On April 7, 2020, the Preston Economic Development Authority (EDA) announced their COVID-19 Emergency Economic Development Loan Program. According to Cathy Enerson, the EDA Director, “The loans will be used to provide assistance to small local businesses directly during the COVID-19 pandemic event. The loan is intended to be interim financial aid to help keep businesses … [Read more...]
Senator Jeremy Miller to seek reelection
Minnesota State Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) announced that he will seek reelection to a fourth term in the Minnesota Senate. Miller represents Minnesota’s 28th district, which includes Fillmore, Houston, and Winona Counties. He was elected in 2010, and reelected in 2012 and 2016. He currently serves as President of the Senate. Miller is a strong advocate on issues … [Read more...]
Salons and barbershops in a hairy situation
Since 5 p.m. on March 17, 2020, when Governor Walz announced that all hair salons and barbershops would need to close in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, most patrons never realized they wouldn’t reunite with their hair care specialist for nearly three months. Never in the history of America has there ever been a time when people can recall that it was … [Read more...]
Fly-fishing inspired “On the Fly” exhibition featuring seven mixed-media artists
Lanesboro Arts presents “On The Fly,” a juried group exhibition of work by mixed media artists inspired by fly fishing. The exhibit opens June 13 runs through August 16, 2020. Always free and open to the public, the Lanesboro Arts Gallery is open seven days a week June through August. COVID-19 Update: The health of our visitors, staff and volunteers is at the forefront of our … [Read more...]
Managing agricultural PPE needs when supplies are short
Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is necessary to protect farmers and other agricultural workers from pesticides, grain dust, mold, and other hazards. The COVID-19 global pandemic, however, has stressed the supplies of PPE since the emergency needs of our medical care providers and first responders must be met. The following are some considerations if you are a farmer, … [Read more...]
Unemployment rate jumps to 8.1% in April First full month of COVID-19 impact shows decrease of nearly 360,000 jobs
Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 8.1% in April according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The number of unemployed Minnesotans increased by 160,627 to a total of 249,453 from March to April. Seasonally adjusted payroll employment decreased by 359,800 jobs in April, or 12.2% with the private … [Read more...]
Rushford preps for Phase II of COVID-19 response
As Minnesota prepares to shift from Phase I of the state’s COVID-19 response plan, businesses are working to find ways to achieve requirements while getting local economies humming again. Per Governor Tim Walz’s Stay Safe Plan, Phase II begins June 1 with the guided reopening of restaurants and bars, personal care services/salons, retail, outdoor spaces, youth sports and … [Read more...]
Lanesboro’s Art in the Park goes virtual Drive-in public art, digital content, podcast episodes starting Saturday, June 20
In response to COVID-19, Lanesboro Arts presents Art in the Park 2020 as a social-distanced and virtual event from June 20th through June 30, 2020. After serious consideration, Lanesboro Arts has decided to re-envision Art in the Park 2020 to ensure the safety of artists and community members. Thus, Art in the Park will not take place in person per usual, but will instead be … [Read more...]
Capitol update – funding for rural broadband
By Sen.Jeremy Miller May 4, 2020 Greetings from the Capitol, I am back at the Capitol today for another round of bills, including a bill that will help more rural Minnesotans get high speed internet access. You can read about those bills below. At the Senate, we are continuing to take the coronavirus situation extremely seriously, but we are also working to return to some … [Read more...]
Spring Grove school year comes to a successful close amid a global pandemic
Due to COVID-19, the regular May 18, 2020, Spring Grove Public Schools Board meeting held in compliance with Minnesota’s requirements for remote board meetings at 7 p.m. remotely through Google Meet. Minnesota remote board meeting requirements are: •School board members are reminded to mute their microphone or phone when they are not speaking. •School board members wishing … [Read more...]