Nicollet County Ledger February 4, 2024

February 4, 2024 | South Central News & Media

Sports Page 3

Classifieds Page 4 & 6

Subscribe on YouTube

Sports Coverage 2024

Lafayette Plans 125th Celebration for Next February

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

anniversary celebration, announced on the city’s website on January 31.

Members of the general public are invited to join the discussion for planLAFAYETTE – Lafayette area resi- ning Lafayette’s 125th Celebration. The dents are invited for the town’s 125th event is set to take place on Wednesday,

July 23 and run through Sunday, July 27, 2025.

The next meeting for the planning of the event will take place on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 7:00pm in the city office meeting room, 791 Main Avenue,

Lafayette 56054.

The first settler in the township that would become the City of Lafayette, according to the Historical Marker Database, was Louis Sharro. John Bush

Continued on page 7 Read and see photos of local sports coverage for 2024 in the Ledger.

MN River Valley Drug Task Force Reports Last Two Years Show Growth Trend in Hard Drug Seizures by Cops

The annual Legion Post 510 held their Fish Fry in Nicollet on Saturday night. Photo by Robert Lawson.

Nicollet Legion Post 510 Annual Fish Fry Another Smashing Success in 2024

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

The Legion Post 510 in Nicollet holds a fish fry every single year in the little town of Nicollet and have been doing so for nearly seven

decades in a row.

This year marks the group’s 69th annual fish fry for the Legion in Nicollet. The event ran from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Legion in Nicollet and the event was packed wall to wall during the afternoon still. There was difficulty finding

parking as a matter of fact. Cars were parked block by block to get a taste of the Alaskan pollock fish that the group had prepared for the festive event. The group said they have been doing this event for so long that they have the cooking and preparation methods down to a routine.

Comparison of lethal heroin, carfentanil and fentanyl doses according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) photo.

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Klobuchar Sets Her Aim at Tech, Nicollet County Attorney Housing and Price Fixing Issues in US Michelle Zehnder-Fischer spoke

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Minnesota U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar is setting her aim at such issues as price fixing (as she posted on her X [formerly Twitter] account on Saturday evening), the housing shortage (which is impacting plenty of South Central Minnesotans) and big tech’s impact on society (see the CSPAN video and transcript available on nicolletcountyledger.com).

Klobuchar addressed big tech’s role in online fentanyl traffick-

ing, sexual exploitation and social media’s impact on young people at a recent congressional hearing, where CEOs were questioned by Congress, including Klobuchar, who questioned Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, who owns Facebook, and other tech CEOs. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has also announced a campaign to address tech in a recent press release. AG Ellison released a report on social media and AI’s effect on young people. The report was commissioned by the state legislature and makes recommendations for creating a safer online

Continued on page 7

at the Minnesota Teen Challenge Gala in 2023 and discussed a trend that has developed over the past couple years in South Central Minnesota, which includes Nicollet County. There have been significant increases in the amount of illicit drugs confiscated by the MN River Valley Drug Task Force, she noted at the time.

The Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force just released the figures for 2023. The numbers Zehnder-Fischer spoke at the Teen Challenge Gala several months ago in 2023 were referencing numbers for the year before, 2022. The num-

bers from 2022 surpassed numbers in 2021 as well, showing a growth trend for the past few years in the area for hard drug siezures by the agents in the task force.

There were 119 total case files in 2023, which was actually less than in 2022 by just five cases.

There were 107 drug arrest, only one more than the year before and 57 non-drug arrests and that was up by 32 from a year earlier.

There were 147 search warrants, up 12 and 7 total consent searches. There were 15 overdose death investigations and 8 third-degree murder charges.

Drugs seized and purchased by agents included 2,750.3 grams of meth. There were 1,569.8 grams of cocaine, up 1,239.7 from 2022; 133.7 grams of crack, up 103.4 from 2022; 58.1 grams of powder

fentanyl, up 49.6 from 2022; and 5945 dosage units of fentanyl pills (MBOX30), up a staggering 2,129 from a year prior.

Agents also seized or bought 102 pounds of cannabis, 1,599 grams of THC wax and 737.8 grams of THC edibles, according to the data released by the MRVDTF. The report also included 619 grams of mushrooms and 21 firearms. A total of 12 children were placed in protective custody, the report also included. The agents also seized or bought 733 prescription pills, up 336 from a year before, a significant jump.

The task force also gave 34 presentations with 1,785 people in attendance. The total cash value of products seized for 2023 was $834,200 according to the MRVDTF. The

Continued on page 7

NicolletCountyLedger.com

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

119th Year • Number 5 ©2024 Nicollet County Ledger

Phone: 507-246-6248 Website: https://nicolletcountyledger.com Email: info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Find us on Facebook: Nicollet County Ledger

Typeset By: Simon and Sons ITES Services Pvt. Ltd. www.simonnsons.com

Page 2

Nicollet County Ledger

Ad From the Past

Sunday, February 4, 2024

News from the Archives

1982 — Lafayette Ledger

Vintage Photo

!"# $ %& '() * + $ +( , - '# $ " . " / %$" + # !"#$%&' (#)*+%' %,' -+.'/ #0$%1'#%%2'&3.4',3&+54' 3.*' 67**+.8' 10%#%"' +.' #07'(+9574':%).#4'3$73'+.' #07' 73$54' ;<==">' ?,' 4%)' 2.%6' #07' 17%157' 1+@/ #)$7*' 07$7A' 1573"7' @355' #07'(+9574':%).#4'B+"#%$/ +@35' (%@+7#4' 3#' C=D/EFG/ HFHF'%.'3'I)7"*34A'7&3+5' "@0";J,$%.#+7$.7#>.7#A' %$' &3+5' +.,%$&3#+%.' #%' D=='K3+.'(#$77#A'B7.*7$/ "%.A' KL' CM=FF>' N573"7' )"7'#0+"'@%*7O' ' !"#$% '

Help Column

“LISTEN TO ME!”

ALL HUMANS NEED SOMEBODY TO LISTEN

'

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

Featured Ad

Feeling connected is not just something we want. As humans, it’s a real need. So of course we feel bad when it seems nobody is there for us.

Feeling unheard can create emotions like depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-hatred.

See if anything on the following list speaks to you. These may be signs that you’re not broken or “mentally ill”--you just need someone who will listen.

Feeling Like You’re Worthless.

Self-esteem can only be nurtured by deep connection with other people. You can’t totally create it for yourself, alone! So what happens when nobody listens to you and you don’t feel really seen or heard? Naturally, your self-esteem decreases, and you may feel worthless.

You’re Stuck In The Depression Pit. Many of us stay slightly on guard with the people in our lives. We feel that those around us, especially friends and family, may hear us, but

don’t really listen. Some of us may even feel unheard or misjudged even by our therapists. Whatever variation of this you may have going on, it's a recipe for depression symptoms coming from a lack of genuine connection.

Feeling Helpless.

Not being listened to makes us believe we’re helpless to make any impact on our lives or the lives of those around us. So, if nobody in your life takes what you say seriously, you’re much more likely to feel powerless and helpless.

Having Racing Thoughts.

When our thoughts are racing and won’t stop, think about whether you’ve let them out to a listening ear recently. If you haven’t let out and processed your thoughts with another person in a while, they’re bound to keep bouncing around, like your head’s a pinball machine. That intensifies the need for someone to hear you out.

