November 2020
Getting ready for the holidays and keeping your family healthy. St. Peter Herald / Le Sueur County News / Waseca County News
PAGE 2
Jingle All The Way
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Satellite Sales • Service & Installation authorized retailer
Your Local Satellite Dealer
119 N. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter 507-388-3940 507-934-1740
Call today for special promotions!
www.dishdoctorsmn.com Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm Saturday 8am - Noon
GORG
ONZOLA
ESEBALLS E H C It’s a Holiday tradition!
228 Mulberry | St. Peter, MN | stpeterfood.coop | EVERYONE WELCOME!
Andring, Collins, Norman & Co Chtd Certified Public Accountants 65 S. Park Ave. | Le Center 507-357-6654 | Mankato 507-388-5858
Regional President Steve Fisher Regional General Manager Chad Hjellming Regional managing editor Suzanne Rook Associate editor Philip Weyhe Regional director of sales Tom Kelling Advertising Kathleen Davies, Jennifer Flowers Designer Kate Townsend-Noet © 2020. Published by the St. Peter Herald, Le Sueur County News & Waseca County News. All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertisers. This publication is copyrighted by the St. Peter Herald, Le Sueur County News & Waseca County News and no content can be reproduced without permission.
Get ready for the holidays! Gut en Tag Hau s new ulm, mn
Call for holiday shopping hours
127 n. minnesota st • 507-233-4287 • gutentaghaus.com
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Jingle All The Way
PAGE 3
Shopping locally is now more crucial than ever
T
he importance of shopping locally has been emphasized with increasing urgency in recent years. Events like Small Business Saturday and Plaid Friday have brought some muchneeded attention to the importance of shopping local, which is even more crucial now as so many small businesses try to survive the pandemic.
A poll from the trade group the National Federation of Independent Business reported that about half of all the businesses in the survey reported a 25 percent drop in sales since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, and roughly one in five businesses have seen sales decline by more than 50 percent. If the economic climate does not radically improve, 20 percent of small businesses won’t survive. According to NBC News, small businesses employ 60 million people in the United States, almost half of the nation’s privatesector employees. In addition, small businesses generate tax revenues that
Small businesses have experienced unprecedented setbacks due to COVID-19. By supporting small businesses, communities can help them regain stable footing.
help communities by funding schools, maintaining parks and contributing to public safety programs. However, based on research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, even before COVID-19 spread across the world, only 20 percent of healthy small businesses had sufficient cash reserves to continue to operate if they experienced a revenue loss for two months. Some have been shuttered for much longer. Individuals looking for everything from clothing to home improvement services to office supplies can look to small businesses to fill those needs. • Look for small businesses for any and all of your shopping needs. Chances are items sold by big box retailers also are sold by small businesses. When the options are the same or similar, purchase from a small business instead of its big box competitor. • Readily provide recommendations of small businesses with which you have done business. Too often people are quick to complain about places that have failed them, but those same people don’t think to say kind words about companies that went above and beyond. Share great experiences on social media or through word of mouth. • Talk to small businesses owners first if you have an issue. It’s tempting to go directly to social media to complain about
something, but such complaints can have a dire impact. Always take issues to the manager or business owner first to see if a resolution can be reached. A manager may not be aware of an issue at all. Give small businesses a chance to make it right before taking things public. • If you own a small business, rely on other small businesses to fulfill your needs. Order supplies from fellow small business owners, seek the help of local financial advisors and tax professionals and use local suppliers and
delivery personnel. Small businesses have experienced unprecedented setbacks due to COVID-19. By supporting small businesses, communities can help them regain stable footing. n
PAGE 4
Jingle All The Way
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
6 ways to stick to a holiday budget
T
