Nicollet County Ledger January 5, 2023

January 5, 2023 | South Central News & Media

Ledger News Briefs Page 5

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Land Funding Grant Page 4

Snow, Ice and Rain Complicate Travel for Drivers Across South Central Minnesota

By Robert Lawson Publisher

The New Year arrived with snow, ice, sleet and rain to make roadways unsafe to drive. The warm, just above freezing temperatures contributed to a strange mix of conditions Tuesday and Wednesday.

Cars, trucks, semis and other vehicles dealt with spinouts, collisions and stall outs. Several drivers got stuck in the thick, wet and heavy snow that was also packed or caked in slush and ice.

Several drivers got stranded on roads. My own vehicle ended up getting stuck in an area near Sibley Park in Mankato, close to North Mankato and Lookout Drive.

The snow and rain kept coming until this morning and the sun came out but temperatures dipped fast. The weather will be cold in the teens and single digits the rest of the week, according to local forecasts on weather.com.

Travel was next to impossible for some drivers in Nicollet, Brown and Blue Earth Counties the past few days.

Lake Crystal Ski Team First Race of Season

Lunar New Year Concert to be Held on Jan 29

The Lake Crystal Valley Ski team had their first race of the season at Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls, MN on December 16th. The boys’ team was led by Cale Hansen of Maple River who had a strong first race placing 10th individually out of 153 competitors with a combined race time of 1:02.00. Ethan Adams of Waseca was 76th with a time 1:17.08. Alex Adams (Waseca) was 99th (1:25.14). Hunter Erickson of Nicollet was 113th (1:38.18). Tristan Godwin and Max Wirtz, both of Waseca, were disqualified after some gate trouble. The team placed 17th out of 29 teams with 394 points. For the girls team, Lucy Richards of Lake Crystal placed 23rd with a time of 1:08.91 for her first time out this season.

Taitem Lund (Lake Crystal) was 62nd (1:19.47). There were 137 racers in the girls’ race. The team has several new members this year who didn’t race this time, however, Lucy and Taitem were able to get a team score of 234 points and place 22nd. After more time on gates, the team will travel to Powder Ridge for their next meet on January 5th.

Martin Luther College The Lunar New Year Concert, ProMusica Minnesota Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 3:00pm Chapel of the Christ, Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN ProMusica Minnesota is excited to present a special concert of the 2022-2023 New Ulm Series with a musical celebration of The Lunar New Year on January 29, 2023 at 3pm in Chapel of the Christ at Martin Luther College. The festive performance will feature ProMusica Minnesota’s Artistic Director Bethel Balge (piano) alongside Rui Du (violin) and Richard Belcher (cello) of the Minnesota Orchestra. Also joining them are traditional Chinese musical masters Gao Hong (pipa), ZhengGang Xie (jing hu), and Mei Hu (yue qin).

The Lunar New Year is widely celebrated throughout Asia and encompasses the holidays that mark a new year according to a lunar calendar. The concert will be a luminous assortment of Chinese music in the classical tradition, featuring The Butterfly Lovers Concerto by Gang Chen, one of the most beloved pieces of Chinese orchestral music. The concert will also include pieces by Tan Dun, Wang JianZhong, and an original composition by renowned Minnesota-based composer, musician, and educator Gao Hong. As a special addition, instrumental masters Zheng Xie & Mei Hu will perform on traditional Chinese instruments the jing hu and yue qin. The concert promises to be a touching, edifying, and celebratory cross-cultural event.

ProMusica Minnesota is dedicated to producing unique and excellent chamber music performances in an intimate setting, bringing the audience closer to the music and its musicians.

ProMusica Minnesota strives to catalyze a personal and poignant relationship with some of the greatest music ever written performed by elite musicians here in our neighborhoods of southern Minnesota. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $5 for youth and students. Online ticketing is available at promusicamn.com. Advance reservations are preferred, but remaining tickets will be available for purchase before each concert.

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Thursday, January 5, 2023

Nicollet County Ledger

Devotion - We Are Waiting Again

By Dave Linn

Our children had hard time waiting on Christmas Eve. They knew presents were coming, and they couldn’t wait to see them.

