States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
With Training Complete, 12 New DNR Conservation Officers Hit the Field
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Dec. 20 -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2025:
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With training complete, 12 new DNR conservation officers hit the field
Twelve new Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers have completed their training and now occupy previously vacant field stations across the state.
The officers, some of whom were hired through the Conservation Officer Prep program, completed the 15-week CO Academy at Camp Ripley and spent nearly four months in field training with experienced officers. Those who came
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Dec. 20 -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2025:
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With training complete, 12 new DNR conservation officers hit the field
Twelve new Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers have completed their training and now occupy previously vacant field stations across the state.
The officers, some of whom were hired through the Conservation Officer Prep program, completed the 15-week CO Academy at Camp Ripley and spent nearly four months in field training with experienced officers. Those who camein through CO Prep also spent four months earning their peace officer license at Hennepin Technical College before the CO Academy.
The officers bring diverse backgrounds and broad experience from which they'll draw as they serve communities across Minnesota.
"Our conservation officers are on the front lines of ensuring future generations have the same or better opportunities to enjoy our state's natural resources than we have today," said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. "All 12 of these new officers have proven they have what it takes to carry on the proud, 138-year tradition of serving the people and natural resources of Minnesota."
The DNR plans to hire in late winter/early spring 2026 for a CO Academy in spring 2027. To sign up for notifications on when applications open, visit the CO careers webpage on the DNR website.
New officers and where they're stationed:
* Grey Corbus - Pelican Rapids
* Ryan Schaefer - Bemidji #2
* Jack Lien - Walker
* Jacob Kaden - Long Prairie
* Jayden Frank - Mound
* Kris Ryan - La Crescent
* Nathan Garza - Duluth West
* Rheanna Deal - Duluth East
* Kaitlyn Istvanovich - Onamia
* Danielle Reuss - Benson
* Jacob Peterson - Redwood Falls
* Josephine Homeier - Spring Valley
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Original text here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/2025/12/19/training-complete-12-new-dnr-conservation-officers-hit-field
Ohio State Auditor: Fiscal Emergency Ended for Concord Township in Champaign County
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 20 (TNSrep) -- Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2025:
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Fiscal Emergency Ended for Concord Township in Champaign County
Auditor of State Keith Faber formally terminated the fiscal emergency declaration for Concord Township in Champaign County on Friday after an analysis confirmed the officials had achieved financial stability.
"The community has worked hard to overcome its fiscal deficiencies and are on firm financial footing moving forward," Auditor Faber said. "Well done."
The fiscal emergency had been in place since March
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 20 (TNSrep) -- Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2025:
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Fiscal Emergency Ended for Concord Township in Champaign County
Auditor of State Keith Faber formally terminated the fiscal emergency declaration for Concord Township in Champaign County on Friday after an analysis confirmed the officials had achieved financial stability.
"The community has worked hard to overcome its fiscal deficiencies and are on firm financial footing moving forward," Auditor Faber said. "Well done."
The fiscal emergency had been in place since March2020, when deficit balances and treasury deficiencies prompted the creation of a Financial Planning and Supervision Commission to address ongoing budget issues.
Among other decisions, the township shifted inside millage and the balance of its road and bridge fund into the general fund and ceased providing health insurance to employees.
The township also had to satisfy the following requirements to be terminated from fiscal emergency:
* Adopted and implemented an effective financial accounting and reporting system.
* Corrected or eliminated all of the fiscal emergency conditions; no new conditions have occurred, and it appears that, based on the five-year forecast, the township will remain out of fiscal emergency during the forecast period.
* Met the major objectives of the financial recovery plan.
* Prepared a five-year forecast in accordance with standards issued by the Auditor of State, and the opinion expressed by the Auditor of State is "nonadverse."
The full fiscal termination report is available online at ohioauditor.gov/auditsearch/search.aspx.
With Friday's removal of Concord Township, there are now 13 communities with fiscal emergency declarations, including three cities, eight villages, and two townships. Eight of those have been in place for more than six years.
Additional information about fiscal distress declarations is available online at ohioauditor.gov/fiscal/local.html#emergency.
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The Auditor of State's Office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies. Under the direction of Auditor Keith Faber, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies, and promotes transparency in government.
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Original text here: http://ohioauditor.gov/news/pressreleases/Details/7753
N.M. Economic Development Dept. Announces 20 Awardees for Capital Connect Bilingual Business-support Program
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Dec. 20 -- The New Mexico Department of Economic Development issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2025:
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EDD announces 20 awardees for Capital Connect bilingual business-support program
Selected companies represent diverse small businesses from across New Mexico
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The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has selected 20 small businesses from across the state to participate in the inaugural cohort of Capital Connect, the agency's new bilingual program designed to help local entrepreneurs overcome barriers to accessing capital.
