A large number of school groups take field trips to the Capitol this time of year and, on Wednesday, I enjoyed meeting with Minnewaska sixth-grade students and staff in the rotunda.
Dear Neighbor,
Congratulations to local recipients of scholarships and grants from the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council.
First, Glenwood native Ashley Anderson earned a $500 scholarship. Ashley currently attends Ridgewater College in Willmar and, after graduating this spring, will continue her agriculture education studies at Southwest Minnesota State University.
Also, the Albany Area Schools agriculture department, taught by Duane Lichy, is receiving a $6,687 grant to conduct a project entitled “Integrating Current Technologies into Agricultural Mechanics.
I am pleased to see young people such as Ashley show an interest in agriculture and also commend Mr. Lichy and others involved with the program in Albany. Congratulations once again.
On another subject, I want to share some information I mentioned in a column submitted to area newspapers this week: A joint informational hearing took place last week and we heard testimony regarding a report on the Board of Animal Health’s oversight of deer and elk farms. The concern is that deer and elk health is threatened by a disease called chronic wasting disease (CWD). Since 2002, CWD has been identified on eight Minnesota deer and elk farms, and also in wild deer in two Minnesota counties. The disease is always fatal, and the only accurate way to test for its presence is to examine brain tissue from dead animals. Click here for more on this subject in my column.
On a final note, I have received inquiries regarding the status of legislation requiring hands-free devices for cell phone use while driving. A House bill (H.F. 1180) cleared its final House committee this week and now is available for a vote of the full body. As of now, it remains unclear as to whether that vote will take place before we adjourn in about a week and a half, so stay tuned.
With adjournment just around the corner, work on a supplemental budget/tax plan continues as we look to find agreement between the House, the Senate and the governor. Look for more news on that as things develop. Until next time, have a happy Mother’s Day and good luck if you head out for the fishing opener.
Sincerely,
Paul