Greetings District 10!

Thank you for the great meetings and events last week—it is always a joy connecting!

I was honored to represent the Minnesota State Senate at the Minnesota State Patrol’s 63rd Training Academy Graduation. The Scorching 63rd Class was the first training academy held at Camp Ripley in the summer. Their training started July 8th—and for 14 weeks were molded into the amazing individuals that are now 34 new State Troopers—RESPECT INTEGRITY COURAGE HONOR. The Graduation and swearing in Ceremony was held at the beautiful McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota campus. 

Cuyuna Lakes Chamber “Business After Hours” was hosted by the Ironton American Legion, Cuyuna Range Riders and “Over The Hills Gang” ATV Clubs. We received great updates regarding our local trails and exciting news for our district—the city of Fifty Lakes will be hosting the ATV State Convention September 16-18, 2022.

The Aitkin County Association of Townships quarterly meeting was held at the Aitkin Government Center last week. We had a moment of silence for Harriet Simonson, the well-respected Glen Township Treasurer who passed recently. Mark Jeffers, Aitkin County Economic Development Coordinator presented the county’s draft five-year economic development plan—the plan is comprehensive and will enhance the economic health of the area. Reno Wells gave a very good update on COVID funds, reporting and voting.

An Event was held celebrating & honoring Brainerd’s Tammy Ebertowski for her 25 years of Volunteerism. Emceed by Dennis Weiman of the Lakeland News, this gathering saw legislators, police officers, community leaders and friends joining in to congratulate Tammy on her milestone achievement. It was great connecting with many wonderful people!

Crow Wing Power hosted an Electric Vehicle (EV) event at Brainerd International Raceway. Attendees were invited to ride around the track in various EVs. I had the privilege of riding in a Tesla—the quiet power of this vehicle was amazing! In addition, there were electric bicycles (e-bikes) which were very fun. All in all great information—I expect this event to grow.

The Minnesota Clean Water Council held their monthly meeting…. their projects are funded by the Legacy Amendment Dollars—and priorities for 2023 biennium are underway. More information here:Clean Water Council.

I have been appointed to serve on the Legislative Covid-19 Response Commission (LCRC). The LCRC receives weekly briefings from the Governor about how he is spending the federal COVID funds the state has received. To date, there has been one recommendation that I absolutely oppose—the $12.2 million for vaccine incentives for youth ages 12-17.

Minnesota Deer Hunting Season!
Minnesota’s firearms deer season is less than three weeks away and opens Saturday, November 6th and Muzzleloader deer season is Saturday, November 27, through Sunday, December 12.  Archery deer season began September 18 and continues through Friday, December 31. Hunters can find regulations, information on how to get deer tested for chronic wasting disease, and helpful tips for new hunters, from the Department of Natural Resources deer hunting page.

Department of Natural Resources asks Late-Season Boaters to be Safe
Minnesota’s waterways were unusually deadly this year—with 17 people losing their lives in boating-related drownings and crashes—the highest number since 2005. And with weeks of open water left this year, there’s a chance that total could climb higher.

Of the 17 people who died, 16 were not known to be wearing life jackets when they went into the water. Some of them fell unexpectedly into the water, while others jumped in and experienced some sort of trouble that prevented them from getting back to their boat. The DNR recommends people always wear a life jacket when they’re on the water, but it’s especially important during the cold-water season, when unexpected falls can incapacitate even the strongest swimmers in a matter of minutes.

While air temperatures have been above normal for much of the fall, the water temperature has dropped below 70 degrees—which is the threshold for classifying water as cold. Each year, about 30 percent of boating-related fatalities happen during the cold-water periods of spring and fall.

Anglers and hunters tend to be the primary people on the water at this time of year, but paddlers and others also venture onto the water to enjoy the relative solitude of the water after the summer crowds have parked their boats.

Following are other safety reminders as people head out onto cold water:

• Wear a life jacket (foam life jackets are more effective than inflatable life jackets during the cold-water season).
• Distribute weight in the boat evenly and abide by manufacturer’s weight limits to reduce the likelihood of falling overboard.
• Have a means of communication. Boaters also should let other people know where they’re going and when they plan to return.
• Watch the weather to avoid shifting winds or storms.
• Wear an engine cut-off device if the boat is equipped with one.

Information on staying safe on or around cold water, see the DNR cold water page.

Applications for Noxious Weed/Invasive Plant Grants
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the 2022 Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant. Counties, municipalities, tribal governments, and weed management entities (including weed management areas) may apply for grants to mitigate noxious weeds around the state. Grants for fiscal year 2022 will be funded up to $5,000. The awards are intended to support local projects.

Since 2018, the MDA Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant has awarded over $1 million to fund a variety of activities such as purchasing equipment and supplies, conducting mapping and outreach activities, and hiring private applicators to manage noxious weeds. One hundred nineteen projects were awarded averaging $9,000.

Review the request for proposals (RFP) and find the application here on MDA website.

Applications are due no later than 3pm on December 3, 2021.

Government Spending
Governor Walz last week recommended the Minnesota Legislative COVID Response Commission appropriate $12.2 million for vaccine incentives…children ages 12–17 that get vaccinated will receive a $200 Visa Gift Card and in addition, a drawing will be held to give five of the children a chance to win a $100,000 dollar college scholarship. This is an unnecessary program that sounds like bribery and a waste of our tax dollars—the Governor should not interfere with family medical decisions.

Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine Hosts 2022 Fish Art Contest
The Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine, in partnership with Wildlife Forever, will host the 2022 Minnesota Fish Art Contest. Open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade, this free art competition aims to introduce Minnesota youth to the wonders of fish, the joy of fishing, and the importance of aquatic conservation.

To compete in the contest, students must submit an entry form, an original illustration of a fish of their choice, and a one-page informational essay (required for grades 4-12). The submission deadline is March 31, 2022. For contest details & entry forms, visit the 2022 Fish Art Contest.

Great work! The Pelican Lakes Association of Crow Wing County was named one of the first ever recipients of the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center’s Research Partnership Award, which recognizes people, groups, and organizations that go “above and beyond” in advancing the research center’s mission to protect Minnesota waters. Please read more here: Pelican Lake.

Staying in Touch

If you’re looking to hear more from the Capitol, please like me on Facebook. 

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!
Carrie Ruud