February 2025

News from WRAP: Teen dating violence
Teen dating violence has become more recognized and there is a nationwide initiative to increase awareness and education about the dangers of teen dating abuse. In 2006 the first National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Week was held. Since then, the month of February has been recognized nationally for bringing awareness to teen dating violence. The phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” stands true to what we want for our youth and teens in all aspects of life. Teaching youth and teens about healthy boundaries and relationships with themselves and others is one of the most valuable life lessons we can give.

Chippewa County 4-H Horse team awarded
The Chippewa County 4-H Horse Team and coach, recently achieved the award of 2025 Senior Reserve Champion Hippology team and Senior Reserve Champion Horse Quiz Bowl team at the Black Hills Stock Show. Hippology is the study of horses, and the competition included tests and stations related to anatomy, physiology, history and more.

Department of Public Transformation and The YES! House welcome the 2025 River Valley RippleArtists-in-Residence
Department of Public Transformation (DoPT) and The YES! House, a project of DoPT, are excited to announce the second round of River Valley Ripple Artists-in-Residence! Four artists from Southwest Minnesota have been selected by a committee of local residents through an application process.

MNPAiR artists present ideas for Memorial Park art at council meeting
At last weeks meeting of the Granite Falls City Council, MNPAiR artists Tamara Isfeld and John Sterner were in attendance to provide the council with an overview of the work they have been doing towards an art installation that will be housed in Memorial Park.

From the Editor’s Desk
I’ve heard a lot about the owl “irruption” in Northern Minnesota and so on my recent trip to “up north”, I was excited at the prospect of seeing the owls that live in the boreal forest in Canada visiting Minnesota.

Memory Care Corner: Fish and Dementia – part 2…
In my last article, I shared about the different varieties of fish - and how each have their own “look.” The same is true about dementia. Dementia can present itself differently depending on the type and what part of the brain is being affected.
Hike by candlelight at Lac qui Parle State Park on February 15th
Minnesota state parks and trails will host candlelight events across the state this winter, including one at Lac qui Parle State Park on Saturday, February 15th, 2025. Drop by any time between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm for hiking as stars twinkle overhead and candles flicker in the snow.

Montevideo girls take on Sauk Centre
Last week, the Montevideo Girls Varsity Basketball team took on Sauk Centre for a 39-73 loss. Leaders in the game included Teagan Epema who scored 14 points. Complete scoring follows:
Apply Apply for turkey permits in ‘A’ season for Carlos Avery or Whitewater WMAs by Feb. 21
Turkey hunters have through Friday, Feb. 21, to apply for turkey hunting permits for the A spring hunting season in Carlos Avery or Whitewater wildlife management areas. There will be 30 permits available for Carlos Avery WMA and 150 permits for Whitewater WMA.
Tax season donations benefit Minnesota’s at-risk wildlife
Those filling out their taxes can support the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Nongame Wildlife Program by checking the box to donate to the Nongame Wildlife Fund.