Vulnerable Little Falls Adult Still Missing

Morrison County Sheriff Michel Wetzel is still looking for a young Little Falls woman, missing since February 14th. 20-year old Allison Cristine Sipila was last seen at a medical appointment. Sheriff's Deputy Beth Rekstad said Sipila has disappeared before and has previosly checked herself into a hospital for mental health treatment. This time, authorities believe she may be heading to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Sipila is 5'4" tall, weighs roughly 140 pounds and has blonde hair and blue eyes. If you know the whereabouts of Allison Cristine Sipila who sometimes calls herself Kate, call the Morrison County Sheriff's Department.

Safe and Sober Speed Campaign Coming

Law enforcement in Crow Wing County will band together and concentrate finding those driving too fast for conditions. Minnesota State Patrol Sergeant Curt Mower said officers from most cities in the county will participate in the crack down sometime in the month of April. Mower said the dates will not be announced ahead of time and the areas of concentration will be selected by officers who normally work in those areas. Mower said speed kills and for ever ten miles over 50 mph you're driving, your chances of getting seriously injured or killed in a crash double.

Last St. Paul Stockyard Closes in Mid-April

The last operating cattle stockyard in St. Paul will close in mid-April. Central Livestock will hold its last live cattle auction on April 11th. Bulldozers will flatten the grounds after the sale to prepare the land for an office park. South St. Paul was once one of the busiest livestock markets in the world.

The Brainerd Commerce and Industry Show

The Brainerd Civic Center and Gold Medal arena come alive with flowers this weekend. It's the annual Commerce and Industry show sponsored by Central Lakes College in Brainerd. The college is featuring floral designers. Look for a big display between the two arenas. Coordinator Mary Gottsch of the Chamber expects up to 12 thousand to attend the two day event; Friday, March 28th 10 am to 9 pm and Saturday, March 29th 9 am to 4 pm.
New this year is a job fair for area high school students. She tells KLKS some 800 students from six high schools will be at the show Friday morning checking job prospects.
Ms. Gottsch expects a lot of excitement as snow birds return, looking for something to do during what is expected to be a cool weekend.

Crow Wing County Marijuana Drug Bust

A 28 year old Brainerd man was arrested Wednesday, March 26th, in connection with a drug raid on a Brainerd home. He has been identified as Scott Phillip Newman. Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl says the Lakes Area Drug Investigation Division seized five pounds of weed worth $8,000 along with a large amount of cash. Newman is expected to be charged with sale and possession of a controlled substance.
In a separate case Tuesday, police arrested 26 year old Kristin Marie Kakach of Brainerd on suspicion of felony sale of methamphetamine.

Sad Relief for the Family of Paul Johnson-Reuben

The family of a security officer in Iraq say they feel both sadness and relief now that they finally know his fate. The body of former St. Louis Park police officer Paul Johnson-Reuben was found in Iraq recently. He was among six contractors kidnapped 16 month ago. Reuben left behind a wife, twin daughters and a five month old granddaughter he never met. The sisters say they weren't surprised their dad went to work in Iraq, because he loved to help people. They also said it was too dangerous, and he never should have gone.

C-I Boy's Basketball Team Presses On; Bus Schedule

The Crosby Ironton boys basketball team defeated the Rockford Rockets, 73-59 Wednesday at the state tournament. Friday, they face The St. Bernard Bulldogs for the state semi-final contest in Section 2A. Tip-off is at 6pm at the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis. Crosby Ironton School is selling tickets for the adult fan bus for $15. Contact Dale Sova at Community Education at 218-545-8822. Tickets for the student bus are $1 and can be purchased at the high school. The buses will load up at 2pm Friday and probably leave within 15 minutes after that. Tickets for the game are $10 for adults and $7 for students. Go-CI-Go!

Minnesota Health Care Reform

State Senator Mary Olson of Bemidji has serious concerns about health care reform legislation moving through the state legislature. She tells KLKS, she voted against a plan voted out of committee. The DFL-er says she does not support a three percent reduction in Medicaid payments to rural nursing homes and hospitals. She says any shortage would be passed along to the private sector, which increases the costs for everyone else and harms local economies. Senator Olson also does not like the reporting provisions in the legislation which she says would increase administrative costs. As a result, she will be voting for an amendment to keep some reform provisions and remove others which she claims are counter-productive.

