Vitalant is a nonprofit organization that collects donated blood and supplies it to hospitals for surgeries, cancer care, trauma treatment, and emergencies. Right now, the organization remains in a critical need for O-positive and O-negative blood donors, which are especially important in emergency situations.

Donating blood takes about one hour, and during March, those who give will also have a chance to win $10,000 as a thank-you for helping rebuild the blood supply.

Local blood drives are scheduled in Warroad at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on March 10, in Goodridge at the Lions Club on March 11, and in Roseau at Roseau High School on March 18.

More information is available at vitalant.org.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced the winners of its 2026 “Name a Snowplow” contest, with Northwest Minnesota’s District 2 plow officially named “Sled Zeppelin.” The names were selected through public submissions and statewide voting.

Other winning plow names include “Oh, For Sleet’s Sake” in Central Minnesota, “Flurrious George” in Southeast Minnesota, “K Pop Blizzard Hunter” in Southwest Minnesota, “Minne-Snow-ta” in Northeast Minnesota, “Every Day I’m Shovelin’” in South Central Minnesota, “O Brother, Where Art Plow?” in West Central Minnesota, and “The Life of a Snowgirl” in the Twin Cities metro.

The annual contest highlights Minnesotans’ creativity while recognizing snowplow operators who keep roads safe statewide.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services says it has taken major steps to combat fraud and protect Medicaid funding for children receiving autism services.

Since October 2024, the state has completed site visits to more than 300 autism service providers. As a result, 54 providers closed voluntarily and 18 were terminated for cause. In June 2025, Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention, or EIDBI, services were designated as high risk, triggering stricter background checks, screening visits, and unannounced inspections.

Starting in January 2026, the state began to enhance prepayment reviews of EIDBI claims. By May 31, 2026, providers will be required to obtain provisional licenses as part of expanded accountability efforts.

More information is available through the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

The Minnesota Grazing Lands Conservation Association is now accepting applications for its 2026 Grazing Mentorship Program.

The six-month, one-on-one program runs from April 1 through October 1 and pairs Minnesota livestock producers with experienced local grazers. The program is open to all producers, including beginners, transitioning grazers, and conventional farmers interested in integrating livestock.

Selected participants receive monthly mentor check-ins, an on-farm visit, a two-year association membership, access to a grazing school or field day, and planning tools and peer support. Some participants may also qualify for a $500 completion grant.

Applications close March 20, 2026.

More information is available at mnglca.org.