Baby's near death renews call for vaccinations, Essar growth spurs pollution concerns, seed scarcity

Posted at 7:00 AM on February 10, 2012 by Michael Olson
Filed under: Around MN

Mother warns parents to vaccinate after baby's near death

WCCO: "A Minnesota mother is pushing all parents to vaccinate their kids after a case of whooping cough put her baby in intensive care for nearly a month. 'This didn't have to happen and we're so, so fortunate that we have a happy ending but it could have been so much worse,' said Emily Stevenson."

Residents still concerned as Essar plans to ramp up
WDIO: "Folks came to learn about the permit on Thursday at the Nashwauk-Keewatin High School. It would allow the company to ramp up their taconite production at the plant site in Nashwauk. Currently, they're permitted for around four million tons per year. They'd like to go to 6.5 million tons."

Same-sex Fargo couple denied marriage license, but hope others are spurred to action
Forum of Fargo Moorhead: "'Guess why we're here?' Lenny Tweeden wryly asked Cass County Treasurer Charlotte Sandvik as he stepped up to the courthouse counter on Thursday afternoon."

Seed scarcity could stall corn farmers eager to plant
MPR News: "After a year of extraordinary profits pushed by high corn prices, Minnesota farmers are looking forward to planting season. But their hopes of another strong season may be threatened by a growing scarcity of seed corn."

Reinert to governor: Put Vikings stadium in Duluth
Duluth News Tribune: "State Sen. Roger Reinert is throwing a fourth-down Hail Mary pass with just seconds left on the clock today as he sends Gov. Mark Dayton a letter suggesting a new Minnesota Vikings football stadium be built in Duluth." Also from the DNT: "So far, Reinert is on his own. No other Duluth official has signed the letter. And the Vikings hadn't heard of the plan until Thursday afternoon. ... 'We're three weeks into a 10-week legislative session and we are running out of time to start vetting new sites,' said Vikings VP Lester Bagley."

Ground Level: "We love it on the Iron Range," 27-year-old Catherine Branville said. "Both of our families are from here and we knew eventually we wanted to come back this way. We needed the right opportunity and job. The store went up for sale and it all ironically fell into place. It gave us the opportunity to come back for a reason. We both have Scandinavian heritage, so the store was an interesting fit for us."

Property taxes could rise if a constitutional supermajority amendment is adopted
Minnesota Budget Project: "Our report warns that restricting legislators' ability to raise taxes would make it harder to provide the services that residents want and value. Policymakers would look for ways to fund services that don't need supermajority votes. Past experience has shown that the inability to raise taxes at the state level in Minnesota leads to more pressure on tuition, fees and property taxes."

Hot times in old Duluth this weekend

Posted at 10:00 AM on February 10, 2012 by Michael Olson (2 Comments)
Filed under: Around MN, Arts

By Elisabeth Pedersen

This weekend is an exceptionally lively time for the Duluth art scene which includes a musical opening, a CD release show, a diorama, and then some.

The much-anticipated opening of the Tony Award winning musical Spring Awakening opened on Thursday. The New York Times has called this musical "A groundbreaking jolt of genius." The Renegade Theater Company is holding it at Teatro Zuccone in Duluth. The concept of this musical developed from a controversial play written in the 1891 by Frank Wedekind, which portrays confusion and misunderstandings of adolescence. This play has recently been adapted into a rock n' roll musical that delves into the lives of teenagers who live in Germany during the late 19th century. It transports the audience to a time of tension and frustration that is not so distinct from our own era by exploring the ideas of desire, loss of innocence and idealism, and how to grow with strength in a world filled with harsh realities. The struggles with sexuality and morality that the adults and teenagers face in Spring Awakening brings perspective to the way we view ourselves, and the values within our own society.

Art Hounds also included Spring Awakening in their weekly arts review.

The annual Diorama-Rama always marks a motivating time of the year by inspiring anyone with a creative knack to try their hand in creating their very own diorama. This year it takes place tonight at Sacred Heart Music Center. It is an event that is stimulated solely on community support and efforts. Anyone can take place in it simply by making a diorama that includes anything their heart desires, and then bringing it to Sacred Heart Music Center. Whether your expertise is in lighting, carving, painting, or even coloring--the Diorama-Rama has a place for you. Entertainment will include musical guests The Black-Eyed Snakes, Cockfight, DJ 45, and Dan Anderson. Also, Bridget Riversmith, a local Duluth artist, will be displaying animations for the audiences viewing pleasure.

If you are unable to join the fun on Friday at sacred Heart Music Center, Keri Noble will be performing there Saturday.

Her music is brilliant, wonderfully touching, and would be the perfect way to spend time with friends.

Also Saturday: Martin Zellar's CD release show that will be taking place at Pizza Luce with special guest Charlie Parr. The show will begin at 10:00p.m. It will be a lively performance that will please all who enjoy folk acoustic jams.

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