NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) are partnering to provide free online suicide prevention classes tailored to farming communities. This effort aims to change public perceptions in agricultural communities and better equip them to identify and help people who may be having thoughts of … [Read more...]
Financial programs for farmers
You’ve likely seen that both the Minnesota state legislature and the federal legislature passed financial relief laws in response to the COVID-19 situation. But what do they mean financially for farmers and other agricultural small business owners? This article offers a short summary of some of the recent legislation. Federal Programs The Families FIRST Act requires all … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Question: If I sell my vehicle to a private party, what do you recommend I do to protect myself in the event the new owner gets into a crash or is arrested prior to them transferring the title into their name? Answer: If the vehicle you sold is involved in a hit and run or pursuit and the driver flees the scene, law enforcement will contact the registered owner in an attempt … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Communications seeks a management company to operate the Spring Grove Fitness Center
The Spring Grove Fitness Center did not re-open in mid-June like the rest of Minnesota’s fitness centers. Fitness centers and gyms were closed by Governor Tim Walz in March due to COVID-19. “The Spring Grove Fitness Center closed its door in response to the Minnesota Governor’s Executive Order 20-04, stating all fitness centers were to close on March 17, 2020, at 5 p.m. … [Read more...]
Root River Trail Towns cancels September Taste of the Trail activities
Root River Trail Towns has organized Taste of the Trail events on September Saturdays following Labor Day since 2012. The organization made the difficult decision this week to cancel the events in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trail Towns President Gabby Kinneberg said, “Each year, the Taste of the Trail brings in visitors and bicyclists from across Minnesota and … [Read more...]
SMIF invites small towns to “jumpstart” their community
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is seeking applications for the second round of its Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV) program which supports long-term economic growth. Three communities will be selected for this three-year program. Communities with populations of 5,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region are eligible to apply. The REV program helps rural … [Read more...]
City of Houston deals with COVID-19 changes
By Wanda Hanson Meeting on the second floor of the community center, socially distancing, and wearing masks when necessary, the Houston City Council dealt with several changes brought about by COVID-19 Monday, July 13. Houston Hoedown has been cancelled, but the queen contest is being held. A request before the council for a small parade consisting of the queen, her court, and … [Read more...]
Rushford pool operation good amid precautions
The Rushford Aquatic Center got the green light to open for the season June 22. At the time, city staff cautioned the public, eager for summer fun, that opening could take 30 days. The city’s public works department and aquatic center staff had it open in 28, welcoming patrons July 6. Phase III modifications of the governor’s reopening plan put several restrictions in place … [Read more...]
Uninsured Minnesotans can get free COVID-19 tests: New health care option covers cost for many residents in need
Many uninsured Minnesotans can get tested for COVID-19 at no cost to them during the federal public health emergency, thanks to a new health care option. The state will cover the cost of testing for individuals who apply and meet all of the following conditions: •Be a resident of Minnesota. •Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawfully present noncitizen with an immigration … [Read more...]
Spring Valley sets election judges
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on July 13. Members present included Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mike Hadland, John Dols, as well as City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mayor Tony Archer was absent, so Hadland led the meeting. Election judges for both the Primary Election (August 11) and General Election (November 3) were set. The council … [Read more...]