Choosing an Internet Marketing Service

Internet marketing services are beneficial to those who want to increase their appearance on various search engines and enhance the visual presentation of their website. 

Use these tips as a guide when choosing Internet marketing services or hiring a marketing consultant:

Ask for Referrals.  Ask friends, family members and colleagues who have had success with Internet marketing services or a consultant for suggestions. Check out businesses through bbb.org to make read reviews and complaints.  

Understand Your Audience.  In order to hire marketing services that best suit your needs, you first need to understand the audience you are trying to reach. Awareness of your specific audience will condense your search to businesses that have experience targeting your potential clients.

Be Informed.  Before choosing services or a consultant it is important to do your research on current marketing strategies. This preparation will allow you to have a better grasp on the marketing concepts the consultant is discussing. Researching will also allow you to better avoid frauds. Inform yourself on topics such as, search engine marketing (SEM) and search engine optimization (SEO). 

Ask for References.  Ask the business for a list of references with a similar target audience and contact a few of the previous consumers. Ask about their experience with the business, if they met their needs, and if they have seen improvements. Keep in mind just because the business works for one consumer doesn’t mean they will automatically be right for you. Ask if the business will provide a proposal detailing how they plan to bring you success. 

Get All the Pricing Details.  Be sure to have the business lay out all the costs and fees associated with the marketing services. It is important not to invest too much money at one time. Ask the business if you can pay a portion of the price upfront and wait until you see results before making the final payment.  

MNSure rates released

Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman released the individual policy premium rates, which are the lowest average rates in the country for health insurance plans sold through Minnesota’s new health insurance marketplace, MNsure, when it opens on October 1, 2013. 

Friday’s announcement follows a lengthy and thorough review of all of the new policies, which included providing detailed justification for the rates filed to ensure that the premiums charged are reasonable and necessary.  After the review process, Commissioner Rothman approved the rates for 141 plans in total, 78 of which that will be available to individuals. Minnesota’s nationally-recognized, thorough rate review process resulted in premiums for Minnesotans four to 37 percent lower than had originally been filed - providing border-to-border options for consumers across all metal levels.  

Rates for policies available on MNsure for the individual market start as low as $90.59 for a 25 year-old, non-smoker living in the Twin Cities, with options in each metal level reflecting comparable value for the price.  In addition to the competitive rates of the plans offered through MNsure, comprehensive networks are available across the state - 85 percent of Minnesota counties will have 3 or more health insurance companies to choose from - providing border-to-border choice for all Minnesotans.   

In coordination with the information released by the Commerce Department, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has posted on its website a preview by carrier of the networks of clinics, hospitals, and chemical dependency treatment centers that will be available through MNsure. Health plans offered through MNsure are required to meet multiple certification standards, and the state’s Department of Health is responsible for certifying the provider networks for all MNsure carriers. MDH also reviews and approves the benefits being offered by HMO’s through MNsure and the Commerce Department reviews and approves benefits for the non-HMO insurers.

Minnesota is one of 31 states in the country that can deny rates requested by insurance companies based upon whether the rates are justified.  The Department’s actuaries conduct statistical analyses and closely scrutinize the assumptions that health insurance companies use to develop rates. The new plans and rates recently approved that will be available during open enrollment include many consumer protections. Those protections include making all health insurance available to every Minnesotan, even those with pre-existing health problems and expanded benefit sets that provide free preventive care.  Additionally, to protect consumers, Commerce Department staff reviewed all policy forms to ensure they included the consumer protections in state law.

Health plans included in MNsure will be sold during open enrollment which begins October 1, 2013 and coverage will take effect Jan. 1, 2014.  

MNsure plans are categorized as bronze, silver, gold or platinum based on how much of the cost is paid by the insured person. For example, bronze plans are likely to have lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, co-pays and coinsurance. In addition to these four “metal levels,” high deductible “catastrophic plans” are available for young adults under age 30 and certain other qualifying individuals. All plans provide coverage for the set of essential health benefits that are now required by law.

