There have been moments throughout my life when opportunities arose to move to a different part of the state of Minnesota, or even a different part of the country. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love living in southern Minnesota and that there are many reasons why I choose to stay here. As the president of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), I can’t imagine a … [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...]
MinnWest Bank: Ag roots, tech growth
People in the Spring Valley and Wykoff areas have probably noticed that Security State Bank is now MinnWest Bank. The merger official happened on September 21, 2018. Market President Dwayne Ostrem recently sat down for an interview to explain what this change means to customers. Ostrem explained that the Security banks in Spring Valley and Wykoff were branches of Security … [Read more...]
Rindels retiring from Preston Dairy & Farm
Terry Rindels and Tom Greiner recently sat down to discuss the changeover of leadership occurring at the Preston Dairy & Farm Association. Although there will be a new manager, they assure their customers that very little else is expected to change. Regarding his tenure at Preston D & F, Rindels stated, “I’ve done it as manager for 13 ½ years, and been here for 26. … [Read more...]
Minnesota weekly fuel update and outlook
January 7 — Gasoline prices in Minnesota have fallen 2.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.05/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 2,856 stations in Minnesota. This compares with the national average that has fallen 3.0 cents per gallon versus last week to $2.22/g, according to GasBuddy. Average gasoline prices on January 7 in Minnesota have … [Read more...]
Unemployment remains steady; Four straight months at 2.8%
ST. PAUL – Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 2.8% in December, according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), marking the fourth straight month with the same unemployment rate. Minnesota’s unemployment rate remains the lowest since May 1999 and is just above the all-time low of 2.5% held in … [Read more...]
Valley Laundry up and running
Craig Seabright hadn’t been expecting or planning to move his laundry business in Spring Valley. Craig explained, “I’ve had the laundry down there by the BP (gas station/convenience store) for the last 14 years. And then (landlord) Tom told me that he was looking to sell the building, so he thought it was best for me to find a new place to go.” Craig also is the owner of … [Read more...]
2019 gas prices to surge from current lows, says GasBuddy
January 2, 2019 — GasBuddy, the only company connecting drivers with their Perfect Pit Stop, today predicts that 2019 will feature a yearly national average of $2.70 per gallon, representing a three cent drop versus 2018, but warns that the national average could surge to over $3 per gallon as soon as May. Some highlights from GasBuddy’s 2019 Fuel Price Outlook include: • … [Read more...]
Minnesota unemployment rate steady at 2.8% Annual employment gains 1.1% over last November
Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 2.8% in November, according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). In November, Minnesota lost 800 jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis. October’s previously announced gain of 3,400 jobs was reduced to 2,500 after revision. Minnesota’s unemployment rate remains … [Read more...]