he holidays are an exciting, fun and joyful time of year. And for many people, the holidays also are expensive. According to the Motley Fool Company, a financial wellness resource, the average American spent $882.45 on Christmas gifts, food, decorations, travel, and other holiday-related expenses in 2019. Around 56 percent of gift shoppers set a budget for holiday spending, but only 64 percent stuck to it. In addition, 21.5 percent of respondents went into debt due to holiday shopping. Who doesn’t want to have a super holiday with delicious foods on the table and lots of presents to share with family and friends? While that’s tempting, such a bounty should never result in financial peril. These six strategies can make it easy to establish and stick to a budget this holiday season. Budget for everything. When working out holiday spending plans, factor in all of the expenses associated with the holidays - not just the most obvious, like gifts. Costs for gas, parking lot fees, greeting cards, postage, travel expenses, and much more should be included in your final number. Determine how much you can spend. Money for gifts and other holiday expenses should ideally come from your disposable income. Look at your finances in advance of the holiday season and figure out how much extra cash you have for the holidays, and use that figure
to determine how much you should spend. Find ways to make up any deficit by curtailing expenses like dining out or entertainment extras. Many people plan to use credit cards to pay now and worry about the aftermath later. Only use credit cards if you have the money in the bank and can pay off the entire bill when the balance due is in January. Set a spending limit for individuals. Based on your numbers and how much you plan to spend overall, start allocating money to categories, including gift recipients. Come up with a spending range for each person and stick to it. Pay in cash as much as possible. It’s easy to know what you’re spending when using cash as opposed to credit. There is some risk with carrying around cash, but that risk may be offset by the benefit of spending only what you can afford to spend. Track all purchases. Save the receipts and keep a running total of expenditures so you can see how your spending is measuring up to your budget. If necessary, scale back on one category if you’ve tipped the scales in spending on another. Shop sales and deals. High-end stores may have the impressive tag, but their prices can set you back. Instead, look for comparable gifts at discount stores and other retailers. Also, if you must use a credit card, use one that earns you a cash-back bonus for added savings. n
3
4
1
5
2
6
Help isolated loved ones this holiday season
A
phenomenon called “cabin fever” tends to set in around late autumn or in midwinter. Long hours of darkness coupled with cold, inclement weather often is a recipe for increased time spent indoors. For people who live alone, the effects of cabin fever might be more pronounced. In addition to seasonal cabin fever, this year another factor comes into play: social distancing and voluntary quarantine as a result of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Even those who may venture outside to socialize, particularly around the holiday season, may be hesitant or unable to do so to help prevent the spread of the virus. In these instances, friends and loved ones can mitigate feelings of isolation in various ways. • Schedule video chats. Video conferencing apps have become the communication vehicles of choice during the era of social distancing. Different applications and services continue to evolve and help people stay in touch. Plan regular chats,
either once or twice per week with isolated or vulnerable people. Try to organize a large group chat on the holiday itself so no one has to spend Christmas or Chanukah alone. • Drop off supplies. Even though supermarket shop-from-home and other delivery services have normalized somewhat since the start of the pandemic, treat individuals who may be isolated to some personalized attention. Put together care packages of supplies or holiday treats and deliver them in person so you can see the smiles that result from being able to visit with someone familiar. • Send uplifting messages. Children or even adults can make personalized cards and mail them to loved ones at home or those who may be in long-term care facilities. Send new mailings every week or two so that residents always have something to look forward to in the mail. • Start a virtual club. A book club or another shared interest can be the catalyst for more frequent communication. A club
puts everyone on the same page and enables them to come together, via phone or video chat, for a discussion. • Ask for help learning a new skill. Along the same vein as a virtual club, lessons on everything from woodworking to crochet to making favorite holiday recipes can be conducted online. Give an isolated individual
daily purpose and distraction by engaging him or her with online lessons. Isolation and feelings of loneliness can affect anyone who normally suffers from cabin fever. However, this year it may be more pronounced, as it could be coupled with social distancing precautions that have already been in effect for some time. n
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Jingle All The Way
Gift Cards are the perfect gift.
How to give safely during the pandemic
Visa gift cards can be used almost anywhere Visa debit is accepted.