Once a consumer decides what plan of coverage he or she wants to purchase, four factors can affect the premium rate: age, area of the state in which the person resides, whether the person uses tobacco, and how many people are covered by the plan. Minnesotans will want to visit MNsure or call the MNsure consumer call center to learn whether tax credits available exclusively through MNsure can be applied to their premiums to further lower their premium payment.

For more information on Minnesota’s health insurance rates or the rate review process in Minnesota, please visit the Commerce Department’s website to view the rates, frequently asked questions, and additional information about the new health care reform changes that begin January 1, 2014.

For more information on the 15 networks approved by the Department of Health visit MDH’s website, http://health.mn.gov/mnsurenetworks, to review computer files of each network, displaying hospitals, clinics and chemical health providers. Each PDF file is organized by provider zip code and alphabetically within zip codes. Consumers will be able to search networks on the MNsure web site beginning October 1.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce is here to help.

Call our Consumer Response Team at 651-539-1600 or toll-free at 1-800-657-3602 (in Greater Minnesota) if you have any questions about your insurance or if you believe you have been a victim of a scam or fraud. 

Sanford Health to implement mandatory employee influenza vaccination policy

(Fargo, ND) - Sanford Health announced today it plans to implement mandatory influenza vaccinations for all Sanford employees and physicians effective with the 2013-2014 influenza season. The organization made the decision in order to maximize patient safety and protect its employees against influenza.

"This decision will protect our patients and also protect our employees during this upcoming influenza season. It's a decision that our physicians support. Sanford Health's physician leadership groups, our Boards of Governors, in all four of our regions have unanimously recommended mandatory influenza vaccinations for all employees," said Paul Carson, MD, medical director, Sanford Health infection prevention and control, Fargo region.

Mandatory influenza vaccinations for health care workers have been endorsed by prestigious health care organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Hospital Association (AHA), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Physicians (ACP) and the South Dakota Association of Health Care Organizations (SDAHO). Many health systems across the country are also implementing mandatory influenza vaccinations this year.

Sanford Bismarck has already demonstrated success with influenza vaccinations. The region successfully implemented mandatory influenza vaccinations for its employees in 2010 and has achieved near 100 percent vaccination.

The new policy includes employees and physicians, as well as students, volunteers, contracted workers, locums and vendors. Exceptions to the required immunization will be granted for medical or religious reasons only.

 

MnDOT receives federal stimulus grant

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation will receive a $1.45 million federal grant for the installation of conflict warning systems at 15 rural, stop-controlled intersections across the state.

The funding comes from the Transportation Investment Generating Recovery, or TIGER, program, which is part of a federal economic stimulus package administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The warning systems will inform motorists of intersection conflicts ahead to help them to better judge gaps in traffic. This project is the result of an extensive planning effort and is part of Minnesota’s Toward Zero Deaths safety program.

“Intersection conflict warning systems have the potential to significantly reduce collisions and improve safety at rural intersections,” said Sue Mulvihill, MnDOT deputy commissioner and chief engineer. “Based on the average daily traffic at these intersections, drivers and passengers in more than 80,000 vehicles will experience the added safety and security offered by these systems on a daily basis.

          
“This innovative system provides a safe and affordable alternative to traditional traffic safety improvements,” she said.

For more information about rural intersection conflict warning systems, see mndot.gov/trafficeng/signals/conflictwarning.html. They are one of many ways that MnDOT is using intelligenttransportation systems to improve safety on Minnesota’s highways. For more information on Minnesota’s ITS program visit mndot.gov/guidestar/.

In addition to MnDOT’s award, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority will receive $10 million in TIGER funds to rebuild and expand a general cargo dock and also will fund improvements to existing road and train connections.

Minnesota’s two awards were among $474 million in TIGER grants awarded to 52 projects in 37 states. For more information, see www.dot.gov/tiger/.

DNR honors 2 youth conservationists

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently honored two youth for demonstrating initiative, leadership, creativity and achievement in the conservation and wise use of natural and agricultural resources.

DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr made the award presentations Aug. 30 during a ceremony at the Minnesota State Fair. This is the 22nd year the DNR has presented the youth awards.

