Gloomy forecast gives rise to flood concerns

Preparations for spring flooding continue around the state. The latest predictions for precipitation aren't reflected in current flood outlooks. "Rain - or even snow - this week will change runoff rates and patterns, complicating crest predictions" (Star Tribune). Folks in the Red River region are expecting "nearly a foot of snow" according to the Grand Forks Herald. The North Shore, Duluth and Superior are waiting for another blast of winter. The Northland News Center reports the area is under a blizzard watch.

"Ice chunks floated down the Cottonwood River as it rapidly passed under the Cottonwood Street bridge at the south end of town." The New Ulm Journal reports that motorists crossed the bridge after someone removed caution tape used by police to block the access to the flood zone. A flood warning was issued for Turtle Creek outside of Austin.

There's a 20% chance that the Mississippi could flood more than it did in 1964.

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Minnesota soldiers heading to Afghanistan

Soldiers with the 644th Regional Support group based out of Fort Snelling, Minnesota are heading to Afghanistan. It's the fifth tour or duty for some of the soldiers (KSTP).

GOP plans upset outdoors groups

Many Minnesota natural resources advocacy groups are concerned that the state's $5 billion budget deficit is being balanced at the expense of protecting the environment.

The Minnesota Environmental Partnership and Conservation Minnesota expressed frustration at Republican House and Senate budget proposals they say weaken environmental protections and cut funding at a crucial time.

They cited proposals that would exempt new ethanol plants from requirements to complete environmental assessments, place a moratorium on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency instituting new water rules, increase the allowable level of sulfides in water and reduce the MPCA's budget accepts more work in streamlining permitting processes (Capitol Chatter).

Faribault grows in diverse ways

Drawn by the abundance of food processing and agro-industry jobs, immigrants from eastern Africa and Latin America account for a majority of Faribault's population growth -- and over the last decade, the community's diversity has boomed (Fairbault Daily News).

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