Maria Menounos and husband Keven Undergaro welcome first child via surrogate

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After dealing with years of infertility issues and multiple health battles, Maria Menounos and her husband Keven Undergaro have welcomed their first baby together. Us Weekly posted a link to an article with Menounos, 45, on Instagram along with the caption:  “I finally know where I belong.” 🤍 After a 10-year struggle with infertility, Maria Menounos has become a mother.”

The entertainment journalist shared with the publication that her daughter, Athena Alexandra, was born on June 23 via a surrogate, calling it “the most special moment of my life … I sat with her on my chest, and Keven and I kept looking at each other like, ‘Oh, my God.’ It was just pure joy. For so long, I’ve felt something’s been missing. And now I feel so grounded, like I finally know where I belong. Athena is our miracle baby. I’m so grateful for her.”” Menounos also explained how she and Undergaro chose the name Athena: “We knew we wanted a Greek name. . . . Athena is the goddess of war and wisdom, and Keven loved the power of that name, so that was it!”

Menounos announced that she and Undergaro, 55, were expecting their daughter back in February, and opened up about her 10-year fertility journey. Menounos was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2017, and she was also diagnosed with stage two pancreatic cancer back in January. She underwent a successful surgery to remove a 3.9 cm tumor on her pancreas and is now in remission.

Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

BULLETIN BOARD-July 21, 2023

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The Crookston Community Pool is closed until further notice.

The Eat United Food program will run through July 27 on Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Ray Ecklund Park Complex at the Lion’s Shelter by the hut. All children 18 and younger can get a free meal, and adults 19 years or older can purchase a meal for $5. Children must be present in order to receive a meal (one per child.) Meals must be consumed on-site. There will be to-go meals this year.

The Marshall County Fair in Warren goes on today and will go through July 23.

The 50th Crookston Central High School Class of 1973 Reunion will be today and July 22. Tonight they will meet from 5:00 p.m. to midnight at I. C. Muggs. Dress like youre in the 70s. Saturday morning, theres a golf outing and Pickle Ball. Saturday night, meet at Minakwa Country Club from 5:00 to midnight. There will be a Silent Auction to help with expenses.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Katie’s Reflexology today from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo tonight, starting at 6:30 p.m. This is a $500 must-go jackpot.

The first annual St. Jude’s Shanty Motorcycle Run will be Saturday, July 22. Registration is from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. The run starts at 11:00 a.m. at Irishmans Shanty. $20 per bike, $10 per passenger. The first stop is The Spot in Red Lake Falls, the second stop is the Black Cat in Thief River Falls, the third stop is the Cozy Bar in Brooks, then heads back to Irishmans Shanty. Proceeds go to St. Judes Research Hospital.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Saturday, July 22, starting at 2:00 p.m. This is a $400 must-go jackpot.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have a NAPS distribution on Monday, July 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and a Lion’s Club meeting/lunch at 12:00 p.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will be having $8 burger baskets on Monday, July 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have a speaker on Tuesday, July 25, at 10:00 a.m.

The Crookston Public Library will host a meeting of the Books & Brews Book Club on Tuesday, July 25, at 6:30 p.m. at Drafts Sports Bar & Grill, 925 Fisher Ave. The group will read and discuss Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman. The book club meets on the fourth Tuesday of every other month to discuss books and enjoy beverages. Appetizers are provided by the Friends of the Crookston Public Library; participants are responsible for the cost of their own food and drinks. All adults are welcome.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have pinochle and recycled cards on Tuesday, July 25, starting at 1:00 p.m., and SAIL will follow at 2:30 p.m.

The Crookston Public Library Books and Brews Book Club will meet at Drafts Sports Bar and Grill on Tuesday, July 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to discuss the book Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman.

The Crookston Eagles Club will be having darts on Tuesday, July 25, starting at 7:00 p.m.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Men’s Cards on Wednesday, July 26, starting at 8:00 a.m. and cribbage starting at 10:00 a.m.

The Crookston Public Library will host Nature Prints with Sara for ages birth to 13 on Wednesday, July 26, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Learn about relief printing and incorporating natural materials at the eco-printing party.

The Crookston Public Library will host Nature Printing Programs for Youth in grade PreK through seventh grade on Wednesday, July 26, at 2:00 p.m. Participants will create prints that can be used as cards, bookmarks, and more. All supplies will be provided, but youth should bring their own leaves.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday night Burger Night on Wednesday, July 26.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have foot care on Thursday, July 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Crookston Public Library will have Storytime for ages 0 through 6 on Thursday, July 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The Wesley United Methodist Church will have Summer Salad Lunches on July 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They offer a variety of salads, homemade desserts, and beverages. Dine-in or take-out is available$ 12.00 per meal.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have SAIL on Thursday, July 27, starting at 2:30 p.m.

