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...]
Business enrichment session on succession planning postponed
The Lanesboro Economic Development Authority (EDA) is sorry to announce that the Business Enrichment Session on Succession Planning, originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, is being postponed. This is due to the CDC recommendations to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Once it has been deemed safe for gatherings to resume, the EDA will issue a press release … [Read more...]
SEMAC announces April 1 grant application deadline
The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council announces a call for proposals from qualified organizations that provide arts programming. All proposed projects must begin no earlier than June 1, 2020, and be completed within 12 months, culminating in a capstone event that is accessible and open to the public. Online applications will be available throughout March. The LOI stage of … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation in partnership with local Ace Hardware stores offer free paint for community projects
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with 12 local Ace Hardware stores, will be accepting applications for free paint and coating products for community mural, community welcome sign, or historic structure projects through its Paint the Town Grant program. This grant opportunity is available to communities with a population under 10,000 throughout … [Read more...]