September 2022
Breeding waterfowl counts show numbers at or below long-term averages
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Spring waterfowl population counts by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provide data that the DNR uses to produce population estimates.This year, the estimates are average or below- average for several species of waterfowl that nest in Minnesota. The 2022 breeding population estimates are: • Mallards – 231,000, whichis19%belowthe2019 estimateandunchangedfrom the long-term average • Blue-winged teal – 161,000, which is 28% below the 2019 estimate and 24% below the long-term average • Other ducks, excluding scaup, (such as ring-necked ducks, wood ducks, gadwalls, northern shovelers, canvasbacks, redheads and buffleheads), 175,000 which is 6% below the 2019 estimate and 3% below the longterm average • Total breeding duck abundance (excluding scaup) – 567,000, which is 18% below the 2019 estimate and 9% below the long-term average • Canada geese – 115,000, which is similar to the 2019 estimate and 27% below the long-term average.
COURT NEWS
Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office Villata-Sanchez, Ceasar Geovanny, Montevideo; Offense date 6/14/22 Criminal - False Name and DOB to Police (Misdemeanor); Plea 8/17/22 Guilty; Disposition 8/17/22 Convicted; Court Decision 8/17/22 Sentenced Local Confinement (30 Days, Stay 0 Yr 0 Mo 30 Days for 1 Yr); $25 Fine. Hughes, Albert Vaniler, Montevideo; Offense date 2/21/22 Fleeing a Peace Officer in Motor Vehicle (Felony); Plea 8/9/22 Guilty; Disposition 8/23/22 Convicted; Court Decision 8/23/22 Sentenced Commit to Commissioner of Corrections Adult MN Correctional Facility - St.
September is Emergency Preparedness Month
Countryside Public Health September is Emergency Preparedness month. While many of the emergencies in our area are likely to be weather related, there are countless possible disasters that could happen at any time.
Above average temps forecasted
We had some severe weather move across Minnesota both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, tornadoes were confirmed in Ramsey County and Dakota County. During the storms, heavy rain fell during the Minnesota State Fair. The concert at the State Fair’s Grand Stand had to be canceled. More severe weather was reported in Minnesota on Sunday where tornado watches and warnings were issued. Large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes were reported across the state.
Prairie Notebook
Tom Watson Other than my resident downy woodpecker at the suet cage, there’s been a noticeable dearth of songbirds in my yard. It was brought to my attention, not by the lack of any ‘singing’ going on, but by a visit the other day of a hummingbird, the second one I’ve seen this past week.
Letter to the Editor
With the new school year upon us, or recently started, it is also time to determine what your federally- funded educational institution plans to do, to comply with Public Law 108-447, signed by President George W. Bush, on December 8, 2004. Within Section 111, of that law, we are informed that federal department or agency heads shall provide each new employee with information on the US Constitution and also that: “Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on [or about] September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution.”
Beyond Reason
What’s in a Name? Due to the overwhelming response (glad you liked it, Mom) to a recent column about nautical terminology, this is a kind of follow-up. Thus, I give you boat names.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14)
A hotel chain’s commercial featured one little building standing amidst a dark night. Nothing else was around. The only light in the scene came from a small lamp near the door on the porch of the building. The bulb cast enough illumination for a visitor to walk up the steps and enter the building. The commercial ended with the phrase, “We’ll leave the light on for you.” A porch light is akin to a welcome sign, reminding weary travelers that there’s a comfortable place still open where they can stop and rest. The light invites those passing by to come on in and escape from the dark, weary journey. Jesus says the lives of those who believe in Him should resemble that of a welcoming light. He told His followers, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). As believers, we’re to illuminate a dark world. As He directs and empowers us, “[oth- ers] may see [our] good deeds and glorify [our] Father in heaven” (v. 16). And as we leave our lights on, they will feel welcomed to come to us to learn more about the one true Light of the World—Jesus (John 8:12). In a weary and dark world, His light al- ways remains on.
CHURCH SCHEDULES
Assembly of God, Clarkfield SUNDAY: Sunday School 9 a.m.; Worship 10 a.m.; Evening 7 p.m. Wednesday: Teens 5 p.m.; Young Explorers 6:30 p.m.
Ann Andrews
Ann Andrews of Montevideo passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022, at the St. Cloud Hospital at the age of 72.