Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 2.9% in August, according to figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The last time Minnesota’s unemployment rate was below 3% was December 1999. The state’s record-low unemployment rate was a seasonally adjusted 2.5% in both January and February 1999. The U.S. … [Read more...]
Ostrander streets near completion
fOn October 2, the Ostrander City Council held a regular meeting. All members were in attendance (Vernon Thompson, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, City Clerk Wendy Brincks, Heidi Jones and DJ Start). Regarding the street and infrastructure project, Brincks stated, “We do have the final walk-through for construction October 31. It will be the complete overall checklist at 10 … [Read more...]
County schedules Truth in Taxation meeting
At the October 2 county board meeting, December meeting dates were set, including Truth in Taxation. There will be only two board meetings in December. The Association of Minnesota Counties annual meeting will be on December 2,3, and 4. Therefore, there will not be a county board meeting on December 4. There will be a regular meeting on December 11 starting at 3 p.m. Later that … [Read more...]
Candidate forum to focus on rural issues
Voters can learn Minnesota House candidates’ views on agriculture and rural issues at a forum Wednesday October 10 at the St. Charles Community Center, 830 Whitewater Avenue, St. Charles. Sponsored by the Southeast Minnesota Ag Alliance, the forum will give candidates the opportunity to express their ideas on topics related to agriculture and other issues affecting rural … [Read more...]
Rushford Village approves maintenance agreement
The Tuesday, October 2 Rushford Village Council meeting was business as usual with a short agenda and brisk meeting. Other than approvals for minutes and financials, the council reviewed just one agenda item. The council unanimously approved a maintenance agreement with Minnesota Pump Works, of Dundas, Minn., for annual maintenance of the lift station. The contract included a … [Read more...]
Chatfield Center for the Arts receives 2018 Outstanding Greater Rochester Arts Ardee Award from the Rochester Arts and Cultural Trust
A vibrant arts and cultural scene is essential to the quality of life and economic growth of a community. For the last six years, the Rochester Arts and Cultural Trust has been recognizing those organizations, businesses, individuals and events that make our cultural scene what it is through the Ardee Awards presented at their annual Fête. This year, Chatfield Center for the … [Read more...]
Young owl joins staff at International Owl Center
After much anticipation and preparation, a new young owl has joined the education staff at the International Owl Center: JR, the 3-month-old Eastern Screech-Owl! JR is a male and weighs just a bit more than a quarter-pound hamburger. He is a stunning little red morph (the species also comes in gray) and a real crowd pleaser. His back, wing and tail feathers are fully grown … [Read more...]
Lanesboro School recognized for ESSA numbers
At the September 20 Lanesboro School Board meeting, Superintendent Matt Schultz reported that the Lanesboro school district had been recognized for two of its ESSA numbers this year. Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA, replaced No Child Left Behind this year to ensure success for all students and schools. Lanesboro was recognized for excellence in overall high school … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central board reviews report from new back to school conferences
At the September 25 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Principal Heath Olstad gave a report on how the first back-to-school conferences went on September 4 and 5. After the conferences, he was able to speak with all of the school staff and many of the parents as well. “There was high praise for the experience,” he noted. He did receive some suggestions to help next year … [Read more...]
County approves preliminary levy for 2019
At the September 25 county board meeting, the preliminary budget and levy for 2019 was discussed. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman provided a breakdown of each departmental budget. The total 2019 preliminary levy is $10,819,093, which is an increase of 3.49%, or $364,893, over the 2018 final levy. The preliminary levy can be lowered in December when the final levy is set, … [Read more...]