No one likes to wait. So don’t get in the check-out line behind me. There will be two customers in front of me. One will need price checks on two or three items. The other will check out and then sort through a wallet for six coupons to cash in. By that time I’ll remember what I forgot to get, and pull back out of the line.

But the Israelites had waited four hundred years. The temple of Solomon had been destroyed, and then rebuilt. God had promised that the Messiah would come to the second temple. But for four centuries He had not come. Not even a prophet had appeared on the scene. Had God forgotten His promises of coming? Finally a Savior was announced to Mary and Joseph. He would come as the sinless One to remove our guilt. Then He left earth and promised to come again. It’s been almost two thousand years since He promised that. What a long wait!

But He has a reason for what seems like slowness. Peter writes to us, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 New International Version) I’m a person who prays for patience. And I want it right now!” But God was patient with me when my life reflected the fact that I did not believe in Him. In fact, He has been patient with all of us. Jesus patiently taught Judas for three years, even though He knew Judas was stealing from the disciples’ treasury.

Jesus wanted to give Judas eternal treasures. Instead, Judas accepted an earthly treasure to betray Jesus.

We have just been to the manger. We see the lengths to which God’s love for sinners led Him. Now that same God calls us to be patient and loving with those about us. We are called to forgive as God has forgiven us. That is Christian patience.

A Year in the Bible

By Pastor Wayne Bernau, Immanuel Lutheran

According to a research poll conducted by the Barna Group, approximately 20% of Americans claim to have read through the Bible. While most denominations claim to be based on the teachings of the Bible, to me it is surprising that not more of us actually open the Bible regularly and let the Lord speak directly to us through His holy Word.

During the next year of 2023 at Immanuel, we are challenging all of our members to read through the New Testament. Did you know that the New Testament (Matthew through Revelation) contains a total of 260 chapters? 260 is 52 [weeks] times 5 [chapters]. Therefore, if we read 5 chapters each week, we will have read through the most important parts of the Bible in one year.

In our confirmation studies, we read through portions of the Old Testament one year and then through the entire New Testament the following year, a chapter each day. This has enabled us to have a solid foundation of faith in the living and abiding Word of God! While reading recently in the book of Acts, we came across Acts 17:11. Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. I appreciate the concept behind this passage. Paul was a great teacher of the Christian faith, and labored hard to spread its message near and far. Some listened and believed, and others scoffed.

But the Bereans listened attentively, and then checked the Scriptures! Rather than just trusting Paul, they looked into the infallible Word of the living God. People, including teachers and pastors like me, can easily lead others astray. But God’s Word is truth and never deceives us. Back to the Scriptures!

Listen to some of the many benefits that come from Bible reading and study.

Paul wrote Timothy: And how from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (II Timothy 3:15-17)

A Year in the Bible

By Father Craig Timmerman

You are beloved! Merry Christmas! Christ is born for us, a babe in a manger. It’s something amazing, attractive. It is so humble, and so tender. This is how our God approaches us – humbling coming to save us. Tenderly coming to give us His Love. Even making himself totally vulnerable to us! Think of that – God, allpowerful Creator of EVERYTHING, makes Himself completely vulnerable to us.

He shows us how deeply He cares, loves. God is with us – Emmauel! It is such a joy to celebrate Christmas and be a part of the Church family and community here at the Apostles Peter and Paul Area Faith Community in St. Peter and Nicollet. Joy is the perfect word! When we keep Christ in Christmas, not as a political slogan, but as a way to live these days, we are filled with hope and joy.

Yes, the world can be dark and scary. So was the world when Jesus was born. Not much changes from the world’s point of view! But Jesus entered that world and today He enters our world anew. When you come to celebrate the Mass of Christ (Christmas, get it?!), you are here with Jesus, Mary and Joseph. You are one of the shepherds coming to adore the newborn Savior, the Son of God. Joseph and Mary invite you to enter into the manger and even give you the child to hold in your own arms – you are there. Jesus is here. Yes, Jesus was born 2022 years ago – but the Church is here so you can receive Jesus today! I wish you and your families the greatest blessings of this awe-filled season of Christmas, unity and peace in your homes, joy and love in all your gatherings, light that shines in all areas of mourning loved ones or whatever your personal struggles are this time of year. Jesus enters into all of that and brings the warmth of God’s tenderness to you. He is with you – Emmanuel. Merry Christmas! You are beloved!