Lane Alm of Hawley received the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Award. For the past four years, he has worked on his “Diversified Horticulture” project, which began when he was 14 years old and got a job with Prairie Restorations Inc. - Bluestem Farm. He learned to identify native plants, their seeds, and how they can be used for landscaping around lake homes, businesses, and for erosion control. Alm also learned how to operate and maintain planting and harvesting machinery.

“In addition to his outstanding project and work experience, Lane is active in 4-H, the FFA Soils Team, and has been a National Honor Student member throughout high school,” Landwehr said.

He is also a football player, wrestler, deer hunter, raises horses, wins roping competitions, and refurbishes antique tractors. “This well-rounded young man also volunteers at the annual Rollag Threshing Show and is an officer for the Hawley 4-H and FFAChapter,” Landwehr said. “This year he also won the Hawley Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer Award.”

Alm graduated from Hawley High School this spring and started attending North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, N.D. a few weeks ago.

Lane is the son of Lee and Brandi Alm. Also present at the award ceremony were the state FFA advisors Joel Larsen and Jim Ertl.

Morris Area High School student Brady Cardwell received the 4-H Award. His project, titled “History of Wildlife Conservation in Minnesota,” focused on how and why various conservation organizations and clubs were started, and steps he has taken to learn about and improve wildlife habitat. 

For his sixth-grade project, Cardwell researched milestones in conservation history and the various agencies responsible for wildlife conservation. He visited a number of public lands, interviewed managers, and observed a prescribed burn. He also researched and participated in events with all the major wildlife conservation clubs in his area.

Cardwell participates in archery, shooting sports, science and history fairs, and makes his own lures. He carved the Duck Unlimited logo into his pumpkin last year. He is active in his local 4-H club and Luther League. “Somehow he also manages to play football and is on the wrestling team,” Landwehr said. 

Brady is the son of Douglas and Meriel Cardwell. 

Also recognizing Cardwell at award ceremony was Dorothy Freeman, associate dean and state 4-H director and Nancy Hegland, extension program leader of 4-H youth development.

Protecting Your Finances

Let's take a look at some good resources for small business owners on how to protect their finances.

The National Federation of Small Business (NFIB-The Voice of Small Business) offers a great checklist titled “Checklist for Managing Small Business’ Finances”. It’s a comprehensive in-depth list that focuses on every aspect of small business financing. You’ll be introduced to areas from “Cash-flow projections” to “Saving and Investing” to “Developing an overall plan so that every dollar coming in flows through proper channels."

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the U.S. government’s dedicated organization for the small business owner. Comprehensive and easy to use, their “Managing Business Finances and Accounting” page offers topics from “Accepting Cash Only, Checks, and or Credit Cards” to “Online Payment Services” to “Setting up a payroll system.” All are tried and true topic areas that can lead to a successful small business operation.

There are other aspects to consider outside of having a well planned, well financed, and optimally running business. Cyber attacks must be taken seriously and anticipated. Protecting your businesses capital and assets means that you insure hackers can’t gain access to your information. Installing anti-virus software, Securing your Wi-Fi, and Systematically purging sensitive data are just a few prudent steps you can take. US News & World Report recently published a very helpful article specifically on this topic that any small business owner or potential small business owner should read.

Lastly, and of great importance, safeguarding your business finances means working with and partnering with reputable companies. Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers free business and charity reviews so that you have the right information about potential partners before you decide to engage in a partnership.

How do you safeguard and protect your small business finances?

Highway 89 reopens south of Wannaska

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Highway 89, south of Wannaska, has reopened to traffic as repairs have been completed on the bridge over the South Fork Roseau River.

Robert R. Schroeder Construction Inc. was the contractor for the $787,855 project. The improvements have provided a safer bridge for motorists.

For more updates on this, and other projects in the region follow us on Twitter @mndotnorthwest, or log on to www.511mn.org for real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota.

Happy Labor Day!

Wishing you a happy and safe Labor Day!

New signal begins operating on Highway 10 in Hawley

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. – A new traffic signal is now operating on Highway 10 in Hawley, according to Clay County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The signal at Highway 10 and County Road 31/County Road 33 is part of this summer’s intersection modification project. Clay County re-aligned County Road 31 and County Road 33 within Hawley. The project included several safety modifications to the intersection of Highway 10 and County Road 31/33.

