Bus Driver Shortage Affecting Minnesota High School Athletics
MinnPost file photo by Bill Kelley
Now it’s serious. Jim Paulsen of the Star Tribune reports, “Every day, according to Blaine’s COO Shannon Gerrety, is a new transport game that rocks. … The lingering effects of the 2020 COVID-19 shutdown are still at the forefront in the world of high school extracurricular activities. And no problem has been more of a problem in high school athletic departments than the transportation of student-athletes to and from matches and fixtures. … The lack of available school bus drivers has been well documented in local and national news reports, and the problem is even more pronounced during extracurricular events. Often times, bus timetables are only suggestions as cancellations are frequent.“
In the big budget bill. Star Tribune’s Hunter Woodall reports: “US Senator Tina Smith tries to push through landmark climate program to cut greenhouse gas emissions, despite formidable political tensions and difficult procedural dynamics at a time when Democrats’ hold on Congress is thin. … The Minnesota Democrat’s vision for a clean electricity program has become a critical aspect of efforts to help the United States try to meet urgent climate goals, in what is likely a crucial challenge for the presidency of Joe Biden. The measure would provide financial incentives to utilities and other electricity providers who speed up the conversion to clean electricity, but impose penalties on those who do not.. “
Needle litter getting worse? Erin Hassanzadeh, WCCO, reports: “It has been two years since WCCO first reported on the hazardous needle waste problem in parts of southern Minneapolis. … At that time, Minneapolis firefighters were planning to pick up needles until the city found a better solution. But despite their best efforts, the problem is arguably worse, says Minneapolis Deputy Fire Chief Melanie Rucker. … “This year it seems like it’s almost double, you know, the amount of needles we’re picking up, and there’s been a slight increase in some of the overdoses and drug-related responses we’re turning to.” , Rucker said.
Currently scheduled for November 6. AP’s Steve Karnowski reports (via WCCO): “Six Native American tribes are suing the state of Wisconsin in an attempt to stop its wolf hunt scheduled for November. They claim that the hunt violates their treaty rights and endangers an animal they consider sacred. … The Chippewa tribes say treaties give them rights to half the wolf quota in the land they ceded to the United States in the mid-1800s. But rather than hunt wolves, the tribes want to protect them .
In other news …
Winter is coming: “Weather in Minnesota: possible frost in parts of the state overnight” [WCCO]
Build it and they will come: “DFL opens an office in Ely for the first time in memory” [Duluth News Tribune]
The usual growl: “Opening reports of Minnesota grouse vary from ‘non-event’ to ‘big hit'” [Brainerd Dispatch]
Prince fan rated: “Questlove heads to Paisley Park for screening, Q&A and ‘Summer of Soul’ DJ set” [The Current]
Congratulation: “Justin Morneau will enter the Twins Hall of Fame on Saturday” [WCCO]
Deep shirt … analysis: “A look at the way Twins beginners choose their plains” [MLB]