Nicollet County Ledger January 21, 2024

January 21, 2024 | South Central News & Media

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The ‘Ledger’ Newspaper Turns 120 This Year: A Look Back in Time

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

LAFAYETTE – The Nicollet County Ledger celebrates 120 years of publishing local news this year. The Nicollet County Ledger, published by South Central News & Media LLC is the former Lafayette-Nicollet Ledger that was previously published by Prairie Publishing in Madelia. Before that, the Ledger was published as the Lafayette Ledger, its original name. In 1972, its name changed to the Lafayette Nicollet Ledger. In July 2022, it was acquired

by South Central News & Media LLC to become the Nicollet County Ledger to slightly expand its news coverage and add more digital products and services. The paper had a rocky transition after the acquisition from Lee Zion, who backed out on the transaction to transfer the paper to Robert Lawson

dba Lawson Media & Publishing and transferred to Michael Lemmer, former KNUJ radio professional. Zion planned to travel to Ukraine after the Russian invasion of the country, which he did after Lawson filed suit against him in Nicollet County District Court. Zion had called the Madelia Times Messenger publisher allegedly looking for employment after his failed attempt to “help” in Ukraine. Just prior to this, Zion published inappropriate sexual content in the last issue of the Lafayette Nicollet Ledger. Lemmer had told Zion to leave the Ledger and that he was not welcome back and agreed to partner with Lawson at South Central News & Media LLC before abandoning his post as Managing Editor and leaving town. Lemmer is rumored to be in Florida currently. Zion had purchased the Ledger from Michael Koob, an experienced former local publisher with Prairie Publishing, which was purchased by the current Madelia

Times Messenger Publisher, Jeff Van Hee, Van Hee Media.

The Lafayette Ledger was founded and published by Winson Cooley in 1904, according to the Minnesota Historical Society. Its first issue was dated May 14.

C. C. Cooley was the first editor of the Ledger. At the time, it was a Saturday paper. Under the last few publishers up until 2022, it was published on Thursdays. In the early days, the paper was still generally around 8 pages with 6 columns of content, which is generally its same format today. Lafayette’s local economy was mostly involved with grain, lumber, agriculture and dairy farming. Ag/market news was the focus of the paper in the early 1900s.

Its coverage focused on everything from local to global news, schools and church news. Roy S. Peterson took over the Ledger in February 1905. He was

Continued on page 5

South Central MN Housing Market Reports for December and 2023

Lafayette Nicollet Ledger from January 21, 1982, exactly 42 years ago.

North Mankato’s 125th Anniversary Proclamation at First Council Site

Left: See the full map from Minnesota Realtors Association on the back page, along with statewide results from their analysis. Right: Wikimedia Commons Image dated March 2022.

By Minnesota Realtors pending sales rose 8.7 percent while since 2019 Association interest rates are beginning to fall.

Lowest level of pending sales Minnesota Realtors said it is no since 2010 Minnesota Realtors reported surprise that the takeaways for 2023 Sales down over 30% from 2019 December and 2023 annual hous- for the state show the following, levels ing market statistical data. In the according to the analysis: Median sale price has risen every South Central region specifically, A down year overall with higher year since 2012 new listings are up 63 percent from interest rates (hovering around 7 perA trend is showing more buyers December 2022. Also, pending sales cent most of the year) are opting for smaller homes (relatare up 68.8 percent from December Lowest level of closed sales since ed to this national theme), creating 2022. Statewide, December shows 2010 added demand for affordable, entrynew listings are up 12 percent and New listings down every year level homes, the group said.

The North Mankato City Council made a proclamation at the site of the first North Mankato City Council meeting.

NORTH

MANKATO

– a separate village from the town- Wednesday to read a proclamation

January 10, 2024, ship of Belgrade, by a 74 to 53 recognizing the anniversary date.

H A V E Wednesday, marked the 125th Anniversary of vote.

This is the first of a few special first council meeting of the To honor this anniversary, Mayor events that will be held throughout Y O U the City of North Mankato! Their first Scott Carlson, council members, 2024 to celebrate North Mankato’s council meeting was held on and staff gathered at the site of the 125th Anniversary. Watch for more NOTICED village this date in 1899 after citizens voted first council meeting (322 Wheeler information to come from the City ??????? to incorporate North Mankato into Ave., the home of O.E. Bennett) on of North Mankato.

HAVE YOU NOTICED Rep. Jeff Brand joins Governor Tim THAT THE NICOLLET COUNTY LEDGER Walz on tour of Blue Earth County NEWSPAPER WEBSITE CONTINUES TO Justice Center, St. Peter High School

PERIODICALLY CHANGE THE IMAGE ON ITS BACKGROUND ON THE HOMEPAGE?

SAINT PETER - Thursday, Rep. Jeff Brand (DFL – Saint Peter) joined Governor Tim Walz in Mankato and Saint Peter to support bonding projects in District 18A. Namely, the Blue Earth County Justice Center is

seeking investment for its Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Lab. Rep. Brand is a co-author of the legislation for the investment. Governor Walz also stopped by St. Peter High School, which received state grants

to include solar panels as an energy source. Yesterday, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan also announced a new round of applications for Minnesota’s Solar for

Continued on page 5

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Facebook.com/nicolletcountyledger Nicollet County Ledger P.O. Box 212 Lafayette MN 56054

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Nicollet County Ledger

Ad From the Past

Sunday, January 21, 2024

News from the Archives Saturday and Sunday with their father, W. C. Milliman, in Bernadotte.

They came here to observe Mr. 100 Years Ago – Feb. 14, 1920 Milliman’s birthday anniversary, Miss Anna Ebert is employed which was on Saturday. as domestic at the Reuben Lund 50 Years Ago – Feb. 19, 1970 home.

Those who spent the weekRobert Isenberg, H. E. Hedren and Henry Johnson attended the end at the Ambassador Motel in Oldsmobile dealers’ convention at Minneapolis as guests of Land O the Radisson hotel at Minneapolis Lakes were Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Berdan, Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon last week.

John Satterman will erect his Swenson, Mr. and Mrs. Richard saw mill at the John Lund farm Portner, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Isaacson two miles northeast from Lafayette. and Mr. and Mrs. Leo Marti.

Lois Wellnitz of Princeton spent Those who desire to have lumber sawed may haul the logs over there the weekend here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Wellnitz. now at any time.

Those who gathered at the Gerald Buttermaker Sjostrom of Klossner Forst home Sunday to honor Robert transacted business here Monday.

Aug. A. Johnson has bought the Hamann who is home on furlough, former J. P. Sjogren residence on were, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Schroeder Church Street and will reside there and family of New Ulm, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Meyer and boys, Mr. after March 1st.

Alvin Fjell is installing booths and Mrs. Delton Hamann and famin the H. F. Anderson restaurant. ily, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Bieraugel This makes a great improvement and Mrs. Rose Hamann.

Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Maidl to Anderson’s ice cream parlor.

