By Mark Revord Minneapolis, MN I am age 59, in good physical condition, and a married father of two. My wife Kathy’s mother is JoAnn Miller, who lives in Preston, Minn. My COVID symptoms started late on Saturday night, March 28, with a fever that caused uncontrollable shivering, that was less than fun. I immediately quarantined in our basement for nine days. I had body … [Read more...]
Restructuring farmers eligible for relief from loan fees: COVID-19 relief funds available to help farmers restructuring debt
Eligible farmers restructuring their debt can get half of the loan guarantee fees on USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) restructuring loans covered through a new Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) program, paid for through federal COVID-19 funding. The Minnesota Legislature appropriated $175,000 in COVID-19 relief this spring toward a grant program that covers 50% of loan … [Read more...]
COVID related matters and 2021 budgets
Fillmore County Commissioners listened to six department heads review their proposed 2021 budgets at the July 28 board meeting. COVID-19 shared the spotlight. The county’s emergency declaration was extended to September 1. COVID related issues came up during citizens input, the upcoming election discussion, letter of support for swine farmers, and drop off issues at the … [Read more...]
Fillmore County experiencing increase in COVID-19 cases
JULY 21, 2020 – Fillmore County currently has 48 COVID-19 cases. From July 9 to July 21, 2020, the Minnesota Department of Health noted that Fillmore County had 19 cases, which is 40% of all identified cases. Fillmore County Public Health has observed an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases associated with events and mass gatherings. Case investigation conducted over the … [Read more...]
Governor Walz signs executive order on masking
ST. PAUL, MN, July 22, 2020 – Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 20-81, which requires Minnesotans to wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings. Researchers have advocated for masking, calling it a simple and effective step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. To date, 30 states across the country, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico … [Read more...]
MDA expands options for contacting Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline Text and email service now available
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering two new ways that farmers and others involved in agriculture can contact the Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline: text and email. “We want to make it as easy as possible for our farmers to get the help they need when they need it,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “COVID-19 has come on top of several years … [Read more...]
Goal exceeded by 5 at Harmony blood drive
Thank you to all the donors who contributed to the success of the bloodmobile held in Harmony on July 7, 2020. Despite the circumstances involved with the Covid-19 pandemic, we exceeded our goal of 48 by collecting 53 units of blood. There were 47 donors presenting with seven first-time donors. In addition to exceeding our goal, the following milestones were reached by local … [Read more...]
Whalan foregoes renting of city hall until further notice
Due to concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Whalan City Council has made the decision to not allow any rentals of the city hall building until after December 31, 2020. Present at the Monday, July 13, 2020, regularly scheduled Whalan City Council meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, councilmembers Owen Lewis, Tanya Cook, Thore Everett Johnson and Kim Berekvam, as well as City … [Read more...]
Fillmore County begins 2021 budget process
Over the next couple of months Fillmore County department heads will come before the board with their proposed budgets for 2021. This process began at the board’s July 14 meeting with the finance department. Finance Director Lori Affeldt presented the relatively new department’s budget for the first time. There are two staff members in this department. Early budget estimates … [Read more...]
Financial programs for farmers
You’ve likely seen that both the Minnesota state legislature and the federal legislature passed financial relief laws in response to the COVID-19 situation. But what do they mean financially for farmers and other agricultural small business owners? This article offers a short summary of some of the recent legislation. Federal Programs The Families FIRST Act requires all … [Read more...]
City of Houston deals with COVID-19 changes
By Wanda Hanson Meeting on the second floor of the community center, socially distancing, and wearing masks when necessary, the Houston City Council dealt with several changes brought about by COVID-19 Monday, July 13. Houston Hoedown has been cancelled, but the queen contest is being held. A request before the council for a small parade consisting of the queen, her court, and … [Read more...]
Uninsured Minnesotans can get free COVID-19 tests: New health care option covers cost for many residents in need
Many uninsured Minnesotans can get tested for COVID-19 at no cost to them during the federal public health emergency, thanks to a new health care option. The state will cover the cost of testing for individuals who apply and meet all of the following conditions: •Be a resident of Minnesota. •Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawfully present noncitizen with an immigration … [Read more...]
County gathers COVID related invoices
At the July 7 Fillmore County Board meeting, Administrator Bobbie Hillery reported that Fillmore County received over $2.5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF). The federal funds totaling $841 million have been distributed by the state to counties, cities, and townships to cover expenses incurred due to the pandemic. This is a portion of the state’s allocation which was … [Read more...]
Ostrander opts for Coronavirus Relief Funds
The Ostrander City Council met on July 7, with all members present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks). Brincks introduced Chris Hahn, from the Fillmore County EDA, and explained, “We have Coronavirus Relief Funds that the city is able to receive. It’s $18,835. It can only be used for coronavirus relief … [Read more...]
Opening a new business at the beginning of a global pandemic
Envision spending two years preparing to open a financially laden business from the ground up nine days after the start of COVID-19, a global pandemic. That is what the owners of the Stinson’s Country Style Meats were faced with when they opened their business in the farming community of Houston, Minn., on March 20 of this year. Upon walking into the breakroom to interview the … [Read more...]