Altru and Safe Kids of Grand Forks are having a Car Seat Checkup on July 27 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Brost Chevrolet in Crookston. To schedule an appointment time, contact Polk County Public Health at 218-281-3385.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Thursday, July 27, starting at 6:30 p.m. This is a $500 must-go Jackpot.

Benedictine Living Community-Crookston is hosting a Legislative Social on Friday, July 28that 10:00 am in the Library off of the main south entrance of the Villa. Benedictine will be celebrating the commitment of House Representative Kiel and Senate Majority Leader Johnson with time for conversations and coffee for constituents to visit with their legislators while enjoying Benedictines hospitality.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Saturday, July 28, starting at 2:00 p.m. This is a $400 must-go Jackpot.

The Crookston Gun Club will be hosting a Minnesota permit to carry a firearm course and a Minnesota permit to carry a firearm renewal course on Saturday, July 29th at 8:00 am at the Crookston Gun Club, followed by a live fire qualification course. The cost for the Minnesota permit to carry course andrenewal course is $100.00 per person. Class size is limited. Please contact Darin Selzler at 218-289-2825 or emailwarriorfirearmstraining@hotmail.comto register.

The Crookston Lions and Minakwas 42nd Annual Youth Golf Tournament will be on August 7. Registration will be at 8:00 a.m., with a Shot Gun Start at 9:00 a.m. Ages 8 and under 4 holes and all receive a participation medal 9-10 years old: 9 holes 11-12 years old: 9 holes 13-14 years old: 18 holes 15-17 years old: 18 holes Prizes awarded for Boys and Girls Medalists along with trophies & door prizes. The entry fee is $20 (lunch included) Park and Rec golfers ages 8 and under are $10 (lunch included). Call to pre-register by July 31.

The Golden Link will have Forrest LaPorte, CNP, speaking on ” Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention” on Tuesday, August 1st, 2023, at 10:00 am. Theres limited seating, so call 281-3072 to reserve your spot.

The Crookston Public Library will have Baby Bounce on Tuesday, August 1, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. These are social and early literacy activities for infants through preschoolers and their caregivers.

Nite to Unite Neighbors Joining Neighbors will be held on Tuesday, August 1st,from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the campus of the University of Minnesota Crookston.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday, August 2.

RiverView Health will host a four-hour First Aid Class Thursday, August 3, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the RiverView Home Care Building, 721 South Minnesota Street in Crookston. The cost of the class is $50. You must pay in advance to save your spot. To register or for more information, call 281-9405. No walk-ins will be accepted

The Fisher American Legion will have a Legion and SAL meeting on Tuesday, August 8, at 7:00 p.m.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday, August 9.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday, August 16.

The Crookston Public Library will have a free Summer Concert featuring Kissing Company Thursday, August 17, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket for seating. Admission is free, thanks to funding from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Series.

The 19th Annual Crookston Blue Line Club 5-Person Golf Scramble will be on August 18. 8:00 a.m. registration, 9:00 a.m. Shotgun Start. Team Sponsorship is $400, Individual Entry is $80.00. For more information and to register, contact Katie Fee at 218-470-0423 or crookstonhockey@gmail.com.

The Central High School Class of 1963 will be celebrating their 60th reunion on Saturday, August 19, from 12:30 to 5:00 at the Carnegie Library upstairs. There wont be a program, and attendees should bring a snack to share and their own drink.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday, August 23.

The Wesley United Methodist Church will have Summer Salad Lunches on August 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They offer a variety of salads, homemade desserts, and beverages. Dine-in or take-out is available$ 12.00 per meal.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday, August 30.

DNR Hunter Safety Training for youth aged 11 and older will be on August 29 and 31 and on September 1, 5, 7, and 8. Field Day and Test will be Saturday, September 9. Classes are held at the Crookston Gun Club, 26251 240th St. S.W. in Crookston. To register, call Steve Videen at 218-289-2115 or email him at stevevideen@yahoo.com.

CONTINUING ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Grand Theatre will have a Classic Family Matinee and Video Club gaming every Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Admission is free with a concession purchase or pay just $1.