Paul Johnson-Reuben Killed in Iraq

The news is devastating for a Minnesota family awaiting the fate of a former St. Louis Park policeman working security in Iraq. The FBI says one of the bodies found in Iraq recently was that of Paul Johnson-Reuben of Buffalo. His family says they held out hope for 16 months, but now are deeply saddened by the news. His family says he was adventurous, fun loving and his ever-present smile will be missed. They go on to say their hearts go out to other families grieving the loss of their loved ones taken in the same incident. Johnson-Reuben was 39 when the truck convoy he was escorting was ambushed 16 months ago by men in Iraqi police uniforms. He leaves behind two teenage twin daughters.
State Senator Mary Olson of Bemidji is expressing her condolences to the Reuben family. She says she has a son who is going to Iraq this summer, and he has three daughters who will be missing him

The Governor's Opener Picnic May 9th

Plans continue for the Governor's Fishing Opener picnic May 9th. The event will be held at the Trailside Park in Pequot Lakes the night before the Saturday opener. Organizer Bernice Rhode, says plans are to serve 2,500 to 3,000 a roast turkey sandwich dinner. She tells KLKS, there will be a lot of other activities surrounding the annual event held this year at Breezy Point Resort on Big Pelican Lake. There will be a fish identification program, as well as a casting contest for the kids. Boat builder Crestliner has donated a pontoon boat to help pay for the event. Raffle tickets are available to win the craft. Ms. Rhode says a lot of volunteers are needed for the many events. Those interesting in offering a helping hand are asked to contact the chamber of commerce.

Oberstar Told, No Hearings on Bridge Collapse

Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar has been told there will be no public hearings into the 35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis. National Transportation Safety Board Director Mark Rosenker told the Minnesota Democrat and Chairman of the Transportation Committee, the decision not to hold the hearings was extremely difficult. Rosenker says he was concerned about losing control of the investigation. In a memo he said significant negotiations were required to keep the Minnesota Transportation Department and its technical consultants within the NTSB's investigation. He feared the delay caused by a public hearing would risk MNDOT and the feds from completing their own investigations without NTSB control or input. However, a vice chairman of the NTSB says failure to hold a public hearing would damage the board's credibility.

Fish Virus Threatens Minnesota Lakes

Tim Brastrup, DNR Brainerd Area Fisheries Supervisor, says a deadly fish virus is in the great lakes. He tells KLKS news, if it spreads to Lake Superior and inland lakes, it could have devastating effects in Minnesota waters. He says one Wisconsin lake lost almost all of one fish population from the VHS virus. Brastrup says it causes fish to bleed and can be especially hard on walleye populations. Anglers who spot the condition are asked to call the DNR. Brastrup says the virus is an invasive that arrived from ocean going freighters. He urges fishermen not to stock fish from one lake to another. He says it is illegal, and has the potential of introducing disease into area lakes.

Awaiting the Fate of Paul Johnson-Reuben

The family of Paul Johnson-Rueben of Buffalo is on pins and needles awating the fate of the Minnesota man. Johnson-Rueben was a St. Louis Park policemen who traveled to Iraq as a private security contractor. He was kidnapped along with four others by men in Iraqi police uniforms November 16th, 2006. Two bodies had been identified as fellow security officers Tuesday. Three more bodies have been found. The family waits while the state department provides positive identification.

Crow Wing County Road Restrictions

Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl says there have already been several violations of spring road restrictions. Owners of heavy vehicles are being reminded that load restrictions are in place on all county and township roads. The weight limit is 5 tons. Area roads are vulnerable to damage as the frost comes out of the ground.

Matthew Michael Martin Pulls His Guilty Plea

19 year old Mathew Michael Martin of Pine River has decided to change his plea to not guilty to a first degree murder charge in the August death of 15 year old Molly Jean Rice of Backus. Judge John Smith of the Cass County District court allowed Martin to remove his guilty plea Tuesday. Martin was concerned that state law may allow the judge no room to reduce his eventual sentence. Martin faces four other felony counts. The next hearing in Walker will be held April 9th. The trial is set to begin May 5th.

Governor Opposes Democrat Health Care Bill

The Minnesota Senate will take another look at a major health care reform bill this week as Senators return from Easter Break. The bill was constructed from testimony generated by the House/Senate Health Access Committee and the Governor's Task Force on Health Care Transformation but the bill has gone through variations and a number of versions. Governor Pawlenty spokesman Alex Carey said the governor won't be behind this version, primarily because its an expansion of current propgrams without saving taxpayer money and helping business lower the cost of health care and health insurance. Carey said 93% of Minnesotans have health insurance now and that's where the bill's cost-saving focus should be. The bill was supposed to be debated last week on the Senate floor but enough Republicans and Democrats found elements of the bill they didn't like and the bill was pulled from consideration. Fort Ripley State Senator Paul Koering said if the governor indicates he'll veto the final result, there's no point in going through the mostions with this bill.

