Spring Valley Area Foundation and the Spring Valley Economic Development Authority announce Child Care Micro-Grant for in-home providers. Spring Valley area child care providers now have a new resource to help them grow! The Spring Valley Economic Development Authority (EDA), with support from the Spring Valley Area Foundation (SVAF), and the Southern Minnesota Initiative … [Read more...]
Local businesses struggle with increasing meat prices
Why the increase in meat prices? U.S. consumers have not seen such a rapid increase in the price of food purchased to consume at home since February 1974. According to the Consumer Price Index report released on May 12, 2020, in one month, the food at home category raised 2.6% in April. Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs increased the most, rising 4.3%. Conversations with Cody and … [Read more...]
Wykoff approves softball for kids
On June 8, the Wykoff City Council met in regular session. All council members were in attendance (Lyle Morey, Richard Gleason, Mayor Al Williams, Mary Tjepkes and Mary Sackett. City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare were also in attendance. The council discussed whether or not to open up youth softball for the summer. Rich Gleason stated his opinion, saying, “My … [Read more...]
Not all Fourth of July activities canceled in Harmony
At the June 9 Harmony City Council meeting, Jimmy Strozyk from Harmony Spirits informed the council that they are still planning to hold the car show on the Fourth of July and asked permission to use the city parking lot as overflow. He noted that social distancing and safety protocols will be in place during the event. The council agreed to his request. The city is still … [Read more...]
Mabel OK’s summer rec and clean-up day
During the regular council meeting on June 10, the Mabel City Council voted to allow the city’s summer recreation program to open, with some stipulations to lessen the risks of infection. Council member Kirsten Wyffels stated, “I think we need to offer kids something. So whether it’s kickball, teeball, some sort of activity.” The council agreed to not offer the “swim bus” … [Read more...]
Running a family business during a pandemic
Sitting down with Gjere Construction founder, Don Gjere, and sons, Mike, Mark, and Brian, to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on a family-run business proved to be a lesson in entrepreneurship. According to Dun & Bradstreet, dnb.com, Gjere Construction incorporated in 1961. Though listening to Gjere, it immediately becomes clear that the company’s beginnings can be traced … [Read more...]
Preston EDA revises Local Emergeny Revolving Loan Program
On April 7, 2020, the Preston Economic Development Authority (EDA) announced their COVID-19 Emergency Economic Development Loan Program. According to Cathy Enerson, the EDA Director, “The loans will be used to provide assistance to small local businesses directly during the COVID-19 pandemic event. The loan is intended to be interim financial aid to help keep businesses … [Read more...]
Jeff and Mariann Metz’s commitment to their family business
Always on the search for the best cheese curds lead to the Metz’s Hart-Land Creamery in Hart, Minn. Cheese curds so delicious, large, and squeaky that their garlic and herb curds won second place in the 2015 American Cheese Society annual competition. The award-winning cheese curds are the result of the family’s commitment to their herd and production. The business began in … [Read more...]
Rushford pool to open with restrictions
It’s been a months-long unknown, but the Rushford council decided, in a 4:1 vote June 8, to open the pool later this summer. Until now, COVID-19 restrictions put in place under Governor Tim Walz’s orders had prevented it. The big questions now are when will opening day be and how will the city manage the new Stay Safe MN restrictions put in place by the governor. As of June … [Read more...]
2018 Audit Presentation
The Fillmore County Board met in person with the availability of electronic participation for their June 9 meeting. The 2018 audit prepared by CliftonLarsonAllen, LLC was presented by Craig Popenhagen, Laura Buechner, and Miranda Wendlandt. The county received an unmodified, clean, opinion on its financial statements. The 2018 audit was delayed, normally it should be filed … [Read more...]