New Manufacturing Facility Planned for North Mankato

A Vermont-based company specializing in gloves and glasses, Gordini, is expanding its distribution to North Mankato, which is expected to bring substantial economic growth and job opportunities to the Mankato area. According to Mike Fisher, Community Development Director of the City of North Mankato.

“The completion of Highway 14 four-lane project will provide rapid access between regional trade centers and will allow the uninterrupted flow of goods, services, workers, and travelers. Additionally, the project will improve safety for all users.

North Mankato has an industrial park along Hwy 14, it is an attractive area for new industry.

The industrial park is served by two Hwy 14 interchanges having easy access to Hwy 14 and Hwy 169. Industries that manufacture and distribute products look for these opportunities when selecting sites.”

When asked about the employment boost, Fisher responded, “The first phase of Gordini’s project consists of a 120,000 sq. ft. facility that will employ approximately 30 persons. Their site can accommodate an 80,000 sq. ft. future expansion that would employ an additional 30 work-

Lafayette Begins Planning 125th

Celebration and Annual Summer Festival

Lafayette Mayor Sadie Peterson asked all residents and businesses in and around the Lafayette area to attend the first meeting to begin the planning of the 125-year celebration of Lafayette. The meeting was held at the Community Center at 7pm on Wednesday, February 15. The 125-year celebration is a quasuicentennial. Lafayette last celebrated its centennial in July 2000, with actress Tippi Hegren as grand marshall of the parade. Lafayette Prepares for Annual Summer Festival Lafayette is gearing up for its annual Summer Festival, an event that brings the community together and showcases the city’s unique culture and spirit. The festival, now in its 17th year, is one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer and is a beloved tradition for residents and visitors alike.

The Summer Festival provides an opportunity for families and friends to come together, enjoy the warm weather, and participate in a variety of activities. From live music and food vendors to a children’s carnival and fireworks display, there is something for everyone at the festival.

“The Summer Festival is a time for us to celebrate our community and the things that make Lafayette such a special place to live,” said Lafayette Mayor Sadie Peterson.

“It’s a chance for residents to come together and enjoy a weekend of fun and festivities.”

Planning an event like the Summer Festival is no small feat.

From securing permits and arranging logistics to coordinating with local businesses and recruiting volunteers, there are many details to be taken care of before the festival can take place.

Mayor Peterson confirmed that the first planning meeting will take place on February 15th with many more to come over the next two years, laying out a couple of the city’s plans.

“At this first meeting, I would like to set the date and form committees for all the activities going on. We will be redoing our History Book so I would like to organize a presale of this book so we have some idea on how many we need.”

The local businesses in the area play a critical role in the organization and execution of the celebration. Many of them serve as sponsors, providing financial support and resources to help make the event a success. Others participate by setting up booths and vending their products, helping to create a lively atmosphere and attracting visitors to the city.

“The Summer Festival is a great opportunity for local businesses to connect with the community and showcase what they have to offer,” said Mayor Peterson.

Residents come forward each year to lend a hand and ensure that the festival runs smoothly. Whether it’s helping with setup and cleanup, managing traffic, or working at one of the many activity stations, volunteers play a crucial role in making the festival a success.

“The Summer Festival is a true community effort,” said Mayor Peterson. “It wouldn’t be possible

Continued on page 4

By Robert Lawson Publisher 612-460-5851 info@nicolletcountyledger.com

The Saint Peter City Council met on Monday, February 13 to discuss various issues such as a hospital surgical table purchase, 2023 Park Row project bid solicitaiton, parks master plan RFP authorization, 2023-2024 electric and stormwater budgets, electric and stormwater rate increases, municipal state aid road designation and a temporary gambling license.

Surgical table purchase for River’s Edge Hospital and Clinic. Dr. Jones, from the clinic, requested from the city the trial of the Mizzuho ProAxis surgical table. According to documents at the meeting, there are two current options available. One is a

45-day right of refusal and the other is a demo of the table. Jones presented a table that listed the differences between the two options from the vendor. The 45-day Right of Refusal pacakge includes 30-45 day lead time, requires purchase order (PO) to match quote and a signed reservation of rights letter (ROR), new table sent, freight charge to ship, keep table and invoice against PO. The Demo option includes a 60-90 day lead time, $0 PO and demo forms, used table is sent, freight charge to ship, freight charge to send back to California and River’s Edge would need to submit order for the new system with a 30-45 day lead time and pay for shipping. Jones said there were drawbacks to the Demo option.