"These 20 companies
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, Dec. 20 -- The New Mexico Department of Economic Development issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2025:
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EDD announces 20 awardees for Capital Connect bilingual business-support program
Selected companies represent diverse small businesses from across New Mexico
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The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has selected 20 small businesses from across the state to participate in the inaugural cohort of Capital Connect, the agency's new bilingual program designed to help local entrepreneurs overcome barriers to accessing capital.
"These 20 companiesreflect the innovation, determination, and cultural diversity that make New Mexico such a strong place to do business," said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. "Capital Connect is designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are, in the language they prefer, and give them the tools they need to grow."
The program is led by EDD's Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Office. Capital Connect is delivered in partnership with Revby, a national consulting firm that specializes in small business growth and capital readiness.
"Making Capital Connect fully bilingual was never up for debate; it was essential from the start," said JEDI Office Coordinator Rita Veleta. "This approach isn't just about language access, it's about meeting entrepreneurs where they are and making sure they feel seen, supported, and equipped to grow their business."
Beginning in January 2026, participants will receive three months of free, hands-on business support valued at more than $4,000 per company, including:
* Group workshops
* 1:1 financial technical assistance
* Support with bookkeeping, financial planning, and loan-readiness
* A fully bilingual learning environment, with instruction and peer engagement in both English and Spanish
The 20 for-profit small businesses were selected based on readiness for growth, need for capital-readiness support and alignment with the program's focus on very small (fewer than 10 employees), minority-owned, and rural businesses.
1. 123 Child Development Center Inc., Albuquerque
2. Andino Mini Market LLC, Santa Fe
3. 21 boxes showing the cohort's faces, including JEDI Office Manager, during the first virtual meetingBodySculptNM, Albuquerque
4. Calclo LLC, Artesia
5. Casa Cocktails LLC, Albuquerque
6. Chocolate Dreams Pastries, Albuquerque
7. Dulce Tradicion LLC, Albuquerque
8. FAMCo Inc., Las Cruces
9. Fiori e Sale, Los Alamos
10. Flyby Holding/Flyby Provisions, Albuquerque
11. INTTRA A to Z, Language Consulting Services, Inc., Las Cruces
12. J's Heaven, dba Duke City Herbs, Albuquerque
13. New Mexico Pack Burros LLC, Edgewood
14. Pequenas Sonrisas, Albuquerque
15. Red Root Acupuncture & Herbs LLC, Albuquerque
16. Sage Botanical Ltd, Santa Fe
17. Trzato Esthetics LLC, dba The Male Room, Santa Fe
18. Wendy Gallegos M.A. LLC, dba Bosque Hearing, Corrales
19. West Coast Automated Systems LLC, Albuquerque
20. Wilder Gardens LLC, Albuquerque
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Original text here: https://edd.newmexico.gov/pr/edd-announces-20-awardees-for-capital-connect-bilingual-business-support-program/
N.C. Agriculture & Consumer Services Dept.: N.C. Irish Potato Growers Vote to Continue Assessment Program
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Dec. 20 -- The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2025:
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N.C. Irish potato growers vote to continue assessment program
Commercial Irish potato growers in the northeastern part of the state agreed to renew an assessment program that supports promotional and research work of the N.C. Potato Association. This assessment supports marketing and research efforts aimed at increasing sales and consumption of North Carolina potatoes.
The voluntary assessment provides funding for media outreach and
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Dec. 20 -- The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2025:
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N.C. Irish potato growers vote to continue assessment program
Commercial Irish potato growers in the northeastern part of the state agreed to renew an assessment program that supports promotional and research work of the N.C. Potato Association. This assessment supports marketing and research efforts aimed at increasing sales and consumption of North Carolina potatoes.
The voluntary assessment provides funding for media outreach andtrade shows targeting both consumer and wholesale markets and supports North Carolina State University research focused on developing new potato varieties for state growers. Together, these efforts help strengthen and grow the North Carolina potato industry.
"North Carolina's potato growers are investing in their own future," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "By approving this referendum, they're strengthening the work that helps the agricultural industry stay competitive. The funds will support marketing that keeps North Carolina potatoes in front of consumers and research that helps farmers produce a high-quality crop year after year. I appreciate the growers who participated and the N.C. Potato Growers Association for its continued leadership on behalf of this important crop."
The referendum passed by majority with a positive vote. Ballots were mailed on Nov. 18 to all known commercial potato growers in Beaufort, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Currituck, Hyde, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Tyrrell and Washington counties and had to be returned to the Northeast Marketing Center by Dec. 12.