Family Living Focus

A Statement from New Ulm Bishop Chad W. Zielinski on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI The faithful and I of the Diocese of New Ulm, join the Universal Church in praying for the eternal rest of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. As an extraordinary theologian, he had an unrelenting passion for the truth which he taught with great compassion and humility. His personal encounter with Jesus Christ radiated a joy that could not be contained and he desired that the entire world embrace Our Savior, the greatest gift of God, the Father.

In his first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), he articulated the passion of a shepherd’s heart: “We have come to believe in God’s love: in these words the Christian can express the fundamental decision of his life. Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction (#1).”

As we are sent as missionary disciples to carry on his legacy, may his passing spark an increased thirst for God’s love and may we walk in his sacred footprints recalling the abundant teachings he has left etched in the history of the Church as a great gift.

Older adults and their family caregivers can take the following actions to stay warm economically and safely this winter: Find out about financial energy assistance programs: Many states, counties and cities provide programs that assist older adults with winter heating costs. Your local Area Agency on Aging is a reliable source of information about available community programs and eligibility requirements. Ask about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and other energy assistance.

Be aware of help available through utility companies: Check with your gas, water, and electricity suppliers to see if they offer a monthly budget plan to help spread out those high energy costs this winter over an entire year. Often, they maintain special heating assistance funds, as well as “no cut off” guidelines to avoid termination of service for elderly, disabled and ill customers who have difficulty paying their bill. Utility companies also are a major source for energy conservation information. They might be able to refer you to an expert to inspect your home for ways to make it more energy efficient or provide a list of contractors to tune up your furnace so that it is working at peak efficiency. (Continued on Page 3)

Thursday, January 5, 2023 Nicollet County Ledger

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Family Living Focus Continued from Page 2 Look for ways to cut down on winter energy use: Easy steps to take include using storm windows or inexpensive stretch window film to keep out drafts, using a programmable thermostat to lower temperature automatically when you are away from home or asleep, changing furnace filters at least every three months to keep the warm air flowing, and weather stripping or insulating the attic hatch or door to prevent warm air from leaking out of the house. Although a log fire in your fireplace is nice, it does not heat your home because heated air drafts up the chimney. When not using your fireplace, close the damper.

Ensure your health and safety: In addition to addressing the need to stay warm during winter, consider safety as well. Make sure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working properly; water pipes are insulated to avoid freezing and bursting; electrical cords on space heaters are not damaged and do not pose a tripping hazard; batteries and batterypowered flashlights are available; and a fire extinguisher is ready to use.

Have a back-up plan: Before you need them, consider alternative arrangements should extreme weather conditions require emergency action. These might include having another place to stay temporarily, asking someone to check on you daily especially if you live alone, making sure that your medicine and medical needs are met, and sharing contact information with everyone who would need it.

Follow these home energy tips to ensure that you or an older family member will be warm and safe during the cold winter months.

Focus on Ag Column: Preparing Updated Financial Information For Your Ag Lender

By Kent Thiesse Farm Management Analyst and Sr. Vice President, MinnStar Bank, Lake Crystal, MN

As we head into 2023, many farm operations are coming off a fairly good profit year in 2022; however, some producers had much more modest profit levels last year. In all cases, all farm operators are facing much higher crop and livestock input expenses in 2023, as compared to 2020 or 2021 expense levels. During these changing farm financial times, it is good to plan ahead before meeting with an ag lender for renewal of a farm operating line of credit or for an annual review of the farm financial portfolio.

Following are some tips for farm operators to be more proactive, as they are preparing for an annual meeting with their ag lender ……

Prepare an up-to-date 2022 year-end farm balance sheet (as of 12-31-22 or 1-01-23) .

Preparation of an accurate and up-to-date year-end balance sheet is critical to the loan renewal process for any farm operation. Updating the previous year’s balance sheet with current year-end numbers can help expediate the process. If the farm operation is a sole proprietorship, most ag lenders will also want personal asset and liability data included. If it is a partnership or family corporation, most ag lenders will also require personal balance sheets from all partners.

A good year-end balance sheet will include: List of accounts receivable as of 12-31-22, which includes whom the money is due from, the dollar amount, and the date it will be received. This includes deferred payments for grain sold in 2022.