Are we starting to listen now? Are

we attempting to truly understand the challenges facing so many of those around us? Too often, mental health issues come wrapped in an invisible shroud of stigma. We equate it with weakness, or worse, with a detachment from reality. We don’t understand it, so we’re afraid of it.

Are mental health and/or addiction issues being addressed properly? Are people getting the services they need, when they need them, and at a cost they can afford? Are mental health and/or addition services available to everyone who needs them?

You can send your thoughts and opinions to either gottahavehope38@ gmail.com or by letter to 559 W. Broadway St., Winona, MN. 55987.

Respectfully Submitted; Mark Jacobson Peer Support Specialist Winona, MN

Like us on Facebook.com/NicolletCountyLedger Subscribe Digitally at ISSUU.com/nicollet-county-ledger Substack Coming Soon!

Support Your Local Newspaper Send Story Ideas/Tips to the Nicollet County Ledger info@nicolletcountyledger.com 507-246-6248 Nicollet County

Ledger

Serving Nicollet County Since 1904

Subscribe: Subscriptions are non-refundable.

1 YEAR PRINT EDITION: In Minnesota ... $45.00 Out-of-State ... $50.00 Send this form and check to P.O. Box 212, Lafayette MN 56054 or go to nicolletcountyledger.com to use a debit or credit card.

Name

Nicollet County Ledger (USPS 301420) published weekly by the South Central News & Media LLC .

PO BOX 212, Lafayette, MN 56054 Periodicals postage paid at Lafayette, MN and additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address changes to PO Box 212, Lafayette, MN 56054.

DEADLINE: Noon Monday for advertising, news, photos and new subscriptions or subscription changes.

Mail: Robert Lawson, Publisher P.O. Box 212, Lafayette, MN 56054 and Managing Editor

ADDRESS

Office: PO BOX 212, Lafayette, MN 56054 Hours: Call ahead for hours.

CITY/STATE/ZIP CODE

Phone: 507-246-6248

ONLINE EDITION: Digital Subscriptions Available on the Ledger Website

Email: info@nicolletcountyledger.com Website: nicolletcountyledger.com

NicolletCountyLedger.com or issuu.com/nicollet-county-ledger

facebook.com/ nicolletcountyledger Simon and Sons Pvt. Ltd. Layout & Design

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Page 3

Nicollet County Ledger

Nicollet County Area Sports, Scores and Stats This Week

New Ulm Girls Beat Westonka in Varsity Hoops at Home

The New Ulm Eagles girls varsity yesterday at 2:30 p.m. against the The New Ulm girls Eagles 30-point lead ahead of the White basketball team played in New Ulm Mound Westonka White Hawks. basketball team wound up with a Hawks for a 82-52 win.

The New Ulm Eagles Girls Varsiety Basketball team squared off with Mound Westonka White Hawks in New Ulm on February 3.

Eagles Boys Varsity Basketball Team Overtakes Worthington The final score for the varsity boys basketball game on February 2 was New Ulm 75 Worthington 67. The first half of the game was

fairly tight, ending at New Ulm 40 Worthington 39. By the second period, the Eagles, led by Colton Benson, extended their lead to beat

the Trojans by 8 points. The Eagles’ points. Benson sank 8 three-point Bensen was top scorer at 38 points. shots for the game.

Jimmy Osborne scored 11 for the The boys team will face Waseca game and Will Fossen put in 10 on Tuesday.

New Ulm Hockey Loses at Home to Rochester

Nicollet Boys Basketball Faces Madelia MN River Bulldogs Takes Win Against Waseca Bluejays in Ice The New Ulm boys hockey team faced Rochester at home on January 30. They beat Rochester

O n M o n d a y, J a n u a r y 2 9 , t h e N i c o l l e t Va r s i t y B o y s Basketball team lost their

game against Madelia High School by a score of 4054.

The New Ulm Boys hockey team faced Worthington on January 29. The Eagles had a strong defense to come ahead with the victory against the Trojans in late January. The final score was 7-0, in favor of New Ulm. New Ulm took 3 goals in both the first and second periods and slid the puck past the goalkeeper and into the netting behind the goal line for one more in the third period. The

manage to get one past the goal line against the home team. New Ulm had 18 saves during the game,

while Rochester only had 13, so there was some solid effort on the part of the goalkeeper.

said. “We got off to a slow start and ended up down 3-1 at one point. The boys had to battle through some adversity to earn the win tonight.”

He added some highlights about some players that stood out on the ice that night.

“Anders LeDell played well

in net tonight and made some big saves for us while we were on the penalty kill,” he said. “Riley Kamm scored a big shorthanded goal to tie the game up and I felt like that was a turning point in the game. After that goal our legs got going and we controlled play after that.”

The Bulldogs came out ahead by scoring 3 in the second period and 2 in the third, extending them to a lead after only scoring 1 to the Bluejays 3 in the first.

The Bluejays did have some decent goalkeeping with 27 saves to the Bulldogs’ 20 total for the night.

day, January 30. The final score was 123-87, with New Ulm getting the win over Tri-City Unit-

ed.

New Ulm is currently 11-6 this season. Colton Benson led New

Ulm with 40 points. James Osborne scored 25 points and Nate Firle scored 23.

Hockey Late January

The MN River Bulldogs Hockey team managed to pull out the win against Waseca Bluejays 6-3 on Tuesday, January 30. The team’s coach, Chris Miller said the team was initially down at Trojans couldn’t manage to pick the start of the game.

“I am proud of the way we up a goal. New Ulm’s goalkeepdid get down or give up,” Miller ing had 4, 2 and 5 saves in the first, second and third periods respectively. Worthington had 11, New Ulm Eagles set a school 8 and 9 respectively. Total saves record with 123 points in a game for New Ulm was 11, 28 for Woragainst Tri-City United on Tuesthington.

The Madelia (MN) varsity basketball team won Monday’s home conference game against Nicollet (MN) by a score of 54-40.

Boys Hockey New Ulm at Worthington

Lourdes, 3-0. New Ulm scored in the first period and twice in the second, while Rochester couldn’t

New Ulm Boys Basketball Sets Record School Score in Win Over Tri-City United

New Ulm Boys Eagles Squads Basketball Team Smashes Titans

Purchase Sports Photos and Wall Canvas

nicolletcountyledger.com

Purchase Sports Photos and Wall Canvas nicolletcountyledger.com

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Page 4

Nicollet County Ledger

Like us on Facebook.com/NicolletCountyLedger

s d r n g

e e y

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Page 5

Nicollet County Ledger

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 yearto-year decisions between PLC, ARCCO 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/

Local Students Graduate from U of M Crookston CROOKSTON, Minn. (January 29, 2024) - The Office of the Registrar at the University of Minnesota Crookston recently announced its list of fall semester 2023 graduates.

Students completed their degree requirements during the fall semester 2023.

Fall 2023 graduates include: Lafayette, MN Kayley Silva, Bachelor of Science in Animal Science Kayley Silva, Equine Science Teddy Giefer named to Fall Semester 2023 Chancellor’s List at U of M Crookston CROOKSTON, Minn. (January 29, 2024) - The University of Minnesota Crookston announces students who were named to the Fall 2023 Chancellor’s List recently released by the Office of the Registrar. To qualify for the Chancellor’s List, students must complete 12 or more letter-graded (A-F) credits while attaining a 4.0 grade point average.

