Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Situational Awareness
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Inflight Event / Encounter VFR In IMC
Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure
Aircraft Y was inbound on the GPS 35 to the Mora (JMR) Airport and over to advisories.  Aircraft X called at JMR looking for his IFR clearance.  I did have a proposal for him.  I asked him if he was on the ground and he said no; that he had departed and he was 010.  I gave him his code and told him to maintain VFR.  He replied that he couldn't because he was in the clouds.  I told him that Aircraft Y was inbound to JMR about 10 miles out; inbound.  Aircraft X responded that he was in the clouds.  Aircraft X's code popped up on my scope about 3 miles South of JMR.  I suggested he turn to a 090 heading immediately.  I called Aircraft Y to see if he was monitoring the frequency and he responded.  I issued him a clearance to turn to a 270 heading and climb to 040 and I cancelled his approach clearance.  Aircraft Y complied and said that he had Aircraft X on TCAS.  They were about 2 1/2 miles apart; but they were altitude separated.  Aircraft X should not have departed in IFR conditions.
ZMP Controller described a loss of separation when an IFR aircraft departed non-towered airport without a release; conflicting with an IFR inbound.