At the March 11 meeting, all members of the Canton City council were present, except Randy Gossman. Mayor Donvee Johnson was present via a phone call. After the approval of minutes and consent agenda, the reports were presented. Brock Bergy started with the clerk’s report. Bergey reported that there are 17 delinquent water/sewage/garbage accounts, which is approximately 10% … [Read more...]
February employment data reflects employment situation prior to impact from COVID-19
Minnesota Unemployment Dips to 3.1% in February Minnesota lost 4,900 private sector jobs and gained 400 government sector jobs in February, prior to significant impacts from COVID-19 on Minnesota employment numbers, according to seasonally adjusted figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Minnesota’s unemployment rate … [Read more...]
Spinning a good yarn – a girl and her goats
By Elena Patterson In the heart of Harmony, there’s a little shop on Main Street called Homespun Harmony. Once inside the eye is immediately drawn to the walls of yarn that are as varied and colorful as a handheld kaleidoscope. One special display showcases the local talents of Audra Otto, a 13-year-old who hand spins yarn from the fleece of her own herd of Pygora goats. … [Read more...]
USDA launches new conservation pilot program for Prairie Pothole producers to plant cover crops
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced a new pilot program that enables farmers in the Prairie Pothole region to receive payments for planting cover crops on their land for three to five years. The new Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Soil Health and Income Protection Program (SHIPP) pilot is available to producers in Iowa, … [Read more...]
Minnesota farmers can nominate schools for $15k STEM grants
The America’s Farmers programs, sponsored by Bayer Fund, are back for another year to strengthen farming communities across Minnesota. Beginning January 1, America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education is partnering with farmers across the country to help strengthen rural public school districts through $15,000 STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) grants. Since 2010, … [Read more...]
City of Rushford Village begins land use planning process
An effort to begin both long and short term strategic planning for the City of Rushford Village has begun via a land use survey. The city’s Economic Development Director, Rebecca Charles, will be conducting a survey of rural landowners within the city limits of Rushford Village to collect data from residents. Not all residents within the Village will be receive a survey as … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Agriculture Summit canceled
The Fillmore County Economic Development Authority (EDA) has canceled the Fillmore County Agriculture Summit scheduled for March 26 at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, per the Governor of Minnesota’s declaration and recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health. This event cannot be rescheduled at this time, as the timeline for the COVID-19 Coronavirus … [Read more...]
Kingsland discusses SACC changes
On March 16, the Kingsland School Board met in regular session at 6:30 p.m., after a short emergency session to discuss changes due to the coronavirus. Members present included Board Chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Noella Lund, and Kyle Rader. Superintendent James Hecimovich and Principal Scott Klavetter were also in attendance. Tiffany Mundfrom was … [Read more...]
Statement from Rep. Davids on sales tax payment extension
ST. PAUL, MN — On Wednesday, March 18, the Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that they will grant businesses identified in Gov. Walz’s recent Executive Order 20-04 a 30 day extension until April 20, 2020, to make sales and use tax payments that were set to be due on March 20 without any penalties or interest. “This one month payment delay will literally help … [Read more...]
Preston’s 2021 street project
City Engineer Brett Grabau listed streets that may be included in the 2021 Street and Utility Improvement Project at the city council’s March 16 meeting. Grabau noted that he met with city staff in early February to discuss needed surface and subsurface improvements. Multiple areas were identified totaling about 2.35 miles of streets. The proposed streets include portions of … [Read more...]