“It’s going to be different,” says Herman Miller, owner of Herman’s Standard Station in Fountain, Minn., about his upcoming retirement and closure of the business on Friday, July 27, 2018, after 47 years in business. Herman and his wife Linda, who own and operate the business together, will both be retiring after decades of serving the residents of Fillmore County. “In … [Read more...]
Gas prices climb as summer driving begins, POET calls on EPA to move quickly for E15 relief Year-round E15 sales would save drivers up to 15 cents/gallon
June 1, 2018 – With nationwide gas prices hitting a four-year high – above $3 per gallon – POET is calling on the EPA to give summer drivers access to high-octane E15 fuel and save consumers as much as 15 cents per gallon. E15, a 15% biofuel blend, is currently available in 29 states and more than 1,300 U.S. locations. However, most retailers do not offer the low-cost fuel … [Read more...]
Donald Welander honored for 50 years in banking
EDEN PRAIRIE, MN - June 25, 2018 – The Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA) recently inducted Donald Welander, First State Bank of Fountain, into its Pioneer Club during its Annual Summit and 129th Annual Meeting at Madden’s on Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minn. The Pioneer Club honors bankers who have been in the banking industry for 50 or more years. He began his banking career in … [Read more...]
SMIF awards more than 250 gallons in Ace Hardware paint through Paint the Town program
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) awarded $6,950 worth of paint from Ace Hardware to nine communities across the region through its Paint the Town program. This program is a partnership between SMIF and 10 local Ace Hardware stores and is designed to engage volunteers and build collaborative efforts that beautify communities through painting community murals, … [Read more...]
State gains 10,200 jobs in May Unemployment rate drops to 3.1%
ST. PAUL – Minnesota employers added 10,200 jobs in May, according to seasonally adjusted figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). With those gains, the state has added 29,188 jobs in the past year, a 1% growth rate. The U.S. rate of job growth during that period was 1.7%. Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment … [Read more...]
USDA resumes continuous conservation reserve program enrollment
As part of a 33-year effort to protect sensitive lands and improve water quality and wildlife habitat on private lands, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will resume accepting applications for the voluntary Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Eligible farmers, ranchers, and private landowners can sign up at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office between June 4 and … [Read more...]
Security State Bank of Lewiston to merge with Minnwest Bank
Minnwest Bank and Security State Bank of Lewiston announced today the signing of an agreement to merge. Completion of the transaction, which is currently expected to occur in the third quarter of 2018, is contingent upon regulatory approval. Security State Bank of Lewiston had consolidated assets of $67.2 million and $61 million in deposits, as of December 31, 2017. Douglas … [Read more...]
Formed in the Driftless: Flowstone Fishing catches momentum
While underway for more than a year, Flowstone Fishing in Chatfield officially opened its online business this past April. Named for the area’s flowing, cool waters, which create subterranean mineral sheets, or flowstones, owner Bret Klaehn is hoping to combine his enthusiasm for fishing with a niche for quality, handmade lures and personalized, local service. “I have been … [Read more...]
New dog grooming business opens in Preston
“It’s not what I do, it’s who I am,” Lanesboro resident Kristy Richards said about her work grooming and caring for dogs. Richards recently opened a new dog grooming business in Preston on Main Street called TheDogLdy. She began by offering Toenail Tuesdays where owners can bring their dogs in for a free toenail trim and has now expanded to accepting bookings for full … [Read more...]
John Torgrimson hired as interim executive director of Eagle Bluff
John Torgrimson has been hired as interim executive director to help set the groundwork for the future of Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center near Lanesboro, a regional environmental education hub for the past four decades. With a background in administration of non-profit groups, Torgrimson has worked with refugees in Southeast Asia, east Africa and the Philippines. He … [Read more...]