Nicollet County Ledger May 12, 2024

May 12, 2024 | South Central News & Media

Ledger Comics Page 5

Crime News Page 3

Subscribe on YouTube

Expanding Family Business From Canada, Based in Vermont, Builds Midwest Hub in North Mankato

A ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the new home of the midwest Gordini distribution center in North Mankato. Pictured above in the middle are some of their products. Photos by Robert Lawson.

By Robert Lawson “We’ve been in business since dently owned.

Publisher 1956,” Gellis said. “We started off in The distribution center is located info@nicolletcountyledger.com the cold weather business. The busi- at 2175 Lookout Drive, past Fun. ness was started by my uncle and com and other industrial businesses The Gordini work apparel com- his brothers and one of his broth- in the area. pany held its ribbon cutting ceremo- ers is my father, Phil Gellis. We “Our business has grown subny in North Mankato on Thursday, entered the United States market in stantially over the last 12 years, 15 May 2. Food, drinks and even com- about 1980. Origins of the company years,” Gellis said. “It necessitates an plimentary products were available were in Canada. And since 1980, expansion out of the Vermont area. to attendees at the 120,000 square- we built our own brand, Gordini, We love Vermont. Vermont’s been foot facility that was just construct- Kombi and Madgrip. We are also incredibly good to us, but we wanted ed for the Vermont based company. the North American licensee for the to have one centralized location and The North Mankato facility is more Carhart for gloves, socks, hat and our Operation Lead’s a Minnesotan of a warehouse and distribution cen- base layer.” originally and he had strong encourter, a hub for the Midwest, as the Gellis joined the company’s agement from the Greater Mankato company’s President David Gellis CFO Jason Hackerman and North area in North Mankato.” explained after a brief history of the Mankato Mayor Scott Carlson to cut Advocates from Greater Mankato company. the ribbon. The company is indepenContinued on page 5 Gordini facility on Lookout Drive in North Mankato. Photo by Robert Lawson.

Hwy 14/Highland Ave. Roundabout Project in New Ulm Begins May 20 Access to Business Will Remain Open During Construction

MnDOT NEW ULM – Construction of a roundabout at Hwy 14/ Highland Ave. in New Ulm is expected to begin May 20.

The project includes constructing a single-lane roundabout at Hwy 14/Highland Ave., new sidewalk and trail to connect to existing locations, and lighting.

Hwy 14 from Brown CR 12 to N Garden St. in New Ulm will be closed during construction. Traffic will be detoured to Brown CRs 12 and 29. Access to

businesses will remain open during construction.

Construction on the roundabout project is expected to be complete in late July. Schedules are subject to change depending upon weather and other unforeseeable circumstances.

Benefits of the project include improved traffic flow and enhanced safety for motorists and pedestrians. M. R. Paving & Excavating, Inc. was awarded the project with a bid of $2,265,772.52.

Stay connected

Visit the project website for more infor mation and to watch progress on M n DOT’s constr uction camera.

Learn more about navigating roundabouts at: h t t p s: // w w w. dot.state. m n.us/rou ndabout s/i ndex.

html Information will be shared on the MnDOT South Central Facebook group and on X @ mndotscentral.

For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit 511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.

Important work zone safety reminders: Slow down when approaching every work zone.

Never enter a roadway that

Continued on page 5

Senator Nick Frentz Ushers Bipartisan Energy Budget Provisions to Passage Off Senate Floor ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Senate passed SF 4942, the Agriculture, Commerce, and Energy omnibus budget bill. The Energy portion of the bill, authored by Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Chair Nick Frentz (DFL – North Mankato), includes legislation to move Minnesota closer to achieving our 100% carbon-free energy by 2040 goals.

“The Senate Energy Committee focused on building a bill that focus-

es on clean energy and reducing carbon emissions in the energy sector,” said Senator Nick Frentz. “To meet our 100% carbon-free energy by 2040 goals the bill prioritizes investments in new technologies and digs into potential energy sources like

advanced nuclear and geothermal to determine what is best for the future of Minnesota.”

Some highlights of the Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate portion of the bill include: Provides funds to study advanced

nuclear technology to determine its impacts on emissions, consumer cots, public health, and economic benefits (SF 3120).

Requires the Department of

Press Release

to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Ethnic Studies Working Group.

MDE formed the working group in support of the Ethnic Studies legislation passed in 2023. The working group, which convened

its first meeting on April 15, will be responsible for developing the framework and resources to support the implementation of new Ethnic Studies requirements for Minnesota K-12 schools.