There will be a greater demand for and family went to the airport in ice cream hereafter, by the young Minneapolis Wednesday to get their daughter, Diane and Deanna folks.

Mrs. C. O. Gustafson of St. Schmitz, who returned that day Peter arrived here Thursday and from a five day visit at the Tony will stay at the Anton Malmberg Cranford home at Metairie, La. home for a while. With her came They also attended the Mardi Gras Curtis Malmberg who has been vis- at New Orleans while there.

Narve Nelson and Otis Muller iting with grandma Gustafson since returned Monday evening from a Christmas.

Pete and Albert Peterson of week’s fishing at Leech Lake with Alfsborg have rented the Freeman Mr. and Mrs. Harold Woods of Gibbon.

Anderson farm in New Sweden.

Forester members from this area Decorator Fjell is painting John who attended the C.O.F. Bowling Peterson’s Ford.

The local W.C.T.U. will meet with Tournament at St. Peter Sunday Mrs. T. F. Bergquist next Tuesday were Gerald, Richard and Ronald Seitz, Alphonse Goblirsch, Jerome afternoon, Feb. 17.

E. O. Abrahamson and family Weisensel, Leo Maidl, Marion and Henry Abrahamson visited Bushard and Clarence Maidl.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hatch of at the Rudell home at Winthrop Rochester spent the weekend at the Sunday.

Miss Claudia Swenson of Otis Muller home.

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Eckberg Minneapolis visited here over visited at the Carl Lund home in St. Sunday.

John Johnson of Parshall, N. D., Peter Friday evening. was a visitor with his bro-in-law C. NICOLLET LEADER H. Nelson over Sunday.

LAFAYETTE LEDGER

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Focus on Ag

Current Farm Bill Extended Through 2024

By Kent Thiesse

Farm management analyst kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com

In mid-November the U.S. House and Senate passed a continuing resolution that provided additional federal funding to avoid a government shutdown at the federal level. The continuing resolution that was passed and signed into law also extends the current Farm Bill for one year through September 30, 2024. This means that the current farm program and crop insurance provisions will remain in place through the 2024 crop year. It also will keep other important federal programs such as the Dairy Margon Coverage (DMC) program, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other popular USDA programs in place for at least another year.

The extension will also limit any

immediate changes to the Nutrition Title of the Farm Bill, which funds food assistance programs through SNAP, WIC, and the school lunch program.

The current Farm Bill, known as the “Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018”, expired on September 30, 2023. Even though both houses of Congress held multiple hearings and listening sessions during the past year, no formal legislation for a new Farm Bill has been proposed in either house of Congress. Once a formalized Farm Bill is proposed and discussed, it will need to be passed by both houses of Congress and signed by President Biden before it can be enacted. It was not realistic to complete this process on a timely basis in order to avoid gaps in the continuation of some important USDA programs, which is why a one-year extension was passed by

See FOCUS ON AG, page 5

75 Years Ago – Feb. 16, 1945 W. H. Krohn and family visited at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Swartz in St. Paul, Sunday.

Mrs. Justine Jacobson entertained a group of ladies at her home Saturday afternoon in observance of her birthday anniversary.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Nelson of Winthrop, Mrs. Theo. Ostrom and Grace, of New Sweden, visited Sunday afternoon at the Arthur Flygare home in Bernadotte.

Mr. and Mrs. Delphin Anderson and children, Duane and Gladys, were entertained at dinner Sunday at the Gerald Wise home in New Sweden. The afternoon was spent at the Orville Quist home near St. Peter.

Miss Elaine Isenberg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Delphin Isenberg of Cornish, has completed a course in beauty culture, and also passed the state board examinations, thereby receiving the license for such work.

Raymond Quandt, Hugo Albrecht and Arthur Schaeffler, members of the board of Lafayette township, went to St. Peter, Monday, and attended the annual weed conference, which was held in the court room of the court house.

Mrs. Martha Carlson and Mrs. LeRoy Anderson spent last weekend in the twin cities.

Carl Youngblom of St. Paul and his roommate, Tom Kostuch, returned to St. Paul Monday evening, after a few days visit with the former’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Youngblom.

Misses Betty and Bonnie Milliman, students of the Hamline University, Minneapolis, spent

115 Years Ago – Feb. 18, 1905 The personal property taxes are due March 1st, and unless paid by that time a penalty of 10 percent will be added.

The fifth of its series of club dances was given by the Nicollet Dancing Club at Blank’s hall Tuesday evening. The Nicollet orchestra furnished the music.

Do not forget the special school meeting to be held on Saturday evening, February 25th. It is important that all interested in school matters should attend this meeting.

The school rooms at present are so overcrowded that early provision needs to be made for an extra room and teacher for same.

The farmers of Brighton township will build a co-operative creamery near the place of Adam Jutz, on the southwest corner of section 3, and are busy hauling material for the same now. They will commence with the erection soon as the weather permits and will hold a meeting on Saturday, March 4th, for the purpose of organizing.

A Judson correspondent says a party from Nicollet, who has been cutting ice, had the misfortune of journeying to the river bottom, rather a disagreeable experience, though the distance traveled was only twelve feet. He then drove home six miles, in his wet clothes, which were certainly stiff upon him by the time he arrived. Do you know him?

The blizzard we had Tuesday worked havoc with the train service. No trains went either way until the following morning when the snowplow cleared the tracks.

Except for telephonic communica- the Chester Nelson home Saturday tion, this village was cut off by the evening. drifting snow and extreme cold LAFAYETTE NICOLLET weather.

LEDGER

100 Years Ago – Feb. 14, 1920 Mrs. Henry Netzke visited her daughter at New Ulm the first of the week who has been ill.

George and William Lange of Oshawa township have gone to Sioux City, Iowa, to attend an automobile school.

Show your loyalty to the fire company by purchasing tickets for their annual ball to be given in the Nicollet opera house tonight.

The ladies of the Progressive Banner will give an apron sale for the benefit of the auxiliary in the local auxiliary parlors Saturday afternoon, Feb. 21.

Henry Epper and family are getting comfortably settled in their new, large and modern residence on West Fourth Street, having moved in during the week.

Three auctions are booked for this vicinity in the near future. The sale of Louis Wenholz will occur on February 20. August Schroeder will conduct a sale on February 27th, and H. C. Fricke will close out his personal property on March 4th.

Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Johnson of Langdon, N. D., the latter a sister of J. H. Meurer, arrived here last Friday for an extended visit with relatives in Nicollet and vicinity.

Mr. Johnson was an old time resident of Nicollet and in his early days drove a stage between New Ulm and St. Peter.

Dr. E. F. Vogelpohl, Nicollet’s resident dentist, opened up for business in the former Dr. Meilicke’s office this week. His office is modernly equipped in every respect for his dental practice. Dr. Vogelpohl was called out of town today but will be on deck again Monday morning.

