The State Fire Marshal has an important reminder as we head into the colder months. Then, Minnesota launches a program for sustainable agriculture. And, a new paid leave program will take effect in Minnesota in January.
—–Executive Producer: Victor Palomino Producer: Jose OzoriaAnchor: Grace JacobsonReader scripting: Mike Resendez, Victor Palomino Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino Editorial support: Emily Krumberger Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood
Transcript
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HOST: You're listening to North Star Stories: Voices from Where We Live, a daily newscast about what it means to live in Minnesota.
ANCHOR: The state Fire Marshal has an important reminder as we head into the colder months. Then, Minnesota launches a program for sustainable agriculture. And, a new paid leave program will take effect in Minnesota in January.
I'm Gracie J.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is now taking applications for its new Green Fertilizer Grant Program. The initiative offers up to $3.8 million to support agricultural and rural electric cooperatives investing in renewable fertilizer production. Green fertilizers, made from water, air, and renewable energy, help cut greenhouse gas emissions and stabilize costs for farmers. Applications are due by December 2nd.
In today's main story, as we head into the colder months, the State Fire Marshal is warning ALL Minnesotans about a silent killer. Jose Ozoria tells us how to protect ourselves.
Jose Ozoria: It's been called the silent killer.
Nat sound: What's the location?
Jose Ozoria: About 14 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning in Minnesota each year, with hundreds more visiting the emergency rooms due to exposure.
Daniel Krier: It's a poisonous, toxic gas to humans. What it does is it competes with oxygen to adhere to our red blood cells. So as we inhale carbon monoxide, it effectively inhibits our ability to carry oxygen throughout our bodies.
Jose Ozoria: Daniel Krier is the State Fire Marshal. With the arrival of colder weather prompting Minnesotans to light fires and turn on furnaces, the state is aggressively trying to educate Minnesotans about the threat that carbon monoxide poses.
Daniel Krier: As there's more education available, people are becoming aware of, "Oh, well, that might not just be the seasonal flu, that might not just be a headache." That could be linked to something else, such as carbon monoxide. Because the symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide very much mirror flu-like symptoms.
Cheryl Burt: We are out here advocating for alarms in every home, because that is the only way that you will know that you have this monster that is a killer in your home.
Jose Ozoria: Cheryl Burt knows firsthand how dangerous and fatal carbon monoxide poisoning can be.
Cheryl Burt: We were sick. Me and my three children stay at home. Mom, me and my three children were home all the time, and I had a sinus headache the whole time. I mean, I couldn't even, like sometimes just talking hurt. We'd be to the doctor. My kids would be lethargic when they would wake up.
Jose Ozoria: Unfortunately, this was only a precursor. Cheryl and her family became victims of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Cheryl Burt: I follow all the safety rules. My kids had bike helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. In the car seat. And I did all the safety stuff that a mother would do. And yet my children still died of something that I was powerless to stop. But people do have the power to protect themselves by having a carbon monoxide detector and ensuring it works.
Jose Ozoria: Recently, the federal government awarded Minnesota a grant to prevent such tragedies from happening. State Fire Marshal Daniel Krier—
Daniel Krier: To purchase carbon monoxide alarms and to work with local fire departments to have them installed. So we've purchased 2500 carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in eight communities across the state.
Cheryl Burt: Had we plugged this in, my whole entire life would be so different. So I don't want anyone to experience the pain of carbon monoxide, the pain of losing any loved ones.
Jose Ozoria: Minnesotans can pick up a carbon monoxide detector at their local fire station. For North Star Stories, I'm Jose Ozoria.
ANCHOR: You are listening to North Star Stories.
The Department of Employment and Economic Development is reminding employers to set up their Paid Leave Accounts. Officials say the program will help Minnesota stand out as one of the best states for children and families. Employers must designate a Paid Leave Administrator and notify employees about the new benefits. The new program is expected to make planning for life events easier for workers by offering job protections and better compensation.
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HOST: North Star Stories is produced by AMPERS, diverse radio for Minnesota's communities, with support from the McKnight Foundation and the State of Minnesota. Online at ampers dot org.