Students named to the Chancellor’s List include Teddy Giefer from Courtland, MN, majoring in Natural Resources B S. Kayley Silva named to Fall Semester 2023 Dean’s List at U of M Crookston CROOKSTON, Minn. (January 30, 2024) - The University of Minnesota Crookston announces students who were named to the Spring 2023 Dean’s List which was recently released by the Office of the Registrar. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must complete 12 or more

letter-graded (A-F) credits while attaining a 3.66 grade point average.

Students named to the Dean’s List include Kayley Silva of Lafayette, MN, majoring in Animal Science B S / Equine Science.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ROCHESTER (UMR) ANNOUNCES CHANCELLOR’S LIST FOR FALL SEMESTER ROCHESTER, MINN. (February 1, 2024) - Each semester, UMR recognizes students who have achieved high academic achievement through the Chancellor’s List.

To be listed, a student must have earned a 3.666 GPA or higher and completed a minimum of 12 credits graded A-F. The following students from your community were named to the Chancellor’s List.

“It is an honor to recognize the students who have earned a spot on the Chancellor’s List,” said UMR Chancellor Lori J. Carrell, “their commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to all on our campus who are driven to transform knowledge into discovery in the everchanging world of health care.”

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME North Mankato, MN Falis Nor Gustavus Adolphus College Announces 2023 Fall Semester Dean’s List SAINT PETER, Minn. (February 1, 2024) - The Fall Semester Dean’s List at Gustavus Adolphus College has been released. The list comprises students who have earned a 3.7 grade point average (based on a scale in which 4.0 = A) or higher

for the semester ending in December 2023.

The following local students were named to the Dean’s List at Gustavus Adolphus College: HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME Courtland, MN Marah Hulke Nicollet, MN Isabella Aase Katey Robertson North Mankato, MN Grant Hanson Claire Hemstock Kate Hinz Bella Macemon Madelyn Mueller Griffin Post Anna Rudolf Zainab Syed Saint Peter, MN Martin Anderson Hannah Brenke Mia Clausen-Whitley Rowan Dahlseid Grace Dlouhy Ellie Johnson Morgan Kelly Lily McCargar Ayan Mohamed Olivia Nelson Breeley Ruble Anders Taylor Konrad Wernsing Victoria Zachman St. Peter, MN Lauren Maas Celeste Thalhammer Area students receive degrees from UW-River Falls RIVER FALLS, Wis. (February 2, 2024) - The following local residents were among 722 students

receiving degrees from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls following fall commencement in Dec. 2023. Bachelor’s degrees were awarded to 307 undergraduates, while 36 students received graduate degrees.

At graduation, four types of merit awards are recognized: Senior Merit - Graduating seniors who have maintained a 3.500 grade point for their last 60 credits at UWRF. Cum Laude - Graduating seniors with a minimum cumulative 3.700 grade point average for their entire college career at all institutions.

Magna Cum Laude - Graduating seniors with a minimum cumulative 3.800 grade point average for their entire college career at all institutions.

Summa Cum Laude - Graduating seniors with a minimum cumulative 3.900 grade point average for their entire college career at all institutions.

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is a student-centered institution that provides excellent accessible academic programs serving the needs of our region, the state and beyond.

HOMETOWN, STATE; ZIP CODE, NAME, DEGREE, MAJOR, HONORS (if listed) North Mankato, MN 56003, Jonathan Mans, Bachelor of Science, Health and Human Performance, Summa Cum Laude 56003, Alexis Peterson, Bachelor of Science, Marketing Communications

Housing and Real Estate SPONSOR THIS SECTION OF THE LEDGER info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Minnesota Refomer: 6BY: housing issues to watch in the 2024 legislative session Madison McVan in the House and Senate, plus the requires landlords to complete addi- ent types of housing, including apartJanuary 31 Minnesota Reformer

Last year, lawmakers in the state Legislature passed historic levels of funding — $1 billion — for housing in Minnesota.

They established down payment assistance and forgivable loan programs for first-generation Minnesota homebuyers, hiked a metro sales tax for housing, and passed new renters’ protections, including a law requiring landlords to give tenants a 14-day notice before filing an eviction.

But those efforts are likely to fall far short of fulfilling the need for housing across the state. A 2018 report by the Governor’s Task Force on Housing estimated that Minnesota needed to add 300,000 new homes of all types by 2030 to meet demand and moderate prices.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition estimates the state would need to add more than 100,000 affordable rental units in order alleviate all households overburdened by the cost of housing — those paying more than 30% of their income on rent. More than half of Minnesota households are costburdened by rent, and 26% spend over half their income on rent and utilities, a recent Harvard report found.

Nationwide, high interest rates have slowed the rate of new construction for single-family homes and apartment complexes alike.

Constructing a house in Minnesota is more expensive than in surrounding states, which developers attribute to stringent building codes.

The Democratic-Farmer-Labor party still has a trifecta: a majority

governor’s office, but DFL lawmakers likely face some headwinds as they try to ease the housing burden on Minnesotans.

Legislation will face new scrutiny this year, said Rep. Michael Howard, DFL-Richfield, chair of the House housing finance and policy committee.

Last session, lawmakers were working with a big surplus that allowed them to spend liberally on new programs, and provide windfalls to long under-funded areas of government.

Now, Democrats are signaling that the party will take a more restrained approach to spending this session.

“Maybe some things will be a little harder, but at the same time, given our successful track record last year, I’m optimistic we can overcome those challenges and do quite a bit of good work this session too,” Howard said.

DFL lawmakers may find common ground with their Republican colleagues on deregulating the housing industry — for example, loosening building materials requirements that are solely aesthetic and drive up costs.

Here are some housing topics to follow in the 2024 legislative session: Protections for Section 8 recipients The administration of Gov. Tim Walz is advocating banning landlords from discriminating against renters who use public assistance, including federal Section 8 vouchers and other state and local programs.

The Minneapolis City Council passed a similar ordinance in 2017, though a legal challenge prevented the city from enforcing the rule until late 2023. The Minnesota Court of Appeals and the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Minneapolis ordinance, signaling that a statewide rule would also likely be upheld against any challenges by landlords.

The Minneapolis ordinance also bans landlords from advertising their apartments as “no Section 8.”

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has advocated for the proposal in multiple public appearances since the end of the previous legislative session, saying a Section 8 voucher helped her family secure stable housing when she was a child.

“You shouldn’t discriminate against people just because of how they’re paying for their housing,” said Rep. Esther Agbaje, DFL-Minneapolis, the vice chair of the Minnesota House housing finance and policy committee.

Recipients of Section 8 vouchers often sit on a wait list for years, and when they are finally granted the benefit, they have a limited time to find a landlord who will accept the voucher — and must restart the application process if they don’t secure housing in time, said Eric Hauge, executive director of HOME Line, a non-profit that provides legal advice to renters.

Accepting Section 8 vouchers

tional paperwork and comply with federal housing standards. Participating in the program should remain optional, said state Sen. Eric Lucero, R-Saint Michael, the Republican lead on the Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention Committee.

Banning parking minimums Many DFL lawmakers support policies that would encourage denser neighborhoods and the construction of more apartments — a way to quickly add more housing to the state’s supply.

In Minneapolis, the 2040 Plan did just that, loosening zoning rules to allow developers to build bigger apartment buildings in more locations with fewer regulatory hurdles.

It also eliminated parking minimums citywide, meaning the City Council couldn’t force developers to set aside real estate for parking or build expensive garages.

