August 6 — Gasoline prices in Minnesota have risen 1.8 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.79/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 2,856 stations in Minnesota. This compares with the national average that is unchanged versus last week to $2.86/g, according to GasBuddy. Average gasoline prices on August 6 in Minnesota have ranged widely over the … [Read more...]
Pam’s Off Sale Liquor opens in Harmony
Paul, Pam, and Jordan Brand know a thing or two about running a store in small town Minnesota. They’ve been operating Pam’s Corner Convenience in Rushford since 2005, and opened an off-sale liquor store there in 2012. They have now brought their expertise to their new store, Pam’s Off Sale Liquor, in downtown Harmony. Regarding their location, Paul Brand said, “It was called … [Read more...]
New company to bring high-speed internet to rural areas
More than 50 people attended the announcement at the Harmony Telephone Company to create MiBroadband, a new company to bring fixed wireless broadband to areas of Southeast Minnesota and Northeast Iowa. At the event on July 24, Mabel Cooperative Telephone Company, MiEnergy Cooperative and Spring Grove Communications revealed they are in the early stages of making high-speed … [Read more...]
Big Girl Stickers moves into Chatfield storefront
“We ended up with something we never planned for, and it’s just blossomed,” Melissa Burnett said. “It started as just a side gig for some extra money.” Burnett and her husband, Rocky own and operate Big Girl Stickers, a vinyl lettering, screenprinting, and décor business. When they first started it together with another couple, they never imagined it would be so successful … [Read more...]
End of an era as Herman’s Standard closes
“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...]