State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) is pleased to announce that the City of Houston has received a Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (MPFA) grant. “This is outstanding news for Houston, and I commend the city and state officials who worked together to make this grant happen,” Davids said. Houston will receive a Drinking Water SRF-Loan of $149,500 for … [Read more...]
County declares State of Emergency-COVID-19
Governor Tim Walz declared a peacetime state of emergency on March 13. Fillmore County Board Chairman Marc Prestby declared a State of Emergency-COVID-19 effective March 20 and the commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the declaration of a State of Emergency at their March 24 meeting. Doors to county offices are closed to the public with an appointment … [Read more...]
Canton City Council discusses new software program for billing
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...]