Good Things

Truterra Sustainable Farming

Eight Minnesota organizations receive over $550K in one-time funding (Minnesota) — November, 2023 — As part of a continued effort to strengthen support available to Minnesota’s emerging farmers, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced recipients of grant funding for organizations that provide business and technical support to farmers from historically underserved communities. Through the Emerging Farmer Technical Assistance Grant Program, eight organizations have received a total of $554,920

Jennie-O® Turkeys Pardoned Today by the President of the United States

Liberty and Bell celebrate 76th annual Thanksgiving presentation with National Turkey Federation   (Willmar, MN) — Nov. 20, 2023 — The makers of the Jennie-O® turkey brand — a trusted brand for turkey products around the world — today announced that two of their turkeys, Liberty and Bell, were presented by the National Turkey Federation (NTF) and formally pardoned by President Joseph R. Biden during the 76th National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation on the grounds

Humor and Heartbreak Lead to Self-Acceptance in Laurie Boyle Compton's Free Verse Memoir The Denim Diaries

(Minneapolis, MN) — Nov. 08, 2023 — This November Zest Books™, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group™, releases The Denim Diaries: A Memoir.  This poetic memoir traces Laurie Boyle Compton’s coming of age in rural Pennsylvania and New York City during the 1970s and 1980s. Combating family issues, relationship troubles, and body image insecurities, Laurie finds ways to love and accept herself. Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s was

Care Packages to Deployed Troops

We are committed to helping organizations like Maple Grove Beyond the Yellow Ribbon send care packages to our troops.” — Michelle Williamson (Forest Lake MN) —  November 14, 2023  — Maple Grove Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Great River Energy, and ShipThrifty have partnered to send care packages to deployed troops. Maple Grove Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is committed to supporting military members and their families with services and support wherever

The Christmas City Express

Weekends November 24th through December 17th   (Duluth, MN) — November 2023 — The Christmas City Express is a storybook experience recommended for families with children under 10 and the young at heart. The performance begins in the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, where you’ll be treated to a classic book reading of the new Christmas City Express story, enjoy carolers, and a visit from a special guest! Then climb aboard the

Deer Feeding and Attractant Bans

Deer harvest numbers available online Hunters, media and anyone interested in deer harvest data can find current deer harvest figures and harvest reports for past years on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ deer reports and statistics webpage. The page also features an interactive map and graph that visualizes the data. 2023 Preliminary deer harvest data   Open Map in a new tab (better for mobile screens)      View tabular data

Fergus Falls Students Finalists in Fire Prevention Poster Contest

  (Fergus Falls, MN) — October, 2023 — Nine Fergus Falls students will have their winning fire prevention posters submitted to be included in the Minnesota Fire Chief magazine next spring. The Fergus Falls winners were selected from over 400 entries from our kindergarten through fifth grade classes. It’s a tough job to narrow so many entries down.  Fergus Falls is allowed to advance up to nine students, based on

Mayor for a Day Essay Contest

  Fourth, fifth, and sixth graders can submit essays by Dec. 12 for a chance to win $100.   (St. Paul, MN) — October, 2023 — The Mayor for a Day Essay Contest, hosted by the League of Minnesota Cities, is now open for submissions. To enter, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders can answer the prompt, “What would you do if you were mayor for a day?” for a chance

Split Rock Light House

Ceremony on November 10 will include online livestream   (Two Harbors, MN) — October 31, 2023 – Twenty-nine crew members lost on Lake Superior will be remembered at Split Rock Lighthouse on November 10, the anniversary of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald’s sinking. The ceremony will include an online livestream of the event for those who cannot attend in person. At 4:15 pm, the lighthouse will temporarily close as the names of

Minnesota Zoo Sea Otter Pups

The pups, found abandoned in Alaska, require 24/7 care by Zoo staff   (Apple Valley, MN) – October 27, 2023 – Northern sea otter pups are highly dependent on their mothers during their first several months of life. When a pup becomes orphaned, their chance of survival is drastically reduced. Fortunately, the future of two recently orphaned female sea otter pups looks more optimistic thanks to the quick actions of

St. Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show

  Nation’s Largest Ice Fishing Show Offers Special Anniversary Prizes, Pro Tips, and New Winter Enthusiast Products and Services from 190+ Exhibitors (St Paul, MN) — October 24, 2023 — 10,000 frozen lakes. Three exciting decades. One historic show. Die-hard ice fishing and winter sports enthusiasts rejoice! Thousands are planning their pilgrimage to St. Paul’s RiverCenter December 1-3 for the 30th annual Saint Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show

Minnesota National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing Selected for New Aircraft

  (St Paul, Mn) – Minnesota National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing, located at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport was selected to receive eight, new C-130J Super Hercules aircraft as part of the Air National Guard’s C-130J Recapitalization and Basing program. “As Governor, I’ve always fought to ensure the Minnesota National Guard has the resources they need to protect our homeland and support missions abroad and at home,” said Governor Walz. “C-130

Tools for the Trades program

The donation from Northern Tool + Equipment will help hundreds of students for years to come (Burnsville, MN) —  Oct. 17, 2023  — Northern Tool + Equipment (NTE) is donating $5,000 worth of tools and equipment to founder Don Kotula’s alma mater, Hibbing High School. The donation is part of NTE’s Tools for the Trades™ program. “I started my career in a scrap yard on the Iron Range selling hydraulics, and the business

The Fraser Gala

  Supporting individuals and families with autism, mental health issues and disabilities never tasted so sweet, or reached so many underserved communities in MN. (Minneapolis, MN) —  October 12, 2023  — Supporting individuals and families with autism, mental health issues and disabilities never tasted so sweet, or reached so many underserved communities in Minnesota. This year, the Fraser Gala, presented by Meristem | Cresset, is inviting guests to get in

133rd Medical Group, Children’s Minnesota, Minnesota National Guard,

  Story by Tech. Sgt. Amy Lovgren   133rd Airlift Wing (ST Paul, MN) — Oct. 15th, 2023 —  U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 133rd Medical Group will host a training exercise with The Kid Experts® from Children’s Minnesota on Sunday, October 15 at 1:00 p.m. This biennial training exercise, created to simulate real-world emergencies, was last held in October 2021. “The 133rd Medical Group has been teaming up with

2022 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener

(Owatonna, MN) — Oct. 10th, 2023 — The public is invited to attend a celebration of new public hunting land in Steele County at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, as part of the 2023 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. The ceremony celebrates approximately 40 acres added to Somerset Wildlife Management Area, located southwest of Owatonna. The ceremony will include comments from local dignitaries, conservationists, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Unite 2 Fight Paralysis: Changing the Landscape for Spinal Cord Injury

When his son Gabriel became paralyzed, Matthew Rodreick turned tragedy into advocacy, reimagining the possibilities for curative therapies. Many parents of those with spinal cord injuries try to adapt to a weird new normal and try to move on. That didn’t work for me. I dedicated my life to changing the outlook for people like my son.” — Matthew Rodreick (Minneapolis, MN) —  October 9, 2023  — Fifteen years ago,

Eckrich $1 Million Challenge

(Minneapolis, MN) — October 8th, 2023 — Last weekend, the spotlight was shining on Brett Sindelir, an experienced 7th-12th grade social studies teacher at Alden-Conger High School in Wells, Minnesota. Brett’s moment of fame came as he participated in the Eckrich $1 Million Challenge during the Minnesota vs. Michigan game.  The premise was simple.  Throw a football through the target 15 yards away and win $1 Million to help his

Big League Big Giveback Challenge

(Minnesota) — Oct 7th, 2023 —  Across Minnesota, Twins fans are celebrating the 2023 playoff season — and now the state’s own Schneiderman’s Furniture is giving Minnesotans another reason to celebrate. Schneiderman’s Furniture is harnessing Minnesotans’ Twins vs. Astros playoffs excitement for good by giving back to worthy causes — and encouraging some good-spirited competition in doing so. It’s called the Big League Big Giveback Challenge. While Minnesota’s and Texas’s

People Incorporated Artability

  The Artability Program is a shining example of how the arts can be used to promote mental health and wellness. It is a place where people can come together to create, share, and heal. ” — Veronika Mix, Vice President of Community Engagement (St Paul, MN) —  October 4, 2023  — People Incorporated Mental Health Services, the Twin Cities’ largest community-based mental health provider – is hosting the Artability

