KTOE Weekend News Report
Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancy in the Fourth Judicial District
On Thursday, the Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District. The vacancy will occur upon the retirement of the Honorable James A. Moore. This seat will be chambered in Minneapolis in Hennepin County.
North Mankato Police Officers Recognized
North Mankato Police Officers Nick Herwig and Anthony Daily were recognized at the January 16th North Mankato City Council Meeting by the MN Office of Traffic Safety. Officer Herwig received a 2023 All-Star Honorable Mention Award for his dedication and significant efforts in combating impaired driving. Officer Daily received a Hat Trick Award for making three impaired driving arrests during one shift. Both officers continue to demonstrate a commitment to making traffic safety a top priority.
CERT Seed Grants
Minnesota’s Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) is awarding seed grants to 45 energy efficiency and renewable energy projects—including six within the southeast region of Minnesota. The projects range from educational outreach on clean energy incentives, to energy
efficiency for manufactured homes, to skill-building for clean energy careers.
The City of Faribault will compile a tool and resource library for residents to use to conduct small-scale energy efficiency assessments and to calculate potential savings. The project aims to increase public awareness around energy efficiency and participation in incentive programs, as well as reduce energy
consumption and costs.
In Rice County, the Growing Up Healthy program will assist residents who may not be eligible for weatherization programs with home repairs to improve energy efficiency and save money.
In Southeast MN, MTERA will provide resources directly to Tribes to fund necessary aspects of clean energy project development and implementation, such as funding grant writers or hiring contractors for specific aspects of projects outside of their or MTERA’s expertise.
Slipstream Group, Inc provides Manufactured Home Building Basics Training and will develop a curriculum to provide contractors and weatherization staff with a foundation of knowledge on manufactured home structures, heating systems, ductwork, and building science principles.
Twins And Ballpark Authority to Split Cost Of Assessing Target Field’s Future Needs
The Twins and the Minnesota Ballpark Authority that oversees Target Field will split the 350 thousand dollar cost of hiring a consultant. The ballpark authority accepted a request from the Twins to spend 175 thousand dollars from the capital projects fund to hire Brailsford and Dunleavy. The consulting firm will be hired to assess the overall condition of Target Field. Brailsford and Dunleavy then will determine what might need to be replaced or removed.
Minnesota Lottery Says $14M In Prizes Went Unclaimed Last Year
The Minnesota Lottery says players should check their tickets closely before throwing them away. The lottery says just under 14-million in prizes went unclaimed last year, including a one-million-dollar Mega Millions prize sold at a store in Fridley. Lottery players have 12 months to claim their prizes before they are moved into the state’s general fund.
Minnesota Public Colleges Sought $1B For Building Projects but Walz Plan Offers Less
Minnesota’s public colleges and universities will get more than 200 million dollars for construction projects under Governor Tim Walz’s infrastructure plan. That is far less than what the schools requested. The University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities each asked for roughly 500 million dollars to help repair and upgrade old buildings. Leaders at both systems offered thanks after going over the governor’s proposal but made clear that they would continue to seek more funding.
MNHS Grant Money to Total Over $6.6M for 23 Recipient Counties
The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) has announced the 45 newest recipients of the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Large Grants, which are grants of $10,000 and more. The grants total over $6.6 million and will benefit organizations in 23 counties. These grants are awarded annually to help nonprofits, educational organizations, government units, and federally recognized tribes preserve and share Minnesota’s history.
Minnesota Ag Delegation on Trade Mission to Morocco
State officials and Minnesota agriculture leaders leave today (Sat) for a six-day trade mission to Morocco. The delegation will tour Moroccan food and agricultural businesses and try to identify further opportunities for Minnesota products. The state exported 13-and-a-half-million dollars’ worth of ag products to Morocco in 2022, which is the only U-S Free Trade Agreement partner in Africa. State Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen is leading the trip with representatives from six Minnesota ag-related organizations.
