Ground Level Blog

Scientists will learn from Duluth flooding
U of M Duluth researcher Richard Axler said the recent storm in Duluth damaged bank stabilization projects and took out a series of water quality gauges.
A two-year planning process to envision a better central Minnesota in 20 years is nearing a key point — selecting 22 “champions” to push and cajole local governments, businesses and others to take steps to improve handling of housing, natural resources, the workforce and more.
Tough job market helps Mankato recruit volunteer cops
Jobs in law enforcement are hard to come by these days, which is why some recruits are willing to work events or walk the beat for free in Mankato.
What will Frontier and CenturyLink do with new broadband money?
Frontier and CenturyLink say it’s too soon to say how they would apply the millions of dollars they are eligible for under the FCC’s new Connect America Fund, which is aimed at extended high-speed access to the Internet to rural areas. The deadline to apply is in July.
Monticello stops broadband bond payments
Monticello announced today that it will stop making payments on $26 million worth of bonds, used to build its public broadband network.
Frontier and CenturyLink could be the biggest recipients of an early round of federal funding from the new Connect America Fund. The money is to be used to extend broadband to rural areas.
New Pew report shows local governments struggling
A report out today from the Pew Charitable Trusts says local governments across the nation are feeling a “one-two punch” due to declining property tax revenues and state aid.