You know who’s short and intense? Dani Prados, the 2020-2021 inaugural Granite Falls City Artist in Residence. You know what else is short and intense? The artist residency we’re planning for 2022.
We have had another interesting past week around Minnesota. More snow came in from Friday into Sunday as three weather disturbances pushed across the state. Over the weekend most of the state saw two to four inches of snow. Off to our east in Wisconsin, some locations picked up over six inches of snow from those three weather events. It turned cold again on Monday night as overnight low temperatures dropped from -15 to -25 in many locations, with wind chill values down to -35.
All month long, the knot of bright winter constellations occupies center stage in the south during the prime early evening viewing hours. This grouping boasts five stars that rank among the top ten brightest in the night sky: Sirius (No. 1), Capella (No. 6), Rigel (No. 7), Procyon (No. 8) and Betelgeuse (No. 10).
On January 13th, the Granite Falls Fire Department announced their Firefighter of the Year Award recipient. Each year, the previous five Firefighter of the Year award recipients find consensus on one person who has shown leadership, integrity, and hard work. The chosen recipient exhibits a personality of not having to be told what to do to get the job done while serving the community.
Avera is launching an overarching branding campaign with the theme of Moving Health Forward. Avera’s goal is to move health forward, both as an organization and as individuals for better health.
January is Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month as well as National Stalking Awareness Month. WoMen’s Rural Advocacy Programs, Inc. (WRAP) has been and continues to serve victims of trafficking since 2020 as well as victims of domestic violence since 1994 in Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood and Yellow Medicine Counties. The goal of this article is to bring awareness and education of human trafficking and stalking to our communities. It is important to understand the basics of these subjects and start the conversation regarding these crimes. Human trafficking and stalking happen even in our rural communities, even though it is hard for most to believe, and we want to believe where we live is safe for everyone.
Snowmobile trail conditions vary throughout Minnesota but, in areas where there’s good snow, riders have been getting out with gusto. Snowmobile tracks are common sights in road ditches, on trails and atop the ice.
There is a daily fee for all guests. When there is not a Lifeguard on Duty, you must be at least 18 years old to be in the pool area. Adults with children under 18 must be in the water with their children. The diving board will not be available when there are no LG’s on duty. Proper swimwear is required for all guests, and everyone must take a quick shower before entering the pools. Please bring 2 pairs of shoes when coming in to work out!
For the last couple of years, students of Tamara Isfeld’s art classes at YME have exhibited their work at the K.K. Berge Gallery, but last week, the largest exhibit of their work thus far opened. Not only did YME High School art students exhibit, but Middle School students had their efforts on display as well. “About five months ago, we opened up a secondary gallery in the Berge building called the Emerging Artists Gallery, and have been staging shows of emerging artists of any age, often focusing on more youthful artists,” says Granite Area Arts Council’s Dani Prados. Thus, on Thursday afternoon, the opening of the YME youth art exhibit saw High School students artwork in the Main Gallery, with Junior High students art in the Emerging Artists Gallery.
The Department of Public Transformation in Granite Falls announced in December that two new employees will be joining the staff this month. Last week, the Advocate Tri- bune introduced Holly Doll, who will be joining the staff as the Ignite Rural Program Coordinator. Sarina Otaibi will be joining the staff as the Creative Rural Building Program Director. The Department of Public Transformation (or DoPT), is an artist-led organization working to develop creative strategies for increased community connection, civic pride, and equitable participation in rural areas.