Minnesota Scene: Long-time former U turfgrass professor, developer dies at 86

Donald B. White, 86, of White Bear Lake, a professor of turfgrass at the University of Minnesota, died Dec. 23.

In his 45-year teaching career, White had a significant impact on the turfgrass industry locally, nationally and internationally.

Starting in 1961, he taught several courses at the university related to turfgrass science, landscape design and nursery management to many of the course superintendents throughout the state and nation.

As a scientist, White's most important contribution to turfgrass research was the development of a commercially viable annual bluegrass, Poa annua. His research led to the release of the first creeping bluegrass in 1997. It is being used by golf courses throughout the world, including Pebble Beach.

As an environmentalist, he was a huge proponent of prairie grasses and reduced impact grasses, later called "sustainable" turf.

Before the USGA offered their on-course turf advisory services, White provided consulting services on his own time to courses all across the Midwest.

In 2006, the Minnesota Golf Association and the Minnesota Section PGA recognized White's career contributions by electing him into the Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame. In 2013, the MGA recognized White with its highest award, the Warren J. Rebholz Distinguished Service Award.

Services will be held for White at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Jude of the Lake, 700 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Thursday at the Honsa Family Funeral Home, 2460 East County Road E, White Bear Lake and one hour before the mass at church.

The Twins signed outfielder Leandro Castro to a minor league contract.

The 27-year-old from the Dominican Republic played independent baseball in 2016, hitting .316 with 11 home runs and 36 RBI between Laredo of the American Association and Rockland of the Canadian American Association.

Winona State was named one of 25 finalists for the 2017 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence. Its Step Out of Stigma Week was recognized as a positive campus and community engagement event.

Student-athletes provided resources and encouragement for community members dealing with a mental illness and started a conversation about stigma and its detrimental effects.