Month: December 2024

Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced that Minnesota exports rose to $6.7 billion last quarter, jumping nearly 11% over the same quarter last year. Growth of Minnesota exports outpaced the national rate (3%) for the quarter and outperformed all but 12 other states.

“Minnesota’s surge in exports is a reflection of the significant business expansion that continues to create job opportunities and strengthen our global trade networks,” said Governor Walz. “With investments in business expansion and workforce development, we’re meeting global supply chain needs and enhancing ties with global partners while building a strong economy that supports communities at home.”

The first nine months of 2024 have seen Minnesota exports grow nearly 10% over the same time period in 2023, while the U.S. growth reached nearly 3% over the same period.

“2024 has been a strong year for Minnesota and has seen our economy outpace national trends every quarter,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “This growth is in no small part thanks to flourishing relationships with our international trade partners. Our robust global trade networks continue to create opportunity for Minnesotans with our connections abroad, passing that success on to a more vibrant, dynamic economy at home.”

Half of Minnesota’s top 10 products saw growth, with mineral fuel and oil (up 369%), plastics (up 27%), and aircraft and spacecraft (up 33%) among the leaders in gains. Growth in sales of optic and medical devices was driven by segments such as measuring and checking devices, and medical and surgical instruments.

Minnesota’s two largest markets, Canada (up 16%) and Mexico (up 30%), drove much of this quarter’s growth. Mineral fuel and oil exports contributed significant growth to Canada ($520 million, up from $15 million). Exports to Mexico were pushed by a variety of Minnesota goods, including electrical equipment, machinery, oil seeds and grain, and optic and medical goods.

Exports to Asia surged 18% to $1.8 billion this quarter due to a mounting demand for Minnesota goods, led by optic and medical goods, machinery, and electrical equipment.

Meanwhile, exports to the Middle East leapt 27% to $129 million, fueled by strong sales to the United Arab Emirates of machinery, railway equipment and aircraft.

“Minnesota’s exports continue to thrive and grow in the global market,” said Minnesota Trade Office Executive Director Gabrielle Gerbaud. “We look forward to fostering even stronger ties with our North American partners, as well as developing new connections and supporting export growth in key regions across the globe.”

The post Minnesota Exports continue to outpace the national rate first appeared on KROX.

First Friday Hike
Friday, January 3, 2025, from 1-2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center
Grab some snowshoes and head down the trail with a park naturalist and explore winter.  Route will be selected depending on snow conditions. All experience levels are welcome!
NOTES: A limited number of snowshoes are available to use during this program. Contact naturalist Sandra if you need to reserve a pair at Sandra.d.lichter@state.mn.us or 218-699-7252. This snowshoe walk is dependent on snow depth. If not enough snow, it will become a snow boot walk. Dress in layers and wear snow boots.

Circle Time Under the Pines: C is for Chickadees
Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 11-11:45 a.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center (look for the big building under the big pine trees.)
Children 2-5 years old, come explore Itasca as we learn about nature through stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. Bring your outdoor clothes as we will be outside exploring nature if weather allows.
NOTES: Adults must accompany children. Consider bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying your noon meal around the fireplace in the visitor center lobby after the program.

Annual Lantern Light Ski and Snowshoe event
Lantern Light Event
Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Starting at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center
Please join us for the annual Lantern Light Event at Itasca State Park! Bundle up to walk, snowshoe, or ski at your leisure as glowing lanterns guide your way through towering pines under expansive, starry skies. The total length of this out-and-back trail is 3.5 miles following the South Entrance Road. It is a well-defined path with minimal elevation change. Adjust the distance to suit your fitness level. There will be a campfire crackling at the trailhead to warm-up or roast your favorite campfire snack. Gather inside the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center for refreshments and music.
Snowshoe and Ski rentals: If the snowpack allows, snowshoe and ski rentals will be available from Itasca Sports while supplies last. The Itasca Sports winter rental shop will be open inside the Forest Inn, located near the Douglas Lodge, before and during the event. Adult and youth sizes are available.
NOTES: A Minnesota state parks vehicle permit is required on all vehicles in the park. A Minnesota Ski Pass is required for all skiers over 16 years old. Purchase permits and passes at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center when you arrive or purchase them online in advance. Pets are not allowed on groomed ski trails or inside park buildings.

A Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing
Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 1-2 p.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom
Looking for a fun, winter activity that will get you outside? Enjoy the beauty of winter on snowshoes! This beginner’s class will
teach you the basics of snowshoeing as well as great places to visit in Itasca while wearing snowshoes. This program is dependent on snowfall.
What to Bring: Dress warmly in layers and include snow boots. The program will be outside on the trail, trying out your new skills. Reserve a pair of snowshoes or bring your own.
Snowshoes: Bring your own snowshoes or email Naturalist Sandra at Sandra.d.lichter@state.mn.us or call 218-699-7252 to reserve a pair of snowshoes.

Kid’s Science Discovery: Animal Tracks and Sign
Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 1:30-2:15 p.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center
Kids, explore different animal’s tracks and the stories they tell. Science Discovery programs are geared for students looking to take the classroom outside. Itasca is a wonderful outdoor learning space to explore the natural world.
What to Bring: This program will include going outdoors if the weather allows, so plan for the weather. Dress in layers and wear snow boots.

Beginning Birding with Birds in Your Backyard
Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom
Come learn some easy tips on how to identify some common winter birds. Also, explore how to attract these birds to your own backyard. 

The post Itasca State Park offers a lot of January programs first appeared on KROX.

Downtown Snow Removal Alert!

The City of Crookston will remove accumulated snow from the Downtown business district on Thursday, December 26th, between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM.

We kindly ask that no vehicles be parked on the streets during this time to ensure crews can efficiently and safely complete the snow removal process.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our downtown accessible and safe for everyone!

The post Downtown Snow Removal Alert for Crookston first appeared on KROX.

More than 40 outbreaks of norovirus — sometimes called “stomach flu” — have been reported to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) so far this December, almost twice the usual number.

Noroviruses cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping. Other symptoms can include low‐grade fever or chills, headaches and muscle aches. Noroviruses are very contagious; they are the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in Minnesota and the most common cause of short-term diarrhea/vomiting illness in the United States. Most people will get norovirus about five times in their lifetime.

“Particularly ahead of holiday gatherings, we want to make sure people are aware of this increase in norovirus outbreaks and taking steps to prevent spreading illness to family or friends,” said Jessica Hancock-Allen, infectious disease division director at MDH.  

Most norovirus illnesses and outbreaks can be prevented through good handwashing and appropriate food handling. To prevent getting and spreading norovirus, health officials recommend that you:

• Always wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before preparing or eating foods, and after using the bathroom or changing diapers. Note: most hand sanitizers do not kill norovirus.
• Do not prepare food for others at all if you have been sick with vomiting or diarrhea in the last three days. Likewise, do not eat food prepared by someone who is ill with vomiting or diarrhea.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces with a household bleach solution immediately after surfaces come in contact with vomit or diarrhea.  
• Cook oysters and other shellfish before eating them.

Illness usually goes away in one or two days with no long-term health effects. People who are ill with symptoms of norovirus should drink plenty of fluids to help avoid becoming dehydrated. If you have questions or concerns, contact your health care provider.  

Restaurants, schools, child care, long-term care and similar facilities should follow outbreak prevention guidelines and employee/attendee vomiting and diarrhea illness exclusions.  

For more information, visit Norovirus Infection.

The post Minnesota has had more than 40 outbreaks of Norovirus in December first appeared on KROX.

The Northwest Regional Corrections Center reported the arrest of the following–

Richard Jason St. Clair, 58, of Crookston, for Obstructing Ambulance Personnel While Attempting to Provide Emergency Care

FIRE REPORT –
Over the weekend, the Crookston Fire Department was called out to false fire alarms.

Friday, December 20 –
9:25 a.m., they were called to a general fire alarm at 2900 University Avenue
1:30 p.m., they were called to a general fire alarm at 1200 block of U.S. Highway 75 South

Saturday, December 21 –
1:40 a.m. – they were called to the 400 block of Woodland Avenue

The post ARREST/FIRE REPORT DECEMBER 23 first appeared on KROX.