Greetings District 10!

Minnesota Colleges starting Meat Cutting Programs!
Earlier this year, I authored an important bill for meat cutting grants that was included in our Agriculture budget. The language presented an exciting opportunity for growth in the butcher & meat cutting industries—I’m excited to see both Central Lakes & Ridgewater College taking advantage of this valuable funding and are launching programs aimed at training the next generation. 

In the meat cutting line of work, it is so important that high school graduates receive the proper training necessary to succeed. Previously, there have been no college-level meat cutting programs in Minnesota, and only seven total in North America. Funding this program allows us to grow the field of meat cutting in Minnesota, train these bright young students, and keep them and their knowledge in our state!

Please read the article: Colleges & Meating Cutting Programs
 
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Enforcement Aviation Unit
I was honored to have been presented an Enforcement Aviation Unit Challenge Coin from the Department of Natural Resources. The face of the coin is green and maroon, reminiscent of the official shoulder patch of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Enforcement Division, and proudly worn by those sworn to protect the resource and keep public life safe. The back of the coin celebrates our state’s 10,000 lakes and the opportunities to enjoy some of the most beautiful and untouched wilderness areas in the world. It is a beautiful coin, with many nods to the important work done by the Enforcement Aviation Unit.
 
Challenge Coins are typically carried by members of an organization, in this case the Enforcement Aviation Unit, and are often presented as awards or rewards to their members, and those working for the interests of the organization. I was honored to receive this coin for my work supporting Law Enforcement Pay Equity, an issue I plan to continue supporting next Session.

Ideal Community Service Organization
Last week I attended the Ideal Community Service Organization for their annual Membership Meeting & Luncheon. The organization has been responsible for fundraising over $20,000 to support civic & youth activities in the Ideal Township area. A big highlight of the meeting was the recognition of the 2021 Volunteer of the Year, Ron Meyer, for 15 years of service chairing the Pine River Watershed and his membership with the Crow Wing Forge Basin—totaling 22 years of service maintaining our healthy lakes!

Parks & Trails Legacy Advisory Committee Seeks Applicants
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Metropolitan Council and the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission are seeking applicants to serve on the Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee. The purpose of this committee is to promote and coordinate implementation of the 25-year parks and trails legacy plan. The committee consists of 17 members, including a mixture of Minnesota park and trail professionals & residents. The deadline for application is October 25. Click here for information: Legacy Advisory Committee

Wings of Valor—Veterans Hunting Lodge
This organization is one of the first in the nation that is fully American Disability Act (ADA) compliant and is free to veterans! The Veterans Hunting Lodge operates on the mission of supporting those who have served by providing a gathering place to motivate and empower veterans in the outdoors. Wings of Valor host disabled veterans twice per month and provide corporate or family hunts the remainder. Great hunting for all!
 
Support our Veterans Hunting Season: Wings of Valor

American Legion Post #49
I was happy to attend the American Legion Membership Dinner in October as a new Auxiliary Member. American Legions are our largest veterans service organization that works every day to uphold time-honored values—they enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by their devotion to mutual helpfulness.

Local Fun—Paul Bunyan Land is Hosting Haunted Hidden Hollow & Corn Maze!
More information here: Haunted House & Corn Maze

Staying in Touch
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As always please feel free to contact my office with any questions you might have. My office can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4913 or at sen.carrie.ruud@senate.mn.

Talk to you soon!