News

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a new online tool to help farmers and ranchers better navigate the farm loan application process. This uniform application process will help to ensure all farm loan applicants receive equal support and have a consistent customer experience with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) regardless of their individual circumstances. “USDArecognizes more must be done to ensure all customers have equal access to our programs and services,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “The Loan Assistance Tool is another example of USDAtaking accountability and ensuring we update our existing systems, processes, and policies to make them equitable for all customers. The tool will help loan applicants better understand the application process and gather the needed documents before the process even begins.” USDA experiences a high rate of incomplete or withdrawn applications, particularly among underserved customers, due in part to a challenging and lengthy paper-based application process. The Loan Assistance Tool is available 24/7 and gives customers an online step-by-step guide that supplements the support they receive when working in person with a USDAemployee, providing materials that may help an applicant prepare their loan application in one tool.

On a single night in January of 2022, there were 7917 people facing homelessness in Minnesota. This statistic comes from the Minnesota HMIS (Homeless Management Information System).

The number of small game hunters in Minnesota continues to decline along a long-term trendline. The number of small game licenses sold in 2021 was 233,901, down 4% from the previous year and 7% below the 10-year average.

Southwest Minnesota State University SMSU Music Program will present a number of performances in the coming weeks by their instru - mental and vocal ensembles. November concerts: • Thursday, November 10: SMSU Chorale pres - ents "Rebirth and Renewal," First Lutheran Church, 7:30 pm • Sunday, November 13: Fall Festival of Song, featuring a variety of musical selections by SMSU vocalists, First Lutheran Church, 2:00 pm • Thursday, November 17: SMSU/Community Concert Band presents "With Purpose," Fine Arts Theatre, 7:30 pm (Same concert given by invitation to the South Dakota Music Educators Association conference on Saturday, October 29 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.) • Monday, November 21: Mustang Pep Band in Concert, Fine Arts Theatre, 7:30 pm December concerts: • Thursday, December 1: Alta Voce & SMSU Glee Club present "Deep Peace" at First Lutheran Church, 7:30 pm • Saturday, December 3" "A Very Prairie Christ - mas" with the Chorale; Alta Voce; SMSU Glee Club; SMSU/Community Concert Band; & Jazz Ensemble at the Schwan Community Center for the Perform - ing Arts, Marshall High School, 3:00 pm.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment through Dec. 9 on its proposal to classify 13 high-risk invasive aquatic plants, fish and inverte - brates as prohibited. The DNR classifies invasive species as prohibited to prevent their introduction and spread in Minnesota, and to protect the state's environment, economy, natural resources and out -