Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 8.1% in April according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The number of unemployed Minnesotans increased by 160,627 to a total of 249,453 from March to April. Seasonally adjusted payroll employment decreased by 359,800 jobs in April, or 12.2% with the private … [Read more...]
Public access to Fillmore County facilities as of June 1
The Fillmore County Board met on May 26 via WebEx. COVID-19 issues were attached to almost every item on the agenda. A third extension of the county’s State of Emergency for continuing operations regarding the coronavirus was approved unanimously, extending the declaration to June 23. Public access to county facilities will be allowed as of June 1. Safety precautions will … [Read more...]
Rushford preps for Phase II of COVID-19 response
As Minnesota prepares to shift from Phase I of the state’s COVID-19 response plan, businesses are working to find ways to achieve requirements while getting local economies humming again. Per Governor Tim Walz’s Stay Safe Plan, Phase II begins June 1 with the guided reopening of restaurants and bars, personal care services/salons, retail, outdoor spaces, youth sports and … [Read more...]
Approval recommended for electric substation upgrade
The Fillmore County Planning Commission met via WebEx for their May 21 meeting. A conditional use permit applied for by ITC Midwest, LLC to rebuild an existing substation in Sumner Township was considered. During the public hearing David Gross, representing ITC Midwest, explained they are proposing to rebuild an existing substation. They will be adding additional land … [Read more...]
Preston extends liquor licenses to outdoor seating
The Preston City Council held a special meeting, via Go To Meeting, on May 26. A third amendment to the option agreement with the state of Minnesota was approved unanimously for the property that could be the future location of a veterans home. The option agreement was to expire on May 31. A regular Preston City Council meeting will be held on June 1. However, the state did … [Read more...]
Capitol update – funding for rural broadband
By Sen.Jeremy Miller May 4, 2020 Greetings from the Capitol, I am back at the Capitol today for another round of bills, including a bill that will help more rural Minnesotans get high speed internet access. You can read about those bills below. At the Senate, we are continuing to take the coronavirus situation extremely seriously, but we are also working to return to some … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation approves $1 million in loans through DEED’s Small Business Emergency Loan Program
May 13, 2020 — Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved 41 loans to businesses in its 20-county region through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Small Business Emergency Loan program totaling $1 million. This program provides partially forgivable loans to restaurants, bars, hair salons and other public … [Read more...]
Spring Grove City Council finalizes summer programs
Due to COVID-19, the regular May 19, 2020, Spring Grove City Council meeting was held remotely via Zoom to comply with social distancing policies and practices. City Council members in attendance included Sarah Schroeder, Karen Folstad, Travis Torgerson, Scott Solberg and Chad Roland. The Council approved the consent agenda items, including April 21, 2020, regular meeting … [Read more...]
Preston designated as TelecommuterForward city
The Preston City Council, during their May 18 meeting, unanimously supported the Economic Development Authority (EDA) recommendation for Preston to become a Minnesota city with a TelecommuterForward! Community Certification. City Administrator Joe Hoffman explained that the EDA will coordinate with telecommuting stakeholders, including broadband providers, realtors, economic … [Read more...]
Harmony Council discusses COVID-19 hardships
At the May 12 Harmony City Council meeting, the council discussed a letter received from a Harmony business owner about the cost of liquor licenses when many small businesses are facing financial hardships due to COVID-19. Mayor Steve Donney pointed out that around a third of the year’s business has been or will be lost during the stay-at-home order. As an ordinance would have … [Read more...]