The December 17 Lanesboro School Board meeting opened with Truth in Taxation. Several members of the public were present at the meeting which took place in the gymnasium to allow for social distancing. Several large bills and extra expenses that the school incurred this year made it necessary to increase the levy from last year. One of the bills was for a large amount of … [Read more...]
Minnesota’s unemployment rate falls to 4.4% in November
Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped again in November, down to 4.4% from 4.6% in October, according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). This month, the unemployment rate decline in Minnesota was due to people moving into employment. November employment data were gathered before November 21, … [Read more...]
Online Beef Quality Assurance and Secure Beef Supply training scheduled
University of Minnesota Extension, along with Minnesota Beef Council, will host an online Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and Secure Beef Supply (SBS) training session January 7, 2021, from 6:30-8 p.m. Producers attending this free workshop will receive a three-year BQA certification and will learn the steps needed to begin their own Secure Beef Supply plan. In an ongoing … [Read more...]
Cold stress: Why you need to recognize it
Excessive loss of body heat can lead to serious illess, inury, even death. What is cold stress and why should farmers and ranchers be aware of its symptoms? Cold stress occurs when skin temperature, and eventually internal body temperature, decreases during exposure to cold temperatures. Near freezing temperatures, especially when combined with increased wind speed, cause … [Read more...]
Grant will help Minnesotans affected by the opioid crisis return to and stay in the workforce
The pandemic has upended many people’s lives, exacerbating a ongoing public health crisis that existed before the pandemic and continues to impact thousands of Minnesotans. The opioid crisis hasn’t gone away – and now Minnesota has more resources to help those both directly and indirectly affected by opioid addiction. The U.S Department of Labor awarded the Minnesota … [Read more...]
Dispose holiday greens and Christmas trees correctly to protect Minnesota’s trees
Invasive pests use festive foliage to hitchhike into Minnesota Holiday greenery brings joy and delight, but is there a humbug lurking in your décor? Trees and boughs can provide diseases and invasive species the perfect ride into our landscape. Pests of concern include elongate hemlock scale, a small insect established in the eastern U.S. where many decorative Fraser firs … [Read more...]
Canton Mayor recalls her years of service
When Donivee Johnson assumed the role of Canton’s mayor in January 1997, transitioning from the role of council member where she had served since July of 1993, Canton city government had no home. There was no city office, with the mayor and city clerk working out of their respective homes with no dedicated city phone number. Council meetings were held at the community … [Read more...]
Kingsland discusses gym practice times
December 21, the Kingsland School Board held their annual “Truth in Taxation” public hearing, immediately followed by the regular board meeting. All board members were in attendance (via Zoom meeting), including Jackie Horsman, Noella Lund, Tiffany Mundfrom, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard and Kyle Rader. Also in attendance were Superintendent Jim Hecimovich, Principal Scott … [Read more...]
Houston School Board: “Clean Audit” and COVID plans
At the December 17, 2020, Houston School Board, the recent audit done by Clifton Larson Allen was shared in a detailed presentation. The school received a “clean audit” report with no internal control finding and no compliance issues. The local property tax covers 4.89% of the revenue for the school, with 89.53% coming from the state. This higher amount from the state is a … [Read more...]
Second round of business and nonprofit relief grants
The Fillmore County Board held their last meeting of 2020 on December 22. On December 14 and 15, the Minnesota state legislature approved a second round of county administered business and nonprofit relief grants. The grants are intended to provide financial aid to businesses and nonprofits that have been impacted by an executive order related to COVID-19. Fillmore County will … [Read more...]