Latest news with #RiverlandCommunityCollege
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Board repeals contribution to Community Promise Scholarship after questioning legality of use of public funds
May 20—The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted unanimously to repeal a resolution it made in December 2022 that allowed the county to designate $20,000 a year for five years to the Freeborn County Community Promise Scholarship. The scholarship allows qualified high schoolers in the county to attend Riverland Community College for free up to a certain number of credits. The program was launched by Riverland in 2022 with the support at that time by the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency, the city of Albert Lea, the county, the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau and others. The resolution approved Tuesday stated that after the local scholarship program was approved, the state of Minnesota introduced alternative funding programs that provides similar opportunities to students. The scholarship funds allocated by the county have not been utilized to date. The resolution states the allocation of public funds for the scholarship may not align with legal requirements of the Minnesota Public Purpose Doctrine, which mandates public expenditures benefit the community and directly relate to government activity, without primarily benefiting private interests. "The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners has determined that participating in the funding of the Freeborn County Community Promise Scholarship does not meet the criteria set forth under the Minnesota Public Purpose Doctrine and that the funds should be reallocated to purposes that directly benefit the community and align with legal requirements," it continued. Fifth District Commissioner Nicole Eckstrom said the scholarship funds have been a concern of hers even back to the time the resolution initially passed. At the time, she was elected for her seat but had not yet been sworn in. She said it raised concerns for her about whether it fit within that public purpose doctrine. She emphasized she didn't take the action lightly in wanting to undo the resolution from a previous board, and she did not want the public to think the board didn't support those types of programs. Eckstrom said when a group comes in and asks the county for money, even if it is a commendable purpose, it still has to fit the definition of that doctrine. She said she wants people to understand that the county did not have legal authority to support the program. Only two of the existing commissioners were on the board at the time of the original vote — Chairman Brad Edwin and Commissioner Chris Shoff. At that time, it passed 3-2, with commissioners Dan Belshan and Edwin voting against the action. Shoff said during the Tuesday meeting he did not recall having much time to consider the proposal before it was voted on. Commissioner Dawn Kaasa said she recalled Belshan questioning the legality of contributing to the program. Eckstrom said she would let the state auditor's office know of the board's decision, as she had been contacted in 2023 and again at the beginning of 2025 with questions about the county's participation in the program. County Administrator Melanie Aeschliman said Eckstrom came up with a checklist that can be used for entities coming to the board and requesting money that she said will give the county a good process moving forward. In other action: —The board approved a contract with Dodge County for assessor services through June 16. The county shall reimburse Dodge County for the independent contractor's wage and benefits (totaling $59.15 per hour) for the time the individual is in Freeborn County, up to eight hours per pay period. The board also approved an agreement with Matt Naatz for the services, which include $100 per hour, plus drive time and mileage. Compensation shall not exceed 35 hours per week without prior approval by the Freeborn County administrator. Aeschliman said she is optimistic the county has a strong candidate it will be pursuing for the permanent position. —The board voted to establish a policy review committee made up of the board chair, a commissioner, the Human Resources manager, the county administrator and the IT director. —Approved the union contract with Law Enforcement Labor Services Inc., representing patrol deputies, effective from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2026. —Accepted the resignation of Christina Boardman, detective with the Freeborn County Sheriff's Office. —Accepted a donation from AgCountry for $600 toward the Sheriff's Office K9 fund. —Awarded the contract for paving on County State Aid Highway 35 and County Road 95 to Ulland Brothers Inc. for about $1.79 million. The project is being funded from unspent road and bridge budget dollars from 2024 that were recommitted for the fund for 2025. The engineer's estimate was about $2.3 million. —Approved the contract for culvert projects on County State Aid Highways 1 and 35 to ICON LLC. For $361,243. The engineer's estimate was about $530,000. —Approved the contract for a large scale crack sealing project to Fahrner Asphalt Sealers LLC out of Eau Claire for about $196,400. The county received four bids, and the engineer's estimate was about $758,000.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'We fought for it:' RCC holds 84th Commencement