Due to COVID-19 we will not be having an Open House this year! “We’re your neighbors and friends”
www.fnblecenter .fnblecenter.com
10 W. Minnesota St. P.O. Box 160 Le Center, MN 56057 507-357-2273 134 N. Kilkenny Rd. P.O. Box 83 Kilkenny, MN 56052 507-595-2273
• Simplicity • Kirby • Riccar • Sharp • Bissell • Dyson • Dirt Devil • Eureka • Hoover • Electrolux • Panasonic • Oreck • Miele •
We are the newest Riccar dealer in Southern Minnesota. Stop in to see our new lineup of Riccar and Simplicity vacuums.
950 Madison Ave, Mankato
507-387-5125
M-F 8:30-5; Sat 9-1 www.facebook.com/hilltopvacuumsplus www.HILLTOPVACUUMS.COM
Simplicity • Kirby • Riccar • Sharp • Bissell • Dyson • Dirt
Simplicity • Kirby • Riccar • Sharp • Bissell • Dyson • Dirt
to the COVID-19 outbreak, should be able to provide you with the same information as charities that have been around for years. Prior to donating, ask for the charity’s name, address, telephone number, and mission. In addition, don’t feel skittish about asking how your donation will be used and the percentage of each donation that goes to programs that directly help the people you’re trying to assist. • Be vigilant before donating via peerto-peer social networking websites. It’s especially difficult to verify how donations made via texts or websites are ultimately used. While these can be convenient ways to donate, the OAGDC urges donors to be especially vigilant about vetting before donating to charities through these channels. • Never donate using cash, gift cards or wire transfers. Reputable charities do not ask for donations to be made in this way. The OAGDC advises donors to use credit cards whenever possible. • The terms “COVID-19” or “coronavirus” do not authenticate a charity. A reputable name or logo does not mean the charity is actually reputable. Prior to donating, donors can confirm a charity is legitimate by contacting organizations such as Charity Navigator, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance or the National Center for Charitable Statistics. Scammers will no doubt try to exploit the pandemic to take advantage of donors during the upcoming giving season. Savvy donors can employ various strategies to ensure their charitable donations end up in the right hands. n
Purchase your gift card here.
• Simplicity • Kirby • Riccar • Sharp • Bissell • Dyson • Dirt Devil • Eureka • Hoover • Electrolux • Panasonic • Oreck • Miele •
D
onations are the lifeblood of many charitable organizations. Unfortunately, donations also can be the lifeblood of criminal operations designed to scam would-be donors. The potential for charity scams could be even greater in 2020. Charities accept donations year-round, but the spirit of giving that prevails during the holiday season makes the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas especially popular times to donate to charity. In addition to being on the lookout for the usual scams, the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia warns prospective donors to beware of potential scams involving the COVID-19 virus. Recognizing the challenges people in their communities have faced as a result of the economic fallout of the pandemic, donors may be more inclined to donate to charities purporting to help laid off workers, small businesses or others adversely affected by the outbreak. That’s admirable, but prospective donors must recognize that their eagerness to support COVID-related charities may make them vulnerable to criminals looking to exploit their charitable nature. In recognition of that, the OAGDC offers these tips to men and women who are considering donating to charity in 2020. • Be wary of recently launched operations. Operations that were formed in response to the pandemic may be viable, but the OAGDC also warns that many have been formed by scammers looking to exploit the outbreak for their own gain. Be especially wary of crowdfunding campaigns. • Ask questions. The OAGDC says that any charity, even those formed in response
PAGE 5
10% OFF
Accessories for Campers and Camping Toys for Kids November 30th - December 22nd Free Gift with Purchase While Supplies Last!