The plan worked, encouraging the construction of tens of thousands of housing units in the city and moderating rents, even as prices rose in other parts of the state and country. (Legal proceedings over the plan’s environmental impact suspended the city’s enforcement of the new zoning rules in 2022.)

Sen. Omar Fateh, DFLMinneapolis, will introduce a bill that would take the Minneapolis 2040 plan’s parking rules statewide. The “People Over Parking Act” would prevent all local governments from imposing parking minimums on developments, lowering costs for builders and freeing up more space for additional housing units.

The proposed legislation would not eliminate any existing parking or prevent developers from building more parking — it only prohibits local governments from enforcing a minimum. For example, requiring two parking spots for every apartment in a building.

Local governments are already pushing back on the proposal, arguing that policies that worked in the metro area are not applicable to greater Minnesota.

Cities already have the option to eliminate parking requirements if they wish to do so, said Bradley Peterson, executive director of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities.

Limiting local zoning authority Many Minnesota cities — particularly suburbs — have zoning policies that prioritize single-family detached homes and make constructing multifamily buildings difficult and expensive, if not impossible.

A 2021 Star Tribune analysis found that only single-family homes are allowed on at least 73% of residential land in the Twin Cities metro — and that those restrictive zoning rules contribute to racial and socioeconomic segregation.

Fateh’s parking bill is just one example of proposals that would make it easier and cheaper to build differ-

ment complexes, duplexes and smaller single-family homes in more areas of the state.

“Our top priority in housing this session is to legalize more housing choices for Minnesotans,” Howard said.

In other words, prohibiting local governments from reserving large swaths of land for big, expensive single-family homes. Howard and other housing affordability advocates want to find ways to build more “missing middle” housing — duplexes, triplexes and other small multi-family buildings that allow for more housing density without building large-scale apartment complexes.

“We’re going to try to pursue a suite of changes that will help us unlock what has been a block to a lot of that kind of housing development,” Howard said.

A bill introduced by Rep. Steve Elkins, DFL-Bloomington, in the 2022 legislative session contained many policies hinted at by Howard: barring cities from mandating lot sizes larger than an eighth of an acre; allowing up to two housing units on any lot; blocking cities from mandating minimum home sizes; and prohibiting cities from requiring certain building materials for aesthetic reasons.

The bill failed after strong opposition from local governments.

Expediting emergency rental assistance The number of people experiencing homelessness in Minnesota ticked up in recent years, according to point-intime counts conducted by the state’s homelessness service providers.

On the night of Jan. 25, 2023, 8,393 people were experiencing homelessness statewide — 8% more than 2022’s count.

Calls to HOME Line, the free legal help provider, have been flooding in; in 2023, the organization broke its record for the number of calls it received for the third consecutive year.

Evictions have been the number one reason for calls to HOME Line since the pandemic-era eviction moratorium ended in 2022.

Lawmakers last year boosted funding for emergency assistance programs meant to help families in immediate danger of losing housing. The new funds meant providers could help a higher portion of applicants.

“But the need is still crushing,” Howard said.

Instead of creating new programs to help families in crisis that may take years to get off the ground, the state needs to find ways to run the existing programs better, to more quickly process applications and distribute funds, Howard said.

Howard is part of a work group formed last session tasked with finding ways to expedite rental assistance.

The group will finalize its recommendations to the Legislature by the end of February.

More at minesotareformer.com.

Thursday, Page 6 November 24, 2022 Thursday, December 8, 2022

Sunday, February Page 4, 20247

Nicollet County Ledger Nicollet County Ledger Nicollet County Ledger

Page 5

Classified Ads & Professional Listings

MDAN ads to run ONE TIME, the week beginning 11/20/2022 South AN ads to run ONE TIME, the week beginning 11/20/2022 South MDAN ads to ONE TIME, the week beginning 11/20/2022 DEADLINE: MONDAY NOON BEFORE EACH THURSDAY’S NEWSPAPER FOR ISSUES THAT FALL DURING A WEEK WITH A HOLIDAY) South AN ads to run ONE TIME, the week beginning 11/20/2022 MDAN ads to run run ONE TIME, the week beginning 11/20/2022 South (EXCEPT South

Call: 507-246-6248 or send an email to info@nicolletcountyledger.com / Fax: 507-228-8779 / Drop off at: 766 Main Ave., Lafayette

LAFAYETTE NICOLLET LEDGER

ÝV>Û>Ì ÀÃÊUÊ- `Ê-ÌiiÀÃ /À>V Ê >`iÀÃÊUÊ7 ii Ê >`iÀÃ ÌÌ>V i ÌÃ

Business & Professional Directory

.HY` :JOTP[

Just $9 a week! (Six-month commitment required for a weekly ad, 12-months for an ad every other week)

MINNESOTA

;9<*2 ;9(*;69 05*

^^^ TPUULZV[H[Y\JRHUK[YHJ[VY JVT /V^HYK +Y >LZ[ 5 4HURH[V 45

L AFAYETTE N ICO Coyote Hill Burners LLC

COLLET LEDGER Black’s Antiques And Things

Mike’s Frank Bianchi

And Used Furniture Warehouse Business & Profess

ssional Directory

vehicle

and

Motorcyle recreational

AND CUSTOM

4IRES s 4UNE UPS s !FTERMARKET PARTS s /VERHAULS

BIKES • TRIKES & 4 WHEELERS

Duane Walser

FORMALLY OF $ - #USTOM #YCLES IN 3EARLES $ # " ! $ # " ! is now working for us! $ # " !

$ # " !

$ # " !

ÝV>Û>Ì ÀÃÊUÊ- `Ê-ÌiiÀÃ /À>V Ê >`iÀÃÊUÊ7 ii Ê >`iÀÃ ÌÌ>V i ÌÃ

Outdoor Furnaces 37946 667th Ave. 507.386.1809 • 507.934.2396 (Six-month commitment required f Just $9 a week!

New Ulm, MN 56073 / 507-359-2161 INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL • AGRICULTURAL Cell: 507-276-6304 • Fax:DRAIN 507-354-7665 RESIDENTIAL • EXPERT CLEANING fbbianchi@redred.com

MINNESOTA

.HY` :JOTP[ ;9<*2

8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon. to Sat. ;9(*;69 05*

^^^ TPUULZV[H[Y\JRHUK[YHJ[VY JVT 11 a.m.

- 5 p.m. Sun. or by appointment ed for a weekly ad, 12-months for an ad every other week)

507-233-4488 809 Street New Ulm

20th

/

North,

/V^HYK +Y >LZ[ 5 4HURH[V 45

Black’s Antiques And Things

ÝV>Û>Ì ÀÃÊUÊ- `Ê-ÌiiÀÃ ÝV>Û>Ì ÀÃÊUÊ- `Ê-ÌiiÀÃ Coyote Hill Burners LLC

NICOLLET ICOLLETLLEDGER EDGER

Fruit Favorites Gift Box Fruit Favorites Fruit Favorites Gift Box Gift Box ONLY Fruit Favorites Box Gift Box ONLY FruitGift Favorites

essional fessionalDirectory Directory ONLY ONLY

ONLY

And Used Furniture Warehouse

a.m.

-12-months 5 p.m.

Sat. quired required for a8:30 forweekly a weekly ad, ad, 12-months for Mon. an for ad an every adto every other other week) week) 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun. or by appointment 926 1st Ave., Gibbon, MN 834-6529

AULS

m

Call 1-855-942-1350 to order item 296X Visit HaleGroves.com/H3YF51 Callor 1-855-942-1350 to order item 296X

or Visit HaleGroves.com/H3YF51 Call 1-855-942-1350 order item 296X to

" " !

