By Rep. Paul Anderson
I’ve received several questions this past week concerning ditch mowing on roads here in Minnesota. The concern stems from the announcement last November from MnDOT that they would start implementing new restrictions for the mowing of ditches in state right-of-ways. Among them was a requirement to apply for a permit to mow, in addition to enforcement of regulations on when the mowing could begin. We have long had an August first starting date for ditch mowing but it has seldom, if ever, been enforced.
Concerns were raised about the new regulations, which many landowners thought were too burdensome. As a result, legislation was passed calling for a moratorium, which essentially pushed back by a year any new requirements. During that time, negotiations are supposed to take place and new, less onerous rules are to be proposed.
So, the bottom line is that, at least for this year, nothing has changed in regard to ditch mowing along state highways. In many places, highway workers have already made the safety cut along the top of the shoulder. This is an important safety feature, especially at intersections, so a clear line-of-sight can be maintained.
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A stop-gap agreement was reached late last week by those involved in the dispute between the Legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton. It doesn’t end the lawsuit but does extend funding for the Legislature and its staff members for three months. Without it, plans were being worked on to lay off or furlough staffers for both the House and Senate in the new fiscal year. In addition, members of both legislative bodies would not have been paid or reimbursed for any in-district travel, beginning July 1.
The case is being heard in Ramsey County District Court this week. It’s also expected that the Minnesota Supreme Court will review the case.
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It’s unusual to see parade watchers bundled in jackets and blankets, and wearing stocking caps and gloves, to watch a parade in late June. But that’s what happened over the weekend at parades in Melrose and Villard. Temps in the 50s and low 60s, combined with strong winds, made things a bit chilly. It also didn’t help that seemingly every cloud that passed overhead dropped rain on those below.
Starbuck hosts Heritage Days this weekend, with their parade set for Saturday evening. Hopefully, our weather becomes more summer-like again after several consecutive days of chilly, windy conditions. Crops in the field aren’t growing much, and spraying for weeds has been difficult as well. Sleeping conditions have been great, and air conditioners haven’t been put to much use so far this summer, but we do need some heat to get things growing again.
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