The modified Highway 10 median crossings at Eighth Street and Michael Street will open in early September after striping is completed.

When they reopen, motorists will only be allowed to make right turns onto Highway 10 from Eighth Street or Michael Street. Left turns will still be allowed from Highway 10 onto Eighth Street and Michael Street.

The project will improve safety along Highway 10, County Road 31 and County Road 33 in Hawley.

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or dial 5-1-1.

2ND ANNUAL ND BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP

Fargo, N.D. – The dog days of summer are here, and Scheels Home & Hardware is heating up its grills and competitive spirit for the 2nd Annual Scheels ND BBQ Championship.

On Saturday, September 28 at Scheels Home & Hardware on 13th Ave. S in Fargo, local and regional contestants will have the opportunity to show off their savory, slow-cooked skills and compete in four different categories: BBQ’d ribs, pulled pork, chicken and brisket. After sampling, outstanding BBQ’ers from each category as well as a People’s Choice winner will be crowned. Combined scores from all four categories will be used to determine an overall 2nd Annual Scheels ND BBQ Championship grand champion. A shiny 2nd Annual Scheels ND BBQ Championship trophy, bragging rights, and $5,000 in prize money are up for grabs!

Spectators and BBQ connoisseurs are invited to come and sample entries from each competitor, check out informative expos from Weber, Traeger and Big Green Egg grills, enter into a grill giveaway, and vote for the meatiest, juiciest BBQ on the block in the People’s Choice category from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The awards ceremony will follow at approximately 5 p.m.  

For those interested in competing, registration is currently open for the 2nd Annual Scheels ND BBQ Championship competition at http://ndbbq.com/sign-up/. Details about vendors and additional information about the 2nd Annual Scheels ND BBQ Championship competition is available at http://ndbbq.com.

The competition will be overseen by Eric Berg, David Newman and Chris Newman. Berg and David Newman are professor and assistant professor, respectively, in NDSU’s Meat-Animal Science Department. The duo also organizes the popular BBQ Boot Camp, a program that teaches barbeque techniques in seminars hosted across the state. Chris Newman is an award-winning BBQer and owner/member of the Rack Pack Barbecue Team catering company.    

UMC Named Among Top Schools in Minnesota for Safety by Website StateUniversity.com

CROOKSTON, Minn. –  The University of Minnesota Crookston was recently informed that the website StateUniversity.com has ranked University of Minnesota-Crookston number 4 in Minnesota for campus safety. The scores of the top four schools ranked in the category were identical in a listing that includes 50 colleges and universities in the state.

Colleges and universities ranked for campus safety on a scale that accounts for severity of a crime as well as frequency of crime. Data is compiled from reports submitted by college and university law enforcement between January 1 and December 31, 2012.

The website StateUnivesity.com provides information about state universities and colleges across the United States including financial aid, academics, athletics and more gathered from a variety of sources.

To view the rankings for the top ranked universities in Minnesota on safety, visit www.stateuniversity.com/rank_by_state/safety_score_rank/MN.html.

NDSU Offers Free Soil Testing at Big Iron

North Dakota State University Extension Service soil health specialists will test producers' soil for salinity on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the Big Iron farm show at the West Fargo Fairgrounds.

Producers can bring a soil sample to the NDSU Extension table for the free test.

"Salts are native to North Dakota's glaciated mineralogy," says Chris Augustin, area Extension soil health specialist at NDSU's North Central Research Extension Center near Minot. "The past 20 or so wet years have moved these minerals to the topsoil. Water then evaporates, leaves salts behind and creates the white spots that reduce crop yields.

"Salinity management is water management," he adds. "We need to dry down soils so salts move below the root zone. Farming practices that do this include cover cropping, perennial cropping, no-tilling and subsurface drainage."

To provide soil for the test, take samples from a handful of spots in a field, mix the soil and take a sample of the mixture. That sample should contain about a cup of soil. Place the sample in a small dish on a sunny windowsill for a few days to allow the sample to dry. Then place the sample in a zip-top plastic bag and bring it to Big Iron.

