Nicollet County Ledger January 19, 2023

January 19, 2023 | South Central News & Media

Public Notices Page 3 and 4

Dorian Vocal Festival Pic Page 4

Focus on Ag Page 6

Lafayette City Council Approves Solar Project and Finalizes Rezoning LCS approved for a community solar program, which allows customers to lease power from the solar installation and get rebates on their power bill. The community solar installation will take up 3.5 acres near Highway 15.

The RO project was also discussed with the council. Al Fox, who is overseeing the project, said soil testing was done that week. On Friday, it was announced that the city would receive funding from the state for this project (see Lafayette Receives $1 Million for Water Upgrade).

Ordinance 141 was also discussed. This ordinance provides for rezoning of the Continued on Page 3

By Robert Lawson Publisher 612-460-5851

The Lafayette City Council met on Monday, January 9 at 7 p.m. in the city council chambers on Main Ave. The meeting included a public hearing regarding the DSI solar project, an update on the RO water project and rezoning the former Lafayette Charter School property (Ordinance 141).

A zoning permit for the conditional use permit (CUP) for Development Services, Inc. (DSI) was approved at the meeting.

DSI plans to build a solar installation of 367 kilowatt (KW) in Lafayette. This project is

Photo by Pixabay

Lafayette Get $1M for Water Upgrade NicolletCountyLedger.com

By Robert Lawson Publisher 612-460-5851

of so many families in Lafayette,” Klobuchar said. “I am proud to have worked with local leaders to secure this funding, United States Senators Amy and I know that these resources Klobuchar and Tina Smith, both will make a real difference in congressional Democrats, said Lafayette.” last week they were successful Tina Smith also made remarks at securing $1 million in federal about the success of the funding funding to improve water quality for the water project. in Lafayette through the Fiscal “Keeping our water clean and Year 2023. Lafayette City Utility safe is important for Superintendent Al Fox has been safeguarding public health,” said working on grant proposals and Smith. “Securing this funding for other tasks associated with this water treatment infrastructure RO water project consistently will benefit people living in through each phase. Fox said Lafayette by lowering costs and this is all part of a $2.7 million keeping their water free from reverse osmosis project. contamination. I am proud of the Klobuchar, who once ran for work we did with local leaders to president, made the make this project possible.” announcement to the media and Soil testing was done this past on her website. week, according to Fox, who “By expanding access to drinking provided the Lafayette City water and wastewater Council with further updates at infrastructure, this project will their January 9 meeting. help boost the health and safety The next meeting of the

Lafayette City Council will be on Monday, January 23 at its regular meeting place in Council Chambers on Main Ave. in Lafayette.

Fox has also worked on low interest loans and has worked on securing funds from Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA).

Fox has said the PFA usually has at least 100 requests and can typically fund 30 to 50 of the submitted proposals it receives.

Under the point scale that is used by PFA, Lafayette ranks 25th.

Fox regularly provides updates to the City of Lafayette about the RO Water Project, which is a major infrastructure project for this community of around 500 residents. It is a mostly rural area of Nicollet County.

Fox also sought funding through mall Communities Planning Grant. The project also includes storm water upgrades.

South Central MN Travel Alerts Issued by MnDOT MnDOT

Warnings and Advisories across southcentral and southwest Heavy snow is expected to Minnesota. create difficult travel conditions The NWS is forecasting 4-8 in southcentral Minnesota inches of snow, with rates of 1-2" through Thursday. per hour, from Wednesday The National Weather Service through Thursday, with wind (NWS) has issued Winter Storm gusts up to 25 mph.

Nicollet County Ledger P.O. Box 212, Lafayette MN 56054

Photo by Tom Shamberger.

Pavement Project in County Gets National Award + Industry Recognition

By Robert Lawson Publisher 612-460-5851 info@nicolletcountyledger.com A concrete paving project in Nicollet County has received a national award.

The American Concrete Paving Association recognized the Nicollet County State Aid Highway 13 from 506th Street to Highway 99 project with the 2022 Excellence in Concrete Pavement Award in the Streets and Roads Overlays category. This was the first time the county has received such an award.

There was a national ceremony in Nashville, Tenn at the ACPA annual conference. The county did previously

win the 2021 County Overlays Award from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota, according to the Mankato Free Press.