25 Years Ago – Feb. 16, 1995 Congratulations to Peter Anthony, son of Willis and Rachel Anthony, for being named to the Dean’s List at Bethany College. Also to Michael Gunderson, son of Darwin and Brenda Gunderson, who also made the Dean’s List at the University of Minnesota, Morris.

Sharon Gaalswyk, Karen Gaalswyk, Cheryl Epper and Joyce, manager of the Budgetel Motel went to dinner at Charley’s and saw the play at the University in Mankato, “Stepping Out.” Kevin and Jeanette Hewitt of Cleveland entertained Sunday afternoon in honor of their daughter, Heather’s 4th birthday. Among those present were Earl and Evie Nelson of Norseland, Bob and Donna Hewitt of St. Peter, Darren and Corrinne Ely, and Angie Seitzer of Cleveland.

Darryl and Barbara Stevensen and Mr. and Mrs. Wade Zieske of rural New Ulm flew to Florida last week to spend time with Barbara’s parents, Herb and Jolene.

Good winter weather has allowed all aspects of construction for the new InLaws Restaurant at Nicollet to proceed. The business, located at the corner of Highways 14 and 111 in Nicollet, is slated to open in early spring.

Herring Trucking of Lafayette put up a new building on the old railroad right-of-way property over the winter. It’s behind the city disposal plant. The 40 X 75 foot building has space for two trucks and will give the Herrings a place to wash their trailers when they return from trips. Final details are being completed and the building should be ready for use in a few weeks.

85 Years Ago – Feb. 16, 1935 About 7:30 Monday morning, the fire department was called to the farm home of Henry Ott where a bad chimney fire was raging.

There was no damage.

Emil Starke has been busy for the past two weeks cutting logs and sawing lumber for a new barn which he will have erected on his farm this spring.

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Wyngarden and children, who spent several months with Mr. and Mrs. Carl Netzke returned to their home at Tappen, N.D., Wednesday.

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Kettner, Mrs. L. W. Kettner, Mrs. E. A. Zimmermann and Mrs. Aug. Thom, Jr. visited relatives at Truman on Monday. The latter two remained for a week’s stay.

Aug. Koetting of Courtland township was seriously injured, Wednesday morning, when a shed, which he was tearing down, suddenly collapsed, pinning him underneath. His right hip and his right leg were broken.

A social evening was spent at the home of Miss Norma and Gordon Ott Wednesday evening. The time was spent in playing “bunco” with high honors going to Miss Viola Bode and Harvey Enter and Miss Elvira Enter and Harold Heidemann, low. At midnight a delicious lunch was served.

Peter Jutz came down Monday from Pierz with a truck load of potatoes which he is selling very cheap.

Mrs. Martin Zins and daughters spent Thursday at Nicollet with her sister, Mrs. R. J. Dauffenbach.

Joyce and Allen Erickson, Henry Maritz, Margie Monson and Mrs. Ella Johnson were entertained at

10 Years Ago – Feb. 18, 2010 Nicollet senior Jordan Rudenick surpassed the 1,000 point career mark in a make-up game with St. Clair Saturday afternoon. Rudenick, a four-year player for the Nicollet High School, has been a consistent scorer for the Raiders and is a good all-around player.

Congratulations to Steve and Barb Hulke of Courtland on becoming grandparents for the first time.

Little Hannah Hulke was born to their son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Andria, February 7.

The fourth annual Polar Plunge at Lake Hallett in St. Peter Sunday was even bigger and better than the first three. A total of 313 “human plungers” raised more than $44,000 for Special Olympics. Those numbers are up from 110, 165, and 196 plungers and $21,000, $28,500, and $30,000 in the first three. Nicollet County Sheriff Dave Lange and his group opened the plunge. Nicollet American Legion Post 510 was represented by Del Vulcan and Bruce Connelly. The gals went first and the guys followed when the Courtland Fire Department jumped. Group members were Pam Meyer, Mary Luepke, Jenna Krueger, Danielle Bode, Dave Ubel, Leon Luepke, Jon Rewitzer, Brandon Matter, Adam Marti, and Pat Stadick. Lafayette Ambulance “Team McFreezies” included Kim Schwab, Daryl Trautmiller, Kevin Reinhart, Jay Carlson, Jessi Gieseke, Collin Gieseke, and Marti Uhde.

Andrew and Lisa Quist of Norseland were among nearly 90 Minnesota Farm Bureau members who attended the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Promotion and Education Conference January 29-30 in Bloomington.

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Sunday, January 21, 2024

Page 3

Nicollet County Ledger

Editorial

South Central Minnesota and Nicollet County News Updates

Minnesota State Fair Update Knutson Named Super Lawyer, MDFA Sues DNR, Minnesota State Agricultural Society’s Board of Managers Votes for No Admission Price Increase for 2024

By Maren Schroeder Minnesota Reformer Republished in Marijuana Moment

St. Paul, Minn. – During the 165th Annual Meeting of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, the State Fair’s board of managers approved that admission prices will not increase in 2024, and $10.2 million is budgeted for maintenance projects and capital work this year. The Society is the governing body of the State Fair, and its annual meeting was held Jan. 12-14 at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Bloomington.

Regular gate admission will remain the same as it was in 2023: Adults 1364 are $18; kids 5-12 and seniors 65+ are $16; children 4 and under are always admitted free. Pre-fair discount admission tickets are $15 and currently on sale. For a complete list of pricing and to purchase tickets, visit mnstatefair.org/tickets/ Maintenance projects and capital work approved for 2024 include installation of new windows and doors in the Fine Arts Center; upgrades to the Kidway lot; construction of a new ticket office outside the Grandstand; installation of new doors and additional fans in the Horse Barn; upgrade to the fiber optic system; safety and security investments; tree care and landscaping; purchase of additional bike racks; installation of water fill stations; improvements to outdoor lighting; addition of shade umbrellas to Dan Patch Park; east Grandstand elevator work; and miscellaneous paint, electrical, roofing, ventilation, sewer, street and sidewalk projects throughout the 322acre State Fairgrounds. All projects are funded through State Fair operating income and grants from the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. The fair is financially self-supporting and receives no government aid.

“The Great Minnesota Get-Together is proud to be an annual tradition for so many Minnesotans, partly because a day at the fair is such an incredible value,” said State Fair CEO Renee Alexander. “In 2024, we are making it a priority to hold ticket prices the same while continuing to invest extensively in exceptional programming, guest experience enhancements, the historic fairgrounds and improvements to our operation.”

In other business at the meeting, Wally Wichmann of Balaton, Minn., was elected president of the Society.

Steve Storck of Morris, Minn., was elected to a three-year term representing the Society’s seventh regional district vacated by Wichmann. Kent Harbison of Roseville, Minn., was elected to fill the remaining one-year term of the retiring Joe Fox’s two-year term as State Fair board vice president representing the Society’s fourth regional district.

Sara Donaldson of Minneapolis was re-elected to a two-year term as State Fair board vice president representing the Society’s fifth regional district. Dan Grunhovd of Gary was re-elected to a three-year term representing the Society’s ninth district.