Powerball Jackpot Minnesota

(St Paul, MN) —  Oct. 5, 2023  — There were no winners of the Powerball jackpot in its draw on Wednesday, October 4th and the first prize has skyrocketed to an estimated $1.4 billion (estimated cash value of $643.7 million). This jackpot ranks as the 3rdd largest in the Powerball game and 5th largest among U.S. lottery jackpots. Powerball has never before offered billion-dollar jackpots in consecutive jackpot cycles. The last time the lottery was

Minnesotans Encouraged to Submit Designs for State Flag and Seal

(St. Paul, Minn)–  Oct. 02, 2023 — Minnesotans can now officially submit their ideas for the next state flag and seal. The State Emblems Redesign Commission is accepting public submissions on its website: www.mnhs.org/serc. All entries must be original and follow the guidelines outlined by the State Emblems Redesign Commission. Participants must be 18 years of age or older or have their submissions entered by a parent or legal guardian.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

Ability to have Medicare questions answered by fellow Minnesotans drives increased confidence (Eagan, MN) —  Sept. 21, 2023  — According to a new survey from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross), for Minnesotans aged 65 and older, the importance of dependable and helpful customer service is nearly universal when evaluating the value of a Medicare plan. The surveyi, conducted with more than 500 Minnesota seniors enrolled in Medicare

The Root Collection: Celebrating Studio Ceramics

    August 19, 2023 – November 26, 2023Cargill Gallery  – Free Exhibition (Minneapolis, MN) — September 24th, 2023 — Tamara and Michael Root have created one of the largest, most diverse collections in the Twin Cities of studio ceramics from the 20th and 21st centuries. For nearly 35 years, they have followed the Minnesota ceramic arts scene and collected nationally and internationally, assisted by knowledgeable dealers. Now retired professors,

A Kidney Transplant for Parker Lintelman

(Minnetonka, MN) — September 19th, 2023 — After a Minnetonka child’s routine check-up ended with a devastating diagnosis, she’s now getting a life-saving gift after receiving a call about a new kidney on the week of her birthday! Parker Lintelman was diagnosed with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease in 2021. Over the last couple of years, Parker’s health declined dramatically until her medical team decided she needed to be put

Minnesota Community Action Partnership

(Moorhead, MN) — September 14th, 2023 — Life was bleak in 2016 for Jourdan Fischer and her two daughters. Money was short. She had a substance abuse problem, and major health issues. “You choose your destiny,” Fischer of Moorhead said. “Each choice you make has a consequence.” The choices she had previously made weren’t in the best interest of her and her family, and their circumstances reflected that. Every day

MN Zoo Beastly Bash

Make a difference while rediscovering nature at the Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley, MN)– September 11, 2023 – Ever wonder how much seafood a sea otter eats? Or what a moose nibbles on in the winter? On Saturday, September 23, the Minnesota Zoo’s animal nutritionist, Kelly, will be showcasing what it takes to nutritiously feed the nearly 5,000 animals that call the Minnesota Zoo home. This is part of the new

Fall Color 2022

(Minnesota) –September 7, 2023 — To celebrate Minnesota’s most colorful season, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is sharing a fall color forecast, typical timing of peak colors, ways for Minnesotans to find where colors are at their peak each week, and suggestions for where to visit to see fall colors. Fall colors in Minnesota typically peak in mid-to-late-September through mid-October, starting in the northernmost part of the state and

Alexandria Technical College archery team

(Alexandria, MN) — September 6th, 2023 —  Alexandria Technical and Community College continues to be a pioneer in higher education in Minnesota by establishing an archery team, becoming the first 2-year college in Minnesota to offer competitive archery through USA Archery’s Collegiate Archery Program. Alexandria College is Minnesota’s top-rated community college for cost, academic programs, and job placement. The college is a destination college with over 50% of the student

Conserved Seventeenth-Century Painting Minneapolis Institute of Art

Supported by the Bank of America Conservation Program, the painting underwent thorough conservation. (Minneapolis, MN) — September 7, 2023— The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) announced that a recently conserved painting, Domenico Passignano’s The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, will go on view in its galleries this month. Restoration work was supported by the Bank of America Art Conservation Project. The Italian painting is one of nineteen art