The working group is com-

prised of Magnus and two other college-level faculty experts in Ethnic Studies, along with public school teachers, students and community members. Magnus has taught Ethnic Studies, American Indian Studies, Humanities and

English at SCC for the past 23 years. She holds a doctorate in Multi-Cultural Literature from Case Western Reserve University and was granted the American Indian Studies credential from the Minnesota State system.

Continued on page 5

South Central College Faculty Dr. Amy Magnus Appointed to State Working Group NORTH MANKATO – The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has appointed South Central College (SCC) faculty member Amy Magnus

NicolletCountyLedger.com

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

120th Year • Number 19 ©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, May 12, 2024

Local and State News HyVee Recalls Cream Cheese Spread for Salmonella Precaution Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling two varieties of its HyVee Cream Cheese Spread out of an abundance of caution due to the potential for contamination with Salmonella. Additionally, Hy-Vee is voluntarily recalling its bulkpackaged Cookies & Cream Mix

out of an abundance of caution due to the potential for contamination with Salmonella.

These products are manufactured at different third-party facilities around the Midwest and are sold under Hy-Vee’s private label and bulk packaging programs. The manufacturers of these products

notified Hy-Vee of the potential issue and out of an abundance of caution Hy-Vee is voluntarily recalling these specific products. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of any of these products.

The affected products were distributed to Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee

Drugstore and Dollar Fresh Market locations – as well as Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh convenience stores – across the company’s eight-state region of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The recalled products are labeled as outlined below.

1915 — Sunkist Oranges Bemidji Daily Pioneer

Vintage Photo ! "# $ %& '()* + $+ ( ,-' # $" ." / %$" + #

Focus on Ag

!"#$%&'(#)*+%'%,'-+.'/ #0$%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' ' ' !"#$% '

North Mankato Considers Removing Natural Lawn Restrictions in City North Mankato continues to move toward removing restrictions on natural lawns that include native plants. The majority of the city council now seems more inclined to remove the limits that currently exist in the city. In 2021, they passed

a managed natural yard ordinance that lets people have a maximum of 30 percent of the non-pervious part of their yards converted to a managed planting area with setbacks from property lines. Then the state passed a law requiring cities

to allow residents across Minnesota to have natural native landscapes on their properties.

Cities generally have more restrictive laws on these matters than states do, according to the city’s attorney. City officials and the mayor believe the cur-

rent policies may be too restrictive in North Mankato. Concerns around maintaining the yards was still a topic of conversation among the city council though.

Ordinances would likely not allow for noxious weeds and long traditional yard grass.

No other varieties of Hy-Vee Cream Cheese or bulk-packaged items are affected by this voluntary recall.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others

with weakened immune systems.

Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream

and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Hy-Vee has voluntarily removed all affected items listed above from its shelves. Customers who purchased the product should dispose

of the product or return it to their local Hy-Vee store for a full refund.

Customers with questions may contact Hy-Vee Customer Care representatives at (800) 772-4098 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Little Change in Farm Custom Rates for 2024

By Kent Thiesse

Farm management analyst kentthiesse@gmail.com

The USDA “Prospective Plantings Report” that was released on March 28th projected a 4.9 percent decrease in 2024 U.S. corn acreage compared to a year ago, along with a 3.5 percent increase in 2024 soybean acreage from a year earlier. The USDA planting intentions numbers came in lower than the grain trade expected for corn and similar than trade estimates for soybeans. The USDA “Quarterly Grain Stocks Report” was also released on March 28, which lists the estimated U.S. grain inventory as of March 1, 2024, for both “on-farm” and commercial grain storage. The USDA estimates for U.S. corn inventories came in

below the average stocks estimates of the grain traders, while soybean inventories slightly exceeded industry expectations.

The USDA prospective planting acreage is based on survey data collected from about 72,000 crop producers in early March. Total U.S. crop acreage was listed at 313.3 million acres, which was down 6.3 million acres or 2 percent from 2023.

Most of that decline was due to low commodity prices and the extended drought conditions in the southern Plains States. The USDA estimates for intended 2024 U.S. corn and soybean acreage was viewed as rather “bullish” for “new crop” corn futures prices, meaning higher price expectations, and was viewed as mainly “neutral” for soybean futures

See FOCUS ON AG, page 5

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, May 12, 2024

Page 3

Nicollet County Ledger

Local Sports

Schools Beat

(SPONSOR THIS SECTION)

info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Local School News

SCC Sees 39% Increase in High School PSEO Students and 91% Increase in PSEO Graduates

Minnesota’s PSEO program enables high school students to earn college credits by taking college courses while still in high school. The college courses are tuition-free, saving both time and money on completing a degree.

