Grand Meadow Economic Development Authority Creates COVID-19 Relief for Small Businesses and Child Care with micro-grant programs. The Grand Meadow Economic Development Authority (EDA) has created two Micro-Grant programs for Grand Meadow area small businesses and child care providers to help ease the financial burdens brought about by COVID-19! “Like so many area … [Read more...]
Amy Engelhart’s Boutique Station provides clothing for customers nearby
By Hannah Rothen A little over a month ago, Amy Engelhart opened the Boutique Station right outside of Peterson, Minn., on Highway 16. She first officially opened on Friday, May 15 and has received quite a bit of business since then. The community has been very kind and helpful when it comes to supporting her with the new place. People seem to love the merchandise she … [Read more...]
Minnesota’s unemployment rate rose to 9.9% in May: Numbers capture situation immediately before reopening of many businesses
Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 9.9% in May according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Minnesota added 9,800 payroll jobs in May on a seasonally adjusted basis, up 0.4%, with the private sector adding 27,500 jobs, up 1.3%, during the month. Government lost 17,700 jobs from April to May. … [Read more...]
Spring Grove EDA Fixup Fund to extend application deadline
SPRING GROVE, MN – The Spring Grove Economic Development Authority recently announced the approval of $10,000 for the 2020 Fix Up Fund. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial implications that it has had on our small businesses, the EDA has decided to remove any deadline for applying for the 2020 program. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis until November … [Read more...]
Semcac Head Start is on the move!
We provide birth-to-age five learning opportunities at no cost to qualifying families. Semcac Head Start participates in the Parent Aware Child Care rating system for licensed providers, and consistently achieves the highest rating, a 4-Star High Quality Program rating. Early Head Start for Birth to 3-year-olds We offer a home-based option in Fillmore County to eligible … [Read more...]
Emergency ambulance services amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
The earliest way of summoning emergency services was by ringing a bell, either mounted atop the station or in the belfry of a local church. Now we expect the wail of an approaching ambulance siren whenever there is a medical emergency. For some the noise is startling, and for others it is the sound of safety – a reminder that there are professionals protecting the community. … [Read more...]
Phillips retires
When most people retire from a job, they get to turn in their keys to the office, walk out the door, and start enjoying every day like it’s a Saturday. When a person owns a business, it doesn’t work like that. If they want to retire, they have to find a buyer, which can take many years. David Phillips, who just turned 65 in February, has been looking forward to … [Read more...]
Harmony distillery joins fight against COVID-19 with production of hand sanitizer
As the world continues to struggle with the coronavirus pandemic, individuals and businesses are stepping in to help. This week, Harmony Spirits has stepped in to help meet the needs of its community and greater southeastern Minnesota by producing and distributing hand sanitizer. Harmony Spirits’ owners, Jim Simpson, Andy Craig and Larry Tammel have been partnering with … [Read more...]
Eagle Bluff chooses new executive director
Following a national search, Colleen Foehrenbacher has been chosen as the next Executive Director at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center near Lanesboro, effective April 1. She succeeds founder director Joe Deden who started the organization in 1979 as the Forest Resource Center and retired in 2018. John Torgrimson served as interim director the past two … [Read more...]
SEMAC awards arts grants
The Board of Directors of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) recently awarded grants to 26 applicants representing six counties for a total of $91,150 in funding. This includes nine Emerging Artist grants for $22,215, nine Advancing Artist grants for $44,750, two School Residency grants for $5,085, one Arts Management Training Grant for $600, and five General … [Read more...]