Retired CEO Jerry Hammer is one of this year’s Hall of Fame honorees.

Growing up just blocks from the fairgrounds, Hammer’s State Fair career spanned 53 years including 27 as general manager. He was the longestserving leader in the 169-year-old institution’s history. He spent nearly all his working life at the State Fair, starting in 1970 at the fair’s greenhouse as a 15year-old high school student. He joined the full-time staff in 1977 and served in a variety of positions in events, media, marketing, public relations and senior management before being named general manager in 1997. During his tenure, nearly $180 million was invested in capital and maintenance work. Notable projects include renovating the

century-old Grandstand, rebuilding the International Bazaar, constructing a new Miracle of Birth Center, establishing the Transportation Hub and West End Market, redeveloping the north end and building the North End Event Center, constructing AgStar Arena, and making numerous improvements to the livestock area and countless infrastructure upgrades – all with no public funding. Much was accomplished through the State Fair’s bonding authority along with the Minnesota State Fair Foundation – both launched during Hammer’s first years as general manager. Hammer is also past chairman of International Association of Fairs & Expositions and Mid-West Fairs Association.

Joe Fox, retired Minnesota State Fair board vice president, representing the Society’s fourth regional district, is also a Hall of Fame honoree this year. He was elected to the Minnesota State Agricultural Society in 1997 and held his position for 27 years. One of his most profound board contributions was his role in establishing the Minnesota State Fair Foundation in 2002. As a youth, he participated in 4-H by exhibiting swine and dairy cattle at the county level, earning many trips to the Minnesota State Fair. Fox earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and public administration from the University of Minnesota. After serving 37 years as a faculty member, he retired in 1992 from U of M Extension as professor emeritus. His lifelong work in and around fairs includes serving as a 4-H agent in Hennepin County, as 4-H and 4-H agriculture agent in Ramsey County, as district supervisor in east central and southeast Minnesota, and as judge of 4-H exhibits at eight different county fairs. He retired as a district director in 1992. Beginning in 1966, he has served continuously on the Ramsey County fair board, primarily as the fair secretary and manager. Fox has been active in his Maplewood community for decades and involved with St. Paul East Parks Lions Club, Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation Board, the District 622 Education Foundation, the Ramsey County Charter Commission and the Metropolitan Council’s 208 Advisory Council.

Retiring Board President Joe Scapanski of Sauk Rapids, Minn., was elected to honorary life membership in the Society. Scapanski served on the State Fair board of managers since 2010 and was president in 2022 and 2023. He has farmed in Benton County since his youth. Besides farming, he has been a township supervisor for 30 years, a real estate broker for 35 years, and a member of the Central MN Arts board and the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs board. In high school he was an officer in FFA, which led to further involvement, including being a state vice president and traveling with a group of FFA members to Europe to learn more about other youth groups.

He received the 2014 International Association of Fairs and Expositions’ (IAFE) Heritage Award and is a graduate of IAFE’s Institute of Fair Management.

The State Agricultural Society is made up of delegates from each of the state’s county fairs, plus representatives of more than 40 statewide associations involved in agriculture, horticulture and education. The Society is charged exclusively with the production of the annual Minnesota State Fair and management of the historic 322-acre State Fairgrounds.

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world. Showcasing Minnesota’s finest agriculture, art and industry, the Great Minnesota Get-Together is always 12 Days of Fun Ending Labor Day. Visit mnstatefair.org for more information. The 2024 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 22 - Labor Day, Sept. 2.

Local Deer Hunters Featured, New Ulm Students Reprimanded for Homophobic Remarks

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Randy Knutson of Knutson & Casey has been named in the rankings for Minnesota’s Top 100 Super Lawyers list. The list is published by Thomson Reuters each year to honor distinguished attorneys in each state, who are nominated by their peers in the profession. His legal specialties and focus areas include personal injury, civil litigation, class action/ mass torts, insurance coverage, animal bites, dram shop lawson, motor vehicle accidents, motor vehicle defects, pharmaceutical, slip and fall, trucking accidents and wrongful death. He mostly handles plaintiff cases. Knutson has been named many times in previous years in the

list including 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

The Minnesota Deer Farmers Association has sued the Minnesota DNR and Minnesota Board of Animal health for “enforcing laws which will eliminate white-tailed deer farming in the state of Minnesota.” The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court-District of Minnesota and includes 41 plaintiffs including the Minnesota Deer Farmers Association. According to Outdoor News The Sportsman’s Weekly newspaper, defendants include DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen, Minnesota Board of Animal Health President Erica Sawatzke and Board President Peggy Anne Hawkins and other members of the BAH. In other local outdoors news,

Nicollet County Sports

several local deer hunters were recognized for best Buck Entries in the Sportsman on January 12. Kurt Lahr, of Mankato, shot an 8-point buck in Stevens County on November 4. The rack had a 21.5-inch inside spread. Matt Klingerman, of Nicollet, was also recognized with an 8-point buck on November 4 in Nicollet County. The rack had an 11.75-inch inside spread. Corey Janda, of Lonsdale, shot an 11-pointer with 16.5” spread in LeSueur County, also on November 4.

Nicollet County voters can cast absentee ballots for any reason either by mail or in person at the Nicollet County Public Service Office at 501 S. Minnesota Ave. in St. Peter.

In person voters should note the office hours prior to the election from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To request a bal-

lot, head over to the NIcollet County website for more information.

A couple of New Ulm students have been reprimanded for making homophobic comments directed at a Mankato East girls basketball player at a game this week, as the Free Press reported. The accused students were spectators at the basketball game.

The district will follow up with disciplinary action on the students per their district policies. Previously, in 2022, a male St. Peter basketball player also accused a player from New Ulm of making homophobic comments and pinching the boy after hearing similar spectator comments in the stands. At the time, the New Ulm district superintendent apologized for the conduct and several New Ulm residents held a rally in solidarity with LGBTQ.

MN River Bulldogs Youth Hockey Association Hosts 1st Annual Hockey Day

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Coach Chris Miller said the Bulldogs could have played better, but the Cougars were on their game that night.

“Tonight was not our best night,” Miller said. “Not to take anything away from Mankato East, they played a good game.

They competed for three periods and were hard on pucks and took advantage of their opportu-

nities.”

Tony Hartmann was top scorer of the night. The first two periods, Bulldogs scored 0 points, while the Cougars sent three pucks into the goal during the first period but none in the second. The Bulldogs caught a goal in the third but the Cougars sent another two beyond the goal posts for a final score of 5-1, favoring

Mankato East. Both teams had a total of 25 saves altogether across all periods.

Miller and the Bulldogs will get right back on the ice for more games soon.

“The good thing about this time of year is we don’t have long between games,” Miller said. “We have one day of practice and on to Redwood.”

Eagles at Gustavus Adolphus College campus. The Eagles brought home the bacon with a win at 130.900129.500.