"The test will take only a few minutes," Augustin says. "We see white scars across North Dakota and know that salts are lowering crop yields. We hope this quick test gives our farmers an idea of how bad it is and that they know we are here to help them fix these issues."

Detour on Demers Avenue in East Grand Forks begins Sept. 3

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Motorists on Highway 2B (Demers Avenue) in East Grand Forks will experience a detour and delays as crews complete pedestrian accessibility improvements from the Red River to Second Avenue Northeast. The intersection at Second Street Northwest will be closed and motorists should use the signed detour.

Truck traffic seeking access to Crystal Sugar is encouraged to avoid Demers Avenue and follow Gateway Drive.

Lane closures along with shoulder/parking lane closures will be utilized throughout the project which is expected to be complete in mid-Sept., weather permitting.

Ti-Zack Concrete Inc. is the contractor for the $397,234 project. It includes construction of pedestrian ramps and concrete paving.

When complete the project will improve safety for pedestrians and motorists.

Motorists should always drive with caution, slowdown in work zones and never enter a road or lane blocked with barriers or cones. For more updates on this, and other projects in the region follow us on Twitter @mndotnorthwest, or log on to www.511mn.org for real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota.

Hiring a Business Consultant

Business consultants are great resources that can provide advice and guidance for your business ventures. It’s crucial to hire a consultant with specific experience who knows the industry forward and backwards. 

Use these tips as a guide when hiring a business consultant:

Do Your Research.  Before you start searching for a business consultant, be sure to determine your specific needs so you know exactly what to look for in a candidate. Ask friends, family members, and co-workers to suggest a business consultant. Check out consultants at bbb.org to read reviews or complaints.

Look at Credentials.  Ask consultants what type of business degree they have earned. Be sure to ask where they earned their degree and make sure it’s from an accredited institution. Although degrees are important, employment experience is even more crucial. Since you are hiring the consultant for business advice, you’ll want to hire someone that has first-hand experience running a business. Look for a consultant that has experience with your specific industry and dealing with your areas of concern.

Interview Candidates.  Once you have compiled a narrow list, meet with at least two candidates for an interview. Look for a consultant that shows organizational skills and professionalism. Ask if the consultant has prepared an outline that targets your specific business needs. If the consultant is associated with a business, ask if that may hinder their ability to cater to your needs in the future. Make sure the consultant clearly answers all of your questions and concerns. Think about if the consultant has relevant experience for the position but can also provide outside objectivity. Since it’s their job to help you, make sure the consultant is a good listener.

Request References.  A reputable business consultant will easily be able to provide testimonials from previous customers and a list of references you may contact. Ask the references about their relationship and experience with the consultant. Ask about the services the consultant provided and if the references were completely satisfied with the job that was done.

Review the Contract.  Be sure there is a written agreement with the business consultant. Make sure the agreement includes: the services the consultant will provide, when the services will be provided, and how much and when you will pay the consultant for their services.

What other tips can you offer?

DNR asks bear hunters not to shoot radio-collared bears

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks hunters participating in Minnesota’s bear season, which opens Sept. 1, to avoid shooting radio-collared research bears.

The bears are marked with large colorful ear tags or colorful streamers.

DNR researchers are monitoring about 30 radio-collared black bears, most of them in northwestern Minnesota, especially near Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area and the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge. Additional radio-collared bears reside in and around the Chippewa National Forest, Camp Ripley, Cloquet Forestry Station and Voyageurs National Park.

Bear research also is being conducted between Ely and Tower near the Eagles Nest chain of lakes in northern St. Louis County.

“Hunters near these areas should be especially vigilant for these valuable research bears,” said Dave Garshelis, DNR bear research biologist. “These animals provide long-term data on reproduction and habitat use that is invaluable for bear management across the state.

“We’re asking that if hunters see ear tags or a collar on a bear, they refrain from shooting it,” Garshelis said. “Researchers have invested an enormous amount of time and expense in these individuals.”

Many of the collars have GPS units that collect and store data, which is downloaded by DNR researchers when they visit the bears in their dens. Long-term records of individual bears have been the cornerstone of information that helps the DNR monitor and manage the bear population, Garshelis said.