Building Confidence in Children

  (Mendota Heights, MN) —  September 6, 2023 — Ellie Mental Health just released a new comprehensive guide that details 10 self-esteem activities for children to help build confidence. In the complex world of navigating emotions and changing technologies, building a strong foundation of self-esteem is essential for a child’s overall growth. Parents, educators, and caregivers can all help contribute to a child’s overall belief in their abilities and help

State Fair Attendance and Winners

(St. Paul, Mn) — Sept. 5, 2023 – The 2023 Minnesota State Fair brought people together from across the state of Minnesota to celebrate. Labor Day attendance of 119,731 brought this year’s cumulative total to 1,835,826, making it the sixth best-attended fair ever. Day of the Week Aug. 24 to Sept. 4, 2023 Aug. 25 to Sept. 5, 2022 Aug. 26 to Sept. 6, 2021 Record Daily Attendance (Year) Thursday

Sickle Cell Awareness Month

During Sickle Cell Awareness Month, NMPD/Be The Match reminds individuals to visit SickleCellConnect.com to access essential resources, learn more about Sickle Cell Disease, and join the Be The Match Registry. (Minneapolis, MN) — August 31, 2023 — Committed to accelerating progress and expanding access to curative treatment, the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP)/Be The Match® is encouraging sickle cell warriors and caregivers to turn to Sickle Cell Warrior Program for

Momentum Refresh MN State Fair

(St Paul, MN) — August 30th, 2023 —  In a significant leap towards accessibility and inclusivity, Momentum Refresh has introduced the first-ever universal design mobile restroom resource in the U.S. This groundbreaking initiative is set to redefine how individuals with mobility limitations experience public events and locations, making reasonable accommodation a reality for all. And what better place to start than the Minnesota State Fair. Momentum Refresh’s primary mission is

Be The Match Foundation Los Angeles Soirée

(Minneapolis, MN) — Aug. 28, 2023  — On Friday, August 11, the Be The Match Foundation® celebrated its annual Los Angeles Soiree at the Skirball Cultural Center, an event dedicated to raising critical funds to support patients with life-threatening blood cancers and blood disorders. A record-breaking $327,000 was raised in one inspiring night. These funds go directly to providing patient assistance grants, pioneering research in the transplant field, and expanding

ADAR Technologies GIVE16 Hospitalized Children

  We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead with ADAR Technologies. They are a group of committed problem-solvers, seeking to meet challenges and fill a void in an emerging industry.” — Jason Zucker (Minneapolis, MN) —  August 21, 2023 — ADAR Technologies, a Midwest-based provider of sustainable solutions for today’s waste management challenges, recently announced a partnership with GIVE16, a Minneapolis-based charitable organization founded by Jason and Carly

Emma Kuball Princess Kay of the Milky Way

(St Paul, MN) —  Aug. 23, 2023  — Emma Kuball, a 19-year-old college student from Waterville, Minnesota, representing Rice County, was crowned the 70th Princess Kay of the Milky Way in an evening ceremony Aug. 23 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Kuball will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for 1,850 Minnesota dairy farm families. She is the daughter of Nate and Shannon Kuball and attends the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Ten county dairy princesses from throughout Minnesota competed for the Princess

St. Cloud State University SCSU cannabis

  Our endeavor is to meet workforce demand to provide educated professionals in this quickly evolving industry.” — St. Cloud State University President Robbyn Wacke   (St Cloud, MN) —  August 23, 2023  — St. Cloud State University will offer new online certificate programs this fall in cannabis education, the first of its kind in Minnesota. SCSU’s Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) division is partnering with California-based cannabis education company

What to Do at the Fair

(St Paul, MN) — August 23rd, 2023 — With hundreds of things to do and experience, it’s easy to fill a day at the fair. Use these tools to help you find food, merchandise, entertainment, demonstrations, exhibits and more.         Minnesota State Fair App Our free app features our State Fair Finders and Daily Schedule tools to help you locate your favorites at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

Hormel Foods New Bacon-Infused Recipes

Bacon lovers celebrate their passion for this iconic ingredient in honor of National Bacon Lover’s Day (Austin, MN) —  Aug. 18, 2023 — Get ready to sizzle with excitement as National Bacon Lover’s Day approaches this Sunday, Aug. 20. The annual celebration of the crispy, savory, smoky goodness of bacon promises to delight taste buds and ignite the culinary creativity of bacon enthusiasts everywhere. For experts at Hormel Foods, who