In the 2022-23 school year, 352 high school students took one or more Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) courses at South Central College (SCC). In the current 2023-24 school year, that number jumped to 489 students, a 39% year-over-year increase.

Minnesota’s PSEO program enables high school students to earn college credits by taking college courses while still in high school. The college courses are

tuition-free, saving both time and money on completing a degree.

“For certain students, getting high school and college credit at the same time definitely makes sense,” said Laura Attenberger, SCC Vice President of Academic Affairs. “From being able to tip their toes into the higher education experience with a single course to attending college full time, an increasing number of students are taking advantage of

Housing Beat

Business, Personal Finance, Credit and Investment News

all the benefits PSEO offers.

Another marker of the growth of SCC’s program is the number of PSEO students graduating from SCC with a credential or degree. In the 2022 – 23 school year, 23 high school students graduated from SCC. This 2023-24 school year, that number jumped to 44 students, a 91% increase. We have students graduating from SCC in May and then graduating from their respective

high schools in June,” said Laura Attenberger, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Nearly half, or 21, of those graduating in 2023-24 are receiving their associate of arts degree, which essentially prepares them to enter any of the seven Minnesota State universities as a junior with many of their prerequisite classes satisfied. The remaining 23 are receiving their certificate, diplomas or associate

of applied science degrees in various career and technical fields, including carpentry, machine tool technology, mechatronics and welding.

“Our associate of arts graduates are ready to successfully take on the next phase of their education. And our career and technical graduates are prepared to start in an in-demand field, continue their education, or do both,” said Attenberger. “No

matter what their future holds, we are proud that they set the foundation for lifelong success by beginning their education journey at SCC.” The upward trend in PSEO enrollments at SCC is likely to continue with more than 100 high school students registered for the upcoming Fall Semester.

Information on PSEO at South Central College is available at www.southcentral.edu/PSEO.

(SPONSOR THIS SECTION)

info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Despite broad coalition of support, housing bills falling off legislative agenda Housing Crisis Continues

By Madison McVan Minnesota Reformer

In front of a crowd of Habitat for Humanity staff and supporters gathered in the Capitol rotunda Thursday, Rep. Michael Howard, DFL-Richfield, urged the audience members to speak with as many lawmakers as possible.

“Tell them: don’t leave this building until you make more homes available for more Minnesotans,” said Howard, who chairs the House Housing Finance and Policy committee.

His plea to the crowd was genuine: Howard and other members of a coalition advocating for sweeping policy changes to encourage more housing development are watching their priorities fall off the DFL agenda.

The centerpiece of that coalition, and the priority for Howard, was a piece of legislation dubbed the ‘missing middle’ bill, which would have taken many zoning

controls out of local governments’ hands, legalizing the construction of more multifamily buildings in all parts of the state. It also would have limited parking requirements, which developers say drive up the cost of housing; legalized duplexes on all single-family lots in the state; and included bonuses for developments that were allelectric or met certain affordability guidelines.

That package of policy proposals — which had supporters on both sides of the aisle plus a coalition of developers, social justice and labor organizations — fell apart a couple weeks ago after opposition from local governments and DFL leadership.

“The (bill) to change zoning from being a locally determined issue to a state level policy decision is a very significant policy change,” House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, said on April 4, adding that she and other members wanted to see

how similar policies play out in other states before adopting the changes in Minnesota.

Bill to allow more apartment construction in commercial areas will not pass Hortman in early April left the door open to one zoning policy change: a bill that would make it much easier for developers to build apartments in areas currently zoned for commercial use statewide.

That proposal faced pushback from local government leaders in the Senate State and Local Government and Veterans committee Tuesday, who criticized the proposal for preempting local control and safety concerns. The bill was ultimately tabled in the committee; it will not pass this session, Howard told the Reformer Thursday.

“Are you concerned at all if you did this, if this passed into law, that you’d have little kids getting run over with a forklift or a cement truck?” asked Sen. Steve

Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa, in Tuesday’s hearing.

Bill author, Sen. Lindsey Port, DFL-Burnsville, said she was not.

Sen. Heather Gustafson, DFLVadnais Heights, expressed concern with another part of the bill that would require cities to issue a decision on whether to approve or deny a residential development within 60 days.

“It’s just kind of a logistical nightmare,” Gustafson said, citing short-staffing in many cities.

