ST. PAUL, MINN – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Rural Finance Authority (RFA) Board has determined that an emergency exists in Minnesota due to drought, which makes zero-interest loans available immediately for Minnesota farmers whose operations are suffering from lack of rain. “The RFA board members voted unanimously to make these disaster recovery funds available … [Read more...]
MDA awards $95,000 to combat noxious weeds
ST. PAUL, MINN. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has awarded $95,000 to combat noxious weeds across Minnesota. Twenty projects are being funded though the 2021 Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant. The money, awarded to cities, counties, townships, conservation districts, and tribal nations, will be used to purchase equipment and supplies, conduct mapping and … [Read more...]
USDA to provide pandemic assistance to livestock producers for animal losses Farm Service Agency taking applications for indemnity program
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2021 — Livestock and poultry producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing can apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Vilsack announced the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP) in [recorded] remarks … [Read more...]
Houston County Fair seeking contestants for the talent contest
Contestants are now being sought for the Houston County Fair’s Talent Contest to be held Wednesday, August 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Entertainment Tent on the fairgrounds in Caledonia, Minn. Cash prizes ($100, $50, $25) will be awarded to the winners in three age categories: Preteen (12 and under), Teen (13-18), and Open (adult or any age). The first place winner in each … [Read more...]
Canton residents also voice frustration during town hall meeting addressing nuisance properties
The Canton City Council hosted a town hall meeting on Wednesday, July 14, to gather input from residents about the city’s nuisance ordinance and how the city has been dealing with those who are not in compliance with the ordinance. The town hall meeting began with a presentation by the city about nuisance ordinances. A public nuisance is defined as being a “condition which … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotion Take courage, weary soul
Rev. Peter J. Haugen St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church One stanza of that beautiful hymn “Rise! To Arms! With Prayer Employ You” has been running through my mind for months: “Cast afar this world’s vain pleasure / And boldly strive for heav’nly treasure. / Be steadfast in the Saviour’s might. / Trust the Lord, who stands beside you, / For Jesus from all harm will hide … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past: Beware of death, Judgement Day, the devil and loan sharks
Norwegian emigration, part 7 When immigrants from Norway finally reached southeastern Minnesota, there was plenty of farm land available. According to the Distribution-Preemption Act of 1841, a squatter could live on 160 acres of federal government land and then pay the minimum price of $1.25 an acre ($39 value in 2021) when the land was officially opened for settlement. One … [Read more...]
In Harmony with being an active senior
Uniting the Harmony area with a culture on the other side of the world, “Jottings from Japan” became a favorite column of area residents for many years. These columns told of the adventure of teaching at international schools - Cindy at the Sacred Heart and Doug at Saint Mary’s, which allowed this couple a unique understanding of the Japanese people and culture. After teaching … [Read more...]
Love for the universal language of music resonates in Fillmore County
Elliott Grandall has been privileged to have been introduced to a relationship with music his entire life. Now, in retirement, after many years of teaching in Kingsland Public Schools, Elliott is still actively engaged with music, sharing his vast knowledge and enthusiasm in Southeastern Minnesota. Elliott reflects, “In retrospect, I realize how incredibly blessed I have been … [Read more...]
Kingsland facility maintenance plan discussed
Kingsland school board held a regular session on July 19, with all members participating (Jackie Horsman, Kyle Rader, Natasha Howard, Gwen Howard, Maranda Emig, Pamela Freet, and Superintendent James Hecimovich). Also in attendance were Principal Scott Klavetter and Building & Grounds Director Jason Thompson. Business Manager Amber Herbrand participated via Zoom … [Read more...]