St. Paul - Minnesota posted strong job and labor force growth in March, according to information released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The state gained an estimated 11,000 jobs in the last month on a seasonally adjusted basis, up 0.4%, with the private sector up roughly 8,000 jobs, up 0.3%. Minnesota’s labor force increased … [Read more...]
Caledonia City Council Approves New Tasers and Body Cameras
The Caledonia City Council unanimously approved the purchase of tasers, body cameras, and police car cameras for the city’s police department at its regularly scheduled city council meeting on Monday, April 22. The city was presented with a quote of $130,108.70 from Axon Enterprise, Inc. payable over five years. Initially, the first two payments amounting to $52,043.48 will … [Read more...]
Houston County One Step Closer to a Juvenile Detention Center
At the Houston County Commission meeting on April 23, there was a 4-1 vote in favor of Sheriff Brian Swedberg’s proposal to include an eight-day Juvenile Detention Center within the county jail. Chairman Eric Johnson cast the only dissenting vote. Chairman Johnson called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led his colleagues and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. In … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Discusses Dual Zoning Permitting Process
At the April 23 meeting of the county board, issues with the zoning permit application process were discussed. Jay Squires, land use attorney, joined the meeting to answer questions. Land use director Blake Lea noted by state statute there is a 60-day timeline to act on an application once it is complete. Squires said the timeline can be extended an additional 60 … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Downtown Project to Move to Next Phase, Sewer Rates to See Increase
Last year the Spring Valley Business Alliance asked the Spring Valley City Council to allow them to try temporary seating areas at the end of each block downtown in order to ease the flow of traffic, prevent wrong way driving and to beautify the downtown. After a successful concept test last year with temporary barricades, the city and the alliance have been moving forward … [Read more...]
Construction Begins on the Harmony Stateline Bike Trail
HARMONY, MN – The Harmony Economic Development Authority (EDA) is pleased to announce a golden shovel groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction extending the Harmony-Preston Valley state bike trail. The event will take place at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024, in Harmony, Minn. A reception will follow the groundbreaking, in the warehouse at Harmony Spirits, … [Read more...]
Rushford Rejects Survey Request
At the Monday, April 22 meeting, the Rushford Council discussed at length a request from the Department of Natural Resources to sign off on survey results they conducted. The land, now held privately, is being sold to a land conservancy which will transfer the ownership and management of the land to the State of Minnesota/DNR. The land abuts the Rushford Municipal … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Gears Up for Field Trips
At the April 23rd Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad reported that the elementary field trips for kindergarten through sixth grade are starting up soon with lots of fun trips planned for each grade. The fourth graders will have their wax museum on May 3, and the fifth graders will receive trees to plant from Soil and Water Conservation on May 6. … [Read more...]
Announcing the Release of the 2024 Visit Bluff Country Magazine
Discover the charm of Bluff Country with the latest edition of Visit Bluff Country magazine, beckoning you to delve into its picturesque landscapes and quaint communities. The magazine is a keeper, offering invaluable insights for planning your nightlife escapades, day trips, or overnight retreats. Featuring captivating photographs alongside a wealth of ideas, information, … [Read more...]
Chatfield Applies for Workforce Housing Development Grant
At the April 22 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, EDA coordinator, Chris Giesen explained the state of Minnesota has a competitive grant program that will award up to $39 million to workforce rental housing projects in greater Minnesota. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent from the meeting. If the grant is awarded, the program could provide a $475,000 deferred … [Read more...]