APPLICATIONS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE REBATES OPENS
MOORHEAD – On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, the Minnesota Department of Commerce Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program opened for applications. The State of Minnesota has limited funds for EV rebates. When the program launched on February 7, completed applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
What EVs qualify for a rebate?
Vehicles may be new or used.
Vehicles must be either electric or plug-in hybrid.
Vehicles must be purchased or leased on or after May 25, 2023.
Vehicles must be titled in Minnesota.
New vehicles must have a base MSRP of $55,000 or less, excluding taxes and fees. Used vehicles must have a purchase price of $25,000 or less.
How much money can I get for my EV?
Rebates are up to $2,500 for new EVs.
Rebates are up to $600 for used EVs
Is there an income requirement to be eligible to receive an EV rebate?
No, there is not an income eligibility component to the EV Rebate Program.
When are EV rebate applications due?
EV rebate applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the funding has been fully distributed, or June 30, 2027, whichever occurs first.
To learn more about how to apply and view additional information on EV rebates, visit https://mn.gov/evrebates.
M STATE CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GOOD WORKS, COMMUNITY GIVING
MOORHEAD – Minnesota State Community and Technical College is making good on its promise to perform “20 Acts of Kindness” in honor of the college’s 20th anniversary.
From holiday bell ringing to community blood drives, blanket-making for hospital patients to fundraisers for food pantries, M State students, staff and faculty have already planned or hosted more than 20 special events and activities to raise awareness and donations for charitable causes – and they’re not done yet, with almost half the school year still left to go.
“We owe our strength and success as a college today to the support and generosity of our communities, so it feels right to celebrate this anniversary milestone with a focus on giving back, as a way of saying ‘thank you,’” says M State President Carrie Brimhall. “I’m proud to say our students, staff and faculty rose to the occasion, embracing ‘20 Acts of Kindness’ with enthusiasm and really putting their hearts and energy into it.”
M State students, staff and faculty are significant supporters of community causes even in nonanniversary years, contributing $3.3 million annually to the state economy in volunteer time, energy and donations (as reported by the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities).
“We support the greater community, just as the greater community supports us,” says Brimhall. “Our college and the people who work and study here are deeply invested in the success of the community, and want to see the area thrive.”
M State was created in the 2003-2004 academic year by a state-backed merger of the existing community college in Fergus Falls with the Detroit Lakes, Moorhead and Wadena campuses of the former Northwest Regional Technical College. The merger was considered a ‘best of both worlds’ marriage of vocational and technical programming with a liberal arts and transfer curriculum.
M State announced its 20th anniversary earlier this year with the publication of a commemorative magazine and public tree dedication ceremonies at the college’s four campuses.
The “20 Acts of Kindness” initiative began at the start of the school year and is ongoing through the spring semester. Acts vary in size and scope, but all support good causes.
A fall “No Shave November” event, for example, challenged the campus communities to, “Toss the trimmers and let it grow” to draw attention to physical and mental wellbeing. For a donation of $20, anyone at the college could sponsor a student, staff or faculty member to grow out or keep their existing facial hair through November. Creative hair designs were encouraged, and photos were posted to social media. The effort was organized by M State’s College Social Workers and Hunger Council and was held in conjunction with a monthlong food drive for M State Campus Cupboards.
The good works continued through the holiday season and beyond, with nursing students organizing food, donation and blood drives, automotive students fixing up vehicles for free for people in need, the volleyball team holding a “Dig Pink” event for breast cancer awareness, faculty and staff hiding little
“Good Luck Ducks” for students to find during exams week, and the list goes on. See the full list on their 20th Anniversary website, minnesota.edu/20.
Go Farm Connect to Host Group USDA Office Visit in Moorhead
Hammond, MN – A new farmer-advocacy organization called Go Farm Connect is partnering with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to facilitate a group visit to the USDA Service Center in Moorhead, MN, on Feb 15 from 4:30 to 5:30pm at 1615 30th Ave S. This visit will provide an introduction to farm loans, grants, insurance and disaster assistance specifically for those growing specialty crops or thinking about growing specialty crops. Land ownership is not a requirement to participate in these programs. Refreshments will be served. Interpretation services will be available in Kirundi. Other language interpretation upon request at registration. Information and registration is at gofarmconnect.org under Events.
The event will be facilitated by Go Farm Connect staff Connectors Noreen Thomas, specialty grains grower at Doubting Thomas Farms, and Amy Rice, incubator farm manager at PRAIRIE Institute’s New Roots Farm. These Connectors will be available during the event to help answer questions, and will follow up with attendees afterward. For more questions, please contact Amy Rice at 218-303-6866.