June 1, 2018 – With nationwide gas prices hitting a four-year high – above $3 per gallon – POET is calling on the EPA to give summer drivers access to high-octane E15 fuel and save consumers as much as 15 cents per gallon. E15, a 15% biofuel blend, is currently available in 29 states and more than 1,300 U.S. locations. However, most retailers do not offer the low-cost fuel … [Read more...]
Donald Welander honored for 50 years in banking
EDEN PRAIRIE, MN - June 25, 2018 – The Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA) recently inducted Donald Welander, First State Bank of Fountain, into its Pioneer Club during its Annual Summit and 129th Annual Meeting at Madden’s on Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minn. The Pioneer Club honors bankers who have been in the banking industry for 50 or more years. He began his banking career in … [Read more...]
SMIF awards more than 250 gallons in Ace Hardware paint through Paint the Town program
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) awarded $6,950 worth of paint from Ace Hardware to nine communities across the region through its Paint the Town program. This program is a partnership between SMIF and 10 local Ace Hardware stores and is designed to engage volunteers and build collaborative efforts that beautify communities through painting community murals, … [Read more...]
State gains 10,200 jobs in May Unemployment rate drops to 3.1%
ST. PAUL – Minnesota employers added 10,200 jobs in May, according to seasonally adjusted figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). With those gains, the state has added 29,188 jobs in the past year, a 1% growth rate. The U.S. rate of job growth during that period was 1.7%. Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment … [Read more...]
USDA resumes continuous conservation reserve program enrollment
As part of a 33-year effort to protect sensitive lands and improve water quality and wildlife habitat on private lands, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will resume accepting applications for the voluntary Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Eligible farmers, ranchers, and private landowners can sign up at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office between June 4 and … [Read more...]