List of accounts payable as of 12-31-21, listing who the money is owed to, the dollar amount, and when payment will be due.

List of 2023 prepaid expenses for both crops and livestock as of 12-31-22, which details the input, amount of the input, and the amount that was prepaid. This for items where payment has occurred.

Grain and livestock inventory list as of 12-31-22. The grain inventory should include total bushels of each crop, bushels that are forward priced (date and price for each sale), and any sales plans for the remaining bushels. Livestock inventory should include the number, weight, and any sales information on market or feeder livestock. An updated list and estimated value of breeding livestock should be included as an intermediate asset rather than a current asset.

CCC loans on 2022 grain that were taken prior to 1-01-23, listing the bushel amount, CCC loan rate, CCC interest rate, CCC loan maturity date, and sales plans for the CCC grain.

Review the list of farm machinery and equipment, buildings and facilities, and other capital assets, removing any assets that have been sold or removed, and adding any assets that were purchased or acquired during 2022. Farm machinery is usually listed as an intermediate asset.

Add any land or other long-term assets that were added in 2022 and adjust asset values as necessary (may want to review this with an ag lender).

List of all other loans and creditors as of 12-31-22, listing the principal balance, interest rate, payment amount, and payment dates. Be sure to include short-term creditors for crop inputs, loans with family members, and CCC loans through FSA offices.

Prepare a 2022 year-end income and expense statement as of 12-31-22.

The year-end income statement from the previous year should be based on actual sales of grain and livestock during 2022, which will likely include both some 2021 inventory that existed at the beginning of the year, as well as any 2022 grain or livestock that was sold during the year. The 2022 expenses would include any accounts payable from the beginning of the year balance sheet that were paid in 2022 and any 2023 prepaid expenses that were paid in 2022, in addition to the other 2022 crop and livestock expenses. A preliminary 2022 federal tax return is a good resource to prepare an income statement.

Prepare a budget-to-actual summary for the previous year (as of 12-31-22).

Once the 2022 income and expense statement has been finalized, and accrual adjustments are made based on the year-end balance sheet, it always good to review the actual year-end financial analysis compared to the budgeted cash flow analysis that was prepared at the beginning of the year. Pay attention to the big differences that exist in crop and livestock income and the various expense items, as well as determine explanations for those differences. Analyze for any potential adjustments that are needed for 2023.

Prepare a preliminary 2023 budget and cash flow analysis.

Preparing an accurate and complete budget and cash flow analysis for 2023 is a very important part of the loan renewal process. A high-quality cash flow analysis will likely include: A grain and livestock marketing plan that includes a list of the amount sold, the contracted price, and the date to be delivered, as well as plans for remaining unpriced grain and livestock inventories.

Planned crop and livestock production for the year, including acres of various crops, anticipated production levels, and any current or planned sales of the 2023 production.

A list of planned crop and livestock inputs for 2023, the contracted or planned price of the inputs, and when the expense will be incurred.

A detailed list of rented farm land for 2023, which includes the name of the farm owner, acres rented, amount of rent (including flexible lease details), and dates when rent payments are due.

Include income received for accounts receivable on the year-end balance sheet and account for the expenses of any accounts payable at the beginning of the year.

Provide details of planned 2023 crop insurance coverage, such as updated APH yields, percentage coverage, enterprise versus optional units, ad the addition of hail or wind insurance.

(Your ag lender may be a good resource for these decisions.)

Provide a copy of FSA farm program information listing the crop base acres and FSA program yield for each farm unit. Discuss the 2023 farm program choice with your ag lender.

Include any planned changes or adjustments in the farming operation for 2023 in the cash flow analysis, including farm machinery purchases or sales, adding or selling land or other assets, and any other changes to the farm business, as well as any changes in personal assets or liabilities.

It is best to include all partners and family members that are part of the farm operation in the renewal process with an ag lender, so that all key players are “on the same page” with financial decisions affecting the farm business. It is very important to be trustworthy and honest in preparing and sharing financial information with an ag lender to help assure confidence in the accuracy of the financial data. View an ag lender as an informal partner in a farm business, as a good ag lender can be a valuable resource in making management decisions.

