Minnesota employers added 6,600 jobs in June, according to seasonally adjusted figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). In addition, the agency said May’s employment figures were revised from 10,200 jobs gained to 10,700 jobs gained. Over the past year, Minnesota employers have added 45,517 jobs, a growth rate of 1.5%. … [Read more...]
County approves donation for veterans home
The July 24 county board meeting was attended by numerous veterans, demonstrating their support for the veterans home. The board’s agenda included a request for a veterans home donation. Commissioner Duane Bakke said the process for the veterans home is moving forward. The legislature approved $10.2 million for the Preston site in its bonding bill. Every local dollar brought … [Read more...]
Spring Valley limits ATV usage
The Spring Valley City Council held a public hearing and a regular council meeting on July 23, with all members present (Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, Mike Hadland and city administrator Deb Zimmer). The public hearing was opened at 6 p.m. regarding the council’s proposal to regulate ATV usage within city limits. No citizens attended to address the … [Read more...]
Rushford planning 2019 street and utility improvements; discussion on school sale
The City of Rushford has spent the last decade working to develop and proceed with a plan for maintenance and upgrading of streets and underground utility. Spurred by needs following the 2007 flood, the city has undertaken several sizable projects and another is potentially just around the corner. The city’s engineer, Bolton & Menk, presented an updated plan at the Monday, … [Read more...]
Lanesboro school board sets date for second community meeting
At the July 19 meeting of Lanesboro School Board, it was shared that the facilities committee has narrowed down the scope of the upcoming project to update, add to, and renovate Lanesboro public school and are ready for a second community meeting to discuss the plans with the public. Community members will also get the chance to see how their feedback at the first meeting had … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton joint meeting held
On July 24, an informal “joint meeting” was held between the Mabel-Canton School Board and the city councils of Mabel and Canton. Attending the meeting were Canton council members Charlie Warner and Donivee Johnson, school board members Diane Wilder, Chris Miller, Jason Marquardt, Chris Loppnow, Superintendent Gary Kuphal and Principal Michelle Weidemann, and Mabel council … [Read more...]
Wykoff school buildings and equipment to auction
During the Kingsland School Board meeting July 16, the board heard from representatives of Wykoff By Design, a group interested in finding ways for the vacant school building to be put to use. Wykoff city council member Richard Gleason and Susan Nash attended, with Gleason speaking on behalf of Wykoff By Design, saying, “We would like to have the three months to try to get … [Read more...]
Fundraising campaign approved for veterans home
At the July 16 Preston City Council meeting, the implementation of an area fundraising effort for the proposed veterans home was discussed. This is fundraising over and above commitments that have already been made by the city and the city’s utility. Funds raised or pledged prior to August 24 will be counted for a 2:1 federal match. The goal is to raise $750,000 or more for … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $65,000 in grants Five organizations receive Economic Development and FEAST! Smart Start Grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) approved five grants totaling $65,000 to support education and technical support for new or existing entrepreneurs and businesses, and to build resources for creating a sustainable and resilient food economy for southern Minnesota. A total of $45,000 in Economic Development Grants, designed to support new collaborative … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton sets 10-year facility plan
The Mabel-Canton School Board held a regular meeting on July 17. Members present were Mark Weidemann, Jason Marquardt Chris Miller, Principal Michelle Weidemann, board chair Cristal Adkins, Superintendent Gary Kuphal, high school secretary Lynette Donald, Chris Loppnow, Diane Wilder and Liz Hershberger were present. Business manager Aimee Lake was absent. No student board … [Read more...]