Laura Klatt (33.475), Trista On January 16, the St. Peter gym- Landsom (33.125) and Addison nastics team hosted the new Ulm Landsom (32.675) finished second,

third and fourth place in the competition. The Saints finished with three of the top four all-around finishes. Nora Fondie finished with an all around score of 28.875 for the Saints.

Trista Landsom had two first-place

finishes for the Saints with an 8.500 in the bars. She vaulted with a final score of 8.775. The Saints faced the Martin County Area (MCA) Magic on January 18. MCA squeaked by with a win against St. Peter. The final score was 131.275-131.1.

The Minnesota River Bulldogs took a loss to the Mankato East Cougars in boys hockey on January 16 on home turf. The team moved on to play Redwood Falls next in the season.

Saints Gymnasts Lose to Eagles and Magic by Narrow Margins

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Law Enforcement Beat Law, Crime, Courts, Fire and Emergency Services News

North Mankato Police respond to scam call involving threatened kidnapping and harm On Tuesday January 9th, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. North Mankato Police responded to a report of a potential kidnapping.

It was reported to law enforcement that a father had received a phone call while at work from what appeared to be his adult daughter’s

telephone number.

Upon answering the phone call the person overheard an unfamiliar voice, along with sounds of a female in distress in the background.

The caller said that they had kidnapped his daughter and demanded that if they were not paid $1,000.00,

they would harm her.

The daughter was quickly located at her place of employment and was not in any danger. The daughter’s phone number was ‘spoofed’ by the scammers.

North Mankato Police are investigating the case and are warn-

ing the public to be aware of these frightening scams.

More information along with prevention tips and how to respond if you receive a call such as this can be found at Connect Safely: www. connectsafely.org/virtualkidnapping.

On Tuesday January 9th, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. North Mankato Police responded to a report of a potential kidnapping.

It was reported to law enforcement that a father had received a phone call while at work from what appeared to be his adult daughter’s

telephone number.

Upon answering the phone call the person overheard an unfamiliar voice, along with sounds of a female in distress in the background.

The caller said that they had kidnapped his daughter and demanded that if they were not paid $1,000.00,

they would harm her.

The daughter was quickly located at her place of employment and was not in any danger. The daughter’s phone number was ‘spoofed’ by the scammers.

North Mankato Police are investigating the case and are warn-

ing the public to be aware of these frightening scams.

More information along with prevention tips and how to respond if you receive a call such as this can be found at Connect Safely: www. connectsafely.org/virtualkidnapping.

the wheel.

To answer your question, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) has a “Withdrawal of Parental Consent/Voluntary Surrender” form.

The withdrawal of parental consent form can be used by a parent or legal guardian to cancel the driving privileges of their teen who is under age 18. The form can be signed only by the parent or guardian who signed the application that originally granted consent for their minor child to drive.

Unlike revocations or suspensions resulting from violating laws or at-fault crashes, cancelling driving privileges is not viewed negatively by insurance companies or the state licensing agency.

There is no fee for withdrawing parental consent or reinstating driving privileges after cancella-

tion. Under no circumstances can a cancelled driver legally operate a motor vehicle on public roads.

Driving with a cancelled driver’s license can result in criminal and civil penalties, and higher insurance rates.

Find the form on the DVS website https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ dvs/forms-documents/Pages/drivers-license-forms.aspx 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 Deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848. (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)

Law Enforcement Officers Respond to Fatal Workplace Accident in North Mankato

Ask A Tropper

By Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: I heard you on the radio the other day. You were talking about new, young drivers have some restrictions on their driver’s license. You mentioned something about a parent being able to take their license away. Could you explain more about that?

Answer: I was talking about graduated driver license (GDLs) laws, which support a three-stage driver licensing system to phase in young beginners to full driving privileges. It helps teens hone their driving skills during the first year of licensure by reducing exposure to high-risk situations such as carrying teen passengers and driving at night.

The three stages are the supervised learning (instruction permit)

phase, the intermediate (provisional license) phase, which limits unsupervised driving in high risk situations, and the full licensure phase.

Minnesota teen drivers are overrepresented in traffic crashes due to inexperience, immaturity, distractions, night-time driving, speeding and lack of seat belt usage. Young drivers tend to overestimate their own driving abilities and, at the same time, underestimate the dangers on the road. Teens are more likely than older drivers to take risks such as speeding, because they are inexperienced behind the wheel. Teens are much less able to cope with hazardous driving situations.

In-vehicle distractions, especially teen passengers, can increase the risk of crash by distracting the driver and by creating peer pressure to take more risks behind

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Focus on Ag Continued Local College Student Achievements Announced Here From Page 2 Congress. The continuing resolution that was passed will also maintain funding for most federal agencies, including those that are part of USDA, until either mid-January or early February of 2024.

When most people hear of a “Farm Bill”, they think of the commodity programs and payments that affect crop producers. Some people may be aware that crop insurance and conservation programs are included under the Farm Bill, and some are knowledgeable that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and food stamps are part of the Farm Bill legislation.

However, very few people outside of government officials and policy experts are aware that the Farm Bill also covers funding for rural fire trucks and ambulances, export promotion, international food aid, forestry programs, ag research and extension education at land-grant universities, and school lunch programs. The current Farm Bill passed in 2018 was over 1,000 pages in length, and contains 12 separate Titles, which cover a multitude of programs that are administered by USDA. Farm Program for 2024 The recent extension of the 2018 Farm Bill means that the “price loss coverage” (PLC) and “ag risk coverage” (ARC) farm program options for eligible crops will remain in place for the 2024 crop year and will be similar to PLC and ARC programs for the 2019 to 2023 crop years. For 2024, producers will be able to choose between the price-only PLC and revenue-based ARC program choices for the 2024 crop production year. The ARC program choice includes both the county-yield based “ARC-CO” program, which is most popular, and the “ARC-IC” program, which is based on farm-level yields.

If no choice is made, the 2023 farm program choice will remain in place for 2024. The deadline to finalize the farm program choice and to enroll for 2024 farm program benefits will likely be March 15, 2024, at local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. As of this writing, USDA has not yet made any official announcements regarding 2024 farm program sign-up.

Crop base acres for 2024 will likely remain at the same levels as 2023 for all crops on most farms, unless there are adjustments in base acres for crop acres that were added via land purchases or rental agreements or acres that are no longer eligible for farm program payments. The 2023 farm program yields on individual farm units, which were last updated in 2020, will be continued to calculate potential PLC payments. The ARCCO “benchmark yields” for 2024 will be based on the “Olympic-average” Risk Management Agency (RMA) county average yields for the 2018 to 2022 crop years. The national “market year average” (MYA) price for each program crop for the years 2018-2022 will be averaged to calculate the 2024 “benchmark price” for the ARC-CO and ARC-IC programs.

