LANESBORO, MN — Following a season of change and overcoming challenges in the face of COVID-19 precautions in 2020, the Commonweal Theatre in historic Lanesboro is pleased to announce a very special virtual production for the winter of 2021 entitled “Stela’s Clear Blue Morning.” After a year of turbulence and fatigue, the lights are back on at the Commonweal beginning January … [Read more...]
Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council seeks farmers for input survey
Growers who complete survey eligible for $500 gift card MANKATO, MN – As farmers make their preparations for the 2021 growing season, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council is encouraging the state’s nearly 28,000 soybean growers to participate in a survey to help farmer-leaders and researchers better address the diverse production challenges facing growers … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Land Rent Survey Results
Extension Educator for Fillmore and Houston Counties Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s land rent survey. According to our survey results, 2020 land rental rates in Fillmore County averaged $194.29/acre and in Houston County averaged between $176.76-$199.92/acre. Survey responses for 2020 land rent ranged from $60.00-$290.00/acre. The predicted average for … [Read more...]
Ostrander ponders “Freedom County” suggestion
On January 5, the Ostrander City Council met in regular session, with all members present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks). Immediately following the open meeting, the council went into a special closed session to conduct yearly employee reviews. During the open meeting, Brincks brought up some … [Read more...]
Plans for Preston’s 2021 street project progressing
City Engineer Brett Grabau, Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., reviewed the schedule for the 2021 Street and Utility Improvements at the Preston City Council’s January 4 meeting. In July, authorization was given to prepare for the plans for the project which is estimated to cost $3.75 million, of which $2.8 million will be borne by the city. The planned project includes … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $180,000 in Early Care and Education Wrap Around Grants
OWATONNA, MN, January 7, 2021 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), recently approved 18 grants through its Early Care and Education Wrap Around Grant program totaling $180,000. This special grant program helps fund early care and education wrap around services for children birth to age eight from … [Read more...]
Legacy Amendment provides $361,000+ in small grants to support history projects
The Minnesota Historical Society is pleased to announce the newest recipients of 42 Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Small Grants ($10,000 and less), totaling $361,234 in 29 counties. Small grants are awarded quarterly to help nonprofits, educational organizations, government units and federally recognized tribes to preserve and share Minnesota history. This cycle of … [Read more...]
USDA accepting applications to help low-income individuals and families buy or repair homes
USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for very low- and low-income individuals and families seeking to purchase or repair a home in a rural area. The Direct Home Loan program offers financing to qualified very-low and low-income applicants that are unable to qualify for traditional financing. No down payment is required, and the interest rate could be as low as 1% … [Read more...]
Tax break available for beginning farmers
Tax credit available for land, equipment expenses to start farming ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Rural Finance Authority is now accepting applications for a tax credit for the sale or lease of land, equipment, machinery, and livestock in Minnesota by beginning farmers. To qualify, the applicant must be a Minnesota resident with the desire to … [Read more...]
Rushford receives update on flood insurance properties
The City of Rushford has received an update on an ongoing flood insurance study for certain properties located on Nannestad Lane and Green Street. Several properties were identified following the new Department of Natural Resources (DNR) flood mapping last year. Initially, it appeared several would be required to secure federal flood insurance for their properties, but that … [Read more...]