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Minnesota Zoo

The naturally delightful tradition runs from September 30 – November 4 (Apple Valley, MN) – August 17, 2023 – They’re back! Thousands of glowing, carved pumpkins, illuminating the night. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular has returned for an enchanted fifth year – and tickets go on sale at 8 am on Friday, September 8. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is part pumpkin patch and part art installation. From the trees to the ground, guests can marvel

Splash Pad Riverfront Park

(Fergus Falls, MN) — August 17th, 2023 —  The hot summer months have many people looking forward to summer 2024 when the splash pad downtown will be open! The splash pad is the key element of the “Downtown Riverfront Phase II” project, which is located on the block behind the Federal Courthouse. The project includes the splash pad, a waterfall feature, reflecting pools, seating areas, pergola, restrooms, and public art.

University of Minnesota Thermal Conductivity

  Record-setting discovery could lower energy consumption and improve heat management in electronic devices   (Minneapolis, MN) — August 1, 2023 — A team led by University of Minnesota scientists and engineers has discovered a new method for tuning the thermal conductivity of materials to control heat flow “on the fly.” Their tuning range is the highest ever recorded among one-step processes in the field and will open a door to developing

Foundation Launches Campaign to Fund Transformative Growingdome for Remote Sherpa Community

  Proceeds will fund the design, construction, and initial operation of the first solar-powered, geodesic growingdome high in the Himalaya of Nepal.”  — Gary Mark Lesley     (Mankato, MN) —  August 15, 2023 — The intrepid campaign is reaching out to individuals and forward-thinking corporate entities supportive of issues involving environmental preservation, innovative small-scale farming, food security, biodiversity, sustainable-regenerative practices, and waste management science. An official GoFundMe site has

SPAM Maui Wildfire Response

A special relationship has long existed between the people of Hawaii and the brand (Austin, MN) — Aug. 17, 2023 — In response to the devastating wildfires on Maui, Hormel Foods Corporation and the makers of the SPAM® brand — whose special relationship with the Hawaiian community spans decades — is sending resources to aid the disaster-relief efforts. Hormel Foods and its SPAM® brand have made a product donation to support the efforts on Maui. Three

University of Minnesota UROC Gallery Features Counterspaces 2.0

(Rochester, MN) — August 2nd, 2023 — Counterspaces began at the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) as a collective healing project for community members who have been impacted by the existing and increasing acts of racialized violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Curated by Rochester Art Center Curator Zoe Cinel and UMR Assistant Professor Yuko Taniguchi, the exhibit is dedicated for listening

Gary Lesley Sherpa Clouds of Everest

  Mr. Principal, I promised you I would return with the assignment you gave me… and yes, it’s possible. And so much more, as a living laboratory for health, nutrition and traditional practices.”  — Gary Mark Lesley     (Mankato, MN) —  August 9, 2023 — The dome will allow for culturally sensitive, community-directed priorities, involving sustainable-regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, enhanced nutrition, waste-management practices, and entrepreneurial development. The project is tracing

First 100% solar powered production boat launched in Minnesota

    (Afton, MN) —  August 9, 2023 — The first 100% solar powered production boat was launched in Minnesota on Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023. The boat, the Solar Sal 24, is a 24’ feet long cruiser that is powered by a bank of four solar panels backed up with a 14.4kW battery bank, allowing for autonomous cruising in daylight on solar panels alone and with an extended range at

Community Action Partnership Project Student Success

(Shakopee, MN) — August 9th, 2023 — It didn’t take long for the faces of children, and even teenagers, to widen with smiles of joy as they received backpacks filled with school supplies Monday afternoon. Hundreds of families stopped in at Community Action Partnership of Scott, Carver & Dakota Counties’ Shakopee office to receive the free backpacks. “Project Student Success,” as the agency has dubbed the program, will give away

Historic Fun for All Ages at Historic Fort Snelling’s Family Day

The whole family can create memories together on August 12 (St Paul,  MN) — August 3, 2023  – Historic Fort Snelling invites visitors of all ages to come together for a hands-on activity day on Saturday, August 12. Guests are invited to explore the site’s 22 acres along the bluffs of the scenic Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, where they will find activities throughout the historic fort and newly refurbished Plank