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Serving rural Benton County, Morrison, Mille Lacs & Kanabec counties.
BENTON AG Plus
Sauk Rapids Herald
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016
DNR works to draft sustainability plan Model suggests groundwater pumping is depleting Áow in Little Rock Creek by NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
RICE — It has been nearly a year since the Department of Natural Resources initiated a planning project for sustainable water use in the Little Rock Creek watershed. Progress will continue into the New Year, but the question weighing on interested parties’ minds has been answered. Yes, there is a problem. According to a Dec. 14 update given by the DNR at the Rice Lions Building, groundwater pumping is depleting stream Áow at one location in Little Rock Creek by a year-round average of 1.4 cubic feet per second (CFS) or 628 gallons per minute. In August, when stream Áow is typically the lowest, the average depletion increases to 2.5 CFS (1,122 gallons per minute.) The average maximum monthly stream deplePHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER tion was calculated to be 3.1 Rick Gilbertson, soil agronomist and member of the project advisory team to the DNR’s CFS (1,932 gallons per minLittle Rock Creek Sustainable Water Use Planning Project, asked a question at the Dec. 14 ute.) Groundwater pumping meeting in Rice. is effecting the ecosystem,
AG Connection with Job Title: Benton County bars. In the fall, we ready our Maintenance Superintendent equipment for winter by the Àrst weekend in November Responsibilities include: In and continue with equipment charge of all paved and grav- maintenance throughout the el road maintenance, snow winter season. plowing and highway department equipment maintenance; How many miles of road are and is responsible for running you in charge of? We mainthe county fuel station. tain around 430 miles of road in Benton County, give or take Please tell us about your po- a few miles. The county is sition? I schedule work for 13 about 50 percent blacktop and maintenance workers and one 50 percent gravel. mechanic. We have a daily maintenance schedule which What does a typical work consists of crack Àlling and week look like for you? I’m replacing an average of 30-55 out on the road looking for culverts in the spring of the hazards and work for the guys. year. As the year progresses, I’m inspecting culverts, seeing we gravel roads and try to put what is rusted out and needs down 30,000 yards of gravel to be repaired. I’m looking each year. We seal coat about for roads that need to be refour miles of patched pave- paired, and I bring that informent a year and manage ap- mation to the engineers. I’m proximately a $450,000 bud- spec’ing and ordering equipget, which is used for patch ment and communicating with work until county engineers the mechanic on a daily basis. are able to resurface or recon- And then there is training and struct roads. We clean ditches classes that you always try to from time to time and top- keep up with. cut road right-of-way ditches over a 14-day period toward When did you get into gradthe middle of June. By the ing and snowplowing and middle of August, we are able why? I was hired in 2002 as a to mow the ditches complete- highway maintenance worker. ly. We also maintain signage I always wanted to work for on the roads, as well as stop government because I always
wanted to better the community. I worked one year at that position, and when this position opened I applied for it. Initially, I plowed snow for my brother-in-law for a few years and then for myself besides working out. I got my feet wet working construction for my uncle and always liked running heavy equipment. I like the winters. I like the snow. And I like plowing the snow which I don’t do because I’m kind of the weather guy. I stay up in the wee hours of the night, watch the radar and the weather coming in, and make the decision of what time to calls the guys in to send them out on the road to start plowing and stuff. As far as maintaining the gravels, it’s just a maintenance routine. In the highway department we deÀnitely work as a team. We are one gigantic team. I always look at it as we’re more like a family because we spend so much time together.
and therefore something must be done to address the problem. Over the last 25 years, groundwater use in the Little Rock Creek area has increased signiÀcantly faster when compared to the statewide average. Because of the risk of overuse and possible contamination, the DNR was taxed with determining whether usage would result in unintended consequences such as harming ecosystems and aquifers, or creating negative impacts to surface waters. They began a planning project in January 2016, created an advisory team of Benton and Morrison County residents, and developed a groundwater Áow model to aid in their decisions. “The only way we could do this experiment in real life [without the model], is if we had climatic conditions in 2017 that were exactly the same as 2016. And everybody turned off their wells,” said Ellen Considine, DNR Groundwater Specialist, Hydrogeologist
3, of the importance of using a model. “We’re never going to produce those same climatic conditions — the intensity of the rainfall, the hot days the cold days — and I’m very sure nobody wants to turn off their wells for 2017. So that’s why we use the model — to solve this problem and to look at how much [water] is getting into the creek.” Documented well locations, water levels, land geology, soil conductivity and water usage were all used in creating the groundwater Áow model. The information determined by the model and DNR will guide groundwater management in the Little Rock Creek watershed for the next Àve years. The DNR hasn’t yet Ànalized a drafted plan. More analysis and work will continue in the coming month, but they are getting closer to delivering their thoughts. “We are pretty sure we are lined up here,” said Steve Colvin, DNR Ecological and Water Resources Deputy Director. “We don’t think the residual work we have left is going to change in a substantial way, based on DNR continued on pg. 2B
M ark E bnet
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Benton County Maintenance Superintendent Mark Ebnet is in charge of approximately 430 miles of roads in the county.