Callor 1-855-942-1350 order item 296X Callto1-855-942-1350 to order item 296X Visit HaleGroves.com/H3YF51

" " !

or Visit HaleGroves.com/H3YF51 or Visit HaleGroves.com/H3YF51

" " !

" " !

" " !

Black’s Black’sAntiques AntiquesAnd AndThings Things ÝV>Û>Ì ÀÃÊUÊ- `Ê-ÌiiÀÃ /À>V Ê >`iÀÃÊUÊ7 ii Ê >`iÀÃ ÌÌ>V i ÌÃ

And AndUsed UsedFurniture FurnitureWarehouse Warehouse

MINNESOTA

.HY` :JOTP[ ;9<*2

;9(*;69 05* 8:30 8:30 a.m. a.m.

- 5-p.m.

5 p.m.

Mon. Mon. to to Sat. Sat.

^^^ TPUULZV[H[Y\JRHUK[YHJ[VY JVT 11 11 a.m. a.m.

- 5-p.m.

5 p.m.

Sun. Sun. oror byby appointment appointment /V^HYK +Y >LZ[ 5 4HURH[V 45 926 926 1st1st Ave., Ave., Gibbon, Gibbon, MNMN 834-6529 834-6529

926 1st Ave., Gibbon, MN 834-6529

Mike’s

BIKES • TRIKES & 4 WHEELERS

/À>V Ê >`iÀÃÊUÊ7 /À>V Ê >`iÀÃÊUÊ7 ii Ê >`iÀÃ ii Ê >`iÀÃ Frank Bianchi ÌÌ>V ÌÌ>V i ÌÃ i ÌÃ

;9<*2 ;9<*2 ;9(*;69 05* ;9(*;69 05*

37946 667th Ave. ^^^ TPUULZV[H[Y\JRHUK[YHJ[VY JVT ^^^ TPUULZV[H[Y\JRHUK[YHJ[VY JVT New Ulm, MN 56073 / 507-359-2161 /V^HYK +Y >LZ[ 5 4HURH[V 45 /V^HYK +Y >LZ[ 5 4HURH[V 45 Cell: 507-276-6304 • Fax: 507-354-7665 fbbianchi@redred.com

507.386.1809 507.386.1809 •us!507.934.2396 is now working•for507.934.2396 FORMALLY OF $ - #USTOM #YCLES IN 3EARLES

507-233-4488 / 809 20th Street North, New Ulm

Frank Frank Bianchi Bianchi

NATIONAL debt relief

Outdoor Outdoor Furnaces Furnaces 37946 37946 667th Ave. Ave. 507.386.1809 •667th 507.934.2396 New New Ulm, Ulm, MNMN 56073 56073 / 507-359-2161 / 507-359-2161 INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL • AGRICULTURAL Cell: Cell: 507-276-6304 507-276-6304 • Fax: • Fax: 507-354-7665 507-354-7665 RESIDENTIAL • EXPERT DRAIN CLEANING fbbianchi@redred.com fbbianchi@redred.com

BE DEBT FREE IN 24–48 MONTHS! If you owe more than $10,000 in credit card or other debt, see how National Debt Relief can resolve your debt for a fraction of what you owe.

Coyote Hill Burners LLC Interested in Solar/Wind?

Display Ad Network

LAWSON MEDIA & PUBLISHING

S BēS Éæ Ì Pxµ­ē óē»µē"»» ¯ lawsonmediapub.com

INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL • AGRICULTURAL • AGRICULTURAL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL • EXPERT • EXPERT DRAIN DRAIN CLEANING CLEANING

Coyote Coyote Hill Hill Burners Burners LLC LLC

Your newspaper newspaper has agreed agreed to participate participate in the the Minnesota Minnesota Display Display Ad Ad Network Network program program by by running running Your has to in Offgrid/Grid-Tied/Hybrid Solutions Available Locally.

Frank Bianchi Don't fallads for the who are selling section you solar subscriptions or loans. these insalesmen the main news of your your newspaper newspaper (not the classified classified section of your your newspanewspathese ads in the main news section of the section of newspaper has agreed toahas participate in the Minnesota Display Ad(not Network program by running running Ourhas solutions provide way agreed to buy andto own yourMinnesota own energy for home, newspaper agreed to participate in the Display Ad Network program by Your newspaper participate in the Minnesota Display Ad Network program by running per).main At times, times, advertisers maypurposes. request aa specific specific section.

However, the decision is ultimately ultimately up to business or agriculture per).

At advertisers may request section.

However, the decision is ads in the news section of your newspaper (not the classified section of your newspaTheup to ads in the main news section of your newspaper (not the classified section of your newspathese ads in the main news section of your newspaper (not the classified section of your newspaThe Minnesota each newspaper.

Ads mayaneed need to be be decreased/increased slightly in in size to fit fit your your column sizes.

Minnesota each newspaper.

Ads may to decreased/increased slightly size to sizes.

At times, times, advertisers may request specific section.

However, theHowever, decision isthe ultimately up tocolumn Outdoor Furnaces At advertisers may request a specific section.

However, the decision is ultimately up to per).

At times, advertisers may request a specific section. decision is ultimately up to Please do do not not 37946 bill for for667th theseAve. ads. If If you you have have questions, questions, please please call call MNA MNA at at 800/279-2979.

800/279-2979. Thank Thank you. you.

Please bill these ads. newspaper.

Ads may need to be decreased/increased slightly in size to fit your column sizes. newspaper. may needAds to may be decreased/increased slightly in size to fit your column sizes.column sizes. eachAds newspaper. need to be decreased/increased slightly in size to fit your New Ulm, MN 56073 / 507-359-2161 e do not bill for these ads.

If you have questions, please call MNA at 800/279-2979.

Thank you. Thank Display Ad e do not Please bill fordo these If you have please call MNA at 800/279-2979.

Thank you. not ads. bill for these ads.questions, If you have questions, please call MNA at 800/279-2979. you.

Network Cell: 507-276-6304 • Fax: 507-354-7665 507-995-2638 fbbianchi@redred.com

The The Minnesota Minnesota The Minnesota

Call today:

1-844-255-0854

Display Ad Display NetworkAd Network Display Ad Network

Week of December 4, 2022 Week of November 20, 2022 Metro STATEWIDE Central South North STATEWIDE Central South North Metro

øóôĈöøòĈ÷ú÷ó

HELP WANTED

WANTED TO BUY

FRITO LAY FLEET WANTED: TECHNICIAN, FARGO, ND ALL 1970S MOTORCYCLES Go to FritoLayEmployment.com, enter Running or not. Titled or not. Cash requisition #355978. Frito-Lay Fleet in exchange. Sell now while prices Technicians are essential to our team beare high! Call Dan at 612/720-2142 cause they work on our eet vehicles and WANTED: OWN RURAL LAND? keep our drivers safe. Are you looking for BUYING AND SELLING ALL 1970S Earn silver $5,000+ fromrare hunting a job atMOTORCYCLES a company that rewards the mebars,every silveryear dollars, coins, gifted? Although will start coins,payments gold jewelry, Running chanically or not. Titled or not. you Cash leases.gold Upfront fromany ourgold-silver hunters. out working for Frito-Lay, this job can items, collector coins. Kuehl’s Coins, in exchange.

