ROCHESTER, MN, January 1, 2020 — Southeast Minnesota residents with an idea to strengthen their community can now apply for partnership support from the University of Minnesota Extension Southeast Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (Southeast RSDP). Southeast RSDP supports local innovation by connecting community ideas to University of Minnesota knowledge and seed … [Read more...]
Gerald Kalstabakken
Gerald Marvin Kalstabakken passed away peacefully at his Ramsey home on Sunday, January 26, 2020, with family at his side. Gerald was born June 26, 1932, to Oscar and Frieda (Lundt) Kalstabakken in Orion Township, Olmsted County. Gerald (Jerry) was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chatfield, Minn. He graduated from Preston High School in 1950. Upon … [Read more...]
Donald Halse
Donald C. Halse, 92, of Decorah, died Monday, January 27, 2020, at the Aase Haugen Home in Decorah. Born May 20, 1927, in Winneshiek County, Iowa, to Clyde and Alice Halse. He graduated from Decorah Iowa School. He proudly served in the army in WWII. He married Norma Groth on April 2, 1950, at Highland Lutheran Church. They lived and farmed for 47 years in Highland … [Read more...]
Kevin Beck
Kevin Edwin Beck passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at Mayo Clinic- St. Marys Campus. Kevin was born October 8, 1965, to Bob and Judy Beck and grew up on his family’s farm outside of Conger, Minn. He graduated in 1984 from Alden-Conger High School and went to school in Jackson, Minn., to become an electrician. Kevin worked as an electrician and also farmed until 1993 … [Read more...]
Jack Fox
Jack Fox, born September 24, 1940, to Ida and Clarence Fox, passed away January 23, 2020, at the age of 79 at Grand Meadow Senior Living. He was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church of Spring Valley and the Root River Antique Association. Jack hauled milk cans for the Racine Creamery and later worked at the Creamery. He also farmed on the home place where he grew up. After … [Read more...]
Shirley A. Marks
Shirley A. Marks, 84, of Spring Valley, Minn., died on Friday, January 24, 2020, at Spring Valley Living. Funeral services for Shirley were held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at Wykoff United Methodist Church, with Pastor David Stoeger officiating. Burial took place at the Wykoff Cemetery. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. … [Read more...]
More than $4 million in large grants awarded to support state history across Minnesota
The Minnesota Historical Society is pleased to announce the newest recipients of 38 historical and cultural heritage large grants (over $10,000) in 24 counties, totaling $4,113,823 in FY2020. The grants, awarded once each fiscal year, are made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. “Every year we see so many exciting projects to preserve Minnesota history for … [Read more...]
Marketing strategies for small business owners
Small businesses are the backbones of many local communities. Such businesses have helped to revitalize many communities and may benefit communities in ways that would surprise even the most ardent small businesses supporters. Economists at Penn State University studied data on economic growth and residence status of business owners that was from more than 2,900 rural and … [Read more...]
How to sustain a small business
Opening a small business can be an exciting time in the life of an entrepreneur. Part of that excitement no doubt stems from the financial risks associated with opening a new business. Keeping that business growing and thriving takes effort, but the results can be rewarding. It is reasonable to feel nervous when starting a business. Information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor … [Read more...]
Harmony Telephone Company receives award totaling $5.4 million for rural high-speed broadband Loan-grant combination to connect 577 households in Harmony’s rural exchange
Harmony, MN, January 17, 2020 — United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky announced Harmony Telephone Company as a recipient of a $5.4 million Reconnect Program award. “When Americans are connected to high-speed internet, productivity and prosperity skyrocket,” Censky said. “This task of providing rural Americans with broadband is of the … [Read more...]