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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Contributed/Polk County Sheriff's Office/Emergency ManagementThe Polk County Sheriff's Office said 7-year-old K-9 Rex recently became very ill and had failing kidneys. -
Contributed/Grand Forks Emergency ManagementCounties are required to update hazard mitigation plans every five years to maintain eligibility for FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs. -
Contributed/Minnesota Bureau of Criminal ApprehensionMark Rood, 66, was last seen in International Falls on Jan. 19, 2026. -
Contributed/MnDOTParticipants can vote once and select up to eight winning names through noon Feb. 13, 2026. The agency selected 30 finalist names from more than 6,700 submissions. -
The number of four-day school week school districts in Northern Minnesota and across the country keeps growing. Communities are fiercely loyal, but researchers say there are still lots of unknowns. -
Plus: the Minnesota State Patrol recently honored troopers and citizens for their heroic actions; and high school Nordic skiiers will soon compete in Biwabik.
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Contributed/Ben Davis for HouseDavis, of Crow Wing County's Mission Township, was first elected to the state Legislature in 2022. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe merged company now owns more than 4 million acres in forest holdings across the U.S. PotlatchDeltic denies any allegations of wrongdoing at Bemidji mill in new court filings. -
Plus: Deer River School District considers moving to a four-day school week; and Cass County is taking comments its environmental assessment of a development near Gull Lake.
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Megan Buffington/KAXESuperintendent Pat Rendle will bring the alternative schedule application to the Board on Feb. 11, 2026, for what he wants to be a final decision.
