The Farm Service Agency and University of Minnesota Extension are holding a series of free education meetings to help crop producers understand decisions regarding the 2018 Farm Bill reauthorization of ARC and PLC programs. The seminars are offered all across the state – locally being held at 10 a.m. at the Mabel Community Center on January 27 – and will be led by Extension … [Read more...]
County conducts new year annual business
County Administrator Bobbie Vickerman called the first county board meeting of 2020 to order on January 7. Marc Prestby was elected board chair and Randy Dahl was elected vice-chair. Vickerman announced a Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) staffing change. Marty Walsh came forward with his replacement, Chris Hahn. Hahn who has been with CEDA for about six … [Read more...]
Lanesboro council revisits Westview Drive issues
At the January 6 Lanesboro City Council meeting, the council continued its discussion on the possibility of having Westview Drive declared a city street. The city has been maintaining the road for some years now and due to a drainage issue, may need to do some work on it. All of the landowners on that road have signed a petition allowing the change except for David Landro, who … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeking applications for Prosperity Initiative
OWATONNA, MN, January 6, 2020 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with Region Nine Development Commission and Faribault Diversity Coalition, is recruiting minority-owned business owners for a new cohort of its Prosperity Initiative. SMIF is seeking 15 businesses to participate in a 2020 Prosperity Initiative cohort. Past Prosperity Initiative … [Read more...]
Peterson continues to hear vehicle compliance woes
The City of Peterson enacted an ordinance regulating public vehicle nuisances in January 2019 after months of extensive discussion and formally approving the ordinance in November 2018. Despite notification to citizens, the city continues to hear from residents regarding the fines. Per ordinance, inoperable vehicles unless properly licensed or registered. In regards to nuisance … [Read more...]
2020 to bring good news at the gas pump for some Americans, not all
The national average gas price in 2020 will be lower than 2019, but a robust economy could mean that some households increase consumption, driving their fuel bill higher. GasBuddy, the smartphone app helping consumers avoid paying full price for fuel, today predicts that 2020 will feature a yearly national average of $2.60 per gallon, representing a 2 cent drop versus 2019, … [Read more...]
MnDOT, Minnesota State Patrol invite public comments on draft Minnesota Weight Enforcement Investment Plan
The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Minnesota State Patrol are seeking public feedback on plans to improve the state’s commercial truck weight enforcement facilities beginning in 2020. The draft 10-year Minnesota Weight Enforcement Investment Plan projects a 10 percent increase in commercial truck traffic on Minnesota highways by 2028. The plan also identifies … [Read more...]
SLAM Open House at Chatfield High School
SLAM (Students Learning Advanced Manufacturing) held an open house in the STEM shop at Chatfield High School on December 18, 2019. According to Calvin Clemons, MSCS (Minnesota State College Southeast) Director of Trade and Technology, this Open Hour is “an opportunity to meet the inspired teachers, administrators and manufacturers who are creating a vibrant partnership to bring … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central board approves levy
A Truth in Taxation hearing was held at the December 19 Fillmore Central school board meeting. The board reviewed the 2019 payable 2020 levy request and the current budget. The proposed levy came to a total of $1,453,179.43 which is a -12.90% difference from last year’s. The levy was approved. Dean of Students Chris Mensink reported that the matinee and evening K-6 holiday … [Read more...]
Rushford approves final levy; sees mayor off after ten years
At the brief Monday, December 23 meeting, the Rushford City Council voted unanimously to approve the $973,000 property tax levy for 2020. The amount represents a 3.95% increase over 2019. No comments were lodged at the Truth In Taxation meeting held December 9. “The overall tax rate went down and we’re staying within our goal,” noted Mayor-elect Terri Benson. The largest … [Read more...]