Nicollet County Ledger February 25, 2024 by Nicollet County Ledger

February 25, 2024 | South Central News & Media

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EMT Killed Was a SCC Grad

Adam Finseth, Recently Killed in a Tragic Shooting Scene in the Twin Cities, Was Trained at South Central College A Burnsville paramedic that was shot and killed in an incident involving a man barricaded in his home with firearms and ammunition along with two other responding law enforcement officers has ties to North Mankato. Adam Finseth graduated from South Central College in North Mankato. Finseth was responding with the officers to a domestic violence call in Burnsville. Finseth graduated from John

Marshall High School in Rochester, according to reoprts. He attended SCC for training in intensive care paramedicine. His former professor gave statements to the media recently about Finseth. Shawn Soermann was his paramedic instructor at SCC and said that Finseth was a positive young man while he and others knew him. Stoermann said Finseth was dedicated and devoted to both his family

and his career. Finseth was killed last Sunday attempting to help provide medical assistance to two police officers who were shot at the scene. Stoermann said the paramedicine faculty and students at SCC are still trying to process the news about Finseth. Those that remember Finseth at SCC remember him quiet, professional and helpful to other students. He was known as a very caring man.

Adam Finseth, pictured above, was shot and killed by a gunman barricaded in his home with ammunition and firearms. He was killed as he was trying to help two police officers at the crime scene in Burnsville. Finseth attended Those killed in the shooting above (left to right): Officer Paul Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge and FirefigherSouth Central College in North Mankato for his Emergency Responder training. Photo: City of Burnsville. Paramedic Adam Finseth. Photo: City of Burnsville.

City of Nicollet Approves Election Judge Raises and Discusses Public Safety By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

a variety of city agenda items. City Clerk Vanessa Drill made a request to the city council that election judges receive a pay increase. She suggested On Monday, February 8, the an increase from $13 an hour Nicollet City Council held its to $15 an hour. The council regular meeting and discussed approved the increase. Drill

also told the council that Dollar General requested a street light be installed near its business because it is dark when employees leave work. Drill suggested contacting Bolton and Menk about the potential for this project.

The city also wants to install a f lashing crosswalk on 6th Street and Hwy. 111 after hearing from the Trinity Lutheran School Board. They said it’s hard to cross the street at that intersection due to busy traffic along the roadway. The council

asked the city clerk to contact the state about any possible help with installation and cost of the light system. An emergency management public officials leadership training on September 25 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at South Central

College in North Mankato was also discussed, especially as the prospect of a major disaster like a tornado could leave the city unprepared, the Nicollet mayor said. He urged members to attend and refresh their training.

Continued on page 5

A St. Peter 4th-Grader with Extraordinary Ambition

Diplomats from the Saint Peter Chamber of Commerce at Haven at Hallet’s in St. Peter this month. North Elementary Principal Darin Doherty (left) and North 5th-grader Liz Bahr (right) during the student spotlight portion of the St. Peter School Board meeting on February 22. By Robert Lawson updates to the READ Act, presented curious about the availability of Publisher the monthly student spotlight and school resources for recess so kids info@nicolletcountyledger.com regular school board business. could utilize them, but some are broNorth Elementary School 4th- ken and need replacement. She disgrade student Liv Bahr was recog- cussed this with North Elementary The Saint Peter School Board nized by the board for the monthly staff and brainstormed ideas about met on February 22 and discussed student spotlight. Bahr had been Continued on page 5

Nicollet County Board News

Norseland Church Construction Project and Permit for Mineral Extraction to be Discussed at Upcoming Meetings By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Appeals & Adjustments and the Planning & Zoning Commission will meet on Monday, February 26 to discuss new items on the agenda. The Board of Appeals will hear The Nicollet County Board of from Leon Matties on behalf of

Norseland Lutheran Church about PLN 24-01, during a public hearing that was set about expanding and replacing a garage structure on the property. They are seeking a reduc-

Continued on page 5 Diplomats from the Saint Peter Chamber of Commerce at Paddlefish Brewery in St. Peter this month.

