$89,557 in Grants Fuels Arts Projects Across Southwest Minnesota

Issue #175

13 Jan

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

🌨️ Marshall, MN Weather - Light snow showers with a high of 9

🗞️ $89,557 in Grants Fuels Arts Projects Across Southwest Minnesota

🗞️ USDA Offers Financial Relief to Dairy Farmers Hit by H5N1

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$89,557 in Grants Fuels Arts Projects Across Southwest Minnesota

The Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) has announced the distribution of $89,557 in grants to support a variety of artistic projects and initiatives throughout the region. Approved by the SMAC board on December 17, the funding will benefit 14 organizations, one school, and a student artist, fostering creativity and cultural enrichment across communities.

Among the notable recipients, the City of Buffalo Lake received $7,000 to create a historical mural at the Buffalo Lake Community Center, led by artist Lili Lennox with community input. Dakota Wicohan, based in Morton, secured $6,990 to host a 12-week quilt-making workshop in spring 2025, focusing on preserving Dakota lifeways and traditions. Theater enthusiasts in Dassel can look forward to a production of Annie in July 2025, made possible by a $7,000 grant to the FungusAmongus Players.

The Hutchinson Center for the Arts plans to use its $3,430 grant for a 2025 exhibition series spotlighting emerging artists, youth artwork, and creators facing disabilities or mental health challenges. In Kerkhoven, a summer youth theater program will culminate in a performance of Beauty & the Beast, Jr. during the Kerkhoven Town and Country Days festival, supported by $7,000 in funding.

Additional funds are supporting signature events like the Minnesota Pottery Festival in Hutchinson, which will showcase over 35 potters nationwide, and the RiverSong Music Festival, a two-day celebration of music in July 2025. Both projects received $7,000 each. Community theater productions also garnered significant backing, with $7,000 awarded to the Prairie Arts Continuum in Windom for The Addams Family and the Calumet Players in Pipestone for Honk: The Musical. Meanwhile, Tyler Arts Council plans to host Bye, Bye Birdie alongside a children’s theater camp, all supported by another $7,000 grant.

In Sunburg, a five-day music camp will offer lessons in fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bass, ukulele, and early childhood music, thanks to SMAC’s funding. The Willmar Area Arts Council also received $3,575 for its “Willmar Studio Hop,” an artist studio tour scheduled for June 2025.

The Worthington International Festival, a cultural event featuring performances, artisan booths, and storytelling, received $3,143 for its 2025 celebration. Additional quick support grants included $2,500 for Dakota Wicohan to hold art-making classes as part of its Koska youth leadership program and $2,443 for the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra in Marshall to purchase musician chairs and a transport cart.

Education also played a key role in the grant distribution. Lakeview Public School in Cottonwood was awarded $3,976 for a project enabling fifth-grade students to build and learn to play dulcimers with musician Ross Sutter. Finally, Paityn Wolf of Willmar received $500 for weekly piano lessons with teacher Megan Gilles, through the Youth Art Study Opportunity Grant program.

The grants reflect SMAC’s ongoing commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of southwest Minnesota. By supporting a mix of traditional art forms, innovative projects, and youth education, the organization continues to empower communities and celebrate the transformative power of the arts.

USDA Offers Financial Relief to Dairy Farmers Hit by H5N1

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is calling on dairy producers affected by the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak to apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP). The deadline for applications is January 30, 2025.

ELAP provides vital financial relief to producers who experienced losses in 2024 due to the impact of H5N1 and other adverse conditions.

Since July 2024, the program has offered assistance specifically to dairy producers whose milk production was disrupted when cattle were removed from commercial milking after testing positive for H5N1.

Over $80 million in aid has already been distributed to producers across 16 states, with active cases still reported in California and Texas.

The program covers income losses tied to reduced milk production for up to 120 days following a confirmed H5N1 case. Producers who were affected in both 2024 and 2025 must submit separate applications for each calendar year.

In addition to H5N1-related losses, ELAP also addresses a range of challenges caused by severe weather, diseases, and other conditions that threaten agricultural operations.

To qualify, dairy producers must submit documentation, including veterinary records and feed receipts, to their nearest USDA Service Center.

The USDA encourages producers to act promptly to ensure their operations receive the support needed to recover and continue production. For additional information or assistance, visit farmers.gov/service-locator.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Friday, January 17th
Saturday, January 18th
Monday, January 20th
Thursday, January 22nd

  • YMIC Business Tour Day

Saturday, January 25th

  • 4 Person Puzzle Challenge at the Cottonwood Community Center starting at 1:00 PM

    • Registration begins at 12:30

    • Deadline to register is January 17th - Register here

  • Mid-Winter Community Celebration at The Rock: Dining and Events in Granite Falls from 5:30 - 9:00 PM

    • Social Hour with Appetizers, Silent Auction & Entertainment

    • Tickets are $39.19

  • Live music with Strictly Herbal at the Bluenose Gopher Public House in Granite Falls from 7:00 - 9:00 PM

    • No cover charge

Wednesday, February 5th (first Wednesday of every month)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available

    • For questions contact Jane Nelson Como (507) 829-1143

Friday, February 7th

  • Valentine’s Day Artistry Spa Event at the Iverson Tree Farm in Belview from 4:00 - 7:00 PM

    • Enjoy a night of pampering at this open house style spa event

    • Skincare assessment with suggested regiment, facial, massage, make up tutorial and snacks/refreshments!

    • Only $10 at the door

    • First 25 guests receive a free gift!

Saturday, February 8th
Friday, February 14th

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