Funds are collected by NCDA&CS and are remitted to the N.C. Potato Association for directed use by the board of directors which is composed of growers representing counties in the assessment program. The effective period of the assessment will be 2025 through 2031. Potato growers will continue to pay 1 cent per hundred weight of potatoes sold.
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Original text here: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2025/12/18/nc-irish-potato-growers-vote-continue-assessment-program
MTA Unveils Renovated Valley Stream Long Island Rail Road Station
NEW YORK, Dec. 20 -- The New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2025:
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MTA Unveils Renovated Valley Stream Long Island Rail Road Station
Renovated Station Features Accessibility Upgrades and Better Wayfinding
New LED Lighting Installed, Along with Upgraded Communication and Security Systems
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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced a newly renovated Valley Stream Long Island Rail Road station. The project, completed on budget and on schedule, improves accessibility, modernizes the station and brings
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Dec. 20 -- The New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2025:
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MTA Unveils Renovated Valley Stream Long Island Rail Road Station
Renovated Station Features Accessibility Upgrades and Better Wayfinding
New LED Lighting Installed, Along with Upgraded Communication and Security Systems
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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced a newly renovated Valley Stream Long Island Rail Road station. The project, completed on budget and on schedule, improves accessibility, modernizes the station and bringsit into a state of good repair.
This project was completed using a design-build contracting technique that speeds work by allowing a single private-sector consortium to undertake both design and construction of a project from start to finish. This project bundle will add seven stations to the list of accessible LIRR stations and replace elevators and escalators at two stations that are currently accessible.
"The new MTA is all about results. 137,000 riders use this station every month, and we're thrilled to deliver these long-awaited upgrades," said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. "There's more to come as part of the 2025-2029 Capital Plan's $6 billion investment in LIRR projects."
"Valley Stream is one of the LIRR's busiest stations, and we were able to perform major upgrades and state of good repair work with minimal impact to our customers," said LIRR President Rob Free. "So much of this project was completed by our in-house workforce, and I'm looking forward to more projects like these to improve the customer experience at more LIRR stations throughout the system."
"In addition to accessibility upgrades, crews made customer focused enhancements like new security cameras and updated signage to improve visibility and safety," said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. "By using new and innovative methods, the MTA is able to deliver projects better, faster and cheaper than ever before."
"We are spending billions of dollars on station improvement projects, and it matters because everyday people rely on us to get to school, work, and everything else the region has to offer," said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. "State of good repair is synonymous with accessibility, and the MTA is committed to making the system work for all New Yorkers."
In addition to replacing the escalator, crews installing a new staircase and replacing an elevator, crews installed a new elevator machine room, electrical room and made service upgrades and installed elevator vestibules as required for weather protection. The project also included new parking spaces, improved lighting, sidewalks and crosswalks and new CCTV cameras.
Crews also performed state of good repair work including installing new station signage, painting steel columns and girders, making structural crack and spall repairs, replacing tactile strips, platform markers and rubbing edge boards and upgraded the station's public address system.
The project includes more than $12 million in federal funding. Citnalta/Scalamandre, J.V. with Parsons Transportation Group is the Designer of Record with Major Sub-Contractors Bana Electric, Mid-American, Premier, Superior, and Welkin.
On weekdays, 63 westbound and 57 eastbound trains stop at Valley Stream. On weekends, the station sees 43 westbound trains and 44 heading east. In 2025, the monthly ridership average is nearly 137,000. The Valley Stream station also offers connections to NICE Buses.
"The LIRR and MTA listened to concerns from the Valley Stream community and delivered on promises by delivering a beautiful new train station," said Assembly Member Michaelle Solages. "I want to thank the MTA and their labor partners for giving us a station that is worthy of the people who use it every day."
"We do these projects to benefit the community, and we will continue to move forward to see more success stories like the one here in Valley Stream," said SMART General Chairman Anthony Simon. "I want to thank the men and women of labor who are out here every day, no matter the weather, getting this job done."
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Original text here: https://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-unveils-renovated-valley-stream-long-island-rail-road-station
LCRA Awards $17,725 Grant to Laguna Vista Fire-Rescue for Updated Emergency Gear
AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 20 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2025:
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LCRA awards $17,725 grant to Laguna Vista Fire-Rescue for updated emergency gear
New equipment will provide firefighters with new specialized breathing equipment for use in hazardous environments
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LAGUNA VISTA, Texas - The Laguna Vista Fire-Rescue soon will replace outdated air tanks and breathing gear with new units that meet national standards, thanks to a $17,725 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The community grant, along with $5,909 in matching funds from
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 20 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2025:
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LCRA awards $17,725 grant to Laguna Vista Fire-Rescue for updated emergency gear
New equipment will provide firefighters with new specialized breathing equipment for use in hazardous environments
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LAGUNA VISTA, Texas - The Laguna Vista Fire-Rescue soon will replace outdated air tanks and breathing gear with new units that meet national standards, thanks to a $17,725 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The community grant, along with $5,909 in matching funds fromthe volunteer fire department, will enable the Laguna Vista Fire-Rescue to purchase three new breathing units to equip firefighters with modern, lifesaving respiratory protection, enhancing both firefighter safety and the department's ability to respond effectively to emergencies.