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News from the Archives

Black History Edition

1982 — Lafayette Ledger

Vintage Photo

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Focus on Ag

Current Farm Bill Extended Through 2024 By Kent Thiesse

Farm management analyst kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com

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

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

See FOCUS ON AG, page 5

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Nicollet County Area Sports, Scores and Stats This Week

New Ulm Boys Varsity Basketball Against Jackson County Central The New Ulm Boys Basketball team, the Eagles, faced the Jackson County Cent ral Huskies79 Jackson County

Central. The Huskies won the game with 88 points versus the Eagles’ 79 points in the game, which took place on February

22. Jimmy Osborne was the lead scorer for the Eagles with 24 points. The Eagles scored 36 in the first half and 43 in the

second half of the game. Colton Benson took 24 points and Nate Firle and Ayden Jensen both had 15 points.

The New Ulm Eagles boys 83-75. varsity basketball team faced the The Eagles score 38 points in the Waseca Bluejays on February 24. first half of the game. The Eagles won by a score of Colton Benson was top scorer

for the evening with 26 points total. Nate Firle and Jimmy Osborne both scored 18 points in the game. Will Fossen and Zach Hubbard both

scored 8 points during the game against the Bluejays. Ayden Jenson scored 5 points in the game. Waseca was up in the first half but lost.

The Nicollet Raiders were still looking for their first win of the season after 24 games. Nicollet lost to St. Mary 87-39 on Monday, February 16. Nicollet lost to this team three previous times. Will Walter scored 28 points for

St. Mary’s and had two steals. Nicollet dropped their record down to 0-24 with this defeat, which was their 16th straight at home dating back to last season. They faced United South Central at 7:15 p.m. the following Tuesday. On Tuesday, February 20, the Ni-

collet Varsity Boys Basketball team lost their game against United South Central High School by a score of 5279. On Friday, February 23, the Nicollet Varsity Boys Basketball team lost their game against Waterville-Elysian-

Morristown High School by a score of 49-73. The Raiders’ overall are 0-27 and 0-15 for the conference. It has been a tough year for the Nicollet Raiders boys baskbetball team, racking up 27 losses for the sesason.

On Thursday, February 8, the Nicollet Varsity Girls Basketball team lost their game against AldenConger/Glenville-Emmons High School by a score of 56-61. On Monday, February 12, the Nicollet Varsity Girls Basketball team lost their game against St. Mary’s High School by a score of

31-76. On Thursday, February 15, the Nicollet Varsity Girls Basketball team lost their game against Sibley East High School by a score of 5575. On Friday, February 16, the Nicollet Varsity Girls Basketball team lost their game against Moun-

tain Lake/Comfrey/Mountain Lake Christian High School by a score of 58-69. On Friday, February 16, the Nicollet Varsity Girls Basketball team lost their game against Mountain Lake/Comfrey High School by a score of 58-69. On Thursday, February 22, the

Nicollet Varsity Girls Basketball team lost their game against Cedar Mountain High School by a score of 46-80. The girls team is 8-18 overall and 8-13 in the conference for the season this year so far. For home games, they are 3-9 and for away games they are 5-7.

Jacob Fontaine of North Mankato makes Dean’s List at RIT ROCHESTER, NY (02/20/2024)-- Jacob Fontaine of North Mankato (56003) was named to the Dean’s List at Rochester Institute of Technology for the fall semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. Fontaine is in the applied computer technology program. Full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for Dean’s List if their term GPA is greater than or equal to 3.400; they do not have any grades of “Incomplete”, “D” or “F”; and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours. Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators, and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls more than 20,500 students in 200 careeroriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S. With 145,000 alumni worldwide, the university is internationally recognized and ranked for its leadership in technology, the arts, and design. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hear-

ing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. For the latest news, go to rit.edu/ news. SCC Fall Semester Academic Honors Announced (February 23, 2023) - South Central College (SCC) today released its President’s List and Dean’s List of students with exceptional academic performance in the 2023 Fall Semester, which ran from August - December, 2023. The President’s List includes students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher and have completed at least 24 cumulative credits at SCC. The Dean’s List includes students who have achieved a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher and completed at least 12 credits that semester. Because the President’s and Dean’s Lists have different criteria, students may be named to both in the same semester. HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, HONOR Courtland, MN Courtland Fjeld, Dean’s List Caroline Steinbach, Dean’s List

