Parents, guardians and MCC community members: The end of another school year is upon us! With just over a week left at the time of this writing, it is hard to believe we are at graduation time again. Although this year was more “normal”, we still experienced many challenges both pandemic related and otherwise. Even with the challenges, we experienced much success and many reasons to celebrate another school year. Now that we are planning for graduations, year-end projects, finals and celebrations; it reminds us that the summer break is indeed near. As we finish the 2021-2022 school year, I want to thank you for being understanding, working with us, and your continuing support of our District. Our students inspire and make us proud every day. Their efforts and accomplishments are proof of the dedication of our parents, staff and community.

Slayton Public Library launches its “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” summer reading program on Wednesday, June 8th with a community lunch and program at Central High School. Lunch is at 11:30 a.m. and free for all kids age 1 – 18. Come for lunch and stay for a fun program filled with magic, stories, and laughter, “Be a Bookaneer! A Library Pirate Adventure” by Toby Kid. During the next two months, the library will host a range of free activities for children to encourage and support a love of reading. Participants can win prizes for reaching their reading goals.

Many farmers are concerned about the cool spring weather and cold soil temperatures. Usually, farmers have started planting by now. Hopefully, the weather will warm up and planting will progress. Farmers have started to discuss prevented planting. As the planting season goes on, farmers will have to decide whether to plant or not to plant. Final planting dates for corn producers are May 25 (northern Minnesota) and May 31 (southern Minnesota). June 10 is the final planting date for soybeans for the whole state. If you decide not to plant, there is a formula to use to determine your prevented planting rate. There is a simple payment rate of $5.90 multiplied by your APH and your insured percentage multiplied by 55% to get your prevented planting rate for corn. For example, 85% coverage is $5.90 *180 bushels (APH)*.85 *.55= $496.49 per acre payment less premium. For soybeans: $14.33*50 bushels (APH)*.85 *.60=$365.42 per acre payment less premium.

Question: I recently heard something about a new phone number “988” for people dealing with a mental health crisis. With all these three digit numbers, 911, 411, 511, can you talk about that? Answer: 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

The Murray SWCD currently has State Cost-Share dollars available to assist landowners with installing conservation practices. It provides interested landowners with the necessary funding to control erosion from wind and water on their cropland.

The MCC Rebels were on the road last Thursday night (May 12) playing on the Mountain Lake Area Comfrey Wolverines in a big Red Rock Conference meeting. The Rebels beat the Wolverines earlier this season in the bottom of the 7th inning. In that game the Rebels had to battle from being a run down to win on Thursday the Rebels had to hang onto the lead to get the win.

The Rebels busy week continued on Friday (May 13) when the Rebels played host to the Tracy Milroy Balaton Panthers. The Rebels and the Panthers were probably playing for the 4th seed in the upcoming sub-section playoffs. The difference in being 4th or 5th isn’t huge because either way, you play the same team on a neutral site. The Rebels would score runs early but the runs didn’t come in the late innings and that would cost the Rebels.

The MCC Rebels traveled to take on three strong opponents on Saturday (May 14) at their annual tournament in Jackson. The Rebels would face three strong opponents in JCC, Worthington, and New York Mills. The Rebels were missing much of their bench and a pair of starters due to a school trip. The Rebels infield would feature a new 3rd basemen and a new second basemen play the Rebels would have to throw their second and third pitchers. The Rebels would have some moments of good play but they would struggle with the tough pitching they saw early which would lead to a strong final effort against New York Mills.

Murray County Central is participating in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Lunch will be provided to all children, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, at no charge and meet nutritional standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Meals will be provided at the following sites:

The 55th Annual Lake Area Technical College graduation ceremony was held Friday, May 13, 2022, with 763 graduates. Students were presented their diplomas by Bryon Noem, First Students were presented their diplomas by Bryon Noem, First Gentleman of South Dakota, and Mike Cartney, President of Lake Area Tech.