News
Farmer Climate Action Funding:Supported by UMN Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
Funding is available in West Central MN counties to support “brick and mortar” climate mitigation, adaptation and regenerative on-farm initiatives and projects. Small grants will be awarded through a competitive process for projects that provide farmer support, sustainability and show impact.
Hog barn incident
On January 18, 2025, at approximately 17:15 hours, Yellow Medicine County Dispatch received a 911 call reporting two individuals found down and unresponsive in a hog barn. Clarkfield Fire Department, Clarkfield Ambulance, and Granite Falls Avera Ambulance were immediately paged to the scene. Deputies arrived and discovered that the caller had assisted in extricating the victims from the barn. Life-saving measures were initiated by deputies until EMS teams arrived.

Senate power sharing agreement, committee assignments
On Sunday, January 12, leaders from the Senate DFL and Republican caucuses announced a historic organizing agreement to govern the work of the Senate while it exists with a 33 – 33 tie. The agreement passed as a resolution on the Senate floor on Tuesday, January 14, the first day of the 2025 session.
Hog barn incident
Friendship Township, Yellow Medicine County – On 01/18/2025, at approximately 1715 hours, Yellow Medicine County Dispatch received a 911 call of a report of two individuals down and unresponsive in a hog barn. Clarkfield Fire Department, Clarkfield Ambulance, and Granite Falls Avera Ambulance were paged to the scene. Deputies arrived on scene and found that the caller had assisted in extricating the victims from the barn. Life saving measures were performed by deputies until EMS arrived.
Local students make Dean’s List at SDSU
More than 3,900 students were recognized for their outstanding academic performance over the fall 2024 semester at South Dakota State University by being named to the dean’s list.

CHILDCARE AWARE PART 2 OF A 3 PART SERIES: Childcare Aware program awarded grant funds to assist local providers
For more than 30 years, Prairie Five has been a part of Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA). The program is a national organization that supports, they say, every part of the child care system through a network of child care resource organizations working in communities. The national organization provides research that drives policy and practice, and helps to build child care programs and providers, but also works with families and employers to find child care solutions.
Montevideo City Council holds first meeting of 2025
At Monday evening’s meeting of the Montevideo City Council, new and re-elected council members took the oath of office. Re-elected council member is Bev Olson and newly elected council member is Dean Matthys. Also newly elected taking the oath of office is James Bulman.

Ask a Trooper: Blue Light Question…
Question: I’m wondering about a light that seems to only be on at night on the traffic lights. It’s a small purple or blueish light that’s near the traffic lights. I’ve tried to figure out what its use is or if it’s a camera. I’ve asked other people what it means and I’ve never met anyone who knows what it is. Thank you!
Minnesota DNR seeks public input on updates to Lake of the Woods Fisheries Management Plan
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in Lake of the Woods fisheries to share their thoughts on a draft update of the fisheries management plan for the lake.

Minnesota DNR releases 2024 Forest Health Annual Report
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its 2024 Forest Health Annual Report (files.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/treecare/