“The drawback for the demo is really... They charge $5200 and some ers.”

Gordini is known for its high-quality gloves and glasses, designed for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. The company’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its products, which are made from recycled materials and are designed to last.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, this effort continues Gordini’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and using environmentally responsible materials in its products.

Continued on page 4 change to ship the table,” Jones said.

The other option avoids paying for shipping more than once on the table for a trial period, she explained.

The pricetag for the table is $136,230.50 and there is a 3-year service agreement that comes with the table at a cost of $47,000. The demo option price tag was just shy of $147,000. In the City of Saint Peter, any purchases for Hospital capital of more than $100,000 needs city council approval per city ordinance.

“The Hospital Comission has reviewed this and has asked me to come and ask for approval for the 45-day Right of Refusal, and the option to purchase it,” Jones said at the meeting.

Jones said a previous table that was purchased for $67,000 only had

Continued on page 4

By Robert Lawson Publisher 612-460-5851 info@nicolletcountyledger.com

A woman called police to report the theft of a catalytic converter from a motor vehicle on January 3 on the 200 block of S. 3rd St. at around 9:25 p.m.

Police responded to a report of assault on the 300 block of W. Grace St. on January 3 around 9:30 p.m.

Police responded to a report of two people fighting on January 4 around 10:30 p.m. on the 2000 block of Kelein St.

Police responded to a report of fraud at Kwik Trip on the 1800 block of Old Minnesota Ave. on January 6 around 2:30 p.m. for the receipt of a counterfeit bill.

Police responded to a report of a catalytic converter theft from a motor vehicle on January 7 around 12:45 p.m. on the 100 block of N. 4th St.

Police responded to a report of theft on the 1800 block of Gault St. on January 8 around 7:30 p.m.

A woman reported to police that a neighbor’s child allegedly stole a nicotine vape pen.

A woman reported fraud to police on the 400 block of W. Broadway Ave. on January 10 around 5:30 p.m. The woman told police her Facebook account was hacked and she was scammed out of money. She told police she was feeling overwhelmed and contemplated suicide. According to police, she spoke with officers about her mental health.

NicolletCountyLedger.com

A woman contacted Saint Peter police to report harassment on January 11 around midnight on the 1000 block of Old Minnesota Ave. She said a male coworker was making creepy and harassing statements to her at work, including a statement that the man allegedly knew her address and apartment number, where she parks her car and her birthday.

Police responded to a report of theft involving a gas drive off in the amount of $51.20 around 5 p.m. on the 1100 block of S. Minnesota Ave on January 13.

Police responded to a report of a mentally disturbed person on the 300 block of W. Mulberry St. around 11:45 p.m. January 15, in which a female barricaded a door

Continued on page 4

By Kent Thiesse Farm management analyst kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com

March 15 is the deadline to signup for the 2023 farm program at local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices throughout the United States. Eligible producers are able to choose between the price-only Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and revenuebased Ag Risk Coverage (ARC) program choices. The ARC program choice includes both the county-yield based ARC-CO program choice and the ARC-IC program, which is based on farm-level yields. Following are some of the common questions that have been raised regarding 2023 farm program signup and some potential answers:

• Do I need to sign-up for the 2023 farm program if I do not intend to change my PLC or ARC-CO choice from 2022?

Based on FSA guidelines and requirements, farm units will automatically remain with the same farm program option as 2022 if no farm program choice is made for 2023; however, producers would still need to enroll in the 2023 farm program by March 15, 2023, to remain eligible for program benefits. Farm operators need to complete FSA Form #866 to finalize both steps in the farm program enrollment process. • At the current high price levels, should I automatically choose ARCCO for corn?