The calculation formulas, etc. for the 2024 PLC, ARC-CO and ARC-IC programs will likely remain the same as in previous years.PLC payments for 2024 will be made if the final MYA price for 2024 falls below the reference price for a given crop. ARCCO payments for 2024 will be made if the final county revenue for the year (county yield x final 2024 MYA price) falls below the 2024 benchmark revenue (county benchmark yield x benchmark price) for a given crop. The calculations for the ARC-IC program are the same as for the ARC-CO program, except ARC-IC uses farm-level yield data and considers all crops on a farm unit together for calculation of potential payments in a given year.

PLC and ARC-CO payments are paid on 85 percent of crop base acres, while ARC-IC payments are paid on only 65 percent of base acres.

The 2014 Farm Bill established “statutory reference prices” for all

crops that were used to calculate PLC payments. The 2018 Farm Bill set the fixed statutory prices as minimum reference prices and added the possibility for “effective reference prices” (ERP).

The ERP allows the reference price to increase by as much as 15 percent above the fixed reference price (fixed price x 115%). The final ERP for a given year is the higher of the fixed statutory price or the 5-year “Olympic average” price for a commodity times 85 percent (.85). The “Olympic average” price is calculated by taking the market year average (MYA) price for the five previous years (not including the current marketing year), dropping the high and the low price, and then averaging the other prices for the other three years. For the 2024 crop year, the “Olympic average” price is based on the MYA prices for the years 2018 to 2022, which is then multiplied by 85% (.85) to determine the final ERP price.

The final effective reference prices (ERP) for the 2019 to 2023 crop years were at the minimum statutory levels of $3.70 per bushel for corn, $8.40 per bushel for soybeans, and $5.50 per bushel for wheat, meaning that calculation for higher ERP levels was not triggered for any of those three crops.

MYA prices have been high enough in recent years to likely result in higher 2024 PLC reference prices for corn and soybeans; however, the wheat reference price will likely remain at the minimum level. The higher reference prices for corn and soybeans potentially increases the likelihood of PLC payments for the 2024 crip year, especially for corn if average market prices continue to decline during the 2024-25 marketing year. (Please refer to the attached Table.) Following are the estimated 2024 PLC reference prices: Corn = $4.02 per bushel (maximum is $4.26/bu. and minimum is $3.70/bu.)

Soybeans = $9.26 per bushel (maximum is $9.66/bu. and minimum is $8.40/bu.)

Wheat $5.50 per bushel (maximum is $6.33/bu. and minimum is $5.50/ bu.)

The 2024 benchmark (BM) prices that are used for the ARC-CO and ARC-IC programs are also based on the five-year “Olympic average” MYA prices for 2018 to 2022; however, the ARC benchmark prices are not factored downward by 85 percent (x .85).

The minimum BM price is the statutory reference price for a given crop.

Following are the estimated ARC-CO and ARC-IC benchmark prices for the 2024 crop year: Corn = $4.75 per bushel $3.98/bu.in 2023) Soybeans = $10.89 per bushel ($9.57/bu.in 2023) Wheat $6.21 per bushel ($5.50/bu. in 2023) BOTTOM – LINE Another provision in the 2018 Farm Bill allows farm operators to make year-to-year decisions between PLC, ARC-CO and ARC-IC for each eligible crop on an FSA farm unit.

Assuming that the PLC and ARC-CO farm program provisions and calculations in 2024 stay relatively similar to recent years, farm operators will want to do a bit more analysis before finalizing year-to-year farm program decisions for various crops. The potential for higher PLC reference prices and increasing benchmark prices will make that decision a bit more challenging for 2024 than in recent years.

USDA has not yet announced the 2024 farm program details and sign-up dates at local FSA offices.

Note — For additional information contact Kent Thiesse, Farm Management Analyst and Sr. Vice President, MinnStar Bank, Lake Crystal, MN. (Phone — (507) 381-7960) E-mail — kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com) Web Site — http://www. minnstarbank.com/

Erin Shang Quartey named to Wartburg College Fall Term Dean’s List WAVERLY, IA (01/03/2024)-- Erin Shang Quartey of North Mankato was named to the Wartburg College Fall Term Dean’s List.

The college recognized 484 students for Fall Term.

The list honors students who earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above in at least four course credits during the term. Three of the four course credits have to be graded with a traditional letter grade.

Wartburg College, a four-year liberal arts college internationally recognized for community engagement, enrolls about 1,500 students.

A college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Wartburg is dedicated to challenging and nurturing students for lives of leadership and service as a spirited expression of their faith and learning. The college is characterized by vigorous academic expectations and community engagement within an environment of strong personal support.

SNHU Announces Fall 2023 President’s List MANCHESTER, NH (01/04/2024)-- It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Fall 2023 President’s List. The fall terms run from September to December.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum gradepoint average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

Jeff McCourtney of Mankato (56003) Christine Lloyd of Saint Peter (56082) Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with a 91-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 225,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as one of the “Most Innovative” regional universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner. Learn more at www.snhu.edu.

Grace Gleisner of Nicollet Named

to University of Evansville Dean’s List for Fall 2023 Semester EVANSVILLE, IN (01/08/2024)-Grace Gleisner, of Nicollet, was named to the University of Evansville Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 semester. Gleisner is studying Archaeology , Classical Studies at UE. The University of Evansville is a private university located in Evansville, Indiana. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for a rich tradition of academic excellence with a vibrant campus community of changemakers. Home of the Purple Aces, UE offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton College in the United Kingdom Students at UE are named to the Dean’s List every fall and spring semester. To merit the honor of being placed on the Dean’s List, a student must have carried a full academic load of 12 hours or more and have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or above.

The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university located in the southwestern region of Indiana. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and vibrant campus community of changemakers.

Home of the Purple Aces, UE offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University’s very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.

Joshua Giefer named to BVU’s Fall 2023 Dean’s List STORM LAKE, IA (01/09/2024)-Joshua Giefer from Courtland was named to Buena Vista University’s Fall 2023 Dean’s List. Giefer was among more than 500 students named to the Dean’s List this semester.

The Dean’s List recognizes fulltime students achieving a 3.5 grade point average or higher for the semester.

About Buena Vista University Buena Vista University is where students dream, build, and innovate.

As the region’s leader in rural education and innovation, we provide students with a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree pathways. Our residential campus located on the beautiful shores of Storm Lake hosts students in a variety of in-demand majors, taking concepts from state-of-the-art classrooms and labs to real-world applications throughout the U.S. and across the globe. Our convenient online un-

dergraduate and graduate programs provide educational advancement opportunities that are designed to fit anyone’s busy schedule. At Buena Vista University, we possess an innate instinct to build. It’s rooted in our identity as Beavers and in our belief that we can and should better the world around us. Visit bvu.edu for more.

Students Named to Fall 2023 Dean’s List at Wisconsin Lutheran College MILWAUKEE, WI (01/10/2024)-Students were named to Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Dean’s List for the fall 2023 semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, a student must carry a semester GPA of 3.6 or higher.

Sophia Kerkow, of North Mankato, a senior at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Sophia is a graduate of Concordia Academy.

