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...]
Future ownership of Crown Hill Cemetery
Crown Hill Cemetery Association members updated the Preston City Council on cemetery financial issues at the council’s March 2 meeting. Kevin Ostern recalled that they had first approached the city council in July of 2017 about the dwindling financial resources and the possibility of the city taking over ownership and maintenance of the cemetery. City Administrator Joe … [Read more...]
SMMPA plans to be 80% carbon-free in 2030 Agency will reduce CO2 emissions by 90% over 2005 levels
Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) today announced its plan to reshape its generation portfolio through the retirement of the Sherco 3 coal-fired power plant and replace it primarily with wind and solar generation. The plan would result in a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions from 2005 levels and 80% carbon-free energy on an annual basis in 2030. “We have a unique … [Read more...]
Economic development discussed with Rep. Davids
Technology consultant Steve Vetter and Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) Vice President of Government Relations Chris Giesen are pictured with State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) at his State Capitol office in St. Paul. The men visited about economic development opportunities in Fillmore and Houston counties. … [Read more...]
Ferndale Country Club under new ownership
“It’s a very nice place out here,” states Dennie Darr, new owner of the Ferndale Country Club of Rushford, Minn. Darr had been helping the Ferndale Country Club board try to find a buyer for quite some time, with no luck. “I’ve been trying to help out here for a few years and they needed to get it in private hands,” commented Darr, as it had become complicated having … [Read more...]