warning, the Crookston Fire Department advises people to be prepared, seek safety by going to higher ground, and avoid flooded roadways.

Heldstab first recommended that everyone should prepare an Emergency Supply Kit, either by buying them preassembled at a store or by assembling one yourself or with your family. “We let our girls ahead and help us put together a preparedness kit.” Heldstab explained, “It gives us a chance to explain why we have what we have in there. From canned goods to flashlights that have LEDs.” Next, Heldstab recommended that everyone creates an overall emergency plan that you and your family can follow. “It’s one thing that is easy enough to create and share. So, if you have in-laws, relatives, or anyone else that’s in the community. If you create an emergency plan, let them know what it is, and help them with theirs if they don’t have one.” Heldstab explained, “The last place and time you want to deal with anything like this is the last minute. In an emergency, times of the essence, it’s easier to be prepared and deal with it rather than if you have to go off the shirttail.” Another addition Heldstab recommends is the purchase of a weather radio. Even though everyone has cell phones, cell service and internet connections may not be good enough to make calls or receive weather updates in the time of a crisis, especially if a cell tower is knocked down. Meanwhile, having a radio that people can tune into even in terrible weather is a great way to receive information on if more weather is coming or what is currently happening outside.

In terms of protecting your home and property from high waters and floods, especially in low-lying areas, Heldstab recommends having check-valves for basements and drain plugs for sewers to prevent the water from backing up into basements to avoid major damage to homes and property. He also recommends getting flood insurance from insurance companies, as property insurance does not typically cover flood damage. “Talk to your insurance provider about your policy and consider if you need that additional coverage,” Heldstab explained. He also recommends elevating things in basements like furnaces, water heaters, and anything that could be damaged by seepage.

If you are driving during overland flooding or a potential flash flood that washes across the road, Heldstab mentioned the National Weather Service’s campaign slogan for flood safety, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Saying that if you see the water going over the roadway, turn around and find an alternate path. “They say that 6 inches of water can reach the bottom of most passenger cars, and flowing water is going to move that vehicle. There’s a lot of power behind that water.” Heldstab explains, “We have a river that runs through the community, and most people are aware of the potential energy there, so it’s the same with any type of moving water. Twelve inches of water can float most vehicles, so be safe, use common sense, and don’t drive through running water if it’s going over a roadway.” He also advises people to be aware of other hazards like downed powerlines or tree branches that could fall on the road, as they can cause injury to people and vehicles.

Heldstab informed the public to watch the rainfalls throughout the spring and summer and to keep up to date with the weather apps and physical forms of media like the radio and papers about any information of inclement weather as they will be your most reliable sour es. And only return to an area after a flood when it is indicated safe by the authorities.

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The Bemidji School District has narrowed down its superintendent search to four people to replace the retiring Tim Lutz, and one of them includes current Crookston School District Superintendent Jeremy Olson.

The other three finalists are –
Donita Stepan – Superintendent at Thief River Falls
Karsten Anderson – Superintendent at Red Wing
Jason Stanoch – Bemidji High School principal

“I am a finalist,” said Superintendent Olson. “This is something we are exploring to see if this is a good fit for me and if it is a good fit for them (Bemidji). This is one of those things where you explore other opportunities, even though I love it here in Crookston. It is one of those things where I don’t think I can really lose.”

Olson, who is 38 years old, said he still has a lot of time left and said the lure of a bigger school district is appealing. “Obviously I will remain loyal to Crookston,” said Olson. “I’m going to continue to be loyal to Crookston unless I get the job and decided to leave. That isn’t something that I can ascertain right now, but I am really enjoying Crookston.” Olson added that he makes an annual hunting trip to Bemidji and he likes the area.

According to the Bemidji Pioneer, the four finalists were picked from a pool of 11 applicants and first-round interviews will begin Monday, April 11 at 4:00 p.m.

The post CROOKSTON SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT JEREMY OLSON FINALIST FOR BEMIDJI OPENING appeared first on KROX.

As part of the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan Update, The Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments (Metro COG) will be hosting Phase 2 of this plan’s public involvement. In October of 2021, Phase 1 of public involvement was held. In response to the public feedback from Phase 1, the project team has developed proposed improvements for which input is being sought.

Metro COG will hold two virtual public open houses on Tuesday, October 12th. The open houses will be held from noon to 1:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Both open houses will begin with a presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. Those interested in attending the virtual public open houses can do so by visiting the project website at www.fmmetrocog.org/BikePedPlan21.

In addition to the virtual public open houses, members of the public are encouraged to take the online project survey and provide comments using the online interactive map. Links to both the survey and the interactive map are found on the project website shown above. The survey and interactive map will be open for participation until April 24th.

Every five years, Metro COG updates the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan. This plan will take a comprehensive look at the Fargo-Moorhead Metro Area’s bicycle & pedestrian networks, seek input from the public and local jurisdictions, and provide recommendations and guidance to meet the needs of the community and improve the bicycle & pedestrian environment for all users. This plan will incorporate ‘The Six E’s’ of bicycle & pedestrian planning – Education, Encouragement, Evaluation & Planning, Engineering, Enforcement, and Equity.

For questions regarding the study, please contact Dan Farnsworth, Metro COG Transportation Planner, at farnsworth@fmmetrocog.org/ (701) 532-5106. Alternative participation options will be accommodated upon request.

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Those interested in exploring the art of journaling are invited to spark their creativity and inspiration with a presentation at the Crookston Public Library on Wednesday, April 20, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The presentation will cover different types of journals and media to use and share ideas for inspiration. Participants will start their own journals to bring home with them to finish. Space is limited, so pre-registration is required. Register by calling the library at (218) 281-4522.

The Crookston Public Library is a location of Lake Agassiz Regional Library, a consolidated LINK Site system comprised of 13 branch libraries and nine LINK sites serving the residents of seven counties in northwest Minnesota. More information is available at www.larl.org, and the library’s app, LARL Mobile, is available in the iTunes and Google Play stores for free download.

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