Nicollet County Public Works, along with Croell Inc., a New Hampton, Iowabased contractor, worked on the $4.9 million project. The project was ongoing from June to September 2021 and was for road surface rehabilitation. More than five miles of road was paved with seven inches of concrete. The pavement will likely last 30 years or so before it needs to be repaired again. The shoulder was repaved too, a cost-effective measure.

Hy-Vee Voluntarily Recalls Pot Roast Meals Due to Presence of Wheat Allergen

Motorists should be prepared for a slow commute late tonight through Thursday.

NWS snowfall totals.

MnDOT snowplows will be on the roads. MnDOT has 83 snowplows in its 13-county Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, of its Hy-Vee Mealtime Beef Pot Roast Iowa, is voluntarily recalling two varieties Continued on Page 4 southcentral MN district.

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Thursday, January 19, 2023

Nicollet County Ledger

Pastor's Corner Column

By Pastor Micah Plocher Trinity Lutheran Church

MnSure Scams

MnSure ST. PAUL, Minn.—MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace, encourages consumers to be aware of scams targeting Minnesotans who need health insurance during the open enrollment period that runs through January 15, 2023. Scammers may use high-pressure phone calls or misleading websites to obtain personal information or try to fool Minnesotans into purchasing products that do not provide comprehensive coverage.

For example, if you search for “MNsure” online, you may see ads or websites that appear to be the official MNsure website but are not. Some of these sites collect your contact information and may bombard you with phone calls Scammers also may claim they can find you a better plan for less money or threaten that your coverage will be discontinued if you don’t re-enroll.

Here are four tips to verify you’re working with MNsure and purchasing comprehensive health care coverage: 1. Watch out for unsolicited calls, especially those that require immediate payment. MNsure has a statewide network of certified brokers and navigators who can help Minnesotans apply and enroll in health coverage, but they provide this help for free. MNsure will never cold call you to try and sell you health insurance or give your phone number to a broker without your prior permission, and MNsure will never call and ask for a Social Security number, credit card or bank account number.

2. Check the website URL. Make sure to click on MNsure.org if using a search engine, or type MNsure.org into the address bar.

3. Take advantage of MNsure’s free and anonymous cost estimates online.

MNsure.org has a cost estimator tool that allows you to shop for health plans without submitting your contact information. Be careful with websites that insist on collecting your telephone number to provide you with an estimate.

Providing your telephone number to these websites may lead to numerous unwanted calls.

4. Make sure you’re buying comprehensive coverage. All plans sold on MNsure.org include essential health benefits and important consumer protections – anything less may leave you in a lurch if you get sick or have to go to a hospital. Plans available outside of MNsure may not include the same benefits and protections.

More tips to protect against fraud and how to report suspected fraud are available on the MNsure website.

For free help with the application process, you can connect with a MNsurecertified broker or navigator in your area. If you need additional assistance, please call MNsure's Contact Center at 651-539-2099 (855-366-7873 outside the Twin Cities).

Increasing Number of Minnesota Residents Connecting to Internet from Mediacom Using Federal Broadband Benefit WASECA, MN – January 10, 2023 -- Mediacom Communications reported today that it enrolled more than 40,000 customers in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a new federal program which provides eligible households $30 per month off their internet bills.

Among Mediacom customers receiving the ACP benefit today, over 2,300 are Minnesota residents living in smaller cities and towns across the state where the company’s fiber network delivers broadband service. With more economically vulnerable families eligible to use the ACP benefit, Mediacom is expanding its efforts to raise awareness for the program that just celebrated its one-year anniversary.

The ACP benefit is offered through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It provides qualifying households with a monthly credit of up to $30 toward service from participating Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The ACP credit can be applied to any residential service Mediacom offers.

To deliver maximum cost savings to families, Mediacom created a $30 internet plan called Connect-2-Complete Plus (C2C+). Mediacom waives installation and equipment fees for ACP-eligible customers subscribing to this plan. When paired with the $30 ACP credit, this allows households to receive Mediacom’s C2C+ service at no cost.

“On a daily basis, people need to access online resources for work, school and healthcare,” said Mediacom Regional Vice President Bill Jensen. “A home connection is essential, and that’s why our technicians connect more people every week who can use the ACP benefit with Mediacom to gain reliably-fast internet and Wi-Fi in their homes.”

Jensen explained that Mediacom’s network reaches residents and businesses in 185 Minnesota communities and townships, with customers across 47 counties currently using the ACP benefit.