May 16—Over 300 students were on the stage Friday night, taking part in Riverland Community College's 84th Commencement in Knowlton Auditorium at Austin High School. The number was just over half of the 633 total students across RCC's three campuses to earn diplomas this school year, marking another turn of what President Dr. Kat Linaker termed as being transformational in her speech. "You dared yourself to come to college and clearly you are successful," Linaker said before later in her speech adding that they were center stage in their own journeys. "You've arrived standing here today as the star of your own story. As she did last year, Linaker made a point of recognizing each graduate's journey by asking them to stand after asking questions of the challenges they faced in getting there. While hoping it becomes a tradition at Riverland, Linaker used the moment to demonstrate to all in attendance the time spent forging their own educational path. "Please share your journey," she asked the graduates. "The world needs your voice. The world needs you." Two of the graduates spoke during Friday night's ceremony including Cassandra Britt of Owatonna, whose poignant journey spoke of nothing less than perseverance and resilience, both of which she shared in her speech. "This journey has been deeply personal," an emotional Britt said. "Life has a way of giving us second chances." After first applying to RCC's Cosmetology program in 2015, the mother of five didn't feel the time was right as she faced challenges that included homelessness, mental health struggles and addiction. However, she returned in 2024 and even overcame academic suspension to stand on stage. "I fought hard for a second chance," she said, calling her own graduation story a pivotal moment that demonstrated the commitment of the school's teachers. She included this milestone with her fellow graduates, recognizing what they all achieved this year. "We fought for it," she said. Michael Grabrick, a first-generation college student from Austin, used his time on stage to laud those very same students, commending them for making it to this point. He shared very little of his own story, which included an active campus life, choosing instead to direct the graduating class's achievements back on them. "You who worked your butts off and got to walk across this stage," he said. "You are who matters here today. I wish you luck and happiness."
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RCC students earn awards at Minnesota SkillsUSA competitions
Apr. 29—Riverland Community College students earned multiple awards and national qualifications at the recent Minnesota SkillsUSA competitions, showcasing excellence in technical education across several career pathways. The competitions were held over two weekends and brought together top students from across the state to compete in real-world, hands-on challenges aligned with their career programs. Riverland students competed in commercial roofing, carpentry, cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, job interview, and facility management. Among the highlights: —Sam Oelfke took first place in the Commercial Roofing competition, held March 28 at Allweather Roof in Austin. Oelfke earned a $500 gift card to Runnings and secured a spot at the SkillsUSA National Championships this June in Atlanta, Georgia. —Ywa Say placed second in Commercial Roofing, winning a $300 gift card to Runnings. —Marshall Burma earned second place in the Carpentry competition on April 5, at the Carpenter's Training Institute in Saint Paul. He was awarded a 25-foot tape measure and a professional level set. Cosmetology students also stood out: —Lilly Vadeer took second place in the Cosmetology competition and earned gold in the Facilithon Leadership event. Her first-place finish in Facilithon secured her a spot at the National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC). She will also represent Minnesota as a voting delegate and state officer. —Cassie Britt won first place in Esthetics (with her model Sadie Sledd) and will advance to NLSC. —Ava Vickerman claimed first place in the Nail Technology competition (with model Hailey Lovejoy) and will also compete at the national level. In addition, Riverland students achieved state-level recognition in multiple categories: —Gold medals in Nail Technology, Esthetics, and Facilithon —Silver and Bronze in Job Interview —Silver in Cosmetology —Silver in Carpentry —Gold and Silver in Commercial Roofing Riverland is also proud to celebrate Lisa Simon, Cosmetology Instructor, who was named the 2025 College Advisor of the Year for her outstanding mentorship and student support. SkillsUSA advisors include Zachary Smith (Carpentry), Lisa Simon and Jessi Studnicka (Cosmetology). "These results are a testament to the talent, work ethic, and preparation of our students and the dedicated faculty and staff who support them," said Dr. Kat Linaker, President of Riverland Community College. "We are incredibly proud to see Riverland students rise to the top in statewide competitions and move forward to represent Minnesota at the national level." SkillsUSA is a national organization that empowers students to become world-class workers and leaders in their fields. The SkillsUSA Championships are the largest showcase of skilled trades and technical education in the country.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Riverland's Catherine Haslag recognized as Outstanding Educator
