University of Minnesota Extension will accept ideas for Regional Sustainable Development Partnership projects from local communities.
The partnership supports local efforts by connecting community ideas with the University of Minnesota's resources, including students, faculty and staff.
Each of the five Extension regions sets project priorities for the competitive RSDP process. Northeast Minnesota project priorities include strengthening the regional food system, addressing climate and other ecological impacts, expanding energy efficiency and renewable energy, and supporting community action.
Northwest Minnesota project priorities include supporting sustainable agriculture and food systems, clean energy for underserved communities, enhancing local ecosystems and building resilient communities.
"The best way to get started with any of the funding opportunities is to reach out. We’re excited to hear from you. We are here to talk about your idea and to help you with the application process,” stated David Abazs, the executive director of the northeast region of the program, in a news release.
More information on how to submit ideas is available on the U of M Extension website. Applications are due Friday, Feb. 14.
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Plus: Two local elementary schools meet their fates, with Bemidji's J.W. Smith set to remain open for at least a year, while Greenhaven in Hibbing will close. -
Contributed/Meal Train for the Rife Family Adult Foster CareKimberly Soon Jim Rife, 39, died, and her 13-year-old daughter suffered life-threatening injuries. Rife ran an adult foster care and coordinated a program to help hungry students. -
Contributed/Nicole Neri / Minnesota ReformerEven during the most intense immigration enforcement in Minnesota, however, immigration authorities were arresting nearly triple the number of immigrants in Texas. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEA motion to close and consolidate the Bemidji school, dispersing students to other area elementaries serving kindergarten through third grade, failed to pass on a 3-3 vote. -
Contributed/City of HermantownThe city and Google jointly agreed to an updated alternative urban areawide review study with a smaller geographic footprint than last fall’s study. -
Contributed/Becker County Sheriff's OfficeThe Becker County Sheriff's Office received a call March 30, 2026, from a man who went to check on his brother because he hadn't shown up at work. -
Plus: Minnesotans gathered in the thousands for "No Kings" rallies across the state; Aitkin Public Schools will soon have a new superintendent; Burning restrictions for areas of the state went into effect Monday; and 2 Northland teams placed at the state boys basketball tournament.
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Megan Buffington/KAXEThe district estimates closing the school, which serves second and third grade, will save it at least $516,000 as it works to address a $2 million budget shortfall. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe approvals mark the resolution of months of back-and-forth that nearly resulted in a strike. The union's focus was on time off and wording changes, rather than wage increases. -
Contributed/Karina Kafka / Report for MinnesotaThe rally highlighted the importance of budgetary decisions this session that would affect providers and disabled people in their ability to get the care they need.