Jason Frey, of Courtland, a senior at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Jason is a graduate of Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School.

Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) is an independent, nationally ranked Christian college located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The college, which prepares students for lives of Christian leadership, is recognized for its academic excellence and superior student experience. Caring, Christian faculty work directly with students, who benefit from numerous research, service, and co-curricular opportunities designed to enhance academic and spiritual growth. For more information, visit wlc.edu.

Students named to Dean’s List for fall 2023 MENOMONIE, Wis. (January 16, 2024) - The following students from the area have been named to the University of Wisconsin-Stout Dean’s List for the fall 2023 semester.

The award is presented to students who have a grade point average of 3.5 or above.

UW-Stout, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, has 49 undergraduate majors and 23 graduate programs, including one doctoral degree. UWStout, established in 1891, prides itself on the success of its students in the workplace, with an employment rate above 99.4% for recent graduates. The university was awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2001.

UW-Stout is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, MAJOR(S) North Mankato, MN Madelyn Vosburg, BS Graphic Communications

Kaleb Moses among nearly 1,700 students to graduate last fall from the University of Iowa IOWA CITY, IA (01/18/2024)-- Kaleb Moses of Algona, IA was among the nearly 1,700 undergraduate, graduate and professional students conferred their degrees last month at the University of Iowa.

Moses was a student in the Graduate Management Programs whose program of study was Marketing.

The degree awarded was a Certificate.

Moses and fellow graduates engaged, excelled, and stretched to reach their goals.

One student chose to switch majors during the pandemic, following her passion for art and education, and is excited to teach art to young pupils near her rural Iowa hometown.

A doctoral candidate in mechanical engineering successfully defending her dissertation -- and gave birth three days later. A business student is among the first students to graduate with a degree in risk management and insurance -- and already has started working at a brokerage in the Des Moines area.

A master’s student in business analytics who served as a data analyst for the Iowa baseball program spent the past year in a baseball analytics apprentice position with the reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers. After years of creating countless memories and energizing thousands of fans as part of the Hawkeye Marching Band, one student aims to create community through sport and recreation.

Year after year, University of Iowa students have pushed to achieve more and to come together for the greater good-that’s the Hawkeye Way. As this cohort of new graduates enters the next stage of their lives, they left the Iowa campus full of potential and promise.

UW-Eau Claire fall dean’s list announced EAU CLAIRE (January 19, 2024) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire extends congratulations to the 2,778 students named to the fall 2023 dean’s list. Their academic performance has been outstanding, and we recognize these students with pride.

Congratulations, Blugolds!

Students from your area who were named to the Dean’s List are: (Students attend the Eau Claire campus unless otherwise noted below.)

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, COLLEGE, CAMPUS (if Barron County) North Mankato, MN Lyric Martensen, College of Arts and Sciences

Schools program.

“It was great to have Governor Walz in the District to celebrate projects and support new ones,” said Rep. Brand. “We’ve made some great investments in

Mankato, Saint Peter, and all around the district, and I’m excited to work on even more during this year’s session. Recent years have seen an increased need and demand for the services the BCA

lab provides, and I’m hopeful that it will soon receive a welldeserved and necessary upgrade to support its operations. Energy independence at Saint Peter High School is a great example of

the impacts we can make with smart investments in our community, and I’m excited to see other schools in the state follow suit with the Solar for Schools Program.”

the editor and publisher and recentered the focus as a politically Republican newspaper, according to the historical society.

Anton Malmberg then acquired the paper on March 14, 1908, along with another local paper. The Ledger was transitioned to a more politically independent publication, according to the historical society’s account.

In April 1914, the paper moved from a manual hand press to using automation with a power printing press. World War I veteran Hilding George Swenson then bought the paper in 1920. By 1930, it was a Friday weekly, down to four pages, but still six columns. In 1935, it went back to around eight pages with six columns. Harland and Betty Walter acquired the Ledger in 1950. Harland

Walter was editor and publisher and in 1965, it was a Thursday paper, according to the historical society.

Walter is credited with a focus on Nicollet County coverage and readership and renaming the newspaper to the Lafayette Nicollet Ledger in January 1973. The paper then significantly beefed up its page count, at around sixteen pages long and down

to five columns. It increased news coverage of the other cities in Nicollet County. Walter sold it to Deborah and Douglas Hanson in 1979. Douglas was publisher and wife Deborah was editor.

The Hansons eventually decreased it to twelve pages and six to eight columns of text. Deborah retired from her post in 1993 and passed the torch to Ruth Klossner in 1994.

Brand and Walz Visit St. Peter Continued From Page 1 Ledger 120-Year History Continued From Page 1

Ledger Comic Strips

Lafayette Nicollet Ledger 42 Years Ago

Thursday January 21 1982

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Nicollet County Ledger

Sunday, January 21, 2024

New Home Listings and Pending Sales Rise, Interest Rates Begin to Fall in Minnesota

By MNR News

Snow began falling in a freak storm this past Monday. Temperatures have been unusually warm this year.

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 16, 2023 —The 2023 housing market closed the year on a high note, as mortgage rates dropped below 7% in late December and new listings rose by 12%, the third consecutive month of increases.

As of this week, 30-year fixed rates are just above 6.5%. Since much of 2023 was a high interestrate environment, even modest rate declines will ignite housing market activity. This is reflected in various metrics from December, most notably pending sales, which were up 8.7% from last year, marking the first year-over-year increase in that category since November 2021.

While buyers welcome falling rates, rising home prices remain a stubborn obstacle, as the median home sales price was up 3.3% to $315,000. This is a byproduct of an undersupplied housing market.

While the months’ supply of homes improved 18.8% over last year, December still had just 1.9 months’ worth of available inventory, a sign that it’s still a seller’s market. A 4-6 month supply is typically needed to constitute a balanced market.

Affordability challenges persist, driven primarily by limited inven-

tory resulting in higher prices.

“While market activity typically slows with the onset of winter in Minnesota, falling interest rates are attracting both sellers and buyers back into the market,” said Geri Theis, 2024 president of Minnesota Realtors (MNR). “It’s likely that the 2024 spring market will be competitive, especially if mortgage rates continue to fall.”

December year-over-year summary of key market indicators: Closed sales decreased 4% to 4,324 Median sales price increased 3.3% to $315,000 Average sales price increased 3.7% to $375,175 New listings increased 12% to 3,432 Pending sales increased 8.7% to 3,621 Days on the market rose 2.2% to 47 days Homes for sale increased 1.9% to 10,336 Regional Dynamics In December, closed sales were down 4% statewide. Certain regions, however, saw a substantial increase in that metric compared with December 2022. As represented in the table below, the Headwaters, North Central, and South Central regions saw the high-

est increases year over year. With pending sales up in December 2023 for the first time in over two years, we expect closed sales figures to follow suit in January 2024. Just how much they rise will depend on closing timelines and broader market conditions.