A fundraising account has been established for David Meine, a Crookston native who suffers from Stage 3 Huntingtons disease. He recently became a double amputee and is confined to a wheelchair. Funds will be used to remodel their home to make it handicapped accessible. Stop by or mail a donation to American Federal Bank, 304 North Broadway, Crookston, MN. 56716 or call 218-281-3305. Reference Benefit Account for David Meine.

Twig and Branch Collection will be held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, running from June through October. Place the materials on your curbside. Branches must be cut in four-foot lengths and bundled in order for the crews to take them away. Any branches or tree trunks not cut to this length and bundled will be left for the owner to haul away. Twigs may be in boxes or bags. Individuals removing their diseased elm trees should call City Hall to schedule a pickup. Please note that leaves, grass, and other compostable material must be in the clear City of Crookston bags and will be collected on your regular garbage collection day.

The Crookston Care and Share are now accepting donations of Womens, Mens, and childrens clothing as well as toiletries and other common items. Donations may be dropped off at the Care and Share Center at 220 East Third Street.

The Crookston Public Librarys Books & Brews Book Club meet on the fourth Tuesday of every other month at 6:30 p.m. at Drafts Sports Bar and Grill. They will discuss books and enjoy beverages. Appetizers are provided by the Friends of the Crookston Public Library; participants are responsible for the cost of their own food and drinks. All are welcome.

The Crookston Public Librarys Reading by the Red Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of every other month at the library at 6:30 p.m. They will discuss books and enjoy beverages.

The Golden Link is serving noon lunch Monday through Friday. The cost is $8. Veterans meals are half-price on the first Monday of the month. Call 281-3072 by 10:00 the day you plan to have lunch.

The Crookston Friends of the Library meet on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

The Crookston Library Board meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:15 p.m.

The Grand Theatre will have free gaming or family movie Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Its free with a concession stand purchase per person or just $1 without a concession stand purchase.

The Cove Youth Center in Crookston is open Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Students and parents should call ahead to check the availability of the youth center 218-470-0149.

The Crookston Care and Share Centers Donation and New Hope Food Shelf will be open every Monday and Wednesday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and every Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. For information on the Care and Share New Hope Food Shelf website, click here. For more information or to donate, call 218-277-0000.

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Ariana Grande dating ‘Wicked’ co-star Ethan Slater after split from husband

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According to multiple sources, Ariana Grande is dating her “Wicked” co-star Ethan Slater amid her split from estranged husband Dalton Gomez.

TMZ broke the news that Grande and Slater, who is also reportedly separated from his wife, singer Lilly Jay, started dating several months ago after meeting on the set of the film. A photo of the ‘Wicked’ cast from March celebrating Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar win in London showed Grande sitting close to Slater with his arm wrapped around her. TMZ said that Slater and Grande got together after he already had separated from Jay, who married in 2018 and welcomed a son together last year. Grande reportedly separated from Gomez in January, after two years of marriage.

The 31-year-old Slater, who plays Boq in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical, rose to fame starring in “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.” The actor was nominated for a Tony Award for his role.

‘Wicked’ composer Stephen Schwartz said that filming has been paused due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, with about 10 days of work to go. Director Jon M. Chu said the disruption shouldn’t affect the film’s November 2024 release date.

Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

CROOKSTON AIRPORT COMMISSION, AND JOINT AIRPORT ZONING BOARD MEETING RECAP

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The Crookston Airport Commission met on Thursday in the City Hall Conference room.

AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING RECAP

The commission started the meeting by approving the Airport manager agreement. This agreement was for Lowell Miller, airport manager at the Crookston Municipal Airport. The original contract expired in December 2022. The contract renewal is valid through December of 2025 for Miller.

The Miller Aircraft (a fixed-based operator) allows Lowell Miller to use specific space to repair aircraft that arrive. City Administrator Corky Reynolds explains, “They can sell fuel for which he pays a ten-cent per gallon fee to the city,” said Reynolds, “but he operates that as a private business, as Miller Aircraft at our airport, but pays the city while doing so.” The commission approved Miller Aircraft.

The airport commission also approved a Commercial Agricultural Hangar Lease with Dans Flying Service; Reynolds explains, “Dan Guist has operated out of our airport for several years,” said Reynolds, “his commercial hangar lease expired, a new one was created, and this was reviewed by the airport commission and found the terms of this to be acceptable.” This lease is a 10-year agreement with Crookston for the municipal use of Dans Flying Service Hangar. Guist is a spray pilot, which entails spraying commercial chemicals on Farming lands.