Apr. 28—Catherine Haslag, a chemistry faculty member at Riverland Community College, was honored as an Outstanding Educator at the 2025 Minnesota State Board of Trustees Awards for Excellence in St. Paul on April 16. Haslag was recognized for her innovative approach to teaching and her deep commitment to student success. She developed the first hybrid and fully online Introduction to Chemistry courses at Riverland, created a specialized chemistry course for nursing students, and launched the Science Fair Mentoring Project to connect K — 12 students with hands-on science experiences. "Catherine exemplifies what it means to be a student-centered educator," said Kat Linaker, president of Riverland Community College. "Her dedication to teaching, innovation, and expanding access to STEM education reflects the very best of our mission and values." The Board of Trustees Awards for Excellence acknowledge outstanding faculty across Minnesota State who demonstrate superior commitment to student learning and continuous improvement. Haslag's selection places her among the top educators systemwide. "Catherine's work is transformative," said Heather Conley, vice president of Academics and Innovation. "She constantly explores new ways to engage students and extend the reach of science education across our institution." Riverland celebrated Haslag's recognition and her contributions to academic excellence at an Awards and Recognition Ceremony held Friday at Riverland.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Crop diversity, covers focus of free workshop
Mar. 7—Soil-health farmers and researchers will lead a free workshop focused on incorporating cover crops into a farming operation and seeking to diverse crops this month at Riverland Community College in Austin. "Cover Crops 101 & Crop Diversity" will be from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 17 at Riverland's west campus, 1900 Eighth Ave. N.W., and include a free pizza lunch. This workshop will offer three continuing education credits for those who need them. Main topics will include discussing crop technology and building resiliency in your soil, specifically to corn rootworm and other agronomic pests. Featured speakers are cover crops farmer and seed dealer Andy Linder; soil-health researcher Dr. Ann Journey; cover crops seed dealer and farmer TJ Kartes; and soil scientist and cover crops farmer Steve Lawler of Mower Soil & Water Conservation District. Funding from the state's Clean Water Fund is supporting the workshop through the Cedar-Wapsipinicon Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. Linder, who discusses the economics of soil health and how he does it in a financially sustainable way, farms with his father, Don, near Easton, Minn., where they raise no-till soybeans; no-till and strip-till corn; oats; canning crops; and hay. In 2019, Linder Family Farms was recognized as the state's Outstanding Conservationist of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts. Under his company Agro Solutions, Linder sells cover crop seeds and performs high-clearance applications of cover crops. Since 2016, the Linders have planted 100 percent of their acres to cover crops every year. They also have greatly reduced tillage on all their acres and, in 2019, started grazing cover crops following their small-grain harvest. Journey is an agricultural entomologist and soil-health expert who founded EntoVentures. She's an independent soil, wetland and stream health evaluator and environmental educator. She was a soil health coordinator (ACES) with USDA-NRCS in St. Paul from 2016 to 2020 and has conducted ag entomology research at the University of Minnesota. Her research is focused on corn rootworms, and included studies of conventional insecticides, biological control and ecological evaluations of transgenic, herbicide tolerant and rootworm-resistant corn. Based in Blooming Prairie, Kartes is a seed dealer for Saddle Butte Ag Inc. and a seasoned producer with extensive knowledge on using cover crops, including on land he farms in the area. Kartes has teamed with Mower SWCD numerous times to offer free "Cover Crops 101" sessions. Lawler is a soil scientist for Mower SWCD and helps run a family farm near Eyota, Minn., where they grow cover crops and allow beef cattle to graze on cover crops. Lawler also is continuing a multi-year study on nitrate movement in groundwater in relation to conventional tillage and the use of cover crops at the Sustainable Answer Acre near Lansing. Cover crops — such as cereal rye, oats and winter wheat — usually are planted in coordination with regular cash crops like corn and soybeans to temporarily protect cropland from wind and water erosion as well as give living roots to the soil during times when cropland often doesn't have adequate protection, according to the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Viewed as tools to keep soil in place, cover crops can support healthy soils and cropland sustainability efforts. They can bolster soil health; improve water quality; increase stormwater infiltration in soil; and reduce pollution from ag activities.