“Mediacom was founded on the idea that America’s small communities deserve the same or better telecommunications services as our nation’s large, metropolitan areas. Acting on this mission, we’ve connected thousands of families in communities from border-to-border across Minnesota,” Jensen said.

CONTINUED ABOVE, RIGHT

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.

Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.

(Psalm 119:1-2) Maybe you’ve noticed that the more you play a board game, the less the game you play looks like the game you bought. At first, of course, when you open the game up for the first time, you read the rules to make sure you’re doing things right, make sure the game is working as designed. But after you’re familiar with how the game feels, it’s almost inevitable that you start to develop house rules. You change something here to make it more fun, make it so your brother can’t do that there - in short, you make the rules your own.

It seems like that’s the way human nature just is. The more familiar we get with the way things are, the way things work, the more we want to push the limits. It happens at your job as you learn what slides with your boss and what doesn’t. It happens in a marriage when the things you agreed to and put effort into at the beginning melt away into a comfortable (and lazy?) routine. It happens anywhere we settle into “the way things are done here.”

Those are just a few examples, but can anyone truthfully say that they haven’t got their own set of “house rules” for life? Even as Christians - we have the Bible, we have God’s law, but maybe it’s because we’re so familiar with it that we’re so comfortable treating it as flexible. “This part of God’s Word makes me feel guilty, so I’m going to pretend like I never read it.” “This section really challenges me to do something that would take effort, so I’m just going to ignore it.” “This section seems like it confirms what I want to believe, so I’m going to cherry pick it to show that I’m right.” We treat God’s Word like a buffet where we can take what we want and leave what we don’t.

But God’s law isn’t a buffet. There is no flexibility. It speaks in no uncertain terms: only those who fully obey, who walk perfectly according to the law of the LORD are blameless. When we try to follow our own “house rules,” we twist and forsake what God has set up as the only way to “play the game.” What we end up doing is playing our own game, and completely losing out on the prize God set up for his.

It doesn’t work out so well when we follow our own rules, but what if God’s the one who changes the game? What if he’s the one who follows the rules for us? What if he’s the one who wins the prize? What if he’s the one who turns around to give that prize to us and makes a new decree, a new command: Not “Do!” but “Receive!”

Then, dear friends, you are blessed! Through Jesus, God gives the gift of forgiveness, the gift of reconciliation, the gift of heaven to you. Despite the fact that you haven’t kept the rules, despite the fact that you superimpose your own on top of his, you own a perfect record. And the only command is, “Take! Because I love to freely give.”

How could we not love that law? How could we not rejoice to obey that command? Remain steadfast in God’s decrees that your ways are blameless. And it’s he who makes it so.

First African American Supreme Court Judge and Former MN Viking Football Player Visited Gustavus Adolphus College for MLK Day Event Alan C. Page visited Gastavus Adolphus College as a visitor for a Martin Luther King Day holiday in Saint Peter on January 18. The annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration emphasizes the continuing struggle for civil rights in the United States and around the world. Gustavus was honored to be joined by Justice Page, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice of Minnesota. As a justice of 23 years, as well as a former college and NFL football player, Page is well-versed in the realities of racism in the worlds of athletics and the judicial system.

Page was born August 7, 1945, in Canton, Ohio. He graduated from Canton Central Catholic High School in 1963, and received his B.A. in political science from the University of Notre Dame in 1967 and his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1978.

After graduating from law school, Alan Page worked as an attorney for a law firm in Minneapolis, then served seven years as an attorney in the office of the Minnesota Attorney General.

He sought election to the Minnesota Supreme Court in 1992 and won, becoming the first African American on the court and one of the few associate justices ever to join the court initially through election, rather than appointment by the governor.

When Justice Page was reelected in 1998, he became the biggest vote-getter in Minnesota history. He was reelected in 2004 and 2010 and served until he reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 in 2015. In 2018, Alan Page was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Law was Alan Page’s second career; he was first known for his skills in football both in college and in the NFL. At Notre Dame, Alan Page led the school’s storied football program to the 1966 national championship, and in 1993 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Alan Page was a first-round draft choice of the Minnesota Vikings in 1967 and he played for the Vikings until 1978. The last three years of his football career were with the Chicago Bears, 1978–1981. During his career, Alan Page played in 218 consecutive games, earning All-Pro honors six times, and was voted to nine consecutive Pro Bowls. In 1971 he was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, becoming only the second defensive player in history to be named MVP. In 1988 Alan Page was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Also in 1988, Justice Page and his late wife Diane founded the Page Education Foundation, which assists Minnesota students of color in their pursuit of post-secondary education. To date, the foundation has awarded $16 million in grants to 8,000 students.

