New sunfish regulations in effect on 52 lakes

Sunfish anglers need to closely check the 2022 Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet and signs at water accesses for new sunfish limits in effect on 52 lakes and connected waters starting March 1. The new regulations lower limits on specific waters as part of a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources initiative to protect and improve sunfish sizes.

Adult Driver Education class to be held in Granite Falls

The Southwest Adult Basic Education Program will offer a FREE adult driver education class beginning Monday, March 14. This class will be held at the Minnesota West Community and Technical College located in Granite Falls, and will continue for 8 weeks concluding on Monday, May 2. Class hours will be from 5:00 to 7:00. Students will receive instruction on a variety of topics ranging from Diverging Diamond Interchanges and ABS brakes, to basic intersection technique. This class will also provide the necessary information to assist in successfully passing the state required knowledge test. Information will be presented in a variety of formats, including videos, on-line materials, worksheets, and interesting lectures. To register, contact the Adult Basic Education Office at 320-269-9297, or Paul Knapper at 320-522-2575.

Grief Share Support group starts Monday, March 14th

Another ‘GriefShare’ support group is starting Monday, March 14 at 7 o’clock at The Refuge Church Youth Center, 1023 Benson Road, Montevideo. GriefShare is a nondenominational biblical support group that focuses on helping people who are dealing with a loved ones death. GriefShare features recognized experts on grief recovery topics. Video sessions include, “Is This Normal?” “The Challenges of Grief” “Grief and Your Relationships” “Why” and “Guilt and Anger” For more information contact The Refuge Church at 320-269-7500

Rainfall monitoring network seeks volunteer members

The State Climatology Office is looking for volunteer rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS). The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4 inch diameter rain gauge and submit reports online.

Kicmal to Step Down as United Way CEO

United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) announces that CEO, Sarah Kicmal, is leaving her role at the beginning of April to accept a position with December Day Creative. The UWSWMN Board of Directors will open a search for a new CEO in the near future. “We cannot thank Sarah enough for the dedication, passion, enthusiasm and motivation she has given United Way of Southwest Minnesota and our communities over the past several years” said Terry Kriz, UWSWMN board chair. “She will be greatly missed by the staff, Board, donors, volunteers and community partners. We look forward to following the success of her career and are hopeful and excited for the next chapter of United Way of Southwest Minnesota as we continue to unite people and resources to improve lives and strengthen communities in southwest Minnesota. Our Board of Directors holds great confidence that UWSWMN is served by dedicated staff and supported by generous donors, strong partners, and able volunteers both now and into the future.” Kriz and Rachel Nuese, UWSWMN board vice chair, will lead the Transition and Search Committee for Kicmal’s successor.

DNR hunting, fishing skills webinars continue this spring

Anyone interested in fishing, hunting, habitat, and the outdoors can learn about activities like sturgeon and steelhead fishing, native plants and pollinators, creating sharp-tailed grouse habitat, wild rice management, and more during webinars hosted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources this spring.

Senior Nutrition program celebrates 50th anniversary

This March, Prairie Five Meals joins the Administration for Community Living and senior nutrition service providers across the country to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the national Senior Nutrition Program.

Turkey hunting licenses on sale March 1

Turkey hunters can buy their licenses for the spring 2022 season starting Tuesday, March 1. Licenses can be purchased online (mndnr.gov/licenses/online-sales.html), by phone at 888-665-4236 or in-person wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

2022 Walk-In Access signup announced

The Minnesota Walk-In Access (WIA) program continues to offer opportunities for hunters to have access to excellent habitats for outdoor recreation. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) programs protect Minnesota’s endangered prairie habitats to ensure, rare and unique native species of plants and animals have the necessary habitats to be successful and thrive in the landscape.