Howes On The Bonding Bill

A conference committee has been appointed to iron out the differences between bonding bill versions from the Minnesota House and Senate. Walker Lawmaker Larry Howes said the committee hasn't met yet because the main parties haven't agreed on a price tag. Howes said both Govenor Pawlenty and House Conference Committee Chair Alice Hausman agree that the bonding bill should be $825-Million but State Senator Keith Langseth wants more. The original Senate bill was more than $965-Million and Langseth agreed to lower it to $925-Million and now he wants a counter-offer from the Governor. Howes said its possible that lawmakers wouldn't approve a bonding bill this year but he doesn't think that will happen in an election year.

CI Save Our Sports Fundraising Deadline Nears

The deadline for the group raising money to save Crosby Ironton sports for next fall is just over four weeks away, April 18th. Save Our Sports spokesman Wayne Harting said the group has made a good beginning but there's still a lot of money to raise. Harting said SOS has raised $35,000 so far and the Hallett Foundation has pledged to match money raised between now and the deadline up to $25,000. If the group can raise $250,000, sports at Crosby Ironton for next year will be just like this year. If the group raises $70,000, the school would increase activity fees for sports. Harting said SOS plans to hold a number of fundraisers in the near future. If you can help, send your check to SOS, P.O. Box 203, Ironton, MN 56455.

Minnesota Lawmakers Back In Session

The 2008 Minnesota Legislative Session resumes once again. Brainerd Lawmaker John Ward said there are still lots of issues he wants to talk about like education, healthcare and property taxes. Ward said at the top of his list is the bonding bill and he believes lawmakers will produce a final version soon. Both House and Senate have approved final bills but now the conference committee will iron out differences. Royalton Lawmaker Al Doty said he expects a final bonding bill soon but he also expects to work on balancing the budget. Lawmakers have to reduce spending for this two-year budget cycle by $935-Million.

Highway Fatals Down But Most Happen Outstate

Minnesota State Highway Sergeant Curt Mower said the number of vehicle crash deaths on state roadways is lower than a year ago. Mower said so far this year, 64 people have died in highway crashes compared to 80 at this time last year. But the bad news for those who live in rural Minnesota is that 70% of those crashes happen outside the Twin Cities metro area. Mower said drivers are not yielding to oncoming traffic and not coming to a complete stop and those two behaviors can contribute to deadly crashes.

Health Bill Future Uncertain

Minnesota Senators are scheduled to take up a large health care reform bill again when lawmakers return to session after the Easter Break. The bill was a product of the Governor's Task Force on Health Care Transformation and the House/Senate Health Access Committee and was scheduled for debate last Wednesday. Fort Ripley State Senator Paul Koering said all parties had doubts about the final bill, Republicans, Democrats and the Governor's office. Koering said he's on the Access Committee and he signed onto the bill as an author because he believed the committee did good work and came up with good recommendations. Koering said if the bill is not something the Governor is willing to sign, it makes no sense to continue on the current path. Koering said no matter what happens to this bill, something has to be done because health care costs continue to rise.

Traffic Delays on 169 in Onamia

Travelers will be delayed now and then this week from Tuesday through Thursday on Highway 169 near Onamia. Crews are placing bridge sections over the highway for the future Soo Line pedestrian/bike trail overpass. Drivers should expect traffic stoppages of up to 15 minutes. Travellers should be alert for sudden stops in the work zone and watch for the flaggers.

Lawmakers Back In Session

Minnesota Lawmakers go back in session on Tuesday. Bemidji Legislator Frank Moe said the work ahead includes balancing the budget. Moe said the state is on track to spend $935-Million more than it expects to collect in taxes by the end of 2009. Moe believes the budget can be balanced without raising taxes any more. Park Rapids Legislator Brita Sailer said passing the Transportation Package was an important part of the session so far. In addition to fixing roads and bridges, the package includes money for transit and adding busses and public transportation routes in Northern Minnesota. The session begins at noon on Tuesday.

