Conditions have been conducive for Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) this year, and the Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca reports SDS is more common this year in the Waseca area than ever before. SDS has the potential to lead to significant soybean yield losses, with documented losses ranging from 5 to 70%. As of June 2010, SDS has been confirmed in 23 counties in MN. Originally the disease was concentrated in south central MN, but it could potentially occur almost anywhere in the state. SDS has not been confirmed in 7 counties in extreme southwestern MN, although we suspect it is likely present in some fields.
Top 10 work zones to be aware of in 2010
As the 2010 construction season heats up and the July 4 holiday weekend approaches, motorists will need to be aware of highway construction work zones around the state, including:
The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) offers condolences to the families who suffered fatalities during last week’s storms, and reminds everyone who experienced property damage to take precautions when cleaning up and making repair decisions. Natural disasters can bring out the best in people, as strangers reach out to help others in need. Unfortunately, crises also bring out persons who will attempt to take advantage of the victims.
New scams are targeting Minnesota consumers and they’re using the Better Business Bureau’s name to attempt to convince people into believing they’ve won prizes such as new cars or millions of dollars – and to convince them to wire hundreds of dollars to the scammers, or provide them with their bank account information.
As part of the flexible learning year application submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education by 25 southwest Minnesota school districts, a perception survey will be conducted through June 11, 2010. The purpose of this survey is to collect baseline data from teachers, students and parents on overall perception of the Improving Student Achievement Initiative. The survey link is the same for all 25 schools: Adrian, Brewster, Canby, Comfrey, Edgerton, Hendricks, Hills-Beaver Creek, Ivanhoe, Jackson County Central, Lakeview, Luverne, Lynd, Marshall, Milroy, Minneota, Mountain Lake, Redwood Area, Round Lake, RTR, Sleepy Eye, Springfield, Tracy Area, Windom, Westbrook-Walnut Grove, and Worthington.
Heightened Seat Belt Enforcement Starts May 24; Officers Can Stop Motorists Solely for Belt Violations
New Ulm, Brown Co. MN — Drivers, passengers and kids better be buckled up or in the correct child restraint as Brown and Watonwan Co. Deputies, along with New Ulm and Sleepy Eye Police Officers ramp up enhanced Click It or Ticket seat belt patrols May 24–June 6. The campaign marks one year since the state’s primary seat belt law became effective June 9, 2009, allowing law enforcement to stop and ticket motorists solely for belt violations.
Northbound and southbound traffic on Highway 169 (Minnesota Avenue) will be restricted to one lane in each direction through downtown Saint Peter beginning Wednesday, May 26, weather permitting.
Linda Hennen, State Executive Director of USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Minnesota reminds producers that enrollment for the 2010 Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) will end June 1, 2010.
Motorists may encounter daytime shoulder and lane closures on Highway 14 and Highway 15 in New Ulm (Broadway Street) beginning June 1 when crews install new accessible pedestrian crossing signals.
