SAINT PAUL, MN – Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho has announced that the application period for HomeHelpMN has been extended until August 17, 2022, at 5 p.m. HomeHelpMN provides $109 million in federal assistance for homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage or other homeownership-related expenses due to factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program … [Read more...]
Kingsland discusses gym roof replacement
Due to the Independence Day holiday, the Kingsland School Board met on July 6 for their monthly “work session.” Superintendent Scott Klavetter highlighted the list of staffing updates, which includes new hires Abagail Palkowski (elementary sped teacher), Nathan Carolan (building and grounds director), Collin Boekhoff (elementary teacher), and John Pereda (high school guidance … [Read more...]
DEED announces new office of Public Engagement
ST. PAUL, June 28, 2022 – Today the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced a new Office of Public Engagement. The Office will focus on targeted outreach and engagement efforts on DEED’s programs. In particular, it will connect with populations in Minnesota hit hardest by racial and other disparities in employment – including gender, sexual … [Read more...]
Ostrander discusses garbage collection costs, options
During the Ostrander City Council meeting on July 5, one of the main topics was the city’s agreement with LRS (formerly Sunshine Sanitation) for garbage and recycling services to the residents of Ostrander. A representative (David) from LRS addressed the council, acknowledging some of the concerns that citizens voiced early on after the company began serving Ostrander, saying, … [Read more...]
Houston County to update comprehensive land use plan
Houston County commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 5, at 9 a.m. at the historic county courthouse in downtown Caledonia. Myhre led commissioners and the public in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the July 5 meeting agenda and the June 28 regular board meeting minutes. Commissioners include Chairman Greg Myhre, Teresa Walter, Robert (Bob) … [Read more...]
Preston extends Park Lane development land option
The Preston City Council met on July 5 for their regular meeting. Gabby Kinneberg, in her role as EDA director, reported on two separate option agreements for the possible purchase of 3.7 acres for a Park Lane development. A Housing Committee formed in 2018 worked to compile areas for residential expansion. The Park Lane area was one of these areas; it could possibly be … [Read more...]
Unemployment sinks to another all-time low: 2% Minnesota gains jobs for the eighth straight month; Labor force participation rises again
The unemployment rate ticked down two-tenths of a point to 2% in May 2022 – a new record low since the metric has been tracked in 1976, according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The decline in the unemployment rate over the month was entirely due to people moving from unemployment to employment. The labor … [Read more...]
City of Lanesboro supports its local entrepreneurs
A common theme at the Lanesboro City Council meeting on July 5 was the support of local businesses. Joe Goetzke reported that the EDA has been working on a Short Term Business Interruption Loan; this loan would be available to business owners when natural disasters, pandemic or street construction interrupt their business operations. Intended to be a quick, simple loan to cover … [Read more...]
New city administrator settles into new position
In early June, the Preston City Council hired Ryan Throckmorton as the new city administrator. He was one of four applicants interviewed for the position. Throckmorton brings both his past experience working with the city of Preston and youth to his new job. He expects the transition to be smoother, due to his years of experience with the city. He is a graduate of Fillmore … [Read more...]
Fountain prepares for Relay for Life
Council member Colleen Fohrenbacher discussed last minute details of the upcoming Relay for Life at the regular City of Fountain Council meeting July 6. The Relay for Life will be held in Fountain August 19 from 4 p.m. to about midnight. Most activities will take place at the city park; a dinner will be held at the community center. Fohrenbacher asked if the silent auction … [Read more...]