Justice Page and his daughter, Kamie Page, have written four children’s picture books, Bee Love (Can Be Hard) (2020), Grandpa Alan’s Sugar Shack (2017), The Invisible You (2014) and Alan and His Perfectly Pointy Impossibly Perpendicular Pinky (2013).

In November 2018, Justice Page received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Company continues to close digital divide as more incomechallenged residents gain access (continued from left) The FCC awards the monthly ACP credit to families with income at 200% of the federal poverty guideline or lower, and to those who qualify for certain other forms of government assistance. The broadband credit is limited to one per household. The ACP benefit is available to both new and existing Mediacom customers who qualify.

Individuals interested in participating in the ACP must confirm eligibility to enroll in the program.

Information is available at local Mediacom service centers or by calling: 855-330-6918 (toll-free).

Program details are presented in English and non-English languages at the online site: http://mediacomcable.com/acp.

Thursday, January 19, 2023 Nicollet County Ledger

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Lafayette City Council Continued from Page 1

former Lafayette Charter School lot owned by Heimat Properties, LLC from residential to commercial. The rezone was approved in December and the council finalized it at the meeting Monday, January 9.

Other items discussed at the meeting included a fire truck discussion, a park and rec agreement, civic appointments, authorized signers, donations, bills, meeting schedule, fee schedule and 2023 lawn mowing bids. Bids came from River Valley Lawn Care, AP Lawn Service and Helget Lawn Service.

Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan Announce Appointments Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board of Optometry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, Compensation Council, Legislative Salary Council, and Technology Advisory Council.

Shari Koll – Springfield, MN Board of Optometry Public Member Effective: January 18, 2023 Term Expires: January 4, 2027 Reappointment Sam Villella – Blaine, MN Board of Optometry Optometrist Effective: January 18, 2023 Term Expires: January 4, 2027 Reappointment About the Board of Optometry: The Board of Optometry licenses optometrists, adopts rules, and investigates complaints.

Additional information about the Board of Optometry can be found on theSecretary of State’s website.

Julie Dahlke – West St. Paul, MN Board of Veterinary Medicine Veterinarian Member Effective: January 18, 2023 Term Expires: January 4, 2027 Reappointment John Howe – Grand Rapids, MN Board of Veterinary Medicine Veterinarian Member Effective: January 18, 2023 Term Expires: January 4, 2027 Replacing: Michelle Vaughn About the Board of Veterinary Medicine: The Board of Veterinary Medicine licenses and regulates veterinarians, registers veterinary corporations, and investigates complaints against veterinarians and

and unlicensed persons practicing veterinary medicine.

Additional information about the Board of Veterinary Medicine can be found on theSecretary of State’s website.

Noah Hobbs – Duluth, MN Compensation Council Member Effective: January 18, 2023 Term Expires: April 3, 2023 Reappointment Samuel Kaplan – Minneapolis, MN Compensation Council Member Effective: January 18, 2023 Term Expires: April 3, 2023 Reappointment Amy Koch – St. Paul, MN Compensation Council Member Effective: January 18, 2023 Term Expires: April 3, 2023 Replacing: James Fox Amanda Matchett – Blaine, MN Compensation Council Member Effective: January 18, 2023 Term Expires: April 3, 2023 Reappointment Amber Naqvi – Eagan, MN Compensation Council Member Effective: January 18, 2023 Term Expires: April 3, 2023 Replacing: Sean Dowse Jason Resseman – Lanesboro, MN Compensation Council Member Effective: January 18, 2023 Term Expires: April 3, 2023 Replacing: Kathleen Meyerle Scott Van Binsbergen – Montevideo, MN Compensation Council Member Effective: January 18, 2023 Term Expires: April 3, 2023 Reappointment Charles Weaver – Minneapolis, MN Compensation Council Member Effective: January 18, 2023 Term Expires: April 3, 2023 Reappointment

Gov. Walz Reappoints Patricia Milun to Workers’ Comp Court of Appeals ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the reappointment of the Honorable Patricia J. Milun as a judge of the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals (WCCA) for a six-year term. Governor Walz also redesignated her as chief judge.