DNR officials recognize that a hunter may not be able to see a radio collar or ear tags in some situations. For this reason, taking a bear with a radio collar is legal unless the bear is accompanied by a researcher who has identified the bear to the hunter as a research animal.

Photos of some collared research bears are available on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov/hunting/bear.

Any hunters who shoot collared bears should call the DNR Wildlife Research Office in Grand Rapids at 218-327-4146 or 218-327-4133.

No ATV registration or trail pass needed Labor Day Weekend

This Labor Day weekend, Minnesota will host its first “Free Wheeling Weekend,” making it free to ride on state and grant-in-aid trails for two days, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said.

On Saturday, Aug. 31, and Sunday, Sept. 1, Minnesotans whose ATVs are registered only for private or agricultural use can enjoy riding the more than 3,400 miles of state and grant-in-aid trails without paying the additional registration fee to ride on public trails ($53.50 for three calendar years). Out-of-state riders can explore Minnesota trails as well, without the need for a nonresident trail pass ($21 for a one-year pass).

“Minnesota has a variety of state and grant-in-aid trail riding opportunities that range from an easy cruise along abandoned railroad grades to more difficult climbs on narrow, twisting trail loops in the w oods,” said Mary Straka, off-highway vehicle program consultant for the DNR. “Many trails are provided by counties, townships and cities with assistance from local clubs. We’re excited to help new riders experience our trail system.”

For trail maps and more information on where to ride, visit www.mn.dnr/ohv or call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free at 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Send questions via email to info.dnr@state.mn.us.

For more information about the Free Wheeling Weekend or the off-highway vehicle program, contact Mary Straka in Brainerd in 218-833-8713 or 651-259-5644 in St. Paul, or by email to mary.straka@state.mn.us.

DNR begins recruiting process for new officers

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expects to hire up to 18 conservation officers for an academy anticipated to start in April 2014. Applications open Aug. 26 and close Sept. 13.

Conservation officers work to ensure public safety and compliance with state game and fish, recreational vehicle, and natural resource commercial operation laws.

Applicants must have a valid Minnesota Peace Officer's License, or be eligible to be licensed by the Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training Board (POST) prior to the time conditional job offers are made, or complete basic police training and be certified as a full-time peace officer in a state or federal law enforcement agency with which Minnesota has reciprocity, and pass the P.O.S.T. Board reciprocity exam by the time conditional job offers are made.
Candidates must pass the general written exam to be admitted to other portions of the exam/selection process.

Other portions of the process will include oral interviews and completion of a comprehensive background investigation. Final job offers will be based on pass ing a medical evaluation, functional capacity exam and psychological evaluation.

The written examination will tentatively be held Oct. 5 at the following locations:

• Bemidji State University.
• Cloquet Forestry Center.
• Central Lakes College, Brainerd, Minn.
• Minneapolis Convention Center.

All communication will be handled electronically. Applicants must have an updated email address on their resume or they may not be contacted by the DNR. .

For more information on becoming a DNR conservation officer and to apply for the position, visit the website at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/enforcement/jobs/hiring.html. A link near the bottom of the page will take applicants to the job posting.

To ensure consideration for this position, both new and returning applicants need to apply directly to posting number 131743000001 by checking the “apply for this job” box at the bottom of the job announcement.

Deadline for firearm, muzzleloader deer lottery applications

Deer hunters who use a firearm or muzzleloader in a lottery area and want to harvest an antlerless deer must apply for an either-sex permit by the Thursday, Sept. 5, deadline established by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Deadlines for firearm and muzzleloader special hunts also are Sept. 5.

Lottery either-sex permits
Hunters can apply for lottery deer areas using both their firearm and muzzleloader licenses.  Although a hunter can be selected for both licenses, successful applicants still can only take one deer.

2013 lottery deer areas are 101, 103, 105, 108, 110, 111, 118, 119, 122, 169, 171, 172, 176, 183, 184, 197, 199, 234, 237, 238, 250, 251, 252, 253, 260, 261, 262, 263, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 288, 289, 290, 291, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298 and 299.

