OWATONNA, MN – April 19, 2022 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is pleased to announce the members of the first Prosperity Initiative cohort of 2022, a program which provides free coaching and training to minority entrepreneurs. Ten entrepreneurs have joined the first cohort. Prosperity Initiative clients commit to a six-month period of working directly with … [Read more...]
Give blood during National Minority Health Month Mini-health screening, gift card and chance at travel trailer camper for donors
April is National Minority Health Month — a time to raise awareness about health disparities that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority populations. The American Red Cross is reminding blood donors it’s critically important to maintain a stable blood supply this spring to support those with chronic illnesses and other blood needs in the U.S. Blood transfusions … [Read more...]
Properly planting trees
By Katie Drewitz Extension Educator University of Minnesota Extension Fillmore and Houston Counties Trees provide many things for our communities; beauty, energy conservation, reduction of soil erosion, filtering air pollutants, raising of property values, a home for wildlife and so much more. Trees are an integral part of our home landscapes, neighborhoods and … [Read more...]
Houston County 4-H Junior Horse Quiz Bowl team places third
The Houston County 4-H Junior Horse quiz bowl team participated at the state quiz bowl competition on Saturday April 9, 2022, in Sauk Rapids, Minn. The team members were: Elliot Plzak, Paislee Linn, Elese Plzak, Alyson Kruckow and Owen Ranzenberger. They worked very hard this season and placed third out of eight teams in the state competition. Photo by Owen … [Read more...]
Keep Company Co-Working Space seeking businesses to offer technical services
The Houston County Economic Development Authority (EDA) in partnership with the La Crescent Chamber has been awarded a Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) grant to open Keep Company Co-Working Space in La Crescent, Minn. Oftentimes it can be hard for start-ups and small businesses to afford working space and justify expenses on technical support. Additionally, many … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotion – Planting the seed
By Rev. Deanna Woodward Maple Leaf Parish United Methodist Churches of Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston and Spring Valley Have you ever had this experience? You walk up to someone you know and ask “How are you?” The person answers, “Well, I lost my job last week. My spouse left me. I haven’t been able to sleep lately. My daughter fell and broke her arm in two places, and my … [Read more...]
Letter to the editor – about Ukraine…
Letter about Ukraine... To the Editor, It is past time for we, the United States and our NATO allies, to stop this criminal abomination happening in Ukraine. We must attack with a vengeant fury. Russia is commiting crimes Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin would approve of. Hitler and Stalin are now payng the price in hell, which will be the final residence of Vladimir … [Read more...]
Letter to the editor – about registering to vote…
Letter about registering to vote... To the Editor, The total population of Fillmore County as of the 2020 census is 21,228 people. Of this total 24.7% were under 18 years of age. So, the number of eligible voters was 15,985. Of these eligible voters, only 82% are registered to vote. This is a pretty high percentage and Minnesota is known for great voter turnout. But that’s … [Read more...]
Empathy
By Blake Lauritsen-Norby Lanesboro, MN Growing up, I encountered bullying as many others did in their youth. I remember the anger that swelled up inside, but too scared to stand up for myself. At one point, when mom was driving me home from school, I brought up some of the things that were happening. Without missing a beat, she said that anyone that was bullying me was … [Read more...]
Give the money back to the people!
By Senator Jeremy Miller Fillmore, Houston and Winona Counties The Associated Press headline on March 31 was stark and jarring: “Key inflation gauge sets 40-year high as gas and food soar.” But it wasn’t the first of its kind. On March 10, the AP wrote: “US inflation soared 7.9% in past year, a fresh 40-year high.” Record inflation is increasing costs on virtually every … [Read more...]