Lafayette, MN Adelynn Mason, Dean’s List Joleigh Hoffmann, Dean’s List Adelynn Mason, President’s List Spencer Rieke, Dean’s List Jordan Ng, Dean’s List Nicollet, MN Hope Rademaker, Dean’s List Hailey Stoecker, Dean’s List Hope Rademaker, President’s Hailey Stoecker, President’s List List Jocelyn Wills, Dean’s List Kendall Rotchadl, Dean’s List Jocelyn Wills, President’s List Walker Rotchadl, Dean’s List North Mankato, MN Walker Rotchadl, President’s John Aho, Dean’s List List John Aho, President’s List Cale Schindle, Dean’s List Joshua Benson, Dean’s List Zachary Smith, Dean’s List Silvyia Chepngetich, Dean’s Zachary Smith, President’s List List John Voracek, Dean’s List Beth Crandall, Dean’s List John Voracek, President’s List Beth Crandall, President’s List Austyn Winterlin, Dean’s List Luke Desmarais, Dean’s List Saint Peter, MN Luke Desmarais, President’s Layne Bruch, Dean’s List List Layne Bruch, President’s List Sophia Dinsmore, Dean’s List Brittany Davis, Dean’s List Sophia Dinsmore, President’s Felipe Diaz Nunez, Dean’s List List Ann Dodge, Dean’s List Jessica Evans, Dean’s List John Harvey, Dean’s List MacKenna Fischer, Dean’s List Gage Hinderscheid, Dean’s List Wyatt Gaalswyk, Dean’s List Jenna Keltgen, Dean’s List Benjamin Harpestad, Dean’s Jenna Keltgen, President’s List List Sienna Larson, Dean’s List Tyler Hendrickson, Dean’s List Jasmine Rettig, Dean’s List Angelina Lacy, Dean’s List Jasmine Rettig, President’s List Nathan Lang, Dean’s List Magnus Soderlund, Dean’s List Nathan Lang, President’s List Devan Stenger, Dean’s List Kaleb Mann, Dean’s List Maleki Torbenson, Dean’s List

New Ulm Takes Down Waseca in Boys Varsity Basketball Game Nicollet Raiders Boys Basketball Team Still Looking to Win a Match Nicollet Girls varsity basketball team faced Cedar Mountain Thursday.

Nicollet Raiders Girls Basketball

Nicollet Girls Basketball Team 8-18 Overall, 8-13 in the Conference

Local College Student Achievements Announced Here

The team lost the game to Cedar Mountain Thursday.

Law Enforcement Beat North Kato Celebrates Law, Crime, Courts, Fire and Emergency Services News

125 Years with Historic Commissioner’s corner: Honoring Black history Photo Contest and Trivia The City of North Mankato celebrated its 125th year of government with a trivia event on February 16 at the Spring Lake Park warming house in North Mankato with guest host Charlie from MN 100 radio station.

Teams of up to 6 people competed for a chance to win a variety of prizes. It was a free event and food and beverages were available for purchase at the event. They also held a contest for historic photos of North Mankato.

Minnesota DPS Comissioner

Image: Thomas J. Martin.

Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation Smiles@School Program: 50,000 Dental Health Kits for 1st-Graders This Month Delta Dental of Minnesota Foun- timer, a water bottle, an oral health dation Smiles@School program to deliver over 50,000 dental health kits and educational materials to Minnesota 1st graders during Children’s Dental Health Month February is Children’s Dental Health Month in Minnesota. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation is doing its part in February by delivering over 50,000 dental health kits and educational materials to first-graders across the state through the Smiles@ School program. Each dental health kit contains critical oral health resources: a toothbrush, fluoridated toothpaste, floss, a

educational booklet, and more. The Foundation is also providing an educational video to teachers and nurses on the importance of oral health featuring Dr. Eileen Crespo, a practicing pediatrician and Vice President of Medical Services at Delta Dental of Minnesota. “Children who have good oral health often miss less school and receive better grades than children who don’t,” said Dr. Crespo. “Starting good oral health habits early can help lay the foundation for better overall health, well-being, and success in life.”

