October 2022

55+ driver discount program offered

The Minnesota Highway Safety Center will be offering 55+ Driver Discount Courses on the following days: -November17th:4-hour refresher course 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Kilowatt Community Center, Granite Falls.

SMSU to host Holocaust survivor Mr. Fred Amram Nov. 14

Southwest Minnesota State University is honored to host holocaust survivor, Mr. Fred Amram on Monday, November 14. Mr. Amram will give a presentation in the Fine Arts Theatre at 6:30pm. A reception following the presentation will be held in the William Whipple Gallery.

Remove open inlets and install structures to save water for the “not so rainy” days

Tile drainage is nearly a universally applicable investment made into cropland in our area. While the benefits of tile drainage are improved traffic-ability and increased crop yields from the removal of excess water, open inlets or intakes can convey not only corn stalks, rodents and other obstructions into your drainage system, but also can deliver sediment and phosphorus to stream systems which have a detrimental impact on water quality. Some intakes are needed to act as somewhat of a relief valve for tile flow or to act as an outlet for a conservation practice. Intakes that are necessary for operation should be utilizing a “riser” type inlet to meter water flow and prevent debris from entering the system. While many landowners and producers have seen the benefit of removing the open inlets that are malfunctioning, accidentally buried or not needed; many folks have not even thought about it.

Toward Zero Deaths honors Mary Erickson with TZD Star award

Mary Erickson, Renville County safe roads coalition coordinator, was among the 11 individuals and one organization honored by the Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths program for her work to save lives through improved traffic safety efforts.

Spear phishing on the rise as school year begins

SWWC Cybersecurity Engineer and Josh Sumption, SWWC Chief Technology and Information Officer Another school year is ramping up with all the hustle and excitement that comes with it. With our primary focus on getting ready for another year of educating the future generation, cyber criminals grin at the opportunity to catch us with our guard down on cyber activity.

Join CURE to learn more about Cooperative Energy futures

Xcel Energy Customers in Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Renville, Swift, or Yellow Medicine County have a new opportunity to “go solar” and reduce energy bills by joining a co-op solar garden being developed just west of Clara City by Minnesota-based Cooperative Energy Solutions. People are invited to learn more about the co-op solar garden at an upcoming informational session on Thursday, October 27 from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Montevideo (220 S 13th Street).

The OK Factor duo to visit Dawson October 27-29

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association announces the second event of its season at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson – the talented and dynamic string duo, The OK Factor, performing on Saturday, October 29 at 7:00 pm.

M State selected as new host of regional Small Business Development Center

Minnesota State Community and Technical College has been chosen as the new host of the West Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center for a threeyear period beginning January 1, 2023. M State was selected for its proven commitment to business development, existing resources, large geographic and demographic footprint, and established partnerships with regional businesses and industry.