Bill Nikovitch, in response to the many voicemails, emails, notes and texts of best wishes on his recovery from cancer, has requested a group "thank you" be sent out to the MGCSA membership on his behalf.

Nikovich, a sales representative with Frontier Ag and Turf, and member of the MGCSA for the past ten years, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer late last December.  He has been receiving chemotherapy treatment and remains hopeful for a full recovery.

Recently Bill and his family received a check from the Wee One Foundation to help them during this challenging time.  The Wee One was created for situations such as Bill's, support for those who insure overwhelming expenses due to medical hardship.

Keep up the fight Bill!

Congratulations Aaron on your achievement.

Aaron Johnson, golf course superintendent at Dacotah Ridge Golf Club, Morton, Minn., has earned the title of Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), a top designation currently held by only about 1,500 golf course superintendents worldwide. Johnson, a 12-year GCSAA member, has been the superintendent at Dacotah Ridge GC since 2010.

“This certification program requires the highest set of competencies in golf course management through testing and practical application, and we are proud of the Association’s Class A members who have advanced to earn this highest level of professional recognition as a certified golf course superintendent,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive officer. “We congratulate Aaron Johnson on his accomplishment.”

To qualify for GCSAA’s top certification, a candidate must have at least three years’ experience as a golf course superintendent, be currently employed in that capacity and meet post-secondary educational requirements and/or continuing education points. A candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities are validated through  development of a portfolio consisting of case-study scenarios, skill statements and work samples; an on-site inspection of the golf facility; and a rigorous six-hour examination covering turfgrass cultural practices, golf course landscapes, pest management, equipment, Rules of Golf, business systems, regulator and programmatic systems, project management, human resources, environmental management and stewardship, natural systems and ethics and values.

About the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA)

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization that focuses on golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the Association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 72 countries. The Association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Find GCSAA on Facebook, follow GCSAA on Twitter and visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org. The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA, founded to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit the EIFG at www.eifg.org.

The Property Profile and Environmental Stewardship Survey is now open. This latest survey in the Golf Course Environmental Profile focuses on collecting information regarding land use, turfgrass species and other non-turfgrass landscapes to compile data on overall property use on golf courses around the nation. Your participation provides vital information needed to advocate for the golf industry and superintendent profession. The GCEP is sponsored by the USGA in conjunction with the EIFG.

Link here to take this important survey

The Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association now offers a Legacy Scholarship program designed to assist children and grandchildren of Class AA, A, SM, C, D, Associate and Affiliate members.  The MGCSA provides scholarships to students attending college or vocational programs at any accredited post-secondary institution. The program is independently managed by Scholarship America, a national non-profit student aid service organization. 

Also available is The Joseph S. Garske Legacy award, named after the founder of Par Aide Products Company, Joe Garske, which is committed to further the education of children and grandchildren of MGCSA members through financial contributions. This is the 20th consecutive year for these awards.  Par Aide is located in Lino Lakes, Minnesota and owned by Steve Garske, son of Joseph.    

Application deadline for both scholarships is June 1st, 2016

MGCSA_app.pdf

GCSAA Press Release:

2016-02-25 | Bob Helland, GCSAA - February 2016 - Bob Helland

A three judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit decided February 22, 2016 that it is the proper court to review the merits of the Clean Water Rule (commonly known as “WOTUS”).   Like every other legal decision impacting WOTUS so far, this decision is not final and is subject to re-hearing and/or appeal. However, it indicates a possible path forward on determining whether the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers overreached in its definition of “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act.  And importantly, this decision allows the nationwide stay of the WOTUS rule to continue, providing relief to golf and numerous other industries otherwise impacted. 

