By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

Roseau, Minn — As spring planting ramps up across Roseau and Lake of the Woods Counties, safety experts are reminding farmers to stay alert around overhead power lines and electrical equipment. Large machinery, grain augers, and field equipment can easily come into contact with power lines, creating dangerous — and sometimes deadly — situations during the busy planting season.

Roseau Electric Cooperative General Manager Ryan Severson says awareness is critical this time of year and farmers need to stay focused on their surroundings while working long hours during planting season.

Severson also says knowing what to do during an emergency can save lives.

Severson also is encouraging farmers to use online safety resources before heading to the field this spring.

Severson says a few extra seconds to look up, keep equipment clear of power lines, and plan routes carefully can help prevent serious accidents in the field throughout planting season.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

Roseau, Minn — The Roseau Soil and Water Conservation District is encouraging private well owners to take advantage of a free water testing clinic coming up in Roseau.

The “Well Aware” clinic will be held Tuesday, June 2nd from 3 to 6 p-m at the Roseau Super One Foods location. Free test kits will be available for private well households to check for lead, arsenic, and bacteria in their drinking water.

Organizers say fewer than twenty percent of private well owners test their water as often as recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health. The goal is to improve awareness and help families better understand potential drinking water concerns.

Residents will receive their results directly from the lab, while anonymous testing data will help local conservation officials focus future drinking water education and outreach efforts. For more information, contact the Roseau SWCD or West Polk SWCD offices.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

Roseau, Minn — With June approaching, The Minnesota Canola Council is reminding farmers across northwest Minnesota and the broader northern growing region to closely monitor sclerotinia risk maps as the growing season continues. The maps help growers evaluate the potential for disease development based on changing weather and environmental conditions across the region.

The maps help growers track disease risk based on changing weather patterns and field conditions that can vary widely from the Red River Valley to northern Minnesota canola acres.

The Sclerotinia Risk in Canola Forecast Program was developed by North Dakota State University’s canola pathology program with support from several grower organizations, including the Minnesota Canola Council and Northern Canola Growers Association.

The program includes a daily updated general risk map, along with a field-specific risk calculator that helps farmers make management decisions. Growers can access the maps online or through the NDSU Canola Doctor app available for both Apple and Android devices.

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) recently announced the opening of their new “Great State of Minnesota” exhibit, which is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett tells us more about this exhibit.

Everett tells us about some of the pieces that are included in this exhibit.

If you would like to see this exhibit in person, Everett explains when and how you can do so.

You can go to northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org for more information about the exhibit, and other NWMAC programs.