70s Radical Returned To Prison

Sara Jane Olson was waiting for her flight back to St. Paul when California prison authorities decided the six years she'd served was a year short of her seven year requirement. A former member of the Symbionese Liberation Army, Olson had been sentenced to 14 years for bombing police cars and murdering Myrna Opsahl during a bank robbery in 1975. The former Kathleen Ann Soliah is scheduled to get out of Chowchilla California Women's Facility next March.

Food Drive On Final Lap

Minnesota's March Food Drive is entering the home stretch and organizers are hoping for a big response in this final week. Spokeswoman Sue Kainz said the goal is to raise $9-Million cash and food to help stock shelves around the state. Kainz said Minnesotans are coming through and so far, they've given $2.5-Million in cash and food. Sponsoring groups include Catholic Charities, The Jewish Community Relations Council, the Minnesota Catholic Conference and the Minnesota Council of Churches.

Four Men Escape Soft Ice

Four men escaped injury last Friday when their pick-up truck went through the ice on Little Pine Lake near Perham in Otter Tail County. Sheriff's Lieutenant Mike Boen said the ice was between three and four inches thick where the truck went through. The men got out of the truck and onto thicker ice before they got wet. The truck remains at the bottom of Little Pine in about 50 feet of water.

Law Enforcement Looks For Bigamist

Dodge County Sheriff's Deputies are looking for a 39-year old Racine, Wisconsin man wanted for bigamy. Michael Lee Henderson was supposed to make his first court appearance on Wednesday but he didn't show up. A warrant was issued for his arrest. The formal complaint says that Henderson married his first wife in Wisconsin in 1995. He married a Rochester woman last year.

Abigal Taylor DIes

The 6-year old Minnespolis girl who lost part of her intestinal tract in a swimming pool mishap last summer has died. Abigal Taylor had recently received a new small bowel, liver and pancreas at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha but developed a cancerous condition sometimes triggered by organ transplants. The girl's injuries led to federal legislation requiring pool drain systems include safety covers.

Concerned Citizens Curious About Police Protection, Budgets

A group calling themselves Concerned Citizens for Community have been meeting for the last couple of months to talk about law enforcement. A public forum has been set for Monday, March 31 to get more answers. Billie Pestello owns Pestello's Bar in Pequot Lakes. Pestello said for him, the search for answers intensified after he saw how law enforcement budgets had grown for Pequot Lakes and other communities as well. He also has a concern that some departments don't have officers on duty between 2am and 6am some nights. A common practice in small communities is to turn over police calls to county law enforcement during early morning hours but sometimes that means very slow response times. Pestello said he has a good relationship with local officers and sees them often in his restaurant. But he sees the meeting at the end of March at Pequot Lakes High School as just the beginning of the dialogue. That meeting starts at 7pm.

Possibly More Money For Conservation Farming

The new sign-up period for the Conservation Security Program nears. April 18th is the date farmers have to apply. Loni Kemp with the Minnesota Project said she hopes the new farm bill will expand the program. Right now, only the Thief Watershed in Northwestern Minnesota has been funded. Kemp said there is a tentative agreement between lawmakers that would increase funding for the program. There are 700 Minnesota farmers enrolled in the program that paid for using conservation methods in their farming business. The current farm bill extension runs out on April 18th.

Writer Jon Hassler Dies

Minnesota Author Jon Hassler died Thursday morning. He was best known for writing about small-town life in his novels like "Staggerford", "The Love Hunter" and the Agatha McGee series. Hassler had suffered from a Parkinson's-like disease for the last fifteen years and had been in home hospice care sinde last December. One of Hassler's most famous fans was actress Angela Lansberry who played the part of small-town teacher Agatha McGee in a made-for-television movie. Hassler was born in Staples and taught English at Brainerd Community College from 1968-1980. Fellow instructor Joe Plut said Hassler's writing will become more appreciated by scholars and critics in the future. Hassler's funeral service has been scheduled for next Thursday, March 27th at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis.

Two Men Die From Flu-like Illness

The Minnesota Health Department is investigating the deaths of two Itasca County men, 64-year old Reverend Danny Adams Senior of Dora Lake and his son 45-year old Danny Adams Junior of Spring Lake. Both had the Type B strain of influenza and both were otherwise healthy. A health department spokesman said there's no reason to conclude that the deaths were caused by an unusual strain of the flu virus. The spokesman said the men may have died of a secondary condition such as a staph infection. Autopsy results are pending.