19989 584th Ave | Hwy 22 South Mankato, MN | (507) 625-4647 www.keepersrv.com
PAGE 6
Jingle All The Way
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Holiday gifts for four-legged family members
H
oliday shoppers who are busy making lists and checking them twice should make sure they don’t overlook the family pet. Christmas has gone to the cats and dogs, as a greater number of people include their companion animals when selecting gifts each year. A study by OnePoll conducted by Rover. com, the nation’s largest network of dog sitters and walkers, found that 95 percent of pet owners have bought holiday gifts for their pets. Gifts can range from everyday needs, like food and treats, to more lavish extravagances like spa treatments. Pet owners who plan to get their pets gifts this year may want to consider some of the emerging pet trends as they browse wares and services. The Balance, a business, career and industry information site, says pet industry trends point toward these segments seeing growth.
Natural pet products Just as people are interested in protecting the health of the planet and their own personal health, so, too, are they extending this concern to companion animals. Natural
pet products, which can include natural flea and tick remedies, holistic foods, organic items, and all-natural grooming products, can make great gifts.
Specialty pet services
Mobile pet grooming Mobile pet grooming has become the norm in many areas. Mobile pet grooming can reduce the potential stress on animals, and tends to be very convenient for customers, particularly seniors and others who have mobility issues.
18,154
remote S countin tartS and g inSta lled
out tHe door Pricing! no eXtra PartS needed, no Hidden cHargeS, no Fine Print, SaleS taX included!
2 Day Sale
Biggest sale of the Year
1211 Madison Ave. Mankato SINCE 1993
Free Courtesy Shuttle!
• tests to detect pets’ DNA and trace breed and ancestry, • interactive puzzles to keep pets engaged and banish boredom, • stylish storage baskets for pet toys, • hidden cat litter or dog crate items that camouflage commonly used pet items, • heated pet bed for cozy nights and mornings, and • signature vests, coats and sweaters to look good and remain comfortable.
The American Pet Products Association says the demand for high-end pet grooming and other services is substantial. In addition, personalized training, behavioral consulting, portrait photography, dog sitting, and upscale spa treatments like pet Reiki and massage are booming.
After thAnksgiving sAle!
SINCE 1993
Beyond these growing trends, pet owners have a bevy of other ideas from which to choose. Here are just a few different suggestions:
507-345-7000
www.rockinronnys.com We are VIPER’S #1 single store in the Midwest! NO ONE has done more remote starts than us!!
Pet gifts are popular this time of year, ensuring all members of the family have a treat to open. n
S
Unique ways to support small businesses during the pandemic
mall businesses have faced unprecedented challenges in 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic wore on throughout the year, small businesses continued to confront the economic fallout wrought by the virus. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the number of active business owners in the United States plummeted by 22 percent in the early stages of the pandemic. Though many businesses managed to hang on as the pandemic continued through spring, summer and fall, such businesses need their communities to continue to help them stay afloat. Consumers have not been immune to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unemployment figures skyrocketed across the globe, and in April retail sales dropped by 14.3 percent from the previous month according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and Deloitte Insights. But consumer spending gradually increased in various industries over the summer of 2020. As consumers loosen their purse strings and begin spending more, they can embrace some unique ways to help small businesses in their community. • Support struggling industries. Consumers may not typically give much thought to whether an industry is struggling before
spending their money, but doing so can help small businesses that have had an especially difficult time during the pandemic. Supporting locally owned businesses in these industries can infuse some much-needed cash into their operations. • Think twice before buying from big box online retailers. Amazon has become such a go-to consumer resource that many shoppers forget they can comparison shop right on Amazon.com. And some consumers may be unaware that they can support small business when shopping via Amazon. When shopping for books via a site like Amazon, purchase books from independent sellers, who are often small book stores in local communities across the country. • Purchase gift cards. Pandemic-related restrictions have been lifted in many places, but that doesn’t necessarily mean consumers are confident enough to visit their favorite stores and restaurants in person. Gift cards can be a great way to support local businesses even if you’re still hesitant to patronize them in person. Small businesses continue to face an uphill battle as they confront the economic fallout of the pandemic. Consumers can show their support for locally owned businesses in their communities in various ways. n
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Jingle All The Way
PAGE 7
Happy Hollydaze!
