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...]
Lanesboro School Board approves 2021 tax levy
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...]