ST. PAUL, MN, December 19, 2018 — For many Minnesota farmers, 2018 was a tough year financially. But free, confidential help is available for those who are struggling. For farmers like Liz and Bob Krocak of Montgomery, programs such as the farm financial counseling service offered through University of Minnesota Extension have been much-needed. The Krocaks decided to share … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeks AmeriCorps VISTA partner sites
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), is seeking proposals from organizations within SMIF’s 20-county region interested in hosting full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members. The AmeriCorps VISTA program supports SMIF’s goal of creating economic vitality through entrepreneur development. Members … [Read more...]
Decoding the Driftless to be shown in Rushford
The “Decoding the Driftless” film will be shown on the big screen at Rushford-Peterson Schools’ Auditorium on February 9 at 4 p.m., beginning with an introduction from one of the film producers, George Howe. Go on a wild ride of adventure above, on, and below the amazing Driftless Region through this film of exploration, released fall 2018. Local Emmy Award-winning filmmakers … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $120,490 in Early Childhood Grants Seven organizations receive grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved seven grants totaling $120,490 to support asset-based collaborative approaches to meeting the needs of children birth to age five and their families. 2019 Early Childhood Grant award recipients: • $19,296 to Faribault Public Schools to create Early Learning Centers at the Jefferson Elementary and Faribault … [Read more...]
Sesquicentennial farm applications due March 1
Minnesota Farm Bureau’s Sesquicentennial Farm program will honor Minnesota families who have owned their farms for at least 150 years. Since the Sesquicentennial Farm program began in 2008, over 225 farms have been recognized. The Sesquicentennial Farm program recognizes family farms according to the following qualifications: 1) The farm must be at least 150 years old this … [Read more...]
Find a home at Homespun Harmony
Marsha LaFreniere has a passion for knitting and crocheting that she recently translated into Harmony’s newest storefront on Main Avenue, Homespun Harmony. Originally from Albert Lea, LaFreniere spent 10 years in the Air Force, where she moved around a lot. She met her husband in Rochester and they looked for a place to set down roots. That place was Harmony and a country home … [Read more...]
An innovative family business puts the customer first
Norman A. Kopperud probably wouldn’t recognize Norman’s Electric Service (NES), the business he started in 1946. “Our dad was a visionary,” Glen Kopperud said. “But even he wouldn’t have predicted how different his business is today. Technology and electronic advances have played a huge role in dramatically changing our work. What he would recognize though, is that we’re still … [Read more...]
Mabel Smokehouse is cookin’ up awesome food
When Darrell Peterson was asked what he liked best about the restaurant business, he didn’t hesitate and immediately said the people are. “I love the customers,” Peterson said. “It’s fun to cook for them and see them enjoy a good meal. The very best thing is when they come back and tell their friends and family about it!” That’s what has been happening since Peterson opened … [Read more...]
Semcac is changing lives, one person at a time
“We are helping to change lives one person at a time,” said Wayne Stenberg, Executive Director of the Semcac office in Rushford. He states, “In 1966 the Economic Opportunity Act was established and passed by the federal government. Their mission was to fight America’s war on poverty. Senator Walter Mondale awarded the organization their first $30,000 grant to help those in … [Read more...]
Allen M. Fossey
Memorial service for Allen M. Fossey will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, Minn., with Pastor Dan Bredberg officiating. Visitation will be held 12:30 p.m. until time of service at the church. Burial of the urn will take place in the spring. Allen M. Fossey, age 91, of Preston, Minn., passed away January 30, 2019, at the … [Read more...]