The smoke from the Canadian wildfires made another appearance around parts of Minnesota on Sunday into Monday. It wasn’t as bad as last Tuesday when some of the worst air quality ever reported was found in Minnesota. At that time, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said that the air quality in portions of the state was in the very unhealthy to dangerous level.
There have been a couple of changes announced to the Western Fest Schedule. Those changes are as follows:
During June, the DNR is offering special programs and incentives to encourage Minnesotans to get outdoors. For example, the DNR will host a Free Park Day on Saturday, June 14, which allows free entrance to all state parks and recreation areas in Minnesota. There’s a state park or recreation area within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. The entrance fee waiver for Free Park Day does not cover amenity or user fees for activities like camping or watercraft rentals. Details are on the Free Park Day webpage (mndnr.gov/freeparkdays).
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is seeking feedback about statewide bicycle infrastructure to help update the agency’s Statewide Bicycle+ System Plan.
Beginning July 1, 2025, more people who operate motorboats or personal watercrafts on Minnesota waters must obtain a valid watercraft operator’s permit. The updated requirements, passed into law during 2023, are intended to make boating safer by ensuring people operating motorized watercraft know the rules and are properly trained.
With Minnesota legalizing adult-use cannabis, many people in our communities have questions about how to use cannabis products safely, or whether to use them at all. At Countryside Public Health, our goal is not to tell people what to do, but to provide accurate information so you can make informed decisions for yourself and your family.
Years ago when I directed the singing group One Accord out of Clara City, we would end our season the end of April. This was a very smart idea as those who participated would become extremely busy in May with prom events, spring sporting events (whether as a participant or a spectator), spring concerts, awards banquets, etc. The month of May was always jammed packed with activities and events – concluding with the Memorial Day program and studying for final tests. The end of the school year always seemed hectic! For those families with a graduating senior, there probably was a party to plan, food to prepare, and house projects to complete. (I remember my dad installed a new kitchen sink in our farmhouse the day of my sister’s Baccalaureate – and we had neighbors and friends coming over that same evening to celebrate! Probably wasn’t exactly the timing my mom had in mind!)
I don’t mean to brag or anything. I mean, really, I’m just a guy. I put my pants on one leg at a time. In many ways, I’m human—just like you.
Question: I caught part of the news the other night and heard something about the 100 deadliest days. Can you get me more information on that?
At Monday evening’s meeting of the Granite Falls City Council, council members were provided an update on plans for a third city well. Public Works staff member Chris Anderson, who oversees the water plant, wastewater plant, hydro plant, tree maintenance and well sites, presented updates on both the quotes received for the purchase of a new pickup truck and progress on the third municipal well.