Three Oak Trees Missing

Long Prairie property owner Joe Bleess told Todd County Sheriff's Deputies that someone cut down three mature oak trees on his land and took the wood. Bleess said the illegal lumbering happened sometime during deer season. If you have information about the theft, contact the Todd County Sheriff's Department.

LF Woman Missing

Morrison County Sheriff Michel Wetzel said 20-year old Allison Sipila has been missing since mid-February and he'd like your help in finding her. Sipila appears to be a vulnurable adult. She had a doctor's appointment on February 11th in Little Falls and hasn't been seen since. The blue eyed and blond-haired white woman is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds. She was last seen wearing a white ski jacket, blue jeans and gray tennis shoes. If you knows anything about the location of Allison Sipila, call the Morrison County Sheriff's Department or any law enforcement officer.

Governor's Fishing Opener Gets Closer

This will be the fourth time that Breezy Point/Pequot Lakes has hosted a Governor's Fishing Opener. Breezy Point Resort General Manager Dave Gravdahl remembered the earlier events were worthwhile, fun events for everybody involved. Gravdahl said the first 1970 event featured Governor Harold LeVander and lots of area guides like Max Slocumb and Harry Van Doren, The Lindners and Marv Koep were all part of the 1970 opener. Gravdahl said the 1981 opener featured Governor Perpich. The 2001 opener with Governor Jesse Ventura drew reporters from Japan. Governor Pawlenty will preside over this year's opener. The organizing committee will probably be looking for sponsors and volunteers until the day before the event, May 9th and 10th. If you can help, contact Ryan or Patty Buell at 568-7767.

Koering Bill To Establish Korean War Vets Day

Fort Ripley State Senator Paul Koering has introduced a bill that would establish a day to remember veterans of the Korean War. Koering said his father served in the Korean. Hostilities ended July 27, 1953. Senator Koering said this was another way for us to thank and honor veterans who served in Korea. The House unanimously approved a Vietnam Veterans Day earlier this week. A companion bill waits in the Senate. The day would be March 29, the day in 1979 when the last American soldiers officially left Vietnam.

Warrior Way Successful So Far

The group of parents and school activity supporters in the Brainerd School District known as Warrior Way Inc. took on the task of raising money to help students pay increased activity fees. The district has to trim $5.5-Million from next year's budget. Warrior Way Inc. member Don Ryan said the fund raising effort is having a good bit of success and has $110,000 in the bank as of last Friday. Ryan said people have pledged more than that but he doesn't want to count that until its in the bank. Ryan said the group has to raise $220,000 by Wednesday, April 2nd to have the fund ready for next year's public school budget and he believes the group will make their goal. Ryan said the long range plan is to gather enough money to set up a foundation and be able to leave the principle alone and use the interest to help kids with their activity fees. He estimates a good number to work with would be $5-Million and he believes Warrior Way can do that too.

Wood Stolen

Someone took a cord and a half of firewood in Todd County sometime during the first week of March. If you have information about this theft, call the Todd County Sheriff's Department.

Major Senate Health Bill Held Over

Minnesota State Senators decided Wednesday not to take up a major health proposal after all. State Senator Paul Koering said there were a number of provisions in the bill with which the Republican caucus was not happy. Koering said Senate Democrats expressed displeasure with some of the elements of the bill too. Senate Majority Larry Pogemiller decided to hold the bill over until next week after the Easter Break. No vote was taken.

More Money for Nursing Home Workers

Minnesota House Republican Leader Marty Seifert said he likes most of the Governor's ideas on how to balance the budget. The February forecast revealed that state government is spending nearly $1-Billion more than it expects to see in taxes by the end of next year. Seifert said he would like to see more money go to nursing home workers and has suggested lawmakers take $30-Million from the Health Care Access Fund and increase nursing home workers pay by 2.25%. Last year's Nursing Home bill increased workers pay by 2% and they're to get a 1% increase this year. That proposal and others will have to wait until next week. Lawmakers have begun their Easter Break and will go back in session on Tuesday, March 25th.

JOBZ, Q-Comp Money May Go To Public Schools

Two proposals from House Democrats would repeal the JOBZ program and cancel an expansion of the Q-Comp merit-pay for teachers program and use the money for public schools. Brainerd Lawmaker John Ward said money from those programs would add $51-per pupil for Minnesota public education. Ward said anything we can get for next year is appreciated. The money would be for one year only. Maple Grove Representative Kurt Zellers said JOBZ is a pet project of the Governor's and repealing the program that offers tax breaks to businesses who expand in economically distressed areas would not be popular. The bill says public schools could spend the money on anything they want to.