The meeting also included updates on the new AWOS system. AWOS is set to be the latest weather observation system at the Airport, which is currently under procedure. New hangars are being built at Crookston Airport. Now, environmental studies are being done before they are constructed.

Zoning project updates were given at the meeting; Reynolds stated, “Because we are decommissioning one runway and creating a new runway, we have to rezone around the airport,” said Reynolds, “The rezoning is so certain crops won’t grow around the airport.” The commission mentioned that certain crops, such as sunflowers, have been an issue when growing tall around the current runway zone. The zoning project was initially 70% funded by the state, with a city matching 30%. With Crookston Airport reportedly receiving more state funding, the state will completely support this project.

JOINT AIRPORT ZONING BOARD KICKOFF

The Joint Airport Zoning Board met Thursday afternoon in the City Hall Council Chambers. This was a rezoning committee meeting for the Crookston Municipal Airport.

Crookston airport is making changes to runways; Reynolds explained, “We’re making changes to our runways because there are new federal requirements,” said Reynolds, “We have to make changes on how we zone the area to prevent any crops or development that would hinder planes coming in landing or taking off.”

With the Airport adjacent to various townships, townships could send a representative to the meeting. A committee has been established between the city, townships, and county. Reynolds describes the talking points at the meeting, “we discussed the various safety concerns about the airport, and we also established a date on which we will take public comment about a proposed zoning ordinance.” This meeting will occur on September 27 at 5:30 p.m. in the Crookston City Hall council chambers.

New safety zones have been established around the Airport; these distances are measured by how far residential areas are from the runway and by the height of structures on these properties; these zones have been decreased from the 1978 Crookston Airport safety zones. However, residents that have property in these zones since 1978 have been “grandfathered” in, and they are free to build or add on to their property within the height and width requirements that have been placed.

Reynolds states three objectives the committee approved, “the zoning board was established today, also the selection of the chairperson and a secretary to be the official spokespeople,” said Reynolds, “the proposed ordinance was established today, but it was not passed because we need to have public input.”

 

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ALTRU HEALTH RECIEVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR PROVIDING HIGH-QUALITY STROKE CARE

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Altru Health System has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke GOLD PLUS with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Achievement Awards. These awards recognize the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately saving more lives and reducing disability.

“We are extremely honored to be recognized by the American Heart/Stroke Association with this award. Altru is dedicated to improving patient care by adhering to the latest stroke guidelines. Our dedicated team spends a lot of time and effort to ensure patients with stroke get the highest medical care,” explained Dr. Cory Edwards, Altru stroke program medical director. “Following these guidelines ensures our patients receive the highest level of care and allows our patients to get the best possible outcomes. This award recognizes all the hard work of our team of healthcare providers. The goal is to ensure more people in the Altru region can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines-Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants educate patients about managing their health and recovery at home.

Altru has received two additional distinctions: the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite award and the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Altru Health System for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates a win for healthcare systems, families and communities.”

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death, and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are vital to improving survival, minimizing disability, and accelerating recovery times.

Get With the Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed to save lives and speeding, The Guidelines have touched the lives of more than 13 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.


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CROOKSTON LEGION BASEBALL TAKES ON WADENA IN SUB-STATE TOURNAMENT

Crookston Legion Post #20 Baseball takes on Wadena Post #171 in the first round of the Northwest Sub-State District 9 Legion Tournament at Melland Memorial Park in Fosston. You can listen to the game on KROX, first pitch is at 11:00 AM.

FIRST INNING
The first two Crookston batter was retried before Alex Longoria drew a walk. The next batter was retired.
Wadena began the inning with a lead-off double from Isaac Hamann, who reached third off of a passed ball. Connor Davis hit a sacrifice fly to score a run and give Wadena the early lead 1-0. Kobe Snyder singled and stole second before the next batter was retired. Tyson Barthel doubled to score a run and Brandon Wheeler was hit by a pitch before the next batter was retired, ending the inning with Wadena taking a 2-0 lead.

SECOND INNING
Crookston began the inning with a lead-off walk from Tanner Giese before the next batter grounded into a double play. The next Crookston batter was retired.
The first two Wadena batters were retired before Hamann doubled. Davis and Snyder drew walks before the next batter was retired, ending the threat.

THIRD INNING
Crookston’s first batter was retired before Lucas Miller drew a walk. The next batter lined into a double play, ending the half-inning.
The first Wadena batter was retired before Wheeler drew a walk. The next batter was retired before Connor Dutke doubled to score a run before he was caught on the base path to end the inning with Wadena furthering their lead 3-0.