Saturday, Nov. 28 The Le Center Chamber invites families to join the COVID friendly Hollydaze Car Parade! Drop your wish list off to Santa and receive a Chamber Holiday Bag. (first 75 cars) Parade starts at 6 p.m. Line up at the Le Center Middle School parking lot. For more details see the Le Center Chamber Facebook page.
For up to date local holiday events check out the following local chamber websites! St. Peter - www.stpeterchamber.com New Ulm - www.newulm.com Mankato - www.greatermankato.com LeSueur - www.lesueurchamber.org LeCenter - www.cityoflecenter.com Waseca - www.wasecachamber.com
Holiday SalE & ClEaRaNCE
Holiday Shopping Starts Here! BEST SLEEP EVER! BE comfoRTaBLE!
Queen Bed SetS $599 Firm or Plush
ReCLInInG SOFAS FROM
599
$
ReCLIneRS 175 TO CHOOSE FROM LAZBOY, ASHLEY, & FLEXSTEEL.
neW SHIPMent QUILT RacKS, JEWELRY aRmoIRES, cURIo caBINETS & GLIDERS
249
LAZBOY, ASHLEY, FLEXSTEEL & MORE
BAR StOOLS 60 STYLES IN STocK fRom $39
ery Free deliv
LIGHt uP tHe HOLIdAYS Torchieres, table lamps, floor lamps...We have them all, and they all make wonderful gifts. LOW AS $33
WE aRE STocKED aND REaDY foR DELIVERY.
NEW TV? enteRtAInMent CenteRS 48 STYLES IN-STocK
YOu’LL FInd tHeSe PLuS MAnY MORe GReAt VALueS tHROuGHOut tHe StORe!
EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS:
16 NoRTH GERmaN STREET DoWNToWN NEW ULm
507.354.2716
FROM
388
$
$
0% fINaNcING aVaILaBLE oac SEE SToRE foR DETaILS aREa RUGS DoZENS IN-STocK ReduCed nOW
YOUR STYLE, YOUR PRICE!
LOW AS
SEE THE NEW POWER STYLES
GIaNT SELEcTIoN fRamE aRT, mIRRoRS & PIcTURES 15-40% OFF
al son e r c e i P erv S
DOZENS OF NEW SOFAS
www.newulmfurniture.com
MON. 9-7 TUES/WED/THURS/FRI 9-5 SAT 9-3
Oak Terrace Senior Housing of LeSueur LeSueur
Oak Terrace Senior Living of Le Sueur has immediate openings in our secure Memory Care, Assisted Living and Independent Living Communities.
Call 507-593-8500 Oak Terrace Communities is the right choice to live and work. Campuses in Le Sueur, North Mankato, Gaylord and Jordan.
PAGE 8
Jingle All The Way
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Something for Everyone on Your Christmas List! • Hand & Power Tools • Western & Flannel Shirts • Automotive Accessories • Winter Outerwear • Ertl Farm Toys • Lego Playsets • Schleich Animal Figurines • Embroidered Sweatshirts • Carhartt Causal Wear • Radio Flyer Wagons • Year round Workwear • Housewares • Honda Generators • Horse Tack & Saddles
True Real Estate understands what it takes to achieve your goals as a buyer or seller. Your trust in us as true market leaders provides you with the power to make your next move.
• Winter Workwear • Western, Pac & Work Boots • Air Compressors & Accessories • Weber Grills & Grilling Accessories • Barco, Cherokee, Carhartt, Dickies, White Cross Koi • Prestige Medical Accessories • Healing Hands Nursing Uniforms • Echo & Stihl Power Equipment • Dansko & Nurse Mates Footwear
Gift cards available
$
5
Gift CertifiCate
00 OFF
Any Regular Priced Purchase of $ 2000 or more
(Limit one coupon per customer) Excludes Gift Certificates. Expires Dec. 24, 2020
Remember our Service Center for your repairs! An Employee Owned & Local Business Since 1957
1951 N. Riverfront Drive Mankato, MN
507-387-1171 • 1-800-879-1938
www.c&ssupply.com .c&ssupply
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.