Eight organizations receive small town grants Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved eight grants totaling $73,400 to support small towns of 5,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region. The Small Town Grants Program seeks to build sustainable and vibrant communities by engaging community members, enhancing existing leadership and creating opportunities … [Read more...]
Energy assistance available for customers as heating season approaches
Minnesota Energy Resources reminds customers to check their eligibility for energy assistance as the winter heating season approaches. Applications for energy assistance are now being accepted by Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP). To apply for energy assistance, residents must contact the EAP provider in the county where they live to receive an application. Along … [Read more...]
Door-to-door scammer in Hokah area Claiming to be from utility and asks to see copy of electric bill
MiEnergy Cooperative has been notified of a possible scam. A member contacted the cooperative on September 28, 2018, about a man that had stopped by their residence in rural Hokah. The person claimed to be from an electric utility (not MiEnergy) and asked to see a copy of their electric bill and explained they were eligible to save 11%. The member told the man the spouse took … [Read more...]
Economic growth projects for Chatfield
Agreements were presented for consideration at the Chatfield City Council’s October 8 meeting related to future housing development and the expansion of EZ Fabricating, Inc. Planning and Zoning Administrator Kristi Clarke reviewed information concerning plats and development agreements for single family home lots on properties owned by Geoffery and Monica Griffin. The council … [Read more...]
Beaver Bottoms Saloon has much to offer
A new business has also brought new life to the main street in Fountain, Minn. Beaver Bottoms Saloon is a bar, restaurant, liquor store, and hair salon all wrapped up in one. Owners Jody Wiza and Laura Schroeder have created a fun and welcoming atmosphere in the former Bent Wrench building located at 98 Main Street. Wiza, who owns The Hair Shack and The Shack Bar in … [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...]
Grocery to open in Mabel?
During the Mabel City Council meeting on September 12, City Clerk Karen Larson said, “The EDA is actively working with someone to open a grocery store… I’m excited.” She went on to say that details are not yet finalized, but it looks very promising. Kirsten Wyffels shared her suggestion that if local citizens like the idea of having a grocery store in town, they should do … [Read more...]
The Shop Salon
The Shop Salon is in its one year anniversary and is situated in beautiful downtown Rushford, Minn., at Pam’s Corner. Nikki Johnson is the owner and a hairstylist as well. But one must know that this is not a stereotypical hair salon and Miss Nikki Johnson is not your run of the mill hair dresser. She is much more than that and has a wonderful and heartwarming story about her … [Read more...]
Preston’s JailHouse Inn – A Bed & Breakfast worth going to jail for
Preston’s only and longtime bed & breakfast, the JailHouse Inn, has new owners and they’re a perfect match for each other. Dorle Kaase, along with husband, Tom, who is the Fillmore County Sheriff, purchased the historic 1869 gem July 31. “Running a Bed & Breakfast has been a dream of mine off and on for many years,” says Dorle Kaase. “ I never thought it would become a … [Read more...]
Arlin Falck Foundation accepting grant applications
Notice is hereby given that the Arlin Falck Foundation will accept applications for grants for community development, community promotions, community education and similar matters. The grants shall be for the benefit of persons residing in Fillmore County and Houston County, Minnesota and Allamakee County and Winneshiek County, Iowa. Entities that have a 501 (c) 3 … [Read more...]