The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says Minnesota’s unemployment rate for the month of June dropped to a new record low of 1.8%, the lowest it’s been since tracking began in 1976. DEED says the lowest pre-pandemic unemployment rate was 2.5% in early 1999. Nationally, the unemployment rate stayed the same at 3.6%.…… read more »
Category Archives: Local News
Faribault County Commissioners Discuss Improvements at County Parks
At this week’s Faribault County Commissioners meeting it was reported that a discussion was recently held with a representative from the Minnesota Department of Health. Commissioner Bill Groskreutz said the department of health is recommending a number of improvements that need to be made at both Piehl’s Park and Woods Lake Park, especially with water…… read more »
B.E. Council Discusses Garbage Pickup and Holds First Reading of Farm Animal Ordinance Change
The Blue Earth City Council talked about garbage collection in the City at Monday night’s meeting. The discussion originated from concerns about the wear and tear large garbage trucks have on city streets. The city is considering organized collection, which could allow the council to mitigate the size and number of garbage trucks in Blue…… read more »
Wells Truck Driver Involved in Fatal I-94 Crash on Friday Afternoon
A truck driver from Wells was involved in a fatal crash on I-94 Friday Afternoon. The Minnesota State Patrol says three people died when their Ford Edge was pinned between two semi trucks. Killed were 65 year old Robert Correll and 63 year old Linda Correll both of Ham Lake and 89 year old Shirley…… read more »
Heat and Humidity Helping MN & Iowa Crops to Progress
Little precipitation and above average temperatures in Minnesota and Iowa resulted in a majority of days suitable for fieldwork last week. In Minnesota the USDA says there were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending July 17th. Minnesota corn was 18% silking, about 1 week behind last year and the 5 year average. …… read more »
Armstrong Pool Receives Grant for Emergency Equipment
The City of Armstrong was recently awarded a $2,600 grant from the Emmet County Community Foundation for needed equipment for the Armstrong City Pool. The funds were used to purchase new rescue tubes, a spine board and paint for the bottom of the pool. The tubes and spine boards have already arrived at the pool…… read more »
Blue Earth County Road 151 Closed Through Mid-October for Bridge Replacement
Blue Earth County Road 151 closed today between Highway 30 and County Road 1, five miles southwest of Mapleton for a bridge replacement project. Drivers should expect the closure to last until mid-October. Residents and landowners should contact Blue Earth County Public Works to coordinate access concerns with the county and the contractor.… read more »
BEA Superintendent Says The Federal Government Will No Longer Provide Free Meals to Students
At Monday’s Blue Earth Area School Board meeting, Superintendent Mandy Fletcher presented updated information on the school’s lunch program. The last couple of years, due to the COVID pandemic, the federal government has provided lunches at no cost to qualifying students, however that will be changing in the coming school year and families will again…… read more »
Freeborn County Commissioners Declare State of Emergency Following Last Week’s Heavy Rain
The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday declared a state of emergency following last week’s flash flooding that brought damage to several county and township gravel roads. The heavy rains, estimated between 5 and 6 inches in some parts of the county, also led to flooding for some residents. Freeborn County Emergency Management Director…… read more »
Favorable Weather in MN & Iowa Helps Crops Advance
Favorable weather conditions allowed Minnesota farmers 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork and Iowa farmers saw 4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 10th, according to the USDA. In Minnesota, topsoil moisture supplies were 75% adequate and subsoil moisture rated 78% adequate. Corn was 66% good to excellent. Soybean condition was 63% good…… read more »