The odds of receiving either a PLC or ARC-CO payment for 2023 are very low. The 2023 benchmark price for corn is $3.98 per bushel, while the 2023 PLC reference price

Lafayette Ledger

100 Years Ago – Jan. 3, 1920

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew M. Olson of New Sweden witnessed a pleasant gathering last Sunday afternoon and evening when all their children gathered with the old folks and celebrated a family reunion and in honor of their parents presented Mr. Olson with a fine upholstered rocker and Mrs. Olson with a gold ring. The meeting was a complete surprise to the old folks and it is needless to state that it was a most successful and pleasant one.

Clifford Landahl left Monday to attend Agriculture school.

W. A. Anderson visited at New Ulm Wednesday.

Oscar Lindquist was a business caller at Winthrop Tuesday.

Chas. Flygare and daughter, Mabel, left Monday for New Ulm where the latter had her tonsils removed.

Miss Edith Eckberg has been on the sick list with measles the past week, but is now improving nicely.

Miss Ethel Palmquist, one of the local teachers here last year, was a guest at the Rev. S. H. Swanson home last week. She left Saturday for St. Peter to continue her studies at the G.A.C. Hilding Swenson and Herbert Johnson enjoyed a very pleasant day at New Ulm Sunday.

Robert Johnson called at the county seat, Gaylord, Tuesday, and secured his citizenship papers. His brothers, Ernest and Edwin Johnson, accompanied him.

Aug. Johnson and family have recently had a fine monument erected on their lot in the cemetery south of town.

Gutxke Bros. will be sporting a Ford, this summer, recently bought.

75 Years Ago – Jan. 12, 1945 for the past two years. On Friday she departed for California to be employed.

Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Johnson entertained relatives and friends Sunday evening in honor of Sgt. and Mrs. Russell Malmberg.

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Lindquist returned last week to Ames, Iowa, after a few days visit here with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Lindquist.

Mr. and Mrs. Bernard J. Ulrich of New Sweden are the parents of a daughter, born at the Union hospital, New Ulm, on January 3. The Ulrichs formerly resided in this village when he was the Case implement dealer.

The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Simmet, residing three miles south of Lafayette, was baptized Sunday afternoon by Rev. Leo Krzmarzick. The name given was Gregory Richard.

The Lafayette-Bernadotte 4-H club will meet at the Henry Martin home this (Friday) evening.

Mrs. Kenneth Hagberg of here, accompanied by Miss Eleanore Kahle of New Ulm spent Monday and Tuesday in Minneapolis.

50 Years Ago – Jan. 15, 1970

Those entertained Sunday evening at the Walter Karstad home were Mr. and Mrs. Paul Eckberg, Mr. and Mrs. Christ Loock and Mrs. Helen Karstad.

The Bernadotte Home Extension Group met Monday afternoon at the Douglas Webster home. The lesson on Foreign Cookery was given by Mrs. Duane Eckberg and Mrs. Kenneth Martens. There were twelve members present.

The Lafayette Home Extension Group will meet this Thursday at the Leroy Rathmann home at 7:30 p.m. The lesson on Foreign Cookery will be given by Mrs. Rathmann and Mrs. Melvin Hacker. Each is to bring a German recipe.

Mr. and Mrs. Warren Johnson were Sunday dinner guests at the Fred Rodewald home in New Ulm.

Mr. and Mrs. Les Kowba of Minneapolis were visitors January 3rd at the Warren Johnson home.

A baby girl was born Sunday morning to Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Sullivan of Lafayette.

The Cornish Willing Workers met for their home extension meeting at the Mrs. George Schmeising home. The lesson was on Switzerland and Fondue Cookery. Twelve members were present.

Pvt. Robert Hamann returned to his base at Ft. Jackson, S.C. on Monday last week after spending a three week furlough here with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Delton Hamann.

Carolyn Gieseke returned by plane Monday to Bell Flower, Calif., after spending the holidays at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elroy Gieseke.

Mr. and Mrs. Otis Mueller spent the weekend at Rochester with their daughter, Mrs. Michael Hatch.

Nicollet Leader

115 Years Ago – Jan. 14, 1905

Wm. Ginkel has commenced with his ice harvest this week.

C. F. Mason, of St. Paul, rural route inspector, was inspecting the Nicollet routes early in the week. He predicted that Route No. 3 would be soon established.

A number of Nicollites enjoyed a sleigh ride to Hebron Thursday evening. They attended the “Shadow Social” given under the auspices of the “Thimble Bee” at the home of Rev. and Mrs. Allen.

Our Marshal has had considerable trouble this cold weather to keep the water works in first class condition, it is no snap, any way you look at it, and especially in cold weather.

100 Years Ago – Jan. 10, 1920

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Karpen of Swan Lake on Monday.

Miss Anna Dorn of Minneapolis is the guest of relatives in town since Thursday.

Rev. C. J. Albrecht of New Ulm, visited at the Rev. F. Koehler home the first of the week.

Otto Stege left on Tuesday for Max, North Dakota, where he has secured a position in a bank.

Chas. Sondag has purchased the old Wm. Sondag farm in Brighton township consisting of 173 acres. Consideration $16,500.

The seven-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Kettner slipped and fell on Monday, sustaining the fracture of one of his legs.

County Commissioners O. C. Karstad and T. O. Haugen attended the annual session of the county board, at St. Peter, this week.

A number of ladies agreeably surprised Mrs. Fred Volk Tuesday evening in honor of her birthday anniversary and spent a pleasant evening.

The first annual meeting of the Nicollet Electric Company was held on Thursday evening when the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: J. C. Rabe, president; J. C. Zins, vice president; Ed. C. Johannes, secretary-treasurer; Louis Dahms and A.P. Anderson, directors. With the increased consumption of electricity during the coming year, it is hoped to put the company on a paying basis.

Miss Rosina Dallmann returned from New Ulm on Thursday after a two weeks stay with her grandmother, Mrs. Fred Becker, Sr.

85 Years Ago – Jan. 12, 1935

Lester Vinson and Miss Martha Quast of Gaylord spent Sunday at the Walter Wilking home.

Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Boerger and daughter, Miss Jewel of Kasota, were Sunday visitors at the F. W. Muesing home.

John Doucet has returned to Minneapolis to resume his studies at the Diesel Motor School after spending the holiday vacation with relatives and friends here.

Oscar A. Swenson left Wednesday for St. Paul to attend a meeting of the Creamery Fire and Tornado Insurance Company.

Dr. and Mrs. M. C. Anderson attended the regular dental meeting of the Mankato District Study Club at Mankato Tuesday evening.

Miss Lydia Engel returned home last Sunday after spending a two weeks’ vacation with her sister, Mrs. Fred Schumacher of Redwood Falls.

25 Years Ago – Jan. 12, 1995

After spending fall semester in China, Nicollet High School graduate Angie Stoffregen wouldn’t mind going back. The English secondary education college major would like to teach at the university where she studied.

Kari Grunst and Jeff Grommersch were chosen to reign over Snow Week festivities at Nicollet High School.

Mary Compart was elected president of the Trinity Ladies Guild at the annual meeting on Thursday, January 5. Janet Unnasch was elected secretary. Each office is for a two-year term.

Christmas Dec. 25th dinner guests of Delrose Bode were: John and Ingrid Bode of Hanska; Don and Judy Maas of Lake Crystal; Mrs. Ginger Grotham of Hanska, Jeff Bode of LaSalle and Scott and Janelle Flowers of Courtland.

Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Gronholz, Joshua and Erin, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Gronholz, Zackary and McKenzie of New Ulm and Jay Gronholz and friend of Worthington spent Christmas Eve with Mrs. Deb Gronholz and Jackie at Brooklyn Park. Deb’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ritz of Truman were also guests.

Dennis and Jane Rolloff of Shakopee and John and Ingrid Bode of Hanska are spending ten days sightseeing in Mexico.

Catherine Gjerde spent Christmas Eve with Jerry and Sandra Wersal and family at Mapleton. Additional guests were: Gene and Corinne Wesley, Tim, Tara and Chris of Mankato, Mr. and Mrs. Randy Gjerde and family of New Sweden, Mr. and Mrs. David Gjerde and Megan of North Mankato and Rose Vetter of Mankato.

10 Years Ago – Jan. 14, 2010 is $3.70 per bushel. PLC payments begin at a final Market Year Average (MYA) price below $3.70 per bushel, while potential 2023 ARC-CO payments are dependent on final 2023 county average yields. At a final 2023 MYA price of $3.98 per bushel, the 2023 county yield would need to be 15% or more below the benchmark yield to initiate an ARC-CO payment. For example, if the county benchmark yield is 200 bu./A., the county yield needs to be 170 bushels per acre or lower for a 2023 ARC-CO payment. If the final 2023 county average yield is the same as the benchmark yield, the final 2023 MYA price needs to decline below $3.43 per bushel in order to initiate an ARC-CO payment. At a $3.43 per bushel final MYA price, there would be a $.27 per bushel PLC payment.

Playing the Norseland Lutheran Church organ on its rededication day were: Lisa Quist, Margaret Annexstad, Lydell “Fred” Struck, Howard Nolte, and John Baumann.

Many from the area attended the Snowmobile Radar Run on Swan Lake Sunday afternoon. Warmer weather was the highlight of the weekend but the wind was still icy.

The final corn MYA price from 2014-2019 was $3.70 per bushel or lower, resulting in corn PLC payments from 2015-2019. The final 2020 and 2021 MYA prices were $4.53 per bushel (2020) and $6 per bushel (2021). The current 2022 MYA corn price estimate is $6.70 per bushel, which would be at the highest MYA price level since $6.89 per bushel in 2012. The PLC program does provide added corn price protection with potential PLC payments extending from $3.70 down to $2.20 per bushel.

• How do the current higher price levels affect the farm program decision for soybeans and wheat?

Soybeans – The 2023 soybean benchmark price is $9.57 per bushel and the MYA price needs to drop below $8.40 per bushel to initi-

Rev. and Mrs. G. R. Morgan attended the Methodist Ministers group meeting at Redwood Falls, Monday. They also called on friends in Morton.

Mr. and Mrs. B. R. Swanson, Mrs. Harry E. Hedren and sons, Cpl. Merle and Thomas, of Winthrop, Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Swenson were entertained at dinner Saturday evening at the Ben Paulson home.

Miss Betty Karstad, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Karstad of Bernadotte, resigned her position at Powers in Minneapolis, after being employed there in the offices

A lady who has been visiting relatives hereabout was heard to say the other day, that, if she lived in Nicollet she would advocate for a curfew ordinance, seeing as there are too many young people out at night when they should be in bed. We back her up in that, and hope that the City Dads will draft one this year.

A young fellow from St. Peter was in our sanctum the other day and made several complaints as to the coyness of the feminine gender out this way, saying that he had been living at a farm near the village for some three months, and had not become acquainted with a single young lady. We could only theorize out that all the ladies around there must have been married, or he must have kept himself up on the top shelf out of the reach of leap year inspirations.

Fred Stolz, Henry Epper, Anthony Epper and Jake Schuck were guests of the Skelly Oil Company at a meeting and banquet given in the Loyola club rooms, at Mankato, Wednesday.

Mrs. Lena Zins, son George and Miss Marion Juberien motored to the twin cities Wednesday for a couple of days visit. George attended the Hardware and Implement Dealer’s convention held in Minneapolis.

With all but some 70 checks being received, disbursements started last Friday on $46,548.08 in second installment payments to corn-hog contract signers by the federal government. Nicollet is one of 11 counties to receive the first checks on the second payments. These checks form part of the first million to be paid by the federal government on the second installment of corn-hog money.

Lafayette Nicollet Ledger

Marcie Flygare of rural Winthrop and Molly Erdman of rural Courtland were named to the Fall 2009-10 Academic year Dean’s List at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato. Flygare is the daughter of Duane and Carol Flygare and is a 2008 graduate of Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School. Erdman is the daughter of Dan and Sue Erdman and a 2006 graduate of Nicollet High School.

Even with snow blowing around outside, the Courtland City Council opened its January 7 meeting with a public hearing. A number of residents from Mary Lane and Riverview Drive were in attendance to hear plans for extending water and sewer service to their area. Joe Duncan of Bolton and Menk was present to explain how water and sewer service are to be expanded. He also touched on the benefits for both the residents and the city as a reason to go ahead with the project.

After way too much snow over the last month, the light snow that fell overnight – accompanied by fog and frost – made for some beautiful scenery.

Alan Thompson of Nicollet was named to the Dean’s List for fall semester 2009 at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Fulltime students with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher are eligible for the list.