About Minnesota Realtors® Minnesota Realtors® (MNR) is the membership organization supporting all 22,000 Realtors® in the state of Minnesota. MNR is dedicated to helping Realtors® succeed in providing comprehensive and informed guidance to their customers seeking to buy or sell a home.

MNR provides Realtors® with a code of ethics, continuing education, real estate transaction forms, legal services and dispute resolution, as well as lobbying and advocating for homeownership rights and the real estate industry.

MNR works in partnership with the National Association of Realtors, as well as more than 15 affiliate regional associations within Minnesota. MNR is a non-profit organization founded in 1919, with headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and a branch office in St. Paul, Minnesota. Find us at www.mnrealtor.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

United Community Action Partnership: Home Education and Energy Saving Program West Central MN—Staff will provide energy-saving ideas, install low-cost energy saving products (LED bulbs, pipe wrap, etc.), update appliances with energy-efficient ones available through local utility providers, as well as perform energy audits.

Statewide project details are available: CleanEnergyResourceTeams. org/2024grants For more info from the Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Resources Division and to sign up for the New Energy Programs newsletter: mn.gov/commerce/ energy About the Clean Energy Resource Teams: The Clean Energy Resource Teams, or CERTs, connects individuals and communities in Minnesota to the resources they need to identify and implement community-based clean energy projects. CERTs is a partnership of the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, Minnesota Department of Commerce, Southwest Regional Development Commission, and the Great Plains Institute. Learn more: CleanEnergyResourceTeams.org “highlighting the beauty of sharks.”

The public is invited to attend a combined reception on Saturday, February 3, 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Arts Center. Light refreshments will be available and the artists will deliver brief remarks at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Eight West Central Minnesota projects receive CERTs Seed Grants for communitybased clean energy efforts, several Saint Peter projects are included in the list SAINT PAUL, Minn.

(01/22/2024)—Minnesota’s Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) is awarding seed grants to 45 energy efficiency and renewable energy projects—including eight within the west central region of Minnesota.

The projects range from skillbuilding for clean energy careers, to educational outreach on clean energy incentives, to energy efficiency for manufactured homes.

Seed grants strive to support historically underserved communities.

Underserved communities include Minnesota populations with high energy burdens, where households spend more than 5% of their annual income on energy costs (compared to 2% for the average Minnesota household). For example, Neighbors United Resource Center Food Shelf will make energy efficiency upgrades to their facility so they can save money previously spent on energy and use it to better serve the community.

Financial and programmatic support comes from CERTs’ partner the Minnesota Department of Commerce, with additional support from the Morgan Family Foundation. Minnesota’s seven regions are each receiving $43,000.

The support will be distributed among the projects which were

selected by panels of local residents known as CERTs Regional Steering Committees.

“This new round of CERTs Seed Grants will support communityidentified initiatives, help provide jobs and training opportunities, plus engage communities in reaching their clean energy goals,” says Joel Haskard, CERTs co-director.

CERTs Seed Grants encourage projects that help people see clean energy working in their own communities. With over $1.98 million awarded to 509 projects since 2006, the newly funded 2024 projects will provide more opportunities for Minnesota communities to tangibly learn about and experience the benefits of clean energy.

For more information, visit Clea n Energ yResou rc eTea m s. org/2024grants CERTS SEED GRANTS | WEST CENTRAL REGION City of Morris: Exploring Opportunities for Heat Pump Electrification Morris, Minn.—Exploring the feasibility, adoption, and performance of heat pumps within cold climate zones, this project will improve understanding of pathways for decarbonizing thermal loads in municipal and residential buildings.

City of St. Cloud: Public Outreach on Green Hydrogen Production at St. Cloud Recovery Facility

Scoreboard Lighting Upgrade Willmar, Minn.—Remove gaspowered equipment from the sports

St. Cloud, Minn.—Translate project materials into Spanish and Somali to ensure more communities are informed of the benefits of Green Hydrogen.

City of Willmar Parks and Recreation: Willmar Civic Center

fields and install LED light scoreboards to reduce energy costs and eliminate localized pollution fumes and noise.

Neighbors United Resource Center Food Shelf: Food Shelf Energy Saving Initiative

Granite Falls, Minn.—Neighbors United will make energy efficiency upgrades in order to free up funds to better serve the community, decrease the carbon footprint of the building, and create a more inviting, inclusive, and accessible environment for shoppers.

River of Life Lutheran Church: Friends Building Lighting Upgrade St. Peter, Minn.—LED lighting upgrade to the Friends Building, which hosts the St. Peter Food Shelf, Children’s Weekend Food Program, St. Peter Community Free Clinic, and Mankato Rehabilitation Center Inc. Slipstream Group, Inc: Manufactured Home Building Basics Training West Central MN—This project will develop a curriculum to provide contractors and weatherization staff with a foundation of knowledge on manufactured home structures, heating systems, ductwork, and building science principles.

Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership: Air Source Heat Pump Feasibility Assessments West Central MN—Feasibility assessments and estimated costs associated with the conversion of heating and water heating systems to heat pumps in three of 66 multifamily residential properties.

SAINT PETER, MINN. – Fortyfive years after sharing a senior exhibition at Mankato State University (now Minnesota State University, Mankato), Charlie Putnam (St. Peter), Jeff Flagg Johnson (Mankato) and Mark McLaughlin (Farmington) are combining recent works with selected

works from their college years for “Mingled Feats Further Down the Road,” on display February 2 through March 23 at the Arts Center of Saint Peter.

Putnam’s collection explores relief printmaking techniques with traditional ink and paper, and printing

embossed images on ceramic works.

“The geometric compositions and playful images in the relief prints, carried over into this most recent series of paintings, reflect heartfelt notions about my fellow humans and the time and space we occupy,” Putnam says.

Johnson’s paintings and ceramics

combine representational objects and abstraction.“You can use figurative language to describe something, but I enjoy using artwork as communication...it’s the viewer’s imagination that completes the loop of communication,” Johnson says.

McLaughlin’s wood sculptures and

detailed dioramas reflect his views on “society, climate, inequity, some work-life experiences...but some are just for fun.”

Also on display in the Arts Center’s south window gallery January 28 through March 23 are Kate Casio’s Lemon Shark, a multi-media sculpture

MSU art alumni reconvene for 45-year reunion exhibition at the Arts Center of Saint Peter

Correction of Headline for Last Week’s Paper from January 14

Last week’s headline that appeared twice as “Arlington Township Man Involved in Minor Crash According to Sibley Coujnty Sheriff’s Office” should have had a different headline in the story below: BCA to Start Expunging Petty Marijuana Charges.

nicolletcountyledger.com

CIA

COMMUNITY INSURANCE AGENCY

Community Insurance Agency of Lafayette, Inc. Melissa Schultz

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761 Main Ave. • P.O. Box 306 Lafayette, MN 56054 Office: 507-228-8201• 1-800-481-8201 Fax: 507-228-8248 • Cell: 507-276-9639 melissa@cialafayette.com • www.cialafayette.com