ST. PAUL, MN — Employers added 6,400 jobs in September, according to seasonally adjusted figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The state has gained 41,259 jobs over the past year, an increase of 1.4%. U.S. job growth in the past 12 months was 1.2%. Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell 0.1% in … [Read more...]
SMIF seeking applications for early childhood grants Grants up to $20,000 available to eligible organizations
OWATONNA, MN, October 23, 2017 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is seeking applications for its Early Childhood Grants. Grants up to $20,000 are available to independent 501(c)(3) organizations, units of government or public agencies in SMIF’s 20-county region. Applications must demonstrate how the grant funds will support asset-based collaborative approaches … [Read more...]
MiEnergy Cooperative members give $6,350 in local donations
Operation Round Up is funded by donations made by members of MiEnergy Cooperative who voluntarily have their electric bill round up to the next dollar. About 1,700 members currently participate with the average donation being $6 a year per member. The program is based on the idea that small change adds up. Currently, the program gives away about $9,000 each year to local … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton school board selects another new member
Two new Mabel-Canton school board members have been chosen in the last two months. In September, the board selected Diane Wilder to replace Jeff Rein who resigned in August. And at its October meeting, they selected Lizzie Hershberger to replace Bobbie Vickerman, who moved out of the district. Hershberger, mother of four and former Amish teacher, was interviewed at a special … [Read more...]
Houston City Council: annexation, Dollar General and a new hire
The Houston City Council met for its regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at Houston City Hall. In attendance were City Administrator Peterson, Deputy Clerk Hegland, Mayor Olson and council members Krage, Sanden, Schutte and Knutson. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the council opened a public hearing regarding an annexation by ordinance. Administrator … [Read more...]
Chatfield schools reduce achievement gap
The Chatfield School Board met on October 16, 2017 at 7 p.m. in the high school media center. Board members Jerry Chase, Lanny Isensee, Scott Backer, Katie Priebe, Matt McMahon and Amy Jeffers were present along with Superintendent Harris, Community Education Director Luann Kleven and administrative assistant, Lorri Lowrey. There were no board committee reports. Community … [Read more...]
Two great fall events in one location
The Preston Area Chamber of Commerce will once again be holding its annual Fall Expo and Craft Fair alongside the Fillmore Central ECFE Pumpkin Fest on Saturday, October 28, 2017, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Fillmore Central Public Schools in Preston, Minn. The Expo and Craft Fair will be held in the larger gym and hallways from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., while the Pumpkin Fest will … [Read more...]
Red Ribbon Week
The Preston City Council at their October 16 meeting approved a request to hang red ribbons on light poles around the courthouse square in recognition of Red Ribbon Week, October 23-27. The request was made by Amanda Thomas and Melissa Herron from the Fillmore Central Schools. This is a drug, alcohol, and tobacco prevention campaign. The campaign includes activities to help … [Read more...]
Larson resigns from Kingsland Board
The Kingsland School Board met in regular session October 16, with Doug Plaehn, Ann Oeltjen, Jackie Horsman, Tiffany Mundfrom, Heather Betts, and Interim Superintendent James Hecimovich in attendance. Deb Larson was absent. The board voted to accept the resignation of Larson from the board, effective October 31. She is resigning due to health issues. The board voted to … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Turkey Day Run registration deadline is November 10
On Thursday, November 23, 2017, the Fillmore County Turkey Day Run will celebrate nine years of gobblin’ on the gravy train. The 10.3-mile event takes runners, bikers, walkers, and dog-walkers along the scenic stretch of the Root River State Bike Trail from the starting point of Riverside on the Root in Lanesboro, Minn., all the way to Trailhead Inn & Suites in Preston, … [Read more...]