Sell while prices with Reduce risk with Minnesota free $5M liability insuropen the doornow to career opportunities Fairmont, 507/235-3886 are high! our Call Dan at 612/720-2142 ance. Call for a free quote 888/871-1982 parent company, PepsiCo. WHAT WE ADOPTION OFFER: INDUSTRY LEADING BENEFITS: Pay Rate $28.90 up to $37.29/hour CALIFORNIA COUPLE PROMISES rate based on experience, $7,500 sign on baby loving home, full time mom, HIGH-SPEED INTERNET bonus. First at 90 days / Second half FREE HIGHWAY 59half AUCTION secure future, educational opporat 180 days, Medical, vision, dental, Mentunities.

Generous living expensfor those that qualify.

Government proService Slayton MN, December 12th tal Health, life, RX, LTD, STD, Financial es/relocation paid.

Danielle/Ed gram 818/356-6981 for recipients select310/663-3467 programs 10AM. Well-Being: Equipment Healthy and Money Machin& Retireor of attorney Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Asment Counselors, benetsconrst dayinclude of ery consignment.

NowFull taking MISCELLANEOUS 401K and pension, sistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Sursignment!full-time Fair employment, commissions!

Call THE GENERAC PWRCELL Work/Life Benets: Maternity & Paternity vivor aBene Lifeline, GB Jess Donkersloot 507/370-1912 solar ts,plus battery Tribal. storage 15system. leave, Child & Elder Care assistance, Tool Saveservice. money, Bonus reduce o� your &Website: boot allowance, Uniforms provided, internet er: reliance Androidon today. auctionzip.com grid, prepare for power outages 10 paid holidays, Paid vacation after one tabletthe FREE with one-time $20 coand power your home. Full installafull year, Company stock purchase plan, pay.

Free shipping & handling. tion services available. $0 Down Call nancHSA, Tuition reimbursement, Company ing option.

Request a free, no obligadiscounts: Auto & Home / Identity Theft / Maxsip Telecom today! 866/433-5324 tion quote today. Call 888/913-5895 Mortgage / Group Legal / Services on various consumer goods, Matching charitable DISH NETWORK FREE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET donations, Adoption / Fertility assistance. $64.99 190 Blazing fast for for those thatChannels! qualify. Government proAUCTIONS gram for recipients of select programs internet, $19.99/mo. (where availHIGHWAY 59 AUCTION SERVICE include Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Asable.)sistance, Switch WIC, & get Veterans a FREEPension, $100 Visa Slayton MN, December 12th 10AM. SurEquipment and Machinery convivor Bene Lifeline, Tribal. FREE 15 GB gift card.

FREEts, voice remote. signment.

Now taking consigninternet FREE service. streaming Bonus o�er: HD DVR. on Android ALL ment!

Fair commissions!

Call tablet FREE with one-time $20 codevices.

Call today!

855/562-4309 Jess Donkersloot 507/370-1912 pay. Free shipping & handling. Call today.

Website: auctionzip.com Maxsip Telecom today! 866/433-5324

WANTED TO BUY

FARM EQUIPMENT

AUCTIONS

Got a story idea to share? Let the Ledger know! Call 507-228-8985 or email ledger@prairiepublishingmn.com

B

Duane Walser

MINNESOTA MINNESOTA

.HY` :JOTP[ .HY` :JOTP[ Outdoor Furnaces

Motorcyle and recreational vehicle 4IRES s 4UNE UPS s !FTERMARKET AND CUSTOM PARTS s /VERHAULS

MISCELLANEOUS

MISCELLANEOUS DONATE YOUR CAR truck or boat to Heritage For The Blind.

Free 3-day vacation, tax deductible, free towing, all paperwork taken care of 844/220-9501

MISCELLANEOUS

DONATE YOUR CAR ENJOY 100% GUARANTEED truck or boat to Omaha Heritage ForGetThe delivered-to-the-door Steaks!

8 FREE Free Filet Mignon Ordertax The deBlind.

3-day Burgers! vacation, Butcher’s Deluxe package this holiday ductible, towing, all paperseason- onlyfree $99.99.

Call 855/402-7187 work taken code care71941ALG of 844/220-9501 and mention or visit www.omahasteaks.com/GiftGiving3287

ENJOY 100% GUARANTEED DISH NETWORK delivered-to-the-door Omaha Steaks! $64.99 for 190 Channels!

Blazing fast Get internet, $19.99/mo. (where avail8 FREE Filet Mignon Burgers! Order The able.) Switch & get a FREE $100 Visa Butcher’s package thisFREE holiday gift card. Deluxe FREE voice remote.

HD DVR. streaming on ALL seasononlyFREE $99.99.

Call 855/402-7187 devices.

Call code today!

855/562-4309 and mention 71941ALG or visit www.omahasteaks.com/GiftGiving3287 Your ad here!

Only $279 to reach a statewide audience of 1.7 million readers!!! 1-800-279-2979

THE GENERAC PWRCELL a solar plus battery storage system.

Save money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down nancing option. Request a free, no obligation quote today. Call 888/913-5895

1

s d r n g

e e y

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Page 7

Nicollet County Ledger

Community Celebrates 125th Anniversary Lafayette Invites Public to Attend Planning Sessions Continued From Page One

and his family then arrived to the area Lafayette became a village by 1897 in 1854. They ran a travelers inn. A and platted in 1896. It finally became township was formally organized in Incorporated in February 1900.

1858, then the first post office in 1859.

For context, Minneapolis & St. Louis

Railroad was completed in 1895 and the first carload of wheat shipped in 1896.

The first State Bank was organized in 1902 and the first Lafayette Ledger

printed in 1904. Seven businesses in kerosene stove to repair a roof. town were reportedly destroyed by a fire By 1976 Lafayette had grown to in 1908, causing a major local disaster. a sizable 500 residents with many The fire was caused by heating tar on a new homes and thriving businesses.

That same year, the Nicollet County Bicentennial Commission erected the historical marker, which stands near Citizens Bank in town.

environment for youth.

Klobuchar recently released a press release regarding her work with Tim Kaine, DFL Senator from Virginia, on the Housing Supply and Affordability Act, which they claim will create a competitive grant program to increase housing supply and affordability.

“Access to stable, quality housing is key to expanding economic opportunities for families but right now, the housing market is inaccessible for far too many,” Klobuchar said.

spending from the middle class due to increased rents. Millennials are having a difficult time in Southern Minnesota and across the state finding a home as baby boomers are staying put for now. Listed homes do not stay available for long either, hampering inventory levels in the market. This, combined with elevated interest rates, make homeownership seem out of reach for many in their prime working and familyraising age. Some are even opting to live with their aging parents,

who are not able to enjoy retirement exactly as planned. Between 2001 and 2018, median rent increased by 13 percent in the United States, but wages only crept up a meager 0.5 percent, which has induced more demands from workers across the country, prompting union activity and strikes in a variety of sectors in the economy, notably the United Auto Workers strike that lasted for weeks and forced automakers like GM to secure billions in financing to cover costs associated. The aver-

age American needs to earn around $20 per hour or more to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment or home for rent. From 2000 to 2015, the U.S. fell 7.3 million homes short of meeting housing demand and prior to the pandemic, more than 7.7 million extremely low income renters were spending more than half their income on rent alone.

Klobuchar and her colleagues in the Senate hope the $300 million for grants each year over five years can help address demand, but only

10 percent will be dedicated to rural areas minimum.