February is a month of reflection as we recognize the contributions made by the African American community throughout history. It serves as a time to highlight the struggles, triumphs and cultural heritage of the Black community.

Thomas J. Martin was an important inventor in the public safety world. On March 26, 1872, he was granted a patent for his version of the fire extinguisher. The invention involved the use of pipes to carry water upward and valves in the ceiling acting as sprinklers to extinguish fires in buildings.

North Kato PD Receives Fire Safety Tools

North Mankato, Minn. The North Mankato Police Department recently received adonation of six (6) portable Fire Suppression Tools (FST’s) from the Masons of Mankato Masonic Lodge #12. These devices are designed to be thrown directly into a working fire. Eight (8) seconds after activation the device releases an aerosol that will suppress a working fire up to 5,300 cubic feet in size, giving firefighters more time to arrive on scene to extinguish the blaze. “If fire circumstances and safety permit, first arriving police officers can throw this device through an open

door or window to help give our volunteer firefighters precious more time to arrive on scene. They can even be handed to firefighters entering the structure to be deployed.” says Ross Gullickson, North Mankato Police Chief. “We are very grateful for this donation from the Mankato Masonic Lodge.” “This is a tool that we sincerely hope never has to be used,” says Michael Krediet, President of Mankato Masonic Lodge #12. “But when the call for help comes in, we hope these devices can help save lives and property. We are happy to provide the City of North Mankato with this donation.”

of your identity by someone else is a serious problem. Upon receipt of this completed form, an entry will be made on your driving record. This entry will alert law enforcement officers that someone else may be using your identity. This entry should prevent someone from using your name when involved with law enforcement. It is important for you to know that this entry may cause you inconvenience if you have contact with law enforcement personnel as they will specifically request your identification. For your own protection, it is recommended that you have your Minnesota driver's license or identification card with you at all times.

This form will not prevent the use of your name in financial matters, such as establishing credit or other accounts. You should reach out to each of those directly. 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.

Ask a Trooper: Identity Theft - What to do if it happens By Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: I was recently the victim of identity theft. My driver’s license was among the items stolen. I am concerned that this person will use my identification to drive, among other things. What can I do in regards to my license? Answer: I am sorry to hear about your situation. This is not my area of expertise but the Minnesota State Patrol is part of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), which includes the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division.

I reached out to someone there, and they provided the following information: If you believe you were the victim of identity theft, contact DVS for a “Law Enforcement Alert for Victims of Identity Theft” Form, found here: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/ forms-documents/Documents/VictimofIdentityTheft.pdf. You can submit the form: By mail to Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota St. Suite 175, St. Paul, MN 55101. In-person at any driver exam station or driver license office that accepts driver license applications. DPS recognizes that the misuse

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Focus on Ag Continued City of Nicollet Approves Election Judge Raises From Page 2 Congress. The continuing resolution that was passed will also maintain funding for most federal agencies, including those that are part of USDA, until either mid-January or early February of 2024. When most people hear of a “Farm Bill”, they think of the commodity programs and payments that affect crop producers. Some people may be aware that crop insurance and conservation programs are included under the Farm Bill, and some are knowledgeable that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and food stamps are part of the Farm Bill legislation. However, very few people outside of government officials and policy experts are aware that the Farm Bill also covers funding for rural fire trucks and ambulances, export promotion, international food aid, forestry programs, ag research and extension education at land-grant universities, and school lunch programs. The current Farm Bill passed in 2018 was over 1,000 pages in length, and contains 12 separate Titles, which cover a multitude of programs that are administered by USDA. Farm Program for 2024 The recent extension of the 2018 Farm Bill means that the “price loss coverage” (PLC) and “ag risk coverage” (ARC) farm program options for eligible crops will remain in place for the 2024 crop year and will be similar to PLC and ARC programs for the 2019 to 2023 crop years. For 2024, producers will be able to choose between the price-only PLC and revenue-based ARC program choices for the 2024 crop production year. The ARC program choice includes both the county-yield based “ARC-CO” program, which is most popular, and the “ARC-IC” program, which is based on farm-level yields. If no choice is made, the 2023 farm program choice will remain in place for 2024. The deadline to finalize the farm program choice and to enroll for 2024 farm program benefits will likely be March 15, 2024, at local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. As of this writing, USDA has not yet made any official announcements regarding 2024 farm program sign-up. Crop base acres for 2024 will likely remain at the same levels as 2023 for all crops on most farms, unless there are adjustments in base acres for crop acres that were added via land purchases or rental agreements or acres that are no longer eligible for farm program payments. The 2023 farm program yields on individual farm units, which were last updated in 2020, will be continued to calculate potential PLC payments. The ARCCO “benchmark yields” for 2024 will be based on the “Olympic-average” Risk Management Agency (RMA) county average yields for the 2018 to 2022 crop years. The national “market year average” (MYA) price for each program crop for the years 2018-2022 will be averaged to calculate the 2024 “benchmark price” for the ARC-CO and ARC-IC programs. The calculation formulas, etc. for the 2024 PLC, ARC-CO and ARC-IC programs will likely remain the same as in previous years.PLC payments for 2024 will be made if the final MYA price for 2024 falls below the reference price for a given crop. ARCCO payments for 2024 will be made if the final county revenue for the year (county yield x final 2024 MYA price) falls below the 2024 benchmark revenue (county benchmark yield x benchmark price) for a given crop. The calculations for the ARC-IC program are the same as for the ARC-CO program, except ARC-IC uses farm-level yield data and considers all crops on a farm unit together for calculation of potential payments in a given year. PLC and ARC-CO payments are paid on 85 percent of crop base acres, while ARC-IC payments are paid on only 65 percent of base acres. The 2014 Farm Bill established “statutory reference prices” for all