And lobbyists representing cities say the problem isn’t local zoning rules.

“We’re not seeing the zoning stop (housing development),” said Elizabeth Wefel, a lobbyist with the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities in the hearing. “Inadequate finance is usually the challenge.

Developers who support the legislation say it would reduce the costs associated with the long, often arduous process of seeking a variance or other zoning change

from a city.

“The status quo isn’t working,” Port said in the committee hearing Tuesday. “I wish it was. We invested a billion dollars last year. A billion dollars, which is more than what we’ve invested for the last 10 years combined into housing. And I’m worried that that money is going to sit there. I’m worried it’s going to take too long to get out to communities, because they’re going to keep running into exactly these problems.”

Constitutional amendment for housing dies; renters’ protections moving forward Another bill carried by Port and Howard and supported by some affordable housing groups would have allowed Minnesotans to vote on whether to enact a three-eighths of one percent statewide sales tax — around 38 cents per $100 — to fund housing and homelessness response initiatives.

That bill did not receive a hearing in either housing committee

and is dead for the session, but Howard reiterated support for the proposal in his message to Habitat for Humanity supporters Thursday. He described the proposal in an interview as a multiyear project that will require more coalition-building before it has a chance to pass.

Some housing bills — particularly those protecting tenants — are still alive.

A measure that would ban landlords from discriminating against potential tenants who receive government assistance like Section 8 vouchers is making its way through both chambers. That policy is a priority for Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.

Lawmakers currently have around $9 million budgeted to boost emergency rental assistance programs in hopes of avoiding more evictions.

And several other tenant protections, including a right to organize, have already passed the Senate.

Law Enforcement Beat (SPONSOR THIS SECTION)

info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Law, Crime, Courts, Fire and Emergency Services News ASK A TROOPER

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol

Question: I sent you an email asking about the legality of individuals discharging grass clippings from lawn mowers onto public roads.

They can be very slippery when wet and otherwise are a mess.

Answer: Discharging grass clippings onto a highway is illegal, most cities also have ordinance on this as well. The statue is 169.42 Sub 1, Objects on a highway, which is a misdemeanor offense. Grass clippings blown into the roadway can create dangerous conditions for motorcyclist and bicyclists. Coming upon

grass clippings without enough time to slow down, they can cause a loss of traction. Grass clippings are extremely slippery and if the clippings are wet, such after a light rain, the danger is even worse.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

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

Fallen Firefighter-Paramedic Adam Finseth Honored at South Central College Finseth posthumously received the Outstanding Alumni Award and an honorary doctorate degree, close friend spoke at ceremony at SCC Thursday Fallen Burnsville firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth posthumously received the Outstanding Alumni Award and an honorary doctorate degree Thursday from South Central College. His close friend Andy Atwater graduated with Finseth in

2012. He broke up in tears speaking in honor of his friend at a ceremony in North Mankato at SCC. Atwater said he wasn’t prepared for the events that took place February 18 that took the life of this friend and colleague.

“I did not expect to hear my classmate, my best friend, Brad and Brenda’s son, Amber’s brother, Tara’s husband and Liam and Nora’s papa was shot and killed in the line of duty,” Atwater told those gathered at the ceremony that evening.

Atwater said Finseth lost his life doing what he loved to do. He loved serving the residents of Burnsville.

He added that the intensive care paramedicine degree they earned at SCC shapes and changes its graduates.

On Friday, May 10th, 2024 at approximately 2:12 a.m., the Brown County Sheriff’s Department and the New Ulm Fire around them and through a Department responded to a trailer nearby church parking lot then fled at low speeds to U.S. Highway 169 onto the Riverfront Dr. exit west into Mankato. They eventually pulled over on the 100 block of Moreland Ave. Ellen Koenigs, 55, was booked Le Sueur County Sheriff Brett into Nicollet County Jail to face charges of felony fleeing police Mason reports that on Thursday, and misdemeanor driving after May 9th, 2024, at approx. 1448 suspension. Read more stories hours, the Dispatch Center received like this in the Crime/Law/ a report of a motor vehicle accident Emergency Beat in the Nicollet on CR. #3, north of CR 29 in Lanesburg Township.

County Ledger newspaper.

Deputies and Emergency SerRead this story online at vices were dispatch to the location nicolletcountyledger.com and at the accident scene, it was deSubmit press releases to info@nicolletcountyledger. termined that 2011 Hyundai Sedan, driven by Kyle Wayne Peterson, age com

house fire at 20988 State Highway 15, #2. Upon arrival