Klobuchar is also targeting price fixing. She recently posted an update on X. “Price fixing is already illegal but some companies use algorithms that exploit loopholes in our laws to keep prices high,” she wrote. “I have a bill that would stop this abuse and make sure consumers benefit from fair competition.”

She posted the comments on Saturday evening.

pounds of meth in 2022, a 50 per- 194 grams of cocaine that year, Blue Earth, Nicollet, Watonwan cent increase from 2021, and 28 which was a 106 percent increase, and Martin Counties. grams of Heroin and Fentanyl, a and 56 grams of crack.

Nicollet County Sheriff David 211 percent increase. They seized The MRVDTF works across Lange said at the time that

Nicollet County is not immune to the effects of the greater overall impact of drugs across the country.

Lawmaker Continued From Page One “This legislation will give state and local governments critical resources to improve affordability and expand access to quality housing where it’s needed the most.”

In her home state of Minnesota, recent news of homeless encampments in Minneapolis being shuffled across neighborhoods in the city, are just one story of many that are plaguing residents across the spectrum and businesses are also feeling the pressure of increased homeless people, inflation and reduced

Drug Task Force Continued From Page One report was prepared by Lt. Chad Ruch of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety on January 12.

Their report last year also

showed increases in seizures as pointed out by Zehnder-Fischer, but it also showed an increase in overdoses. Agents confiscated 4.5

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

Automobile Crash West of Gibbon On January 28, around 9 a.m., Sibley County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a vehicle crash on

Hwy. 19 and 280th Street, just west of Gibbon in Severance Township. Si Win, 23, of Mar-

shall, was driving a 2021 Toyota Corolla eastbound on 19 before losing control and going off the

roadway. Win struck a street sign before his vehicle came to a stop on 280th Street. Win was

not injured and his vehicle sustained moderate damage from the crash. Heavy fog and icy

road conditions may have been a factor in the crash. Minnesota State Patrol assisted.

By DEENA WINTER FEBRUARY 1 Minnesota Reformer

Hundreds of U.S. cities have declared themselves sanctuary cities, and 12 states have declared themselves sanctuary states, according to the Center for Immigration Studies.

The bill is likely to draw fierce criticism from Republicans, whose standard bearer former President Donald Trump has made immigration a central focus of his campaign. Trump recently ordered Republicans in Washington to sabotage work they’ve done on a bipartisan measure to

reduce illegal border crossings, lest President Joe Biden be able to campaign on a bipartisan solution.

Moderate Democrats like U.S. Rep Angie Craig have been critical of Biden’s immigration policies and the chaos at the border.

Feist said the Minnesota bill incorporates all of the best aspects of other states’ bills while also addressing “lessons learned.”

The North Star Act (SF2724, HF2680) prohibits state and local agencies from cooperating

with federal immigration authorities to deport people.

Under the proposal, local and state agencies wouldn’t be able to collaborate with or share data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, to enforce immigration laws, but could still do so to investigate criminal activity.

ICE regularly subpoenas local agencies for vast amounts of information, said Feist, who is an immigration attorney.

“We don’t want to waste our pre-

cious resources on enforcing a broken federal immigration system,” Feist said. “It’s a really big priority for me this session because Donald Trump has said that he wants to marshal state and local resources to enact his immigration vision. And he said that that vision includes rounding up immigrants and putting them in massive camps, including immigrants in the United States. And this may be our last opportunity to pass a law like this that would ensure that the

state of Minnesota is not complicit in that vision.”

A law would provide clarity and uniformity should a Trump administration pressure government officials to enforce immigration law, Feist said.

Many undocumented people avoid reporting crimes, cooperating with investigations or seeking emergency help due to fear of being detained by police or deported.

Gov. Tim Walz has said in the past he supports such a law.

criminal convictions; ban traffic stops for minor offenses; open up more police disciplinary records; and prohibit law enforcement from working with federal immigration authorities except under limited conditions.

They may also consider ending cash bail.

Rep. Kelly Moller, DFL-Shoreview, who is chair of the House public safety committee, also told nonprofit news outlet The Trace that some of Gov. Tim Walz’s gun safety proposals will likely be back on the table,

such as raising the age to buy semiautomatic rifles; limiting magazine capacity; a safe storage bill; mandated reporting of lost and stolen guns; and a ban on assault weapons.

Last year, the Legislature passed a massive $880 million public safety bill with new gun restrictions. A new red flag law allows family members or police to ask judges to take guns from people deemed a danger to themselves or others; requires background checks for private gun sales; and increases penalties for possession of converted machine guns.

Lawmakers took a less punitive public safety approach, approving a plan to allow prisoners to get out earlier and shorten their community supervision if they participate in mental health, substance abuse and other rehabilitation programs. They also capped probation at five years for most felonies and made it easier for some people to get their criminal records expunged.

Rep. Cedrick Frazier, DFL-New Hope, said Democratic-FarmerLabor lawmakers will continue that work, but added, “It’s an election

cycle so you know things can get wonky.”

Banning low-level traffic stops Sen. Clare Oumou Verbeten, DFLRoseville, plans to carry a bill limiting pretextual traffic stops, which is when police stop people for minor traffic offenses — such as broken tail lights or expired registration tabs — so they can look for evidence of other crimes.

Daunte Wright and Philando Castile were both killed by police after being pulled over for minor infractions — expired tabs and a broken taillight.

Police disproportionately stop people of color: Castile had been pulled over 49 times in 13 years for traffic infractions before he was shot by a cop during a traffic stop in Oumou Verbeten’s district.

The U.S. Department of Justice found the Minneapolis Police Department stops Black people at 6.5 times the rate at which it stops white people, given their share of the population.

Oumou Verbeten said the bill would Continue reading at nicolletcountyledger.com

calling politically motivated violence.

CAE says office space of two other conservative groups — the Upper Midwest Law Center and TakeCharge — also suffered fire damage.

“The fires obviously were set by someone,” said John Hinderaker, president of CAE, in a press

release Friday. He cited the fact that other, apolitical businesses in the three-story complex were unharmed.

The fire is being investigated as arson by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and the Hennepin County Fire Investi-

gation team, according to a CAE release.

The fires occurred around 2 a.m. Sunday morning and were started outside the first-floor offices of CAE and TakeCharge, and in the third-floor offices of UMLC. TakeCharge is run by Kendall Qualls, a Black conserva-

tive who unsuccessfully ran for governor and Congress. On X, TakeCharge compared the fire to white supremacist terrorism of the Ku Klux Klan: “Fire bombing under the cloak of darkness against a black man? Eerie. The only thing missing … is the white hood.”

Minnesota Reformer is part of

States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

Minnesota Reformer maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Patrick Coolican for questions: info@minnesotareformer. com. Follow Minnesota Reformer on Facebook and Twitter.

the risk of sexual exploitation, using algorithms that push harmful content, and providing a venue for drug traffickers to sell deadly narcotics like fentanyl.

liability for people who knowingly distribute intimate images of individuals without consent or threaten to do so and addresses gaps in current law dealing with child images. Senator Klobuchar is a cosponsor of the Cooper Davis Act, which would require social media companies and other communication service providers to report to the DEA when they know of the sale or distribution of illicit drugs including fentanyl, methamphetamine, or a counterfeit con-

trolled substance on their platforms. Senator Klobuchar is also a cosponsor of the Strengthening Transparency and Obligations to Protection Children Suffering from Abuse and Mistreatment Act of 2023 (STOP CSAM Act).

