On November 13, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) awarded 65 grants for a total of $342,170 in funding to applicants throughout southeastern Minnesota. This included 24 Arts and Cultural Heritage grants for $216,105, 13 Presenter/Production Assistance grants for $36,280, six Small Towns/Rural Areas grants for $17,765, seven School … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $33,900 in grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) approved four Economic Development grants totaling $33,900 to organizations that participated in a “Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem” event earlier this year. The goal of the grant is to fund projects that support the development of entrepreneurial cultures in communities that are in SMIF’s 20-county region. Funding was … [Read more...]
Otto Bremer Trust makes 149 investments totaling $10.3 million More than $1.4 million awarded to 16 organizations in southeastern Minnesota
The Otto Bremer Trust has awarded $10,296,101 in grants as part of its most recent grantmaking cycle. “Being responsive to community needs has been a hallmark of OBT, and this round of investments exemplifies that commitment,” said Charlotte Johnson, co-CEO and trustee, Otto Bremer Trust. “Whether providing children’s dental care, job skills training, hunger relief, or … [Read more...]
2018 Valley Design Employee Sharing Tree
For the past 12 years Valley Design’s Employee Sharing Tree has made donations to Christmas in Fillmore County and the Fillmore County Food Shelf. Both programs assist families in Fillmore County. Christmas in Fillmore County benefits families in need during the Holiday Season with gifts for kids. The Fillmore County Food Shelf provides food for those in need. This year … [Read more...]
Longtime Preston restaurant announces it’s closing its doors
“I hope that sparks someone to purchase it,” Branding Iron owner Steve Bahl said about his recent decision to announce a closing date for his restaurant. Bahl has owned the Branding Iron since 1989, and while he has enjoyed his time at the restaurant, he and his wife Allyson are ready for a change. The Branding Iron was built in 1970 by a group of businessmen who made up the … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $33,900 in grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) approved four Economic Development grants totaling $33,900 to organizations that participated in a “Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem” event earlier this year. The goal of the grant is to fund projects that support the development of entrepreneurial cultures in communities that are in SMIF’s 20-county region. Funding was … [Read more...]
Preston Veterans Home predesign shared, questions answered
A capacity crowd filled the Servicemen’s Club on the morning of December 6 to hear from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and design firms tasked with designing the Preston Veterans Home. This meeting’s purpose was to update members of the community on the process and to give them an opportunity to ask questions. Ron Scheevel, co-chair of the Veterans Home … [Read more...]
Spring Valley’s downtown gets a facelift with business expansion
Chateau de Chic recently made changes, creating three distinct businesses in Spring Valley’s downtown district. There is something for everyone at Chateau de Chic Salon, Spa & Boutique, and Some Like it Hot Cakes & Catering. Owner Jenn Slifka reminds readers, “We have been operating as a salon and boutique in the same building for seven years, and wanted to split the … [Read more...]
Minnesota weekly fuel update and outlook
November 26 — Gasoline prices in Minnesota have fallen 6.4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.41/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 2,856 stations in Minnesota. This compares with the national average that has fallen 7.8 cents per gallon versus last week to $2.53/g, according to GasBuddy. Average gasoline prices on November 26 in Minnesota have … [Read more...]
Nisse Treehouse daycare in Mabel
Word is getting around that there’s a new daycare center in Mabel. Darcy Thorson is the director of Nisse Treehouse daycare in Spring Grove and Mabel, and that keeps her very busy. But she recently sat down for an interview. Darcy explained that the center in Spring Grove has been operating for just over two years, but that the Mabel center just opened in mid-September of … [Read more...]