>>Walz Announces Federal Loans for Businesses Affected by Warm Winter
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota has announced that businesses suffering losses due to the unseasonably warm winter can now apply for federal disaster relief. Governor Walz says the economic injury disaster loans are being made available through the U.S. Small Business Administration. These loans are designed to help businesses impacted by drought, specifically those that rely on snow and ice to generate profits. For more information on how to apply for the loan, visit the SBA website.
>>Scott County Woman Charged in Boyfriend’s Shooting Death
(Credit River, MN) — A Scott County woman is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of her live-in boyfriend in Credit River. Jennifer Lieber of Prior Lake is accused of fatally shooting 45-year-old David Nanovic late Monday night in their home. The criminal complaint says Lieber told investigators that Nanovic came after her with a gun, and she kicked it, and it went off. The medical examiner determined that Nanovic died of a gunshot wound to the head. Lieber remains in the Scott County jail.
>>State Senate Panel Delays Bill on Transfer of White Earth State Forest
(St. Paul, MN) — A proposed bill that would have allowed the transfer of state forest land to the White Earth tribal nation has been put on hold by the state Senate. This week, the Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee heard from tribal leaders, community members, and local elected officials who expressed their concerns about the potential impact of the land transfer on future recreation and residential access. The proposed transfer would have affected the White Earth State Forest northeast of Fargo. Although the bill has been tabled, it could be taken up again later in the session.
>>Proposed Legislation to Cover Wigs for Cancer Patients
(St. Paul, MN) — Senator Kari Dziedzic (DEED-zic) of Minneapolis introduced her proposed legislation Thursday to require insurance companies to cover the cost of wigs for cancer-related hair loss. Dziedic says a few other states have already mandated coverage care for cancer patients, most going into effect from 1998-2011, allotting $350 per patient. However, the 62 Jay evaluation states that it doesn’t cover the average cost of most wigs. Dziedzic, an ovarian cancer survivor herself who recently announced her cancer has returned, says while she knows insurance companies don’t like mandates, this bill would put patients first.
>>Free Electronic Waste Recycling Proposal
(St. Paul, MN) — Legislation moving forward in the Minnesota House would provide free recycling of all electronic waste in the state. Representative Athena Hollins of St. Paul says we only collect 20 percent of old computers, T-Vs, cellphones, and other electronic devices. This bill aims to get us closer to 100 percent. Hollins says electronics dumped in landfills can leach heavy metals into the ground and cause pollution. A small fee for the sale of electronic devices would help pay for the recycling program.
>>State Fair Offering Grants to First-Time Livestock Exhibitors
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota State Fair funds first-time exhibitors participating in livestock competitions. For the fourth year, fair officials declared they would provide grants for the Beginning Exhibitor Livestock Learning Experience. Large-animal exhibitors can receive a grant of $500, and small-animal handlers are eligible for $250. A maximum of 15 grants will be awarded. To learn more about the grant, please visit the state fair website.