The legislation cracks down on the proliferation of child sex abuse material online, supports victims, and increases accountability and transparency for online platforms.

“When a Boeing plane lost a door in mid-flight several weeks ago,

nobody questioned the decision to ground a fleet of over 700 planes. So why aren’t we taking the same type of decisive action on the danger of these platforms when we know these kids are dying? We have bills that have passed through this incredibly diverse committee when it comes to our political views that have passed through this committee, and they should go to the floor,” said Klobuchar at the hearing.

Senator Klobuchar: Thank you very much, Chairman Durbin. And thank you, ranking member Graham, for

those words. I couldn’t agree more.

For too long, we have been seeing social media companies turn a blind eye when kids have joined these platforms in record numbers. They have used algorithms to push harmful content because that content got popular.

They provided a venue, maybe not knowingly at first, but for dealers to sell deadly drugs like fentanyl. Our own head of our Drug Enforcement Administration has said they basically, been captured by the cartels in Mexico Continue reading at nicolletcountyledger.com

ing seen can help reduce your chances of being involved in a crash.

Basic automatic headlights work through sensors which detect the amount of light outside. These sensors are located on the dash of the vehicle. The headlights turn on when the sensors detect a certain level of darkness or the level of ambient light.

The problem can be the limitations to automatic headlights.

Sometimes they do not turn on during heavy rain, snow or fog, as the light sensor still detects light.

Most vehicles retained the conventional headlight switches, which allow drivers to turn lights on or off to bypass the sensors. Many drivers fail to physically turn on their headlights, which will also activate the rear taillights and marker lights. Drivers might assume the sensors will activate all of

the vehicle’s lights in reduced visibilities, but that is not always the case.

If your wipers need to be on, you should also turn on your headlights, taillights and marker lights. When lights are required, manually turn on your headlights to know that all your lights will be on. Also, make it a habit to check your lights often to ensure they are properly working.

You can avoid a ticket — and

a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and of course, 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 Trp. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848. or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.

DFL lawmakers’ bill would make Minnesota the 13th sanctuary state DFL lawmakers’ bill would make Minnesota the 13th sanctuary state Nearly three dozen Democratic lawmakers have signed onto a bill that would make Minnesota a so-called sanctuary state, and supporters plan to rally around the proposal next week.

Rep. Sandra Feist, DFL-New Brighton, and Sen. Omar Fateh, DFL-Minneapolis, will carry the bill.

DFL to continue push to change the way Minnesota handles crime and punishment

By DEENA WINTER FEBRUARY 2 Minnesota Reformer

Democratic lawmakers plan to continue changing Minnesota’s approach to crime and punishment this year after approving a major overhaul last year.

They’re expected to consider legislation that would eliminate a mandatory five-year sentence for felony gun possession; lengthen the window for appealing certain

Conservative groups say offices were firebombed

By J. Patrick Coolican FEBRUARY 2 Minnesota Reformer

The Center of the American Experiment, a conservative outfit based in Golden Valley, says its offices were firebombed last weekend in what the group is

Social Media Company CEOs Testify on Online Child Sexual Exploitation Press Release WASHINGTON - At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled “Big Tech and the Online Child Sexual Exploitation Crisis,” U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) asked the CEO of Discord Inc., Jason Citron, CEO of TikTok Inc., Shou Chew, Cofounder and CEO of Snap Inc., Evan Spiegel, CEO of X, Linda Yaccarino, and Founder and CEO of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg about turning a blind eye when young children joined their platforms,

Klobuchar is a leader in the fight to protect kids online. In February 2023, Senator Klobuchar introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator John Cornyn, the Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution (SHIELD) Act. The bill would establish federal criminal

Ask A Tropper

By Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: I have noticed cars that can’t be seen in the day when they fail to turn on their lights on during the recent fog.

Can you please explain how dangerous it can be and what the law is that covers this?

Answer: Minnesota law states that every vehicle on a roadway shall display lighted headlamps,

lighted tail lamps, and illuminating devices from sunset to sunrise. The law also applies when it’s raining, snowing, sleeting, or hailing and at any time when visibility is impaired by weather or insufficient light, at a distance of 500 feet ahead.

During the recent snow event, I noticed many vehicles without their lights on during the heavy snowfall. This can create a very dangerous situation, especially when visibility is reduced. Be-

SPONSOR THIS SECTION: info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Page 8

Nicollet County Ledger

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Groundbreaking at North Kato Development

Groundbreaking took place Greater Man kato Growth late January for an incoming a mbassadors broke ground mixed-use property in North with other investors for the Mankato.

Forde development along high-

way 169 and Webster Avenue in addition to commercial retail Benedict’s restaurant from Construction will continue North Mankato. The property shops.

Wayzata already signed a com- through to December, when the will hold single and double Developers said apar tment mercial lease at the property commercial units are expected units for multi-family use in leasing could start in August. development. to be finished.

By Robert Lawson Publisher i n fo@n i c o l l e t c ou nt yl e d ge r. com A new area code is set to launch by this summer. The

available numbers in the 507 area code will likely be assigned by early next year, so Southern Minnesota will be getting a second area code. The 924 area code is expected to start being assigned starting in August

2024. 70 years ago, Minnesota only had two area codes, 612 and 218 for the top and bottom half of the state. Then it became three when Southern Minnesota got the 507 code.

In 1996, Minnesota gave areas

west of the Twin Cities and the St. Cloud metro the 320 code.

651 was added for greater St. Paul in 1998 and in 2000, 952 was designated to the Southwest Twin Cities metro and 763 to the northwest suburbs.

Regulators in 2008 started to prefer overlays rather than geographies when considering area code designations. The 924 code will be used anytime a new number in Southern Minnesota is designated. Existing phone

customers will still get to keep their old 507 number.

The state is also expected to add another code around 2028 for new numbers across Northern Minnesota when 218 gets used up.

The City of North Mankato is celebrating its 125th Anniversary on Friday, February 16. The public is invited to cel-

ebrate with the city by joining a night of North Mankato History Trivia with guest host Charlie from MN 100.

Event-goers may bring a team of up to six people for a chance to win prizes from the free event at Spring Lake Park. It

will take place in the warming house, according to a city press release. Food and beverages will be available for pur-

chase and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Pre-registration is recommended. There will also be a

contest for historic photos so participants are encouraged to bring their favorite old photo of the city.

A Saint Peter couple was selected for a dance competition that helps to benefit teens’ mental health.

North Elementary School social

worker Mandy Kennedy and her husband Cullen Kennedy received an invitation to perform in a sevencounty Minnesota dance contest.

Around 600 people are expected to spectate.

Cullen and Mandy practice with their coach Lendsey Northenscode

to prepare for Dancing Like the Stars, a competition that raises money to help prevent teen suicide. They were one of 12 selected

couples for the contest across eight counties in Minnesota. Mandy and Cullen will dance at the Dancing Like the Stars competition in

Glencoe in the Glencoe City Center on April 13 at 5:30 p.m.

The couple raised $1,200 of a $10,000 goal as of February 1.

New Area Code Coming to Southern Minnesota

North Mankato Celebrates 125th Year with Trivia

Saint Peter Couple To Dance Like Stars in Glencoe, MN

nicolletcountyledger.com

CIA

COMMUNITY INSURANCE AGENCY

Community Insurance Agency of Lafayette, Inc. Melissa Schultz

Agent License #1011072

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