Farm operators should expect their ag lenders to be well prepared, trustworthy and honest in financial dealings. It is important to remember that most local ag lenders also face a lot of pressure in the process of renewing farm operating loans. They need to do their “due-diligence” to complete the necessary requirements in the loan renewal process. The loan renewal process and documentation that is prepared will likely be reviewed by senior management at a financial institution, as well as being subject to review and audits by Federal and State bank examiners. Most ag lenders are part of the local community and want to see farmers have financial success, which is in the best interest of both the farm business and the ag lending institution.

Public Notices

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Notice of a Special Meeting of the Nicollet County Drainage Authority December 30, 2022 ●

Nicollet County Government Center Board Room 501 South Minnesota Avenue, St. Peter, MN 56082 Commissioners: Marie Dranttel- Board Chair; Jack Kolars- Vice Chair; John Luepke; Terry Morrow; David Haack Nicollet County Government Center | 501 South Minnesota Avenue | St. Peter MN 56082 9:30 a.m. 1. Call Drainage Authority Meeting to Order: Chair Dranttel 2. Drainage Authority Agenda Item: Closed Session: This portion of the meeting is closed to the public as allowed by the Minnesota Open Meeting Law, MN Statutes Chapter 13D.05, to discuss the litigation of Nicollet County Ditch 86A. 3. Adjourn Drainage Authority Meeting

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Thursday, January 5, 2023

OBITUARIES

Marian A. Altmann, age 78, of St. George, died on Friday, December 30, 2022 at home surrounded by her family.

Marian was born on July 2, 1944 in New Ulm, MN to John L. and Leona (Hoffmann) Boettger. She grew up on the family farm and attended country school in Albin Township, graduated from St. Mary's High School Sleepy Eye in 1962, and went on to attend Union Hospital School of Practical Nursing, and graduated in 1963.

Marian was united in marriage to George H. Altmann on October 1, 1963 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. They were blessed with 59 years of marriage; together they raised three sons and four daughters on the family farm near St. George, MN. Marian was a women of strong faith. She worked alongside her husband on the family farm and the insurance business. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, quilting, dancing, attending and cheering on grandchildren in their many activities. She was a dedicated member of St. George Catholic Church where she volunteered countless hours of her time with the church family.

Marian is survived by her husband, George; children, Peter Altmann (special friend, Leane) of New Ulm, MN, Carolyn (Dave) Boutain of Fargo, ND, Cheryl (Paul) Cardinal of Buffalo, MN, Paul Altmann of Phoenix, AZ, Cathleen (Brian) Rutschow of Marshfield, WI, Christine (Matt) Schmidt of Brooklyn Park, MN, and Patrick (Cari) Altmann of Farmington, MN; grandchildren, Mindy (Jacob) Nordquist, Michael, Joseph, & Daniel Boutain, Emily & Abigail Cardinal, Nicholas & Ashton Altmann, Andrew & Matthew Rutschow, Alyssa, Victoria, & August Schmidt, Paige, Carter, & Mason Altmann; one great-grandson, Corvus Nordquist; sisters Darlene (Robert) Tauer of Hanska, MN, Jane (Patrick) Mathiowetz of Bakersfield, CA, and Rita (Eugene) Reinhart of New Ulm, MN; sisters-in-law, Jeanie Rathman and LaVonne Kraus, both of New Ulm, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at St. George Catholic Church in St. George. Father Gerald Meidl will celebrate the Mass. Burial will follow in the St. George Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2023 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – North Chapel in New Ulm. The visitation will continue one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church.

To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: www.mvfh.org In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. George Catholic Church or a memorial of your choice. www.mvfh.org

Marian A. Altmann,

DFL introduces legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis in State of Minnesota

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, legislators from the Minnesota House and Senate joined advocates to announce legislation for the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Minnesota.

“We know Minnesota’s current cannabis laws are doing more harm than good,” said Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL - Coon Rapids), the bill’s House author. “Over the last 3 years, DFLers in the legislature have worked and listened to build a Minnesota-specific model for cannabis legalization. Our bill creates a safe, well-regulated legal marketplace, including best practices for consumer protection, health, and public safety. It also includes a robust expungement program, so people who have disproportionately been caught in the criminal justice system due to cannabis can move on with their lives. Minnesota is ready for legalization.”

