Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 2.9% in August, according to figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The last time Minnesota’s unemployment rate was below 3% was December 1999. The state’s record-low unemployment rate was a seasonally adjusted 2.5% in both January and February 1999. The U.S. … [Read more...]
October 10 SWCD prairie walk will highlight native seed collection
The Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is sponsoring a native prairie walk on Wednesday, October 10, at the Tim and Susan Gossman farm, 31294 Ninebark Road, Chatfield. The walk will begin at 5:30 p.m. with information about how to collect native plant seed. The event is open to the public, and no pre-registration is required. The walk will last about an … [Read more...]
Facts about manufacturing
In the most recent data, manufacturers contributed $2.33 trillion to the U.S. economy in the first quarter of 2018. This figure has risen since the second quarter of 2009, when manufacturers contributed $1.70 trillion. Over that same time frame, value-added output from durable goods manufacturing grew from $0.86 trillion to $1.26 trillion, with nondurable goods output up from … [Read more...]
Rattlesnake Jubilee wrap-up
By Karla Bloem Being scared of something isn’t fun. The goal of the Rattlesnake Jubilee held September 15 in Houston was to educate people and reduce fear of rattlesnakes. This, in turn, is good for the snakes because they aren’t killed out of fear and it’s good for humans, too, since they are less likely to be bitten if they leave rattlesnakes alone. Being bitten by a timber … [Read more...]
Semcac receives $500 from “Swipe Out Hunger”
Merchants Bank’s “Swipe Out Hunger” Facebook giveaway has concluded with a donation of $500.00 to Semcac. In the bank’s sixth annual campaign, the top three donations were awarded based on the total number of votes for Hastings Family Service ($2,500), the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse ($1,500) and Friends in Need Food Shelf ($1,000). The 11 other local food shelves that … [Read more...]
Candidate forum to focus on rural issues
Voters can learn Minnesota House candidates’ views on agriculture and rural issues at a forum Wednesday October 10 at the St. Charles Community Center, 830 Whitewater Avenue, St. Charles. Sponsored by the Southeast Minnesota Ag Alliance, the forum will give candidates the opportunity to express their ideas on topics related to agriculture and other issues affecting rural … [Read more...]
Houston County to recieve state disaster assistance
State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) learned recently that the Governor’s Office has authorized the use of funds from the State Disaster Assistance Contingency Account for emergency relief in Houston County. “This is fantastic news as Houston County has been devastated by torrential rains,” Davids said. “I’m very pleased this funding is on its way.” Davids said … [Read more...]
Preston Historical Society Announces 2018 raffle winners
The Preston Historical Society conducted the drawing for the winners of the recent raffle fundraiser at their August Society meeting. Proceeds from the raffle will be used for Historical Society projects. Raffle prizes were valued at over $1,400. The Society would again like to thank F & M Community Bank for providing matching funds of $1,000 (a dollar for each ticket … [Read more...]
Chatfield Center for the Arts receives 2018 Outstanding Greater Rochester Arts Ardee Award from the Rochester Arts and Cultural Trust
A vibrant arts and cultural scene is essential to the quality of life and economic growth of a community. For the last six years, the Rochester Arts and Cultural Trust has been recognizing those organizations, businesses, individuals and events that make our cultural scene what it is through the Ardee Awards presented at their annual Fête. This year, Chatfield Center for the … [Read more...]
Peter D. Bissen
Peter D. Bissen, age 59, of Greenleafton, Minn., died on Saturday, September 29, 2018, at home. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, October 13, 2018, at Greenleafton Reformed Church with Pastor Roger Lokker officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 13. Burial will be in Greenleafton Cemetery. Hindt-Hudek … [Read more...]