April 2022
More moisture moves in this week
Much of the region had some snow on Sunday as a low-pressure system pushed across the state. It was pretty to see but I think many of us are over this winter and want to see the warmer weather settle-in “for good,” or at least until next fall! I know some of our area farmers have told me that they are hoping to be able to get out into the fields, and that they needing some drier days and warmer temperatures to dry things out this spring. Unfortunately, more moisture will be with us for Wednesday into Thursday. It will also be very windy as we could see some gusts to 40 mph! It certainly won’t be a couple of great days weatherwise.
News from Milan
Mother Nature sure has her wires crossed. Snow and slush and then warmer and then rain and snow again. AND. There is more mixed precipitation forecast for the coming week. Come on, Mama. Give us a break. I am so looking forward to flowers blooming in nature.
News from W.R.A.P.: Fair Housing Month
April is National Fair Housing Month! Fair housing is a growing need and concern within all communities. This is especially true for the victim/survivors that WRAP works with. WoMen’s Rural Advocacy Programs, Inc. (WRAP) provides advocacy for victim/survivors of domestic abuse and sex trafficking/exploitation in Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood, and Yellow Medicine Counties.
Live Well, Age Wisely: 5-Star Special Enrollment Period
Each year Medicare gives every Advantage plan, Cost plan, and Part D drug plan a rating between one and five stars. A 5-star rating is considered excellent. The stars are assigned on factors including quality and performance of the plan and come from plan details as well as feedback from customer service surveys from beneficiaries and health care providers. The star ratings for the upcoming year are assigned in the fall and are useful during the annual Open Enrollment Period when people are looking at coverage for the upcoming year and wondering if a plan they are considering is any good.
Local resident works to promote substance use prevention for area youth through data-based strategies
When Sarah Vonderharr, of Montevideo, was in grad school, she was introduced to some strategies to promote nurturing environments in the classroom. It was those teachings that inspired her to apply the lessons to her work now in substance use prevention as a Prevention Specialist for PACT for Families in Yellow Medicine County. The organization works on the prevention of substance use in youth within the counties of Renville, Kandiyohi, and Yellow Medicine County under a Partnership for Success Grant.
COURT NEWS
Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office Ortiz, Alexandra, Blaine; Offense date 3/19/21 Driving After Suspension (Misdemeanor); Plea 3/26/22 Guilty; Disposition 3/26/22 Convicted; Court Decision 3/26/22 Payable without appearance; $200 Fine. Klinghagen, Craig Allen, Clara City; Offense date 2/19/20 Felon in Possession of Firearm (Felony); Plea 8/10/20 Guilty; Disposition 10/20/20 Stay of adjudication; Amended Court Decision 11/4/21 Continued; $500 Fine.
Superintendent’s CORNER
When it comes to action and change, people are generally in one of two corners; 1. Things are moving too slow or 2. Things are moving too fast. Why is that? I don’t have the answer to that question, however I would offer up that sometimes both are right and sometimes both are wrong. Moving too fast without a plan can be reckless and create bigger issues than what the change was intended to fix. On the other hand, moving too slowly simply to move slowly can contribute to complacency and “that’s the way it’s always been” thinking. At Montevideo Public Schools we don’t want to fall into either of these categories, therefore we have and continue to examine ourselves and our practices in order to determine if what we are doing are getting the right results in the areas most important for the education of our students and to meet the expectations of our community.
New to Medicare Virtual Class offered
Learning what to do when you become eligible for Medicare can seem overwhelming. This class is for people who will be new to Medicare and would like to learn about Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. Topics will include a comprehensive introduction to Medicare including what Medicare covers, supplemental insurance and Part D prescription coverage. During the class you will learn the Medicare enrollment details, how to get the most from your benefits and how to research your Medicare plan options using the Medicare.gov site.
Before starting an outdoor home improvement project, call 811 before you dig
In observance of National Safe Digging Month in April, Great Plains Natural Gas announced results from a recent national survey revealing that 49% of homeowners who plan to dig this year will put themselves and their communities at risk by digging without contacting 811 beforehand to learn the approximate location of underground utilities. Additionally, 58% of homeowners reported experiencing a utility service interruption in the last 12 months, a direct result of damaging an underground utility line.
Amy Brustuen joins Southwest Initiative Foundation as new youth and family specialist
Amy Brustuen of Grove City has joined Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) staff to fill the new role of youth and family specialist. Brustuen will be a resource to build and strengthen southwest Minnesota’s youth and families by creating community connections and directing resources to opportunities that impact critical needs for the education and well-being of children birth-to-18 and families across the region. She started her role March 9. Brustuen has spent two decades in human services as a social worker and case manager for Meeker County. She holds a master’s degree in human services and forensic behavioral health from Concordia University-St. Paul.