“I am excited to announce the reappointment of Chief Judge Milun to the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals,” said Governor Walz.

“Her leadership has been vital to the court’s stability and strong reputation, and I am confident that she will continue to serve with distinction for years to come.”

“I applaud Chief Judge Milun’s reappointment to the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Her commitment to public service and proven leadership skills will continue to benefit the court in its important work.”

Chief Judge Patricia Milun serves as the chief judge of the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals. Governor Mark Dayton initially appointed her to the WCCA in 2011, designating her as chief judge at the same time.

Governor Dayton reappointed her to both positions in 2017. She previously served as the

Chief Workers’ Compensation Settlement Judge at the Department of Labor and Industry. Chief Judge Milun has also served as a workers’ compensation and administrative law judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings. Her community involvement includes mentoring students at the University of St. Thomas School of Law and the University of Minnesota Law School. Chief Judge Milun also serves on the Customer Experience Certificate Program Advisory Panel at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She earned her B.A. from the College of St. Benedict and her J.D. from William Mitchell College of

Law. The Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals is an independent agency in Minnesota’s executive branch. The WCCA reviews workers’ compensation cases decided by the Office of Administrative Hearings and the Workers’ Compensation Division at the Department of Labor and Industry.

Lafayette City Council 2023 Meetings Schedule January 9 7:00 pm February 13 7:00 pm March 13 7:00 pm April 10 6:30 pm * Local Board Appeals & Equalization (LBAE) hearing April 10 6:30 pm * council meeting will proceed after hearing May 8 7:00 pm June 12 6:00 pm *City Blight tour prior to the council meeting July 12 7:00 pm * (Wednesday) August 14 7:00 pm August 21 7:00 pm September 12 7:00 pm *(Tuesday) October 9 7:00 pm November 13 7:00 pm December 5* 7:00 pm *(Tuesday) December 11 7:00 pm

Public Notices

INTERIM ORDINANCE NO. 23- consumption provided such 101 products do not contain more than 0.3% of AN INTERIM ORDINANCE tetrahydrocannabinol ("THC") TEMORARILY PROHIBITING nor more than five milligrams SALES AND DISTRIBUTION OF of THC in a single serving, or more than a total of 50 CERTAIN THC PRODUCTS milligrams of THC per package Products").

The THE CITY OF COURTLAND DOES ("THC Amendment was effective on ORDAIN: July 1, 2022.

Section 1. Authority and Findings.

The Amendment establishes The Minnesota Legislature recently certain labeling and testing amended Minnesota Statutes, requirements, but does not licensing section 151.72 ("Amendment") establish relating to the sale of certain requirements nor prohibits cannabinoid products.

The local regulation.

Amendment permits the sale of Minnesota Statutes, section edible cannabinoid products for

462.355, subd. 4 provides that if a municipality has authorized a study related to potential adoption or amendment to an official control, the city council may adopt an interim ordinance for the purpose of protecting the planning process and the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. An interim ordinance may regulate, restrict, or prohibit any use within the city for a period of up to one (1) year.

462.355, subd. 4 provides that if a municipality has authorized a study related to potential adoption or amendment to an official control, the city council may adopt an interim ordinance for the purpose of protecting the planning process and the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. An interim ordinance may regulate, restrict, or prohibit any use within the city for a period of up to one (1) year.

The City Council believes that studying the sales and distribution of THC Products is necessary to evaluate the regulatory options available to

The City Council believes that studying the sales and distribution of THC Products is necessary to evaluate the regulatory options available to

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the City for the purpose of the health and safety protecting the health and of the residents of safety of Courtland' s Courtland. residents.

Section 2. Study. The 1. This interim ordinance is City Council hereby necessary to preserve the authorizes and directs public peace, health, City staff to study the morals, safety, and welfare issues relating to the because of the inherent risk sales and distribution of injury to persons related of THC Products and to the recently legalized then make a sale of edible cannabinoid recommendation to the products containing THC. A City Council about prohibition on uses related whether to amend to the sale of such products zoning, businessis necessary to ensure that licensing, or other the City has sufficient time general ordinances to to study potential protect the residents regulations that will protect Continued next page

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Nicollet County Ledger

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Public Notices Continued of Courtland.

Section 3. following established:

Moratorium. moratorium

The is

1. During the term of this Ordinance, the City staff will not issue any license or permit, nor accept or process any applications for uses related to the sale or distribution of THC Products.