“Minnesotans have made it clear that they are ready to move forward with the legalization of adult-use cannabis in our state, and we will get it done this year,” said Senator Lindsey Port (DFL - Burnsville), the Senate author. “We have work to do in the Senate, but we are ready to have those robust discussions and pass this into law.”

Dean's List Chamber Nominations for Business of the Year 2023 Josh Wenninger has been named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2022 Academic Semester at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN. Josh's major is Exercise Science.

To be eligible for the Dean's List, a student must be in good academic standing and receive a term grade of 3.5 or higher in a minimum of 14 graded credits.

Josh is a 2022 graduate of New Ulm Public Schools and his parents are John and Paula Wenninger of Lafayette.

Ask-A-Trooper Question: Can a truck with collector plates on it be used in a snow plow business? Is it legal to use collector plates on a vehicle driven on a daily basis?

Answer: Driving a vehicle for general transportation with collector plates on is illegal. It is also illegal to use collector plates for business purposes.

There are several different requirements for “collector” license plates.

The vehicle needs to be at least 20-years-old, or older.

The owner shall also prove that they also have one or more vehicles with regular license plates.

The vehicle is owned and operated solely as a collector's item, and not for general transportation purposes.

What are general transportation purposes? To law enforcement, it means the vehicle can be driven to show it but you cannot use it to go to work, school, shopping, and other everyday activities. It is going to be a judgment call on the part of the officer, but the intent of the law is to only use it for fairs, shows, etc., and not as another vehicle for your family.

An owner is responsible for maintaining the proper CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

New Ulm, MN--- The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2023 Business of the Year nominees. The following are nominated for Large Business of the Year: Christensen Farms, GSM (Gag Sheet Metal), and Nuvera. The Small Business of the Year nominees are Bank Midwest, Fuel Graphics, and New Ulm Real Estate. Congratulations to all of the businesses for their recognition from the New Ulm business community.

Chamber members were asked to nominate businesses for this recognition based on three criteria: Chamber involvement, community involvement and economic impact. The Business of the Year awards will be voted at the annual meeting at Turner Hall, on January 26, 2023. Chamber businesses are allowed one vote per business. Businesses must be present to vote; absentee ballots will not be accepted. The evening begins at 5:30 pm and includes a social hour, comments from Chamber President Sarah Warmka, outgoing Board Chair Erin Lafferty and incoming Board Chair Andy Lilleoden. Tourism Person of the Year, Lisa Besemer, will also be recognized at the event.

The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce has a membership of 320 businesses including New Ulm’s largest and smallest employers, retailers, professional services and interested individuals. The Chamber’s mission is to encourage economic growth in our community by supporting our members through business development, networking, education, advocacy, and access to resources. A variety of businesses have been recognized as Business of the Year since 1974, including both large employers, small businesses and retail stores.

Land Funding for New Farmers Grant St. Paul, MN: Applications are now being accepted for a new grant program to support Minnesotans purchasing their first farm. The Down Payment Assistance Grant Program is managed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and offers dollar-for-dollar matching up to $15,000 for qualified small farmers to purchase farmland.

The MDA’s Rural Finance Authority (RFA) is awarding this funding using a first-come, first-served application process that will open at 9 a.m. on January 4, 2023. The Minnesota Legislature appropriated $500,000 in Fiscal Year 2023 for these grants. The RFA expects to award between 30 and 40 grants in this cycle, depending on the size of requests. A second cycle of $750,000 in funding has been secured and will be made available on July 1, 2023.

Farmers must be Minnesota residents who will earn less than $250,000 annually in gross agricultural sales and plan on providing the majority of the day-to-day physical labor on the farm for at least five years. Applicants must not have previous direct or indirect farmland ownership.

Applications will continue to be accepted until a waitlist of 100 applicants forms, or May 15, 2023, whichever comes first. Approved applications will remain valid for purchases closing within 90 days of approval or until May 15, 2023, whichever comes first.

The application and more information on the Down Payment Assistance Grant can be found at https://www.mda.state.mn.us/down-payment-assistance-grant-program.