In lottery deer areas, firearms and muzzleloader hunters may only harvest a buck if they apply for and receive an either-sex permit, which allows them to harvest an antlerless deer.

Firearm and muzzleloader special hunts
For special hunts, a person may draw both a firearm and muzzleloader permit, in which case they must adhere to the bag limits established by each special hunt. Information on 2013 special hunts is available online at www.mndnr.gov/hunting/deer.

All lottery winners will receive permits via U.S. mail. Hunters may apply for an either-sex permit through any DNR license agent, online at www.mndnr.gov/buyalicense, or by calling toll-free 888-665-4236.

Changes to deer application and registration for 2013
Hunters are advised by the DNR to review the DNR’s hunting regulations handbook for new 2013 season information.
 
“Regulations, and many of our management designations, are quite similar to 2012,” said Leslie McInenly, DNR big game program leader. “However, there are a few application and registration changes that folks will notice right away.”

This year the DNR will be asking all deer license buyers, including archery hunters, to indicate the deer area they hunt most often.

“While hunters are not obligated to stay in the indicated area, the information helps the DNR assess hunter success,” McInenly said. “Our data indicate that most hunters kill a deer in the area they hunt most often.”
 
Hunters also should be aware that deer must be registered within 48 hours after harvest and before processing. Telephone and internet registration has been expanded to include series 300 permit areas.  

Funding available for shoreland vegetation projects

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is making $225,000 available for grant proposals for restoring native aquatic habitat across the state. Individual grant requests can range from $25,000 to $100,000.

This program provides cost-share grants to counties, cities, watershed districts, other local units of government, conservation groups and lake associations to conduct aquatic habitat restoration projects with native plants to improve fish and wildlife habitat.

Projects on private properties will have at least 75 percent of the frontage restored with an adjacent buffer zone that is at least 25 feet deep or wide. The focus of these projects must be on re-establishing vegetation for fish and wildlife habitat. Funds cannot be used for rock riprap stabilization or permanent wave breaks.

Grants recipients will be reimbursed for a maximum of 75 percent of the total project costs. Applicants must be able to fund at least 25 percent of the total project costs from non-state sources. Matching funds may be cash; volunteer labor; and in-kind contributions of materials, equipment and services.

"This i s an opportunity for lake associations, local communities and conservation organizations to help enhance native shoreline vegetation and fish habitat in their local lakes, streams and rivers," said John Hiebert, DNR lake habitat consultant. "Since 1999, more than 350 restoration projects have been funded, restoring more than 136,000 feet of shoreline.”

Applications for grants are available on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov/grants/habitat/shoreland.html or by calling the DNR at 888-646-6367. Completed grant applications are due Friday, Nov. 8.

Successful applicants will be notified in February 2014. Funds will be made available after July 1, 2014.

The grants are funded from state lottery proceeds deposited in the Heritage Enhancement Account. Grants are administered through the DNR’s Fish and Wildlife Division. Projects are selected and designed with guidance from local DNR fisheries managers.

Surplus prairie chicken licenses on sale Sept. 9

Five prairie chicken licenses remain available and will go on sale to unsuccessful prairie chicken lottery applicants at noon on Monday, Sept. 9, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Successful applicants should receive their winner notification by Tuesday, Sept. 3. Licenses can be purchased at any DNR license agent, online at www.mndnr.gov/buyalicense and via telephone at 888-665-4236.

Surplus licenses will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. People who purchase these surplus licenses will maintain their preference points for next year’s prairie chicken lottery.

In the unlikely event that any licenses remain, people who did not participate in the prairie chicken lottery may purchase them on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

The prairie chicken season runs from Saturday, Sept. 28, to Sunday, Oct. 6. Two prairie chickens may be taken throughout the season. A total of 126 licenses were made available to lottery participants.

Finding a Domain Name Service

For more tips, please visit http://www.bbb.org/boston/industry-tips/read/tip/domain-name-services-199. 