FOURTH INNING
Crookston began the inning with George Widman drawing a walk. The next two batters were retired before Giese singled. A pitch hit Jackson Demarais to load the bases before the next Crookston batter was retired, ending the threat.

 

FIFTH INNING

 

SIXTH INNING

 

SEVEN INNING

1
2
3
4
5

6

7
R
H
E
Crookston
0
0
0
0

0
1
0
Wadena
2
0
1

3
5
0
Pitching
IP
H
R
ER
BB
K

Peyton Church-Wadena

3.0

1

0

0

5

2

Blake Melsa-Crox

1.2

4

2

2

2

1

Tanner Giese-Crox

0.1

1

1

1

1

2


For Crookston-

 

For Wadena-

 

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THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TURNS 50 YEARS OLD

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July 2023 officially marks 50 years since the Minnesota Department of Taxation changed its name to the Minnesota Department of Revenue. From administering a handful of assessments and taxes in the early 20th century, the department received over 6 million payments, issued approximately 3.5 million tax refunds, and collected more than $33 billion in tax revenue in 2021.

“This agency has a long history of funding the priorities of the state of Minnesota,” said Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart. “From protecting our natural resources to providing educational opportunities for students, to building the infrastructure that has allowed Minnesota’s economy to grow and thrive, the work done by dedicated employees of this agency over the years has positively impacted generations of Minnesotans.”

History of the Minnesota Department of Revenue

Beginning in 1907, the Minnesota Tax Commission replaced the State Board of Equalization and was headed by a three-member committee appointed by the governor. As the state’s tax needs evolved, so did the agency. In 1939, a reorganization of state government changed the Minnesota Tax Commission to the Minnesota Department of Taxation, an agency headed by a single commissioner appointed by the governor. Following legislation passed during the 1973 legislative session, the agency’s name was changed to the Minnesota Department of Revenue. For further reading about the history of the Minnesota Department of Revenue, visit the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library.

Get the latest news and updates from the Minnesota Department of Revenue by following the department onFacebookandTwitteror by signing up for ouremail subscription list.

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ITASCA STATE PARK NATURE PROGRAM-EVENTS JULY 21 TO JULY 26

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Here are the Itasca State Park Nature Program events for July 21 to July 26.

Jr. Naturalist: Geocaching

Friday, July 21, 2023, from 2-2:30 p.m.

Meet in front of the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds

Learn about geocaching as we practice how to use a GPS correctly. Your newfound skill will then be tested by navigating through waypoints until you find the final cache. Kids will be able to take home a small prize afterward.

Old Timer’s Cabin and the Civilian Conservation Corps

Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 12:30-2 p.m. (come and go at your leisure)

Held at the Old Timer’s Cabin, located along the boardwalk of Dr. Roberts Trail below Douglas Lodge

Only 4 (massive) logs tall, learn more about this Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed building and what life was like in the CCC. Feel free to stop by at your leisure.

Jr. Naturalist: Nature Photography

Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 2-2:45 p.m.

Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom

Kids, come to the classroom and learn about nature photography tips and tricks. We will then head outdoors and try our newly discovered skills on a guided photo safari.

Bring your digital camera or cell phone, or borrow a camera from us for the photo safari.

Good ‘Ol Days Campfire

Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 7-7:30 p.m.

Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter)

Do you remember being at camp, singing songs, telling stories, and making crafts around the campfire? It’s time to do it all again. Join us for a night of laughter and fun as we relive these memorable moments around the fire. Bring a chair/blanket and supplies for after the program!

Five Facts in Five Minutes with The Weasel Family

Sunday, July 23, 2023, from 10:30-Noon

Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if it rains.)

Only have a minute to learn about Itasca State Park? As you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, stop by the nature cart and learn about some animals in the weasel family.

Outdoor Kids Snakes

Sunday, July 23, 2023, from 2-3:30 p.m. (come and go at your leisure)

Meet by the Swim Beach/ Playground (at the south end of the picnic grounds on Lake Itasca)

Kids of all ages come out and explore nature at their leisure. This program series allows kids to connect with nature through hands-on activities that focus on life around the lake. Have fun discovering Itasca while hanging out at the swimming beach or playground.

Itasca’s Evening Under the Pines: The Hoot Owls

Sunday, July 23, 2023, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Meet on the lawn outside Douglas Lodge, inside the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center, if raining.

Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and sit outside historic Douglas Lodge as the musical group “The Hoot Owls” perform an eclectic mix of roots, bluegrass, and folk music on bass, mandolin, guitar, and banjo.