Review Your Broadband Map to Improve Borderto-Border Access

JBy Bree Maki Executive Director Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development Recently, Governor Tim Walz announced that internet providers will receive nearly $100 million in funding to expand broadband coverage to more Minnesotans. This largest-ever grant round is estimated to extend new high-speed internet connections to more than 33,000 Minnesota homes and businesses in 48 counties.

At the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development, we’re working hard to get broadband to more Minnesotans who need it. Now, we need your help to make that a reality.

As part of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, $65 billion in funding is available to states for broadband. We’re excited to implement the bill’s programs, but much of our funding relies on a new mapping project from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to show where broadband is and is not available.

The FCC is accepting challenges to their new map right now, and we encourage all Minnesotans to review the map to see if the broadband speeds shown to be available at their address are correct.

Local review of the broadband maps is important, as residents know best if the mapping information is accurate.

Minnesotans can go to broadbandmap.fcc.gov to review their map and provide feedback.

To review the map, type in your address. Your home should appear on the map along with a list of services that providers claim to have available for CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Renewables

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Review Your Broadband Map to Improve Borderto-Border Access Continued from 4

purchase at your location. If your location is missing or inaccurately reflected on the map, you can submit a location challenge to correct it. If the information about the service provided is incorrect, you can file an availability challenge.

Detailed video instructions on how to file a challenge can be found at fcc.gov/BroadbandData/consume rs.

Our goal is border-to-border broadband coverage across Minnesota. Future federal funding will be allotted based on the number of locations in Minnesota that do not have broadband services available right now. To ensure valid challenges are incorporated into the map before federal funding allocations are made, Minnesotans have until Jan. 13, 2023 to submit feedback.

This year, between 240,000 and 291,000 households in Minnesota lacked access to high-speed broadband. So much of what we do happens online, which is why we want to ensure all Minnesotans have access to highspeed internet.

All Minnesotans deserve equal access to high-speed broadband.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Office of Broadband at 651-259-7610 or deed.broadband@state.mn.us

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Ledger News Briefs Ask-A-Trooper Continued from 4 Governor Walz Provides registration on the vehicle.

Deaths.

Flexibility for Fuel Violations include: If you have any questions “Improper use of registration” concerning traffic related laws or – a misdemeanor (90 days Transportation Following Severe issues in Minnesota send your and/or $1,000 fine). questions to Sgt. Troy “Intent to escape tax” – a gross Christianson – Minnesota State Weather misdemeanor (up to one year Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, and/or $3,000 fine) depending on the situation.

Those using the vehicle for other purposes should purchase the standard Minnesota plates for it.

Rochester MN 55901-5848. (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)

Below is a list of some of the other common special plates that can be applied for:

Third annual Spruce Up Saturday will be the morning of January 7th. Starting with rolls, coffee & juice at 8 am and ending with a pizza lunch at 11:30 am.

We will spend the morning tending to chores such as cleaning the paint room, restoring order to set and prop storage areas, sorting and cleaning the workshop, some handy-person repairs, scrubbing seats, polishing woodwork, dusting the nooks and crannies, and more. Chores will be followed by a pizza lunch at 11:30 am.

If you can help please let Lisa know at 507-359-9990 or lwahl@statestreetnewulm.org.

Please enter thru door #7 in the back parking lot, Your time is valuable and your sharing it with us is much appreciated. A volunteer certificate will be provided upon request.

Pioneer plates for vehicles made before 1936.

Classic plates for vehicles made from 1925 to 1948.

Collector plates at least 20 years old and made after 1935.

Street rod plates for vehicles made before 1949 or made to look like a vehicle from before 1949.

Classic motorcycle plates for motorcycles that are 20 years old or older.

Original Minnesota plates for any collector vehicle OR vehicle 20 years old or older.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero

Free at SSTC

NEW CLASSIFIED AD RATES FOR 2023 info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Starting at $15 per week info@nicolletcountyledger.com

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Following severe winter storms and extreme cold, Governor Tim Walz today signed an executive order providing emergency relief from regulations for motor carriers and drivers transporting fuel in Minnesota.

Executive Order 22-24 helps address the high demand for propane with the onset of winter and recent powerful storms in Minnesota.