1. This moratorium does not 1. No business, person or entity apply to the sale of may establish or continue a products that were lawfully use that includes or involves sold in the City prior to the the sale or distribution of THC July 1, 2022 effective date Products for a period of up to of the Amendment. one (1) year from the effective date of this Ordinance or until Section 4. Enforcement. In the Council repeals this addition to any criminal Ordinance, whichever occurs penalties allowed by law, the City may enforce this Interim first.

Ordinance by injunction or any

other appropriate civil remedy in any court of competent jurisdiction. A violation is also subject to any general penalty in the City's ordinances.

Section 5. Severability. Every section, subsection, provision, or part of this Ordinance is declared severable from every other section, subsection, provision, or part. If any section, subsection, provision, or part of this interim ordinance is adjudged to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall not invalidate any other section, subsection, provision, or part.

Section 6. Effective Date; Duration.

This emergency ordinance shall become effective immediately upon publication as provided by law.

It shall be effective until the earlier of the following events: (a) one (1) year from the effective date of this Ordinance or (b) the date upon which the City Council adopts an ordinance repealing this Ordinance.

Section 7. Summary. The Council approves the following summary for publication to clearly inform the public of this Ordinance:

The Ordinance authorizes a study related to the sales or distribution of recently legalized consumable cannabinoid products. Staff will make a recommendation to the City Council about whether to amend its zoning, businesslicensing, or other general ordinances. During the term of this Ordinance, no business, person, or entity may establish or continue a use that includes or involves the sale or distribution of consumable cannabinoid products legalized on July 1, 2022 by the amendment to Minnesota Statutes, section 151.72.

Passed by the City Council this 5th day of January 2023.

Al Poehler, Mayor Julie Holm, City Clerk

HyVee Recall Continued From Page 1

Dinners due to the presence of an undeclared wheat allergen. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Hy-Vee was made aware that the gravy mix used in the meals, produced between Dec. 26, 2022, and Jan. 17, 2023, contains a wheat allergen that was not listed on the ingredients label.

The entrees were distributed to Hy-Vee’s grocery stores, Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh stores, and Dollar Fresh Market stores across its eight-state region of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The meals come in either a small or medium plastic container with a clear lid and were available for purchase between Dec. 27, 2022, and Jan. 17, 2023.

UPC: Variety and Size: 0075450243772 ($5) Beef Pot Roast Dinner with Mashed Potatoes & Corn - 11.6 oz (327 g) 0075450485394 ($10) Beef Pot Roast Dinner with Mashed Potatoes & Carrots - 25.5 oz (723 g)

Product Details

Hy-Vee has voluntarily removed all affected Hy-Vee Mealtime Beef Pot Roast Dinner entrees from its shelves. Customers who purchased the product and have a wheat sensitivity should dispose of the product or return it to their local Hy-Vee store for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact Hy-Vee Customer Care representatives at (800) 772-4098 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a health care provider.

RNDC Appoints Its Six New Commissioners Region Nine Development Council Mankato, MN- Region Nine Development Commission (RNDC) appointed six commissioners during its January meeting.

The appointees are Patty O’Connor representing Blue Earth County, Eagle Lake Mayor Lisa Norton representing Blue Earth County cities under 10,000, Kiester Mayor Doug Trytten representing Faribault County cities under

10,000, Mary Milbrath representing Nicollet County townships, Bob Nielsen representing Sibley County townships, and Paul Harris representing Watonwan County cities under 10,000.

Five of the appointees are serving on the commission for the first time and Trytten is returning to the commission after a brief hiatus.

RNDC serves a nine-county region in Southern Minnesota and is governed by a board of

Finstad Cosponsors Legislation to Audit the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) joined Rep. Thomas Massie (KY-04) and 28 House Republican colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 24, the Federal Reserve Transparency Act. Known as “Audit the Fed,” this legislation would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a full examination of the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve banks.

“One of the fundamental responsibilities of Congress is to conduct oversight over federal agencies and programs, which includes the Federal Reserve,” said Congressman Finstad. “The Fed is ultimately responsible for determining the monetary policy that directs the world’s largest economy, and ought to be accountable to the people’s representatives. I support the Federal Reserve Transparency Act because Americans deserve transparency from the institution that is responsible for managing the nation’s money supply.”

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directors and the commissioners. Commissioners guide the work of the RNDC staff by representing the interests of their respective counties.