snow plow operation, as well as chainsaw safety and operation. We have monthly safety meetings, too. Safety is a big What kind of training is re- factor, including being alert quired? We are required to be to potential distracted drivers trained in First Aid/CPR; the who we share the roads with. OSHA AWAIR and Right to Know programs; construction What are the greatest chaltruck, heavy equipment and lenges of your job? The
biggest challenge is making the right decisions. It can be challenging depending on the weather, but there is no storm or job too small or too big. We always get it done. What do you enjoy most about it? Being outside is the biggest thing. I’m an outdoors
guy. I like being outside. I like taking on challenges. In one fashion, stress is kind of good. I don’t mind it. There are times you can be overwhelmed with stress, but I enjoy having a challenge day-to-day I guess. Mark Ebnet continued on pg. 2B
PAGE 2B
Benton Ag
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016
DNR continued from front_____________________
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the conclusion we are drawing from the analysis done today. Once we conclude we are above a sustainability threshold, we’re going to have to establish a protected Áow for Little Rock Creek. In addition, we will have to establish a stream depletion goal.” Once the DNR drafts a plan, public stakeholders and the project advisory board will have roughly a month and a half comment period to talk about the feasibility and acceptability of the actions proposed. The department plans on using a variety of avenues such as open houses, surveys, web postings and one-on-one meetings to enlist feedback. A Ànal meeting to review and discuss the plan will be held April 6 before it is submitted to the commission.
“If permit changes are needed … not only do we not anticipate them in 2017, we don’t anticipate them in 2018,” Colvin said. “We think the process of going through in a deliberative way to come to solutions for the situation we are starting to see, wouldn’t be before the 2019 irrigation season.” The next meeting of the DNR and project advisory team is Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 1-4 p.m. at the Rice Lions Building, 101 Fourth Avenue NW, Rice. The public is welcome to attend.
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Jason Moeckel, DNR Ecological & Water Resource Division Section Manager, presented about sustainable water Dec. 14 at a meeting in Rice.
Mark Ebnet continued from front____ What is the most memorable day on the job you’ve had? We had Áooding two years ago in Benton County. We had roads washing out and the most memorable time was when we had a couple whose driveway had washed out. It was late at night and dark, and there was about 3-4 feet of water running through their driveway. There was no way
for them to get to their house. At the time, my challenge was making sure the folks could get to their house where they belonged. The guys and I put a culvert together, rolled it into place with the backhoe and backed up two trucks. We dumped the material in as fast as we could to seal the water, so the water had to run through the pipe. Then we backÀlled
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Tell us something about your job most people don’t know? Most people probably don’t realize this job lives with you like your own business. Your mind is always thinking about your job even if you’re off the clock and at home. I take that pretty seriously because I always want to do a good job for the public. My mind is always wandering and thinking of what I could do or any changes we could improve on so we can do a better service.
What are the three essentials to having a good gravel county road? You like to at least have 3-5 inches of a Class 5 base on them and you want to maintain them periodically depending on when you get moisture. You don’t want them to get too washboard-y. There is a problem with dust control and that runs into a cost factor. A lot of people would like to see their roads paved, but if you averaged what it costs to pave a road versus gravel a road, it’s probably cheaper to maintain a gravel road than a blacktop.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016
Benton Ag
PAGE 3B
PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE OF FILING FOR SAUK RAPIDS TOWNSHIP Notice is hereby given to qualiÀed votes of the Sauk Rapids Township, Benton County, that Àling for town ofÀce will be held for a two-week period beginning January 3, 2017 AfÀdavits of candidacy shell be Àled with the Town Clerk Tina Douvier, by appointment between January 3, 2017 and January 17, 2017. Contact her at 320-290-6564. AfÀdavits of candidacy may also be Àled between the hours of one and 5 p.m. on January 17, 2017 at the ofÀce of the clerk. 3465 Quarry RD NE Sauk Rapids. Filing will close at 5:00 p.m. that day. close OfÀce to be Àlled at the march Annual Election are: Supervisor for a Three-Year term Treasurer for a Two-Year term Clerk Tina Douvier. Sauk Rapids Township R-51-2B MINDEN TOWNSHIP FILING NOTICE *CORRECTION NOTICE* Notice is hereby given that a Township Election in the Town of Minden, County of Benton will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. AfÀdavits of Candidacy may be Àled with the Town Deputy Clerk from 8 A.M. January 3, 2017 through 5 P.M. January 17, 2017 for the ofÀces of: One supervisor for a Three Year Term One supervisor for a Two Year Term One Treasurer for a Two Year Term Please contact the Minden Township Deputy Clerk Glenice Mehrwerth at 320-492-6470 if you are interested in Àling for an ofÀce mentioned above. Filing fee $2.00. Glenice Mehrwerth 3391 35th Avenue NE Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 Minden Township Deputy Clerk R-51-2B NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER AMENDING THE BENTON COUNTY DEVELOPMENT CODE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 11.8 of the Benton County Development Code, the Benton County Planning Commission and the Benton County Board of Commissioners will conduct public hearings to consider Ordinance #458 to amend the Benton County Development Code (Ordinance #185) as follows: Allow Commercial Daycare Facilities in all districts as a conditional use. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the public hearings on the proposed amendment will be held in the Commissioner’s Room, Government Center, Foley, Minnesota. The Planning Commission hearing will be held on January 12th, 2017, at approximately 7:00 p.m. The County Board hearing will be held on January 17th, 2017, at approximately 9:30 a.m. ANYONE wishing to be heard in regard to the proposed amendment is hereby notiÀed and will be heard at the above public hearings. R-52-1B
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Benton County Planning Commission will conduct public hearings on January 12th, 2017 the Commissioner’s Room, Benton County Government Center, Foley, and beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Planning Commission will hear the following: 1. 7:00 p.m. Public hearing to consider Ord. #458 (see separate notice) 2. 7:05 p.m. Donald and Charles Corrigan, Landowners, Anderson Brothers, Applicant, requesting an interim use permit to operate a mining operation in the Agricultural District. Pursuant to Sections 7.1.24A, 9.7 and 11.6.3. The affected property is described as follows: part of the N1/2 NE1/4, and SW1/4 NE1/4, Section 27, St. George Township. ANYONE wishing to be heard with reference to the above will be heard at this meeting. R-52-1B CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE You are invited to attend a public hearing on Monday, January 9th, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Avenue North, to consider the following matters that require a public hearing. APPLICANT Daniel and Rebecca Legatt: Preliminary Plat PURPOSE To consider a Preliminary Plat that would include one single family lots. Legal description: Outlot E, Scenic Acres. Please contact Sauk Rapids Community Development Director Todd Schultz at (320) 258-5315 or tschultz@ci.sauk-rapids. mn.us with questions or stop by City Hall to obtain a copy of the application. Any person desiring to comment on these matters is invited to do so in writing or orally at the time of the public hearing. R-52-1B
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PAGE 4B
Benton Ag
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
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Despite increases, next the continued year could prove decline in the The to be the turning ag economy Business point with imthis past year, proved pricing.” there is plenty of Farming They’re basing of good news their forecast as we head by on the belief into the New Roger Strom that the ofÀcial Year. estimates for Ag The ag- Columnist__________ __________ the U.S. harriculture divest are too high vision of and there is goMetLife (America’s top farm ing to be a “global production mortgage lender) is predicting pullback.” There are plenty of better grain and oilseed pric- forecasts for a huge increase in es in 2017. According to the soybean plantings, but MetLife economists at MetLife, “After is predicting bean acres will four successive years of supply remain Áat while corn acreage will drop some 3.5 million acres next year. The 2017 year is also expected to be a good year for ag exports with USDA forecast-
ing sales to reach $134 billion. That would push the agricultural trade surplus to $22 billion, much of that due to increases in dairy and livestock byproduct sales. With the end of La Nina, drought conditions are improving. Snow has been building up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains which supply much of the irrigation water for California farmers. The drought areas of the Ohio Valley through the Tennessee Valley are also improving to the point some are declaring an end to the drought. Dairy prices have been slowly rebounding and those that follow the industry are forecasting continued improvement in the New Year. In a recent interview, Ben Laine, dairy economists for CoBank
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said, “Next year, looking at least the way the futures markets are shaping up, the margin opportunities are looking pretty good, so when you’ve got a promising outlook on farm margins, you know, that’s an opportunity again to start adding cows and start making a little more milk.” Adding to that optimism is the fact European milk production is down and the world supply/demand picture has begun to balance out, providing an opportunity for U.S. producers to increase export sales. While on the subject of milk … there’s a new effort in Washington to deal with “milk imitators.” More than 30 Congressional members are pressing the FDA to do something about the mislabeling of products that claim to be milk when they are actually from plants and nuts. A strengthening U.S. economy is expected to increase beef and pork consumption. Iowa State livestock economist Shane Ellis recently made the comment, “I’m not saying it’s going to be an easy-go year, or we’re going to make lots of money, but I also see some improvement and possibly we could get back into the positive for the year 2017”. With new leaders in our nation’s capital and shifting world economies, 2017 is going to be a year of change and hopefully a turning point for those in the business of farming.
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