 What this means:  An endgame in sight.  As we have noted, 31 states, along with a number of industry groups, have either filed or joined legal actions at both the federal district court and circuit court level seeking to stop the Clean Water Rule.  This unique situation is due in part to Section 509 of the Clean Water Act which provides the Circuit Court with exclusive jurisdiction over certain actions by the Environmental Protection Agency, including those impacting permits under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).  The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals did not answer the question of whether Section 509 covers the WOTUS rule.  As our colleagues at the Waters Advisory Coalition note:

-- Two of the judges disagreed that § 509(b)(1) requires direct circuit court review of the WOTUS Rule challenges, but one concurring judge felt bound by a previous Sixth Circuit decision (National Cotton Council) to find that the Sixth Circuit has jurisdiction here. 

 -- This fractured decision means that the path forward for the WOTUS Rule litigation is not entirely clear.   Importantly, for now, the nationwide stay of the Rule remains in effect.  Due to the split nature of the court’s decision, and the disagreement over National Cotton Council, it seems very likely that at least some petitioners will seek rehearing en banc (rehearing by all of the active judges on the Sixth Circuit).  Under Sixth Circuit Rules, the parties have 45 days to file such a petition.  Rehearing en banc is rarely granted, but if the court grants en banc review on the jurisdictional order, it could take months to resolve.

  Even with possible appeals though, there is an end in sight. And as we note, golf is being spared the impact of the expansive WOTUS rule for now. 

We will continue to monitor the legal twists and turns and make sure golf’s voice is heard. 

The United States Golf Association (USGA) has devoted

considerable resources to research and guidance regarding

golf and water. The USGA’s web-based “Water Resource Center”

states, “It is essential for everyone involved in the game to strive

to conserve and protect the world’s most vital resource.”

The golf industry is on board with this statement, and those involved in the design of golf courses apply this philosophy to their craft. The approaches and solutions developed for golf facilities—both new and remodeled—are creative, effective and so often deliver real benefit to the communities that surround them.

But the stories of these innovations are sometimes not shared outside of the golf industry. This book was conceived to help those who develop land--who make decisions about how or whether golf can fit into a community—see that golf is committed to being a good steward of “the world’s most vital resource.” And the book is meant to be a resource for those who already know about golf’s benefits to a community to be inspired to look for more innovative paths to responsible water stewardship.

Download and read more here.

LINCOLN, Nebraska (February 22, 2016) — The Golf Course Builders Association of America board of directors elected its new executive officers Feb. 9 at its Winter Meeting in San Diego, at the Golf Industry Show. Scott Veazey of Southeastern Golf Inc. was ushered in as the board’s new residing president.

In addition to Veazey, the board of directors officers include: Pat Karnick, Wadsworth Golf Construction (president-elect); Dennis Wagner, Hunter Industries (vice president); Judd Duininck, Duininck Golf (treasurer); Ellen Davis, Waupaca Sand & Solutions—SportZmix Solutions (secretary); and Rick Boylan, Mid-America Golf & Landscape Inc. (immediate past president).

All officers serve two-year terms and will preside over the board of directors, which consists of the officers and 10 directors. Newly-elected directors are Mike Crone, Landirr Inc., and Joy Ramos, D.H.R. Construction. Also being appointed to replace outgoing board member Ed Eichmann is Mark Creighton, Ewing Irrigation. Directors continuing to serve on the board include: Ronnie Adkins, Aspen Corp.; Terry Gwinn, Best Sand Corp.; John McDonald II, McDonald & Sons Inc.; Frank Warden, The Toro Company; Rick Williamson, LASCO Fittings Inc.; Tom Works, Landscapes Unlimited LLC; and Stephanie Zimmerman, ADS/Hancor Inc.

About the GCBAA and the GCBAA Foundation
The Golf Course Builders Association of America is a non-profit trade association of the world’s foremost golf course builders and leading suppliers to the golf course construction industry. It was founded in the early 1970s, and its members represent all segments of the golf course industry. The GCBAA Foundation is the charitable arm of the GCBAA and a separate, 501(c)(3) organization. The GCBAA’s national executive office is located in Lincoln, Neb. For more information, visit www.gcbaa.org or call (402) 476-4444.