German Culture Day Sept 28 at Hjemkomst Center

Moorhead, Minn.,-- More than just beer and brats, German Culture Day is a brand new event for the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, September 28 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Hjemkomst Center.  The day event is free and open to the public. German Culture Day celebrates German cultural heritage of past immigrants and of contemporary Germany with a combination of traditional music and dance, children’ ;s activities, and folk traditional crafts. Authentic German food will be available to savor as it is complimented with a selection of German imported beer and German-American brews sponsored by Schell’s Brewery and Bergseth Brothers Co. The food and beer are available for purchase.

Musical performers include Dale Dahmen & the Polka Beats from Buffalo, Minnesota, The Flemming Fold from Twin Cities and Amy Klein of Fargo/Moorhead. Dale Dahmen, a composer as well as a musician, was inducted into the Concertina World Congress Hall of Fame in 2012. He has eight albums, composed several original scores and plays in two other bands, one being the New Jolly Brewers.

The Flemming Fold is a versatile family music group composed of four members: Troy Flemming, his wife Sandra and their two daughters. Originally from Southern Minnesota, the Flemming Fold has performed over 600 concerts. Troy, a.k.a “The Yodelmeister,” is a free-style guitarist and yodeler. Along with Sandra on the accordion and their daughters on mandolin, fiddle and base, it is not surprising that the Flemmings have been hailed as one of the most talented musical families in the Twin Cities.

Artisans, demonstrators and vendors will fill the halls with booths about various aspects of German Culture. Karen’s Kuchen, Prairies Home Brewers, Red River Volkswagon Club, and Germans-from-Russia iron wo rks are just a few featured booths you will see at this year’s event.

German Culture Day is made possible by grant funding provided by The Arts Partnership, Moorhead Public Service and The North Dakota Council on the Arts. This event is also made possible by the voters of Minnesotathrough a grant from the Lake Region Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

In the evening, the HCSCC is hosting a German Rhineland dinner as a fundraiser for the museum. This four-course meal celebrates the food, wine and beer of the Rhineland region. A fine selection of the best German beers and wines will be available for purchase to complement each course and to entice the palette. This contemporary German dinner is perfectly orchestrated for a tantalizing gastronomic experience that any foodie will rave about. Dinner is served at 6 pm. Tickets are $50 per person and are on sale now through September 21. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.  Contact Tim Jorgensen at 218-299-5511, Ext 6737 or email tim.jorgensen@ci.moorhead.mn.us for more information. The Rhineland Dinner is sponsored by Shell’s Brewery, Happy Harry’s Bottle Shop, and Bergseth Brothers, Co.

The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County collects, preserves, interprets, and shares the history and culture of Clay County, Minnesota. HCSCC also provides interpretation of the Hjemkomst Viking Ship, Hopperstad Stave Church Replica, and hosts traveling exhibits in 7,000 s q. feet of temporary exhibition space. The Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County is a community resource for 210,000 people in the Fargo-Moorhead metro area and serves an average of 30,000 visitors a year from all over the world.

For more information, call 218-299-5511 or visit www.hcscconline.org. The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County is located in the Hjemkomst Center at 202 First Avenue North in Moorhead.

Bernard Franklin to speak at UMC Thursday, Sept 5th

CROOKSTON, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Crookston will host Bernard Franklin, Ph.D., assistant to the vice president at Kansas State University, on Thursday, September 5, 2013. Franklin, who is also the current president of Junior Achievement in Middle America, will be speaking during the campus Thursday Commons at noon in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center, on “Reengineering the Future.” He will also give his presentation “Imagineering the Future” at 7 p.m. in the Kiehle Auditorium that same evening. Both events are free and the public is invited to attend either or both sessions.

Franklin is known for his passion and vision along with his ability to motivate and inspire young people to succeed in today’s world. He takes on such relevant topics as leadership, innovation, empowering the leader inside, as well as encouraging students to consider the important question: “do your skills, talents, and abilities meet the expectation of employers?” Of interest to educators will be Franklin’s expertise on strategic planning, changing demographics, and the future of higher education.  And, community leaders and members will benefit from his knowledge of leadership, innovation, and education.

For more information, contact Lorna Hollowell, director of diversity and multicultural programs at 218-281-8580 (lhollowe@umn.edu). Sponsors for the event include the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Programs, Crookston Student Association, Center for Adult Learning, and the Career and Counseling Center.