“Households across the state depend on propane to keep them warm during the winter months,” said Governor Walz. “It is important that we keep propane delivery reliable and safe for all Minnesotans. I’m grateful to fuel carriers and drivers working to keep families across the state warm this winter.”

Approximately ten percent of

Minnesota households, or over 200,000 homes, use propane as their primary heating fuel. The need for propane is even more common in rural areas where many households do not have access to natural gas. Propane and heating fuels are essential supplies necessary to protect the public health and safety of families, agricultural operators, and others in the region. Recent weather events and road closures due to whiteout conditions have severely impeded travel, including the transportation of propane. These weather-related road closures have led to a backlog of propane deliveries, which is compounded by increased energy consumption due to sub-zero temperatures.

Reliable access to propane is critical to the safety of Minnesotans in the weeks and months ahead.

nicolletcountyledger.com

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Thursday, January 5, 2023

Guest Column

A New Year brings a new recycling focus Hello Everyone, I hope this Holiday Season finds you healthy and happy with Family and Friends. As we look back at 2022 most of us have lots to be thankful for… So with that said I would like to mention some key players that make our local disposal and recycling programs convenient and affordable year round. First off, I would like to thank our residents and our readers, this past year I have received more calls from our residents than when everyone was at home for six months due to covid isolation. I can hear the recycling passion in your voices and we are lucky to have so many residents wanting to do the right thing when it comes to disposal or recycling. Believe it or not, recycling and proper disposal of products can be challenging these days as we are constantly exposed to new products that come in new containers having new use and disposal guidelines… so we really have to have our game on if we want to do recycling right or dispose correctly! Next, I would like to thank my Coworkers, Commissioners, Sheriff’s Office and Highway Staff – as they say Teamwork makes the Dream work and dealing with solid waste, hazardous waste and recycling issues is a team effort to keep our growing communities clean, healthy and safe. Many thanks to our neighboring Counties and partners – Blue Earth, Scott and McLeod as they also play a big part in addressing the disposal & recycling needs of our residents as we have agreements to use their facilities year round. Hats off to our Solid Waste Haulers, who get up very early and deal with smelly garbage and recycling on a daily basis in all kinds of weather. We also appreciate our local pharmacies who work with us on our sharps collection program.

Our City Staff and Township Officers also play a key role working together with us on policies, services and programs that make our communities more environmentally sustainable.

A new year brings a new focus. In 2023, we will look at some of the com-

831 Main Ave., P.O. Box 154 Lafayette, MN 56054

Nicollet County Ledger

Stuck

An SUV stuck in snow betweeen Sleepy Eye and New Ulm.

Recycling Continued from Left

mon products we buy and use every day that can be hazardous (such as chemicals like sodium hypochlorite bleach). Or can be a danger to us such as batteries or pose a danger to both us and our environment such as PFAS or Per & Polyfluoroalky substances otherwise known as “forever chemicals”… and its relationship to something as harmless as composting. For most of us, most of the time we can handle and use these items on a daily basis and have no problems but the chemicals we buy are becoming more concentrated which can be dangerous to our skin if exposed or to our lungs if inhaled. It can be a similar situation with some of our battery packs from ebikes, cell phones, flashlights or even battery-operated socks… the batteries are getting smaller but contain more power or more danger. Another fun hot topic to discuss is the single use plastic grocery bag vs a reusable bag. Some of you may have heard about Walmart banning the single use plastic bag in some areas and opting for reusable bags for customers who get home deliveries. These customers are now complaining that they are drowning in reusable bags every month. The reusable grocery bag can be a problem if you forget it at home or in the car and then you are back to using single use plastic bag – so the debate rages on… I am looking forward to 2023 as we have lots to discuss!

Last minute comments - old Christmas lights can be recycled at your local City Office. For the St. Peter area Christmas lights can be taken to the Arrow Ace Hardware Store in town. The Blue Earth County hazardous waste facility is open during their winter hours, which are posted on all our County websites for Le Sueur and Nicollet County residents. Sibley County residents are able to bring their waste to the McLeod & Scott County facilities. We will continue our $5 coupon in 2023 for our residents to recycle their TV’s, computers or appliances for only $5! Call us at Tri County anytime for your recycling and disposal needs at 507-381-9196 or visit www.tricountyrecycling.org. Happy New Year and make Everyday Earth Day!