Minnesota-based architect Kevin Norby, ASGCA has been named architect of the week by the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).  Kevin has been a member of the ASGCA since 2012 and has been involved with more than 100 golf course projects throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.

Whether designing a new course or restoring a golden-age classic, he takes pride in his ability to find creative solutions that fit the style and heritage of the course rather than leaving his own personal signature on a course.

Kevin is probably best known for his unique approach to master planning which helps owners differentiate their course in the local market in order to increase membership and improve revenue. Kevin's passion for the game of golf and his hands-on approach, combined with nearly three decades of experience, has earned him a reputation for creating enjoyable golf courses that are financially viable.

Kevin's cornerstones of design include strategy & shot making, respect for the environment, enjoyment of the game and fiscal sustainability. As a result, Herfort Norby has received numerous awards including 2009 runner-up "Best New Course" by Golf Inc. and Top 10 Best New Course by Links Magazine and Golf Digest. Recent projects include Coal Creek Golf Club in Colorado, Bakker Crossing Golf Course in South Dakota and Stillwater Country Club in Minnesota.

Kevin Norby is the owner and principal of Herfort Norby Golf Course Architects. For more information, you may contact Kevin at (952)361-0644 or via email at knorby@HerfortNorbyGolf.com.  You may also visit Herfort Norby's website at www.herfortnorby.com. Kevin Norby, ASGCA has been named architect of the week by the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).  Kevin has been a member of the ASGCA since 2012 and has been involved with more than 100 golf course projects throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.

Whether designing a new course or restoring a golden-age classic, he takes pride in his ability to find creative solutions that fit the style and heritage of the course rather than leaving his own personal signature on a course.

Kevin is probably best known for his unique approach to master planning which helps owners differentiate their course in the local market in order to increase membership and improve revenue. Kevin's passion for the game of golf and his hands-on approach, combined with nearly three decades of experience, has earned him a reputation for creating enjoyable golf courses that are financially viable.

As you may be aware, we recently updated our website and our membership renewal process.

We have automated the process so you can renew your membership and pay your membership online.

Please take the following steps to login to your profile

• 1      Go to our website www.MGCSA.org
  
• 2-      Click on the “login” area on the home page located in the white box
  
• 3-      Login using your email and password
  
• 4-      If you have not set up a password, click on the “Forgot Password” link to set one up
  
• 5-      Once logged in, click on the “Membership Renewal Due” link in the bottom right hand corner of the page
  
• 6-      Click on the “Renew until 01 Jan 2017”
  
• 7-      Update any information on your profile that isn’t current
  
• 8-      Review your selection for the Minnesota Turfgrass Research contribution
  
• 9-      Click “Update and Next” when you are finished
  
• 10-   Select “Invoice Me” to pay via check or “Pay Online” to pay via credit card.
  

Gordon Paul Miller

Born: May 06, 1928

Died: February 11, 2016 Age 87, of Maplewood 

USMC Korean War Veteran 
A strong advocate for the turf industry and respected Affiliate Member of the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents Association, Gordy passed away peacefully with family members present. Preceded in death by parents; brother, Don; daughter, Kari; son, Bruce; and daughter-in-law, Kris. Survived by wife of 62 years, Char; children, Dan (Maggie), Julie (Al), Jean (Tim), Katie (Steve), Mike, Tracy (Doug), son-in-law, Carl; 18 grandchildren; 2.9 great grandchildren; sister, Marilyn; sister-in-law, Jerre; and a large extended family and many friends. Gordy was an active member of St. Rose of Lima for 50 years. Mass of Christian Burial 10AM Tuesday, February 16 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church (2048 Hamline Ave. N Roseville). Visitation 4-7PM Monday, February 15 at Roseville Memorial Chapel (2245 Hamline Ave. N 651-631-2727) and also 1 hour prior to Mass at church. Memorials to St. Rose of Lima; Alzheimer’s Association of MN/ND; and the Wounded Warriors Project.