crops that were used to calculate PLC payments. The 2018 Farm Bill set the fixed statutory prices as minimum reference prices and added the possibility for “effective reference prices” (ERP). The ERP allows the reference price to increase by as much as 15 percent above the fixed reference price (fixed price x 115%). The final ERP for a given year is the higher of the fixed statutory price or the 5-year “Olympic average” price for a commodity times 85 percent (.85). The “Olympic average” price is calculated by taking the market year average (MYA) price for the five previous years (not including the current marketing year), dropping the high and the low price, and then averaging the other prices for the other three years. For the 2024 crop year, the “Olympic average” price is based on the MYA prices for the years 2018 to 2022, which is then multiplied by 85% (.85) to determine the final ERP price. The final effective reference prices (ERP) for the 2019 to 2023 crop years were at the minimum statutory levels of $3.70 per bushel for corn, $8.40 per bushel for soybeans, and $5.50 per bushel for wheat, meaning that calculation for higher ERP levels was not triggered for any of those three crops. MYA prices have been high enough in recent years to likely result in higher 2024 PLC reference prices for corn and soybeans; however, the wheat reference price will likely remain at the minimum level. The higher reference prices for corn and soybeans potentially increases the likelihood of PLC payments for the 2024 crip year, especially for corn if average market prices continue to decline during the 2024-25 marketing year. (Please refer to the attached Table.) Following are the estimated 2024 PLC reference prices: Corn = $4.02 per bushel (maximum is $4.26/bu. and minimum is $3.70/bu.) Soybeans = $9.26 per bushel (maximum is $9.66/bu. and minimum is $8.40/bu.) Wheat $5.50 per bushel (maximum is $6.33/bu. and minimum is $5.50/ bu.) The 2024 benchmark (BM) prices that are used for the ARC-CO and ARC-IC programs are also based on the five-year “Olympic average” MYA prices for 2018 to 2022; however, the ARC benchmark prices are not factored downward by 85 percent (x .85). The minimum BM price is the statutory reference price for a given crop. Following are the estimated ARC-CO and ARC-IC benchmark prices for the 2024 crop year: Corn = $4.75 per bushel $3.98/bu.in 2023) Soybeans = $10.89 per bushel ($9.57/bu.in 2023) Wheat $6.21 per bushel ($5.50/bu. in 2023) BOTTOM – LINE Another provision in the 2018 Farm Bill allows farm operators to make year-to-year decisions between PLC, ARC-CO and ARC-IC for each eligible crop on an FSA farm unit. Assuming that the PLC and ARC-CO farm program provisions and calculations in 2024 stay relatively similar to recent years, farm operators will want to do a bit more analysis before finalizing year-to-year farm program decisions for various crops. The potential for higher PLC reference prices and increasing benchmark prices will make that decision a bit more challenging for 2024 than in recent years. USDA has not yet announced the 2024 farm program details and sign-up dates at local FSA offices. Note — For additional information contact Kent Thiesse, Farm Management Analyst and Sr. Vice President, MinnStar Bank, Lake Crystal, MN. (Phone — (507) 381-7960) E-mail — kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com) Web Site — http://www. minnstarbank.com/