"Each firefighter entering a structure needs a reliable air supply to stay safe," Fire Chief Neil Waters said. "Without it, the risk is life threatening. With this funding, we're equipping our team properly to operate in environments containing smoke, toxic gases and low oxygen. That not only protects our firefighters but also translates directly into faster, safer emergency responses and a higher potential for saving lives in our community."
Waters said the grant enabled the department to purchase multiple self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, units at once.
"Grants like this are critical for smaller departments like ours," Waters said. "Without it, we would have had to find funding elsewhere, which is increasingly difficult. Typically, we could only afford to replace one SCBA per year, but this grant allows us to replace three outdated packs at once, keeping our equipment up to standard and our firefighters safe. It really puts us three years ahead and ensures we're not using gear that's going out of compliance."
The volunteer fire department serves the community of Laguna Vista and regularly provides mutual aid to Port Isabel and South Padre Island.
This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA's effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.
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About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations.
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Original text here: https://www.lcra.org/news/news-releases/lcra-awards-17725-grant-to-laguna-vista-fire-rescue-for-updated-emergency-gear/
Arizona Board of Regents: Teams Selected for 2026 Regents' Cup Tri-University Speech and Debate Competition
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 20 -- The Arizona Board of Regents issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2025:
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Teams selected for 2026 Regents' Cup tri-university speech and debate competition
Future leaders from ASU, NAU and the U of A will compete for scholarship prizes and the coveted Regents' Cup trophy.
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The Arizona Board of Regents announced that 44 students from Arizona's public universities have been selected to compete in the seventh annual Regents' Cup, the board's signature competition celebrating free speech and civil discourse. The competition is scheduled for March 28,
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 20 -- The Arizona Board of Regents issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2025:
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Teams selected for 2026 Regents' Cup tri-university speech and debate competition
Future leaders from ASU, NAU and the U of A will compete for scholarship prizes and the coveted Regents' Cup trophy.
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The Arizona Board of Regents announced that 44 students from Arizona's public universities have been selected to compete in the seventh annual Regents' Cup, the board's signature competition celebrating free speech and civil discourse. The competition is scheduled for March 28,2026, at the University of Arizona.
Students from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the U of A will showcase their skills in Oxford-style debate and persuasive storytelling, sharing personal experiences and tackling complex issues with intellectual rigor and empathy. This year's theme, "Liberty and Responsibility," challenges participants to explore how constitutional freedoms and shared responsibility shape the trajectory of democracy.
Meet the 2026 Regents' Cup student participants here.
"The Regents' Cup is a unique experience for students to build essential skills like public speaking, critical thinking and persuasive communication that will aid them throughout their academic and professional careers," said Regent Lee Stein, who serves as the regent advisor for the event. "Just as importantly, it promotes a culture of respectful dialogue and intellectual curiosity across Arizona's universities. That commitment to civil discourse is a cornerstone of our institutions' values."
Through generous sponsorships from community organizations, the board awards generous scholarships to the winners totaling over $100,000. First-place winners receive $15,000, second-place $12,000 and third-place $5,000. All other team members will receive a $500 scholarship. The funds can be used at student's discretion to support and advance their education. Students are also eligible to receive internship or course credit for their work.
Similar to the Territorial Cup rivalry, the winning team proudly displays the Regents' Cup trophy on its campus until next year's competition. The U of A currently holds the title after winning the sixth annual Regents' Cup competition in Flagstaff.
Since its inception in 2019, the Regents' Cup has become a hallmark of Arizona's commitment to free expression and viewpoint diversity. Arizona's public universities consistently rank among the top institutions nationwide for free speech, earning green light ratings from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.
Watch last year's storytellers here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj0YxtfvvDs&list=PLveeeIDKLzmumYmQbLuX_XNIQI-kH6eWT&ab_channel=ABORNews) and final Oxford debate here (https://youtu.be/t8036L9Z9po?si=Tj7gMHDOGFH_0kYl).
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Original text here: https://www.azregents.edu/news-releases/teams-selected-2026-regents-cup-tri-university-speech-and-debate-competition
