Dear neighbors,

Happy holidays! I hope the holiday season has been treating you well and that you’re able to spend some extra time with family and friends.

Janet, Vint, and Kristy were all wearing holiday sweaters yesterday when I stopped by the Deputy Registrar License Center in South St. Paul.

The holidays are a great time to give back. If you’re able, please consider making a contribution to one or two charitable causes. You can also donate your time or food, cold weather gear, and other items to organizations that help people who are experiencing tough times. There are many organizations in our community that deserve support!

DNR Gift Cards Available

If you’re searching for a last-minute gift, consider giving your loved one the gift of the great outdoors! I sponsored legislation that allowed the Department of Natural Resources to start selling gift cards that can be used for hunting and fishing licenses, DNR gear, and more. You can purchase them here.

CWD Update

In last week’s update, I talked about attending an event with hunters from Minnesota’s Karen and Hmong community. We had a great conversation about what our state is doing to address the CWD outbreak and what Minnesotans can do to help. This weekend, I participated in a similar event with Amish hunters. Our goal is to ensure that all members of Minnesota’s diverse hunting community have access to important information about CWD and what they can do to stop it. If you’re interested in learning more about this disease, the University of Minnesota has several excellent resources available here.

Another captive deer recently tested positive for CWD. This was the first case of CWD found in Douglas County, but the source of the outbreak is unknown because the deer wasn’t born in the area. The Board of Animal Health has asked deer farms to stop transporting animals until investigators can determine where the animal was infected and if the disease was transmitted to other farms. However, compliance will be voluntary. That means deer farms will still be able to move animals that might be contagious. This decision protects the captive deer industry at the expense of Minnesota hunters and our state’s wild deer population. When the Legislature reconvenes in February, I’ll continue advocating for better oversight and regulation of deer farms.

You can read more about the Board of Animal Health’s decision here.

Highway 52 Construction

In 2021, Highway 52 will be resurfaced from I-494 in Inver Grove Heights to Concord Street in West St. Paul. In addition, the concrete will be repaired between Concord Street and Plato Boulevard in St. Paul. These upgrades will improve drainage, ride quality, and accessibility for pedestrians. More information on this project is available here.

Community Events and Activities

Light Up Mendota Heights

The third annual Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration will take place in Mendota Heights this weekend!

When: Sunday, December 22 from 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: The Village at Mendota Heights, 750 Main Street, Mendota Heights, MN 55118

Winter Recreation

We’re fortunate to have lots of great options for winter recreation in our area! We have beautiful parks and trails for walking, skiing, and snowshoeing, and several excellent sledding spots. Doug Woog Arena and the West St. Paul Ice Arena offer open skate hours, and neighborhood ice rinks have started to open.

Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable holiday season and a happy new year!

Sincerely,

Rick Hansen
State Representative