Since 1972, being a partner for progress has led to the development of programs and identification of solutions in the areas of community development, economic development, transportation, healthy communities, business development, and leveraging regional resources.

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Nicollet County Ledger

DNR looking to fill 200 paid summer internships

DNR Photo The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is looking for passionate and dedicated students interested in learning more about natural resource careers through paid summer internships. DNR summer interns gain valuable training, build meaningful experience and share their knowledge and perspectives to help create a healthy, sustainable, and inclusive Minnesota.

The DNR has a wide variety of internship opportunities throughout the state, including in fisheries, forestry, park operations, watercraft inspections, communications and more. Interns work 20 to 40 hours per week and are paid $15 per hour. To be considered for an internship, applicants must be enrolled students fulfilling an academic requirement or receiving academic credit.

Applicants will be accepted through Jan. 31. Positions will start in May and June.

The DNR is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.

We celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.

To request an accommodation or alternative format of the applications, please contact us at: ADAdiversity.DNR@state.mn.us; 651-259-5016; or call using a preferred telecommunications relay provider.

NEW CLASSIFIED AD RATES FOR 2023 info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Starting at $15 per week info@nicolletcountyledger.com

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Thursday, January 19, 2023

Focus on Ag

By KENT THIESSE Farm Management Analyst Vice President, MinnStar Bank The monthly USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report released on Jan. 12 was viewed as bullish by most grain marketing analysts and had an immediate positive effect on corn and soybean prices. The January WASDE Report, which is often known as a “market mover,” showed some noteworthy adjustments to final 2022 corn and soybean production and supply number; however, the report also showed a slight decrease in corn and soybean demand for the coming year. The immediate market reaction following the release of the WASDE report for corn and soybean prices on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) was quite positive.

Corn The final National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) 2022 Crop Production Report was also released on Jan. 12. The report estimated the final 2022 U.S. average corn yield at 173.3 bu./acre, which increased by one bushel per acre from the December estimate. The 2022 corn yield estimate compares to 176.7 bushels per acre in 2021 and 171.4 bushels per acre in 2020. Minnesota is estimated to have a final 2022 statewide average corn yield of 195 bushels, while Iowa is projected to have a final corn yield of 200 bushels per acre for 2022. Other estimated average corn yields for 2022 included Illinois at the record yield of 214 bushels per acre, Indiana at 190 bushels per acre, Ohio at 187 bushels per acre, Wisconsin at 180 bushels and North Dakota at 131 bushels per acre. The drought-stricken states of Nebraska and South Dakota are projected to have final 2022 corn yields of 165 and 132 bushels per acre respectively.

The latest WASDE report showed a slight decrease in the total 2022 U.S. corn production, which is now estimated at 13.73 billion bushels. This is a decrease of 200 million bushels from the December estimate and is over 1.3 billion bushels below 2021 corn production level. The latest USDA

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USDA Provides Bullish WASDE Report on Jan. 12

(FOCUS ON AG) Continued From Left report also put the total demand for corn usage in 2022-23 at just over 13.9 billion bushels, which is a decrease of over one billion bushels from 2021-22 corn usage figures. Corn export levels are projected to decrease by 546 million bushels in 2022-23, along with a decrease in corn used for feed of 443 million bushels and a decrease of 51 million bushels in corn used for ethanol production in the coming year. The January USDA report listed the total available supply of corn available at 15.157 billion bushels, which compares to 16.333 billion bushels in January of 2022.

The USDA is now estimating 2022-23 U.S. corn ending stocks at 1.242 billion bushels, which is a decrease of 15 million bushels from the December WASDE report. The USDA was projecting 2021-22 corn ending stocks at just over 1.5 billion bushels a year ago in the January WASDE report; however, the final 2021-22 ending stocks closed at an estimated 1.377 billion bushels on Aug. 31, 2022. The U.S. corn stocksto-use ratio is now estimated at 8.9% for 2021-22, which would be just below the 9.2% ratio for 2021-22 and just above 8.3% in 2020-21. The recent ratios compare to corn stocks-to-use ratios of 13.7% for 2019-20, 14.6% for 2018-19, and 14.5% in 2017-18. This means there could be potential for short-term rallies in the cash corn market in the coming months, especially in areas of the U.S. with tight supplies and high local corn demand.