Former Jenkins Clerk Pleads Guilty

Former Jenkins City Clerk Julie Ann Ohr of Pine River pleaded guilty last week to embezzling public funds and diverting corporate property. According to the formal complaint, the 40-year old Ohr wrote $107,000 worth of checks to herself from her employer, Lakes Area Carpet and Wood in Pequot Lakes and more than $55,000 from the city of Jenkins. A spokesman for the Crow Wing county District Court told the Lake Country Echo that six other felony counts were dropped in exchange for the guilty plea. Her sentencing has been set for May 30th.

Here Come the Zebra Mussels

The 2008 Great Lakes shipping season is under way on Lake Superior. Andy Buchsbaum is with the National Wildlife Federation's Great Lakes office and said this is also a milestone; the 20th anniversary of the introduction of zebra mussels into United States waters. Buchsbaum said the invasive species does about $1-Billion of damage to parks, beaches, water supply systems and people every year. One Oberstar bill pending in Congress would require the US Coast Guard to check ships before they enter United States waterways. Other potential laws would require ocean-going ships to empty and clean their ballast tanks before entering the St. Lawrence Seaway.

MN Senate Looks at Health Bill

The Minnesota Senate began debate this morning on a bill some are calling the next step towards government-run health care. Roseville Lawmaker John Marty is the chairman of the Health, Housing and Family Security Committee and believes the bill will pass the Senate but not convinced the bill will become law. The bill reportedly has support from Governor Pawlenty and was written by Minneapolis Senate Linda Berglin. It includes at least two controversial provisions to create a Minnesota Insurance Exchange and a Health Care Transformation Commission. Marty said the bill is supposed to simplify health care. A similar bill in the House is still making its way through committees.

Calling All Toad and Frog Surveyors

The Minnesota DNR is looking for volunteers who like the sound of toads and frogs to count the spring population. Jean Goad is the public affairs officer for Northeastern Minnesota. Goad said volunteers will get a route and a CD of frog and toad sounds and will be instructed to go out three times this year, mostly after dark because that's when toads and frogs are most active. If you'd like more information about the toad and frog survey, pull up the web site www.mndnr.gov and type in the words 'toad survey'.

Looking For A New Superintendent

The Brainerd School Board is conducting an online survey to help find out what people want in a new superintendent. The board will also hold a listening session next Tuesday, March 25th to get similar information from people directly. The board will ask citizens to fill out a questionnaire and will allow time for citizens to talk directly to a board member. The online survey is on the school’s web site, www.isd181.org.

US Education Secretary Offers Pilot Program

US Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings announced a new pilot program yesterday that would fine-tune the No Child Left Behind Act and allow administrators to better decide the difference between schools that need drastic help and those that need a little nudging. Spellings talked to a group of educators and government officials in St. Paul on Tuesday and the pilot program could lead to more flexibility in dealing with schools not making adequate yearly progress. Spellings said Minnesota is to be congratulated for demanding accountability from schools. The Education Secretary said the key is to student advancement is to custom make remedial efforts to better fit students. Spellings said instruction for a better golf swing or a tennis game is tailored to the student, why shouldn't we do the same for those students who need the most help. Minnesota Education Secretary Alice Seagren said she'd look at the pilot program but may not apply right away because other state's need the program worse than Minnesota.

Farmers Should Think Outside The Box

Minnesota farmers are being encouraged to try something different with their crops and land. Mike Heavrin is with the Center for Rural Affairs. He says millions of Federal tax dollars are available through the Agriculture Department's 'value-added' grant program. Heavrin said one example is dairy farmers bottling and blending their milk on the farm. He said organic meat operations have been funded as well as walnut and wood projects. Other ideas include biodiesel production, wineries, and wind farms. Heavrin said Minnesota is one of the top five states in the nation in the grant race. The deadline to apply for this year is March 31st.

Brainerd Lawmaker Says Taxpayers Grateful

Brainerd Lawmaker John Ward said he has heard from constituents about the passage of the Transportation Bill and the increase of the state gas tax. Ward said the first 2-cent increase will appear on Minnesota gas pumps on April 1st. Ward said voters he's heard from say thank you for taking care of a problem that hasn't been taken care of for 20 years. First term Representative Ward said his constituents say oil companies are making major profits and "thank you for making our roads more safe, proving family transportation and providing for a cleaner environment." The second installment - 3.5-cents - of the Minnesota gas tax increase goes into effect in October.