Mississippi Headwaters Mysteries, Walk

Monday, July 24, 2023, from 11-11:30 a.m.

Meet under the porch at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center

Did you ever wonder: why are there two different lengths recorded for the river? How did Lake Itasca get its name? Have those rocks always been there? Does the river ever freeze? Discover the answer to these mysteries about the Mississippi River and Lake Itasca as we walk to the headwaters.

Old Timer’s Cabin and the Civilian Conservation Corps

Monday, July 24, 2023, from 12:30-2 p.m. (come and go at your leisure)

Held at the Old Timer’s Cabin, located along the boardwalk of Dr. Roberts Trail below Douglas Lodge

Only 4 (massive) logs tall, learn more about this Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed building and what life was like in the CCC. Feel free to stop by at your leisure.

Five Facts in Five Minutes: Simply Stunning Snakes

Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 1:30-3 p.m.

Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if it rains.)

Only have a minute to learn about Itasca State Park? As you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, stop by the nature cart and learn all about the snakes of Minnesota.

Take Me Fishing Tuesday

Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Meet at the Lake Ozawindib Pier on Lake Ozawindib

Kids and adults, are you a ‘first-time’ fisher person wanting to try a new fishing skill? Learn to identify the common fish species, how to tie a knot, bait your hook, and cast for fish. Suitable for ages 6-12. NOTES: An adult must accompany children. Bring your fishing pole or use one provided (limited number). Bars are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Bait provided. Non-Minnesota residents will need a fishing license (within the park, purchased at Itasca Sports Rental).

Five Facts in Five Minutes: Frogs

Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 1:30-3 p.m.

Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if it rains.)

Only have a minute to learn about Itasca State Park? As you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, stop by the nature cart and learn all about the frogs of Minnesota.

Yoga in the Park

Wednesday, July 26, 2023, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Meet on the picnic grounds by the Lakeside Museum, and watch for signs (lakeside from Wegmann’s Store/cabin). If raining, held inside the Lakeside Museum.

Relax and unwind with Yoga in the Park, catered to all ages and levels of physical fitness. Begin your day/End your day with healthy stretching. Enjoy nature while benefitting from yoga as the calming view of Lake Itasca and the towering pines overhead center you.

Participants should bring a mat, blanket, or beach towel and wear comfortable clothing to move freely, led by personal yoga trainers. All levels are welcome.

The post ITASCA STATE PARK NATURE PROGRAM-EVENTS JULY 21 TO JULY 26 appeared first on KROX.

Judge rejects Trump’s effort to move New York hush money case to federal court

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A federal judge on Wednesday rejected former President Donald Trump’s bid to move his hush-money payments case from New York state court to a federal venue. The ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Alvin Hellerstein means the case will stay in Manhattan criminal court, where District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office is prosecuting Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. A spokesperson for Bragg said: “We are very pleased with the federal court’s decision and look forward to proceeding in New York State Supreme Court.”  The case will now go back to state criminal court in Manhattan, where it will be overseen by Judge Juan Merchan, and is scheduled to go to trial in March.

Pleading not guilty, Trump argued that the payments were connected to his duties as president and that the case should therefore be heard in federal court; Judge Hellerstein rejected that argument, writing in his 25-page ruling: “Trump has failed to show that the conduct charged by the Indictment is for or relating to any act performed by or for the President under color of the official acts of a President. Trump also has failed to show that he has a colorable federal defense to the Indictment.”  

Hellerstein said in his ruling: “The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that the matter was a purely a personal item of the President — a cover-up of an embarrassing event. Hush money paid to an adult film star is not related to a President’s official acts. Falsifying business records to hide such reimbursement, and to transform the reimbursement into a business expense for Trump and income to Cohen, likewise does not relate to a presidential duty.” The conduct Trump is accused of covering up includes a $130,000 payment his then-lawyer Michael Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels near the end of the 2016 presidential campaign to keep quiet about an alleged affair with Trump. Trump has acknowledged repaying Cohen in a series of payments in 2017 but he maintains the payments were on the up-and-up, and that he never had an affair with Daniels.

A Trump campaign spokesperson said in a statement that “this case belongs in a federal court and we will continue to pursue all legal avenues to move it there.” Trump’s attorneys had argued the former president could claim additional defenses in a federal court setting, in part because they say he would not have hired Cohen as his personal lawyer had he not been elected president.

Editorial credit: Christopher Halloran / Shutterstock.com