In Minnesotans concerned about bailout, the Worthington Globe reports:
U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., was hesitant to support anything yet.
“Until we see details about an assistance package for the auto industry, we’re just speculating about what might be included," Walz said. "But I would be very hesitant about any package that does not include strong protections for the taxpayers who are being asked to foot the bill.”
The Globe also reports on the first wind-to-battery test project in the United States. In Capturing wind:
Roughly the size of two semi trailers and weighing nearly 80 tons, groundbreaking wind-to-battery technology was unveiled in the middle of farm fields northwest of Beaver Creek Monday morning.
The battery, the first of its kind to be tested in the United States, will help partners Xcel Energy and Luverne-based Minwind Energy capture and store power produced by the 11.5-megawatt Minwind Energy wind farm. . . .
. . . Minwind Energy is comprised of 360 local investors who raised the capital to construct the wind farm. They each have a stake in the ownership of the turbines. Willers said the group is “very interested” in what’s going on in regard to energy production.
Minwind recently completed a two-year test project with Xcel Energy on a biodiesel peaking plant, in which a 99 percent blend of biofuels was used to power the wind turbines when Mother Nature didn’t provide enough wind for them to operate.
“We’re locally owned and we understand what energy is,” said Willers. “As Minnesotans, we want to have an understanding of where our energy dollars are going and coming from. Being an agricultural community, we’re always on the forefront of environmental issues.” . . .
KAAL-TV has more on this development in Xcel Tests Wind Power Battery.
The Ag Observatory at the IATP notes this December 3 event, Southern Minnesota Federal Grants Workshop:
Hosted by U.S. Congressman Tim Walz
December 3, 2008 -- 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Kahler Grand Hotel
Rochester, Minnesota
Cost: $20 for lunch
The 2008 Southern Minnesota Federal Grants Workshop connects local government and non profit leaders to federal grant opportunities with the goal of enhancing opportunity and prosperity. Come hear from experts from federal agencies and local foundations about how to research grant opportunities, review best practices in grant writing, and discover current trends in funding priority projects in southern Minnesota.
In Caledonia, the executive director of the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation notes Early childhood education is a very important investment in our future, according to the Argus.
The Lakefield Standard reports dire need in Lakefield, Jackson and Heron Lake in Food shelf shortage: ‘Not nearly enough’. Demoand is up and giving is down. How far down? The Jackson County Pilot reports contributions are off by 50 percent.
The Rochester Democrat has posted Tim Walz's letter asking Democrats to volunteer to help with the recount in the U.S. Senate race.
Salon analyzes the pathos of lolcats, while it's International Laugh at Lieberman Day. Personally, we're fluffing up our Droopy Dog routine in Joe's honor. For now, here's the first Tex Avery cartoon in the Droopy series, since the Democratic leadership doesn't want to shake this guy:
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