February will be a month of celebration at the Houston Public Library, as the library celebrates its 20th birthday. The library began its life in a little house near city hall in February 2002. Four women, Lynn Carr, Barb Swenson, Kim Scheevel Ross, and Jean Collette were instrumental in collecting books and furniture for the fledgling library. The library moved to a new … [Read more...]
Preston DMV changes hands
After 53 years of the Reicks family owning and operating the Reicks Auto License Bureau, the torch has been passed. On December 1, 2021, Sean and Bethany Feind officially took ownership of the office. “Hands were shook and papers were signed,” Sean said, adding that Kurt Reicks has still been popping in to check on things as Sean transitions to his new role as a small business … [Read more...]
A culinary experience awaits at Juniper’s
Already a joyful person, Tyler Shipton has several reasons to be grateful this holiday season. The most important being his fiancé Ame Putman and their 11-month-old daughter Juniper. And, the very exciting aspect of being the executive chef and owner of his own restaurant, Juniper’s, in beautiful downtown Lanesboro. Named after Juniper, Shipton is bringing his love for his … [Read more...]
After the fire at Mill Street Mall
Thanksgiving Day brought the Rushford Fire Department to the Mill Street Mall on a fire call. When they got there the fire had already gone out, but not before causing extensive smoke and soot damage throughout the mall. The State Fire Marshall inspected the mall the next day; the insurance adjuster hired an investigator as well. While the cause of the fire is not certain, it … [Read more...]
Penz Automotive Group already passionate about Spring Valley community
When Rochester-based Penz Automotive Group purchased the Buick Chevrolet store in Spring Valley earlier this year, owner Todd Penz and his team immediately focused on becoming involved in the community. “We’re in Spring Valley, and we want to be part of Spring Valley,” he says. He is already researching sponsorship opportunities, and it’s not uncommon to spot Penz, general … [Read more...]
DEED announces $3 million in Main Street COVID Relief Grant Cultural Mall Operator Grant awards Grants of up to $300k will go to 12 mall operators
ST PAUL, MN – the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced recipients of the $3 million Minnesota Cultural Mall Operator Grants program, which was part of the $70 million Main Street COVID Relief Grant package that passed with bipartisan support in the Minnesota Legislature during the 2021 Session and was signed into law by Governor Tim … [Read more...]
Jobs and wage growth continue in Minnesota Unemployment rate reaches pre-pandemic levels; labor force participation remains down
Minnesota’s unemployment rate in October 2021 is back to where it was immediately before the global pandemic was declared in March 2020 at 3.5% (revised), down two-tenths of a percentage point from September, according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The decline in Minnesota’s unemployment rate in October … [Read more...]
Music speaks: Studio316 open in Preston
Ironic that a person so beloved for his writing would be known for this quote: “Where words fail, music speaks” – Hans Christian Anderson. And yet, for those who have been profoundly moved by music this sentiment rings true. There are times when music can communicate what ordinary speech cannot, and in so doing it gives us a medium to express ourselves. In Preston, Minn., there … [Read more...]
Fillmore County broadband expansion proposals
Three broadband providers outlined their proposals at the Fillmore County board’s November 9 meeting. The county has received $4.2 million in American Recovery Act funding. Broadband providers are looking for a portion of this funding to support broadband projects within the county. Much of Fillmore County is still underserved. Corey Hauer, LTD Broadband, said they have … [Read more...]
Andrea Hindt cultivating creativity in southeastern Minnesota
Andrea Hindt of rural Spring Valley has been expressing herself artistically since her elementary school days. “In third grade, I would draw pictures for my teacher and classmates,” says Andrea. “Growing up, the Sunday comic pages were the best! I loved to read them. My twin sister, Anji Bennett, and I would draw cartoons and we used to say ‘when we grow up’ we want to have … [Read more...]