The USDA is currently estimating the U.S. average on-farm cash corn price for 2022-23 at $6.70 per bushel, which is at the same level as the December estimate. The projected 2022-23 market year average (MYA) corn price represents the highest WASDE estimated average corn price in nearly a decade. The 2022-23 USDA price estimates are the expected average farm-level prices for the 2022 crop from Sept. 1, 2022, to Aug. 31, 2023; however, they do not represent estimated prices for either the 2022 or 2023 calendar year. The current projected 2022-23 average price of $6.70 per bushel compares to national average corn prices of $6.00 per bushel in 2021-22, $4.53 per bushel in 2020-21, $3.57 per bushel for 2019-20, $3.61 per bushel for 2018-19, and $3.36 per bushel for both 2017-18 and 2016-17.

Soybeans The latest NASS report estimates the final 2022 U.S. average soybean yield at 49.5 bushels per acre, which is down from the final U.S. average yields of 51.7 bushels per acre in 2021 and 51 bushels per acre in 2020. Total U.S. soybean production for 2022 is now estimated at 4.276 billion bushels, which is a decrease of 189 million bushels from final 2021 production levels. The recent WASDE report estimates total soybean demand at 4.355 billion bushels for the 2022-23 marketing year, which is a decline of 109 million bushels from 2021-22 soybean demand levels. Soybean crush levels are expected to increase by 41 million bushels in the current marketing year; however, soybean export levels are expected to decline by 168 million bushels during 2022-23.

The U.S. soybean ending stocks for the 2022-23 marketing year in the latest WASDE Report are estimated at 210 million bushels, which was a decrease of 10 million bushels from the December WASDE report. The projected 2022-23 soybean ending stocks are a decrease of 23% from the estimated 2021-22 carryout level of 274 million bushels. The projected 2022-23 soybean ending stocks compare to other recent year-end carryout levels of 257 million bushels for 2020-21, 525 million bushels for 2019-20, 913 million bushels for 2018-19, and 438 million bushels for 2017-18.

The soybean stocks-to-use ratio for 2022-23 is now estimated at 4.8%, which would be the lowest level since 2.6% in 2013. The projected 2022-23 ratio compares to tight ratios of 6.1% for 2021-22 and 5.7% in 2020-21; however, the current ratio is considerably lower than soybean stocks-to-use ratios of 23% for 2018-19 and 13.3% for 2019-20. The expected rather tight soybean supply may offer some opportunities for continued strong cash soybean prices in the coming months, especially if weather issues develop in South America or with the 2023 U.S. soybean crop.

The USDA is now projecting the U.S. average farm-level soybean price for the 2022-23 marketing year at $14.20 per bushel, which was an increase of $.20 per bushel from the December estimate. The estimated 2022-23 U.S. average soybean price would be the highest in nearly a decade. The 2022-23 soybean price estimate compares to other recent yearly average soybean prices of $13.30 per bushel for 2021-22, $10.80 per bushel for 2020-21, $8.57 per bushel for 2019-20, $8.48 per bushel for 2018-19 and $9.35 per bushel for 2017-18.

Marketing Decisions Many farm operators will tell you that grain marketing decisions are one of the hardest parts of farming, which is especially true during periods of highly volatile markets such as we have experienced the past two years. A year ago, December corn futures on the CBOT were below $5.60 per bushel for new crop 2022 corn, with local 2022 fall harvest prices in Southern Minnesota at just above $5 per bushel. By May, the futures price had risen to near $7.50 per bushel and the local harvest cash corn price to over $7 per bushel, with only a slight price decline for the balance of 2022. Similarly, CBOT November soybean futures for 2022 were just over $13 per bushel in January last year, with a local Southern Minnesota harvest price near $12.50 per bushel for the fall of 2022. By June, the CBOT November futures price and some local cash soybean bids had risen above $15 per bushel before declining slightly to just over $14.50 per bushel by year-end.

During 2021 and 2022 many farmers began selling their anticipated corn and soybean production quite aggressively early in the year, once the local cash price got into a profitable price range, thus missing higher potential prices that occurred later in the year. Given the scenarios that existed prior to planting in both years, these were not bad marketing decisions to sell some of the anticipated crop production at profitable levels in order to reduce risk. Now producers are wondering what to do about protecting prices for the 2023 corn and soybean crop. Being able to lock in local 2023 cash prices near $5.50 per bushel for corn and over $13 per bushel for soybeans offers some of the best pre-plant marketing opportunities that we have seen in many years.