and Discusses Public Safety

Ctiy Council Continued From Page One

Councilman Matt Anthony inquired about implementing an online billing system for the city. The city clerk said she would discuss online billing with their vendor and how it could be integrated with their current accounting system used for city accounting/ recordkeeping.

The city received more than $50,000 in aid for public safety. Darin Drill presented a list of items and their estimated costs from the maintenance department that he believed would help keep residents safer. The council approved of items on the list that included a man basket, traffic cones,

AED, respirator masks, utility locator, ladders, safety clothing, gas monitor for the manholes, and a flashing crosswalk for 6th and Highway 111 but couldn’t pass any kind of motion until final cost estimates are returned to the council. The fire department likely has their own list of needed items.

The council approved the frontline warning systems agreement for 2024 for the siren at the fire hall and the application for the Sioux Trails Ducks Unlimited Bingo Event for March 17. The next city council meetings will take place March 12 and April 8 at 6 p.m at Nicollet City Hall.

tion of the bluff setback from 30 feet to 23 feet and reduction of Ordinary High Water (OHW) setback from 200 feet to 55 feet for the purpose of constructing an expanded replacement garage at

part of Lot 3 of Section 2-111-31 in West Newton Township. The Parcel Number is 13.002.0300. There is also a public hearing scheduled for the Planning & Zoning Commission for

PLN24-04. They will hear from Keith Olson with Mathiowetz Construction on behalf of the landowner Sheri Hulke. They are seeking 3-year Mineral Extraction Conditional Use

Permit Renewal for part of the Northeast quarter of the Northeast quarter of Section 16-109-29 in Courtland Township. The Parcel Number is 04.316.0300.

County Board Continued From Page One

School Board Continued From Page One

raising funds from the community to help pay for the items or solicit donated items from local families. “That’s what kind of person Liv is,” North Elementary Principal Darin Doherty said. “She’s so understanding. She’s so caring. She doesn’t leave anybody out.” Bahr is as altruistic as she is

intelligent. She picked a superpower of superintelligence so she would be able to find cures for cancer when prompted with the question. She also talked about wanting to study paleontology to dig up dinosaur fossils or a history teacher to help kids. She said one thing that adults can learn from kids is that

they need to express their emotions more in order to better cope. Superintendent Bill Gronseth updated the board on the READ Act training stages the board has been moving along with. They currently have 140 staff enrolled. The board is awaiting to hear back from the company that provides the

training. The board also discussed a pay equity report, policies with legislative requirements, donations/grants to the district, and reports from staff and the district. There was no student council reports due to activities scheduling.

Photo: Passing Courtland on Hwy. 14

City of Nicollet Looking for Maintenance Replacement On Monday, February 8, the City of Nicollet held its regular city council meeting and discussed hiring a new maintenance employee after Josh Anderson announced his retirement from the position in March after 17 years on the job. The personnel committee has been greenlit to hire a new main-

tenance worker. Anderson will leave March 9 after working for the city since 2007. The personnel committee consists of two members: Kevin Ostermann and Mary Wels, both city council members. They worked on a job description for the position with Darin Drill reportedly, and the city coun-

cil reviewed the description and discussed the details at the meeting. Council Member Phil Radel said there is training available in Iowa, needed for a Class A CDL license for the position. The training takes a couple days. A medical physical and drivers test will also be a requirement. The Council decided on allow-

ing the personnel committee to interview and negotiate the hiring of the maintenance employee with Drill. The committee already completed an exit interview with Anderson. After negotiating his final payout, sick time and leave, Anderson said he would be willing to continue to help on weekends if needed.

