July 1 Message
Good Morning: I hope you have had a good week. If you read this on Friday, I hope you are looking forward to a fun and relaxing Holiday.
A few things to share today:
County Fairs: County Fair season starts next week. Thanks to all who work hard for successful Extension programming showcased at these very public events. Here is the fair calendar in our region
July 7-10: Redwood
July 14-17: Big Stone
July 21-24: Lincoln
July 28-31 Yellow Medicine
Aug 3-6 Lyon
Aug 4-6 Chippewa
Aug 10-13 Kandiyohi
Aug 17-19 Renville
Aug 18-21 Swift
Sept: 8-11 Lac qui Parle
Staff change: Kim Johnson, Kandiyohi County will be leaving her Support position in Kandiyohi Extension to pursue new opportunities. Kim's last day in the Extension office will be July 6. We wish Kim well as she begins a new chapter in her life journey.
State Government shutdown: As you know, Extension is not immediately impacted by the State Government shutdown. Here is the message sent by Dean Bev Durgan to staff:
June 28, 2011
Dear Colleagues,
In the event of a short-term government shutdown, the University and Extension will remain open. That means all employees should continue to report to work and continue with your summer and fall programming even if there is a shutdown.
Please note that all University Extension campus and regional offices will remain open if there is a shutdown. If a county or agency that houses an Extension office chooses to close the office during a state shutdown, supervisors will work with affected staff to work from home or move to another Extension office.
We are working with the University and state and federal partners to assess the impact of a possible shutdown on our state funding as well as grants and federal funds that "pass through" state agencies to Extension. A shutdown will mean at least a temporary interruption in the flow of those funds. I will continue to keep you informed of the impact of a state shutdown on Extension.
Bev Durgan
Dean
The following is a list of what is open and closed, copied from today's Star Tribune:
Have a safe 4th
Bob
COURTS
Will remain open at all levels.
DRIVER'S LICENSES
People will be able to renew licenses at driver's license agent offices. Driver tests will not be available. City, county and privately owned offices can distribute tabs and license plates. To find one, go to mndep.com
EDUCATION
State funding for K-12 schools will continue, but the state Education Department will largely be closed.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, food stamps, welfare benefits, child support payments, county child protection services, refugee assistance, supplemental aid and some services for disabled people will continue. Child-care assistance, services for the deaf, Senior and Disability linkage lines, criminal background checks and food shelf distributions will stop. Licensing for food, beverages, lodging and swimming pools could be interrupted. For details, go to the state's BeReady website at bereadymn.com
HIGHWAY REST STOPS
Will close. Three waysides, partners with other entities, will stay open: Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center, Park Rapids Area Welcome Center, Floodwood rest area in St. Louis County.
HISTORICAL SITES
Minnesota Historical Society's 26 sites and museums will close, including the History Center, Mill City Museum, Historic Fort Snelling and Split Rock Lighthouse.
HUNTING, FISHING LICENSES
Will not be issued. DNR officers will continue enforcement.
LICENSE PLATES
State Driver and Vehicle Services Division will be closed, but deputy registrars could renew license plates.
MILITARY/VETERANS
Veterans homes will stay open, along with critical assistance programs. Tuition reimbursement claims will stop, and veterans' outreach claims offices will close.
MINNESOTA ZOO
Will close to the public. Zoo staff will care for the animals and maintain security. IMAX and zoo concerts will stay open. For updates, go towww.mnzoo.com
PUBLIC SAFETY
State Patrol will stay on. The state's prison system will keep 3,600 of its 4,200 employees, including most of those who deal directly with offenders. Local police will likely be unaffected, since the state will still send local government aid.
RACETRACKS
Canterbury Park and Running Aces will close. Canterbury officials are looking for ways to keep at least part of the business open.
STATE COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES
Will remain open.
STATE LOTTERY
Will close. You won't be able to buy tickets or redeem winning lottery tickets. Drawings for Powerball, Mega Millions and Hot Lotto will continue, but no luck buying tickets in Minnesota. For more info, go to www.mnlottery.com
STATE PARKS
Will close. For more information, go to www.dnr.state.mn.us
STILLWATER LIFT BRIDGE
Will remain open.
TAXES
Taxes will be collected, but no refund checks will go out. Tax Court will be closed.
TRANSPORTATION
Most state-funded road construction projects will stop, except for emergency repairs. Twin Cities buses and rail lines will continue operating. South-metro bus lines will keep operating. Solo motorists will no longer be able to pay to use carpool lanes during rush hours on Interstates 394 and 35W.
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Will be paid.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Will remain open.
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