Dr. Steve Windels, an award-winning wildlife biologist with the U.S. National Park Service, will be the featured speaker at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center’s Dinner on the Bluff event on Saturday, February 10. In his talk, “Beavers: the Animal, the Myth, the Legend”, Dr. Windels will give attendees an overview of beaver natural history, including how they move and … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $90,000 in Inclusive and Equitable Communities Grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved nine grants totaling $90,000 to support inclusive and equitable initiatives in SMIF’s 20-county region. The Inclusive and Equitable Communities Grant supports projects which grow racial diversity, equity and inclusion opportunities in the area of entrepreneurship for southern Minnesota. The Inclusive and … [Read more...]
Applications Open for Grants to Strengthen Minnesota’s Food Supply Chain
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for a new grant program to help strengthen Minnesota’s food supply chain. The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant Program offers competitive grants for Minnesota businesses and organizations operating middle-of-the-food-supply-chain activities that support local agricultural products. … [Read more...]
Tree clearing starts February 5 to prepare for I-90/Hwy 52 bridge replacements
Motorists on Interstate 90 and Highway 52 southeast of Rochester should be alert for crews who are clearing trees from the work zone to prepare for this summer’s I-90/Highway 52 interchange reconstruction, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Trees in the work zone are expected to be cleared by late-February. Vehicles will need to travel through narrowed … [Read more...]
State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Accepting Century Farm Applications; Deadline is March 4, 2024
Minnesota families who have owned their farms for 100 years or more are invited to apply for the 2024 Century Farm Program. Produced by the Minnesota State Fair in conjunction with the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, the Century Farm Program was created to promote agriculture and honor historic family farms in the state. More than 11,000 Minnesota farms have been honored … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson Ready for 2024
The Rushford-Peterson School Board quickly completed their organizational portion of their meeting at their first meeting January 22. Board officials remain the same as last year with Chris Grindland, chair; Amy Woxland, vice-chair; Ken Sawle, treasurer; Matt Helgemoe, clerk. Meeting dates will be the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. Board salaries were discussed. Ken … [Read more...]
Inaugural Gathering of Mabel Area Promoters
The Mabel Area Promoters held its first annual membership meeting, hosted at Joe’s Pizza Palace and Pub in Mabel on January 20, 2024. President Jessi Jablonski presided over the meeting, commencing at 6:37 p.m. She disclosed that the Mabel Business Association (MBA) voted to dismantle the association and undergo a rebranding process, resulting in evolution of the Mabel Area … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Zoning Ordinance Amendments
The Fillmore County Planning Commission held its first meeting of 2024 on January 18. Land use director Blake Lea called the meeting to order and asked for nominations for a chairman. Trinity Johnson was elected chair and Steve Duxbury was elected vice chair for 2024. Meetings will continue to be held on the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. A public hearing was held … [Read more...]
Rushford Approves Business Subsidy
At the January 22 meeting, the Rushford City Council held a public meeting regarding a business subsidy to three entities related to one business. The revolving loan subsidy request from Brilliance Web Design, Inc., NL Acquisition CO LLC, and DWEL Properties LLC relates to the purchase of the Johnson & James Properties: Norsland Lefse LLC and Norsland Bakery & Café … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Sends Letter to Minnesota Officials
At the January 23 meeting of the county board, costs and timing associated with the transition to a new state flag and seal were discussed. A letter has been drafted to send to the governor, local legislators, senate majority and minority leaders, the speaker of the house, and the minority leader in the house. The letter emphasizes that there will be costs, especially in … [Read more...]