MDA Announces Increased Funding for Urban Ag Grants

Applications now open for $1.8 million in grant funds St. Paul, MN: Minnesota businesses, nonprofits, schools, local governments, and tribal communities seeking to promote urban youth agricultural education and urban agricultural community development are encouraged to apply for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Urban Agriculture Grant. Total funding available for this round of Urban Agriculture Grants is $1.87 million, an increase from $551,000 in 2023. To be eligible, applicants must be located in or serve cities with a population over 5,000

or be located within the boundaries of a federally recognized tribal land and serve tribal community members, regardless of population size. “The MDA is thrilled to be able to expand the Urban Agriculture Grant program and increase support for organizations, schools, and communities finding innovative ways to build connections to ag within Minnesota’s cities,” said MDA Assistant Commissioner Patrice Bailey. “Cultivating youth and community interest in agriculture and our food systems helps ensure the continued strength of Minnesota ag in all areas of the state.”

Grant funds can cover costs for personnel (staff and contractors), supplies, equipment (including the cost of construction and installation), transportation, or translation that are directly related to eligible projects. Applicants may request a maximum of $100,000 per project, and up to 100% of the total project cost may be covered by the grant. A cash match is not required. Funding priorities for this year’s Urban Agriculture Grants include projects that demonstrate a commitment to positive environmental impacts, promote economic justice, and benefit underserved communi-

ties. Examples of eligible projects and costs can be found in the grant’s request for proposals (RFP). Applications must be submitted prior to 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Visit the grant web page to access the RFP as well as details of previously funded projects. Funding for the Urban Agriculture Grant is made available through the AGRI Program, which administers grants to farmers, agribusinesses, schools, and more throughout the state of Minnesota. The AGRI Program exists to advance Minnesota’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors.

Nicollet County Government Center to Make a Move Again The Nicollet County Government Center is reportedly getting an upgrade with improvements designed to create a more efficient and modern facility, county officals said. They want to enhance services for residents of

Nicollet County. Expect work to begin in early March on the project for the local Government Center in Saint Peter. The government center will be extensively remodeling beginning March 5. The remodeling work

will continue throughout the spring and into the summer, according to officals in the county. During that time, Property & Public Services, including licensing services, will be temporarily relocated to the Health and

Human Services building next to the Government Center. The License Center will be closed from March 6 through the 8 while county workers and offices transfer to the new building location.

Nicollet Public Schools will receive some grant money, according to the district offices. Nicollet Public Schools will receive federal grant money to help improve school equipment. More than $32,000 came from a USDA Rural Development grant.

The district is going to use the grant money to improve school equipment at Nicollet Public Schools. More than $32,000 came from a USDA Rural Development grant so the schools can upgrade their equipment needs.

School officials in Nicollet indicated they would use the awarded grant funds to replace old playground equipment for the Early Childhood center within the school district. The announcement was made by both the district and from a state-

ment from Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith this month. Senators Klobuchar and Smith are both Democrats and members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, which oversees the USDA.

Nicollet Public Schools Get Grant Money for Equipment

Cooperative Development Funding Now Available Through MDA

Grant program helps farmers finance new cooperatives St. Paul, MN: A new Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) grant program is offering funding to support the development of agricultural cooperatives in the state. The Cooperative Development Grant Program is now accepting applications from new cooperatives looking to finance business development strategies that will aid in the successful produc-

tion, processing, or marketing of agricultural commodities, products, or services produced in Minnesota. The program was created through legislation passed during the 2023 Minnesota legislative session. “Farmer-owned cooperatives are a critical advocate for and supporter of Minnesota agriculture,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen.

“Through this new funding, the MDA is now able to help further strengthen the agricultural cooperative network across our state and expand opportunities for locally produced commodities, products, and services.” The MDA will award up to $375,000 in this round of Coop erat ive D evelopment Grants. Applicants may request between $2,500 and $50,000 per

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project, and must commit to matching at least 50% of the total project cost. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. Grant applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Review the request for proposals (RFP) posted on the Cooperative Development Grant Program web page for full application details.

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Nicollet County Ledger

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Public Works in North Mankato: Water Main Break Repair

Public works crews were hard at work on Thursday fixing a water main Public works crews were hard at work on Thursday fixing a water main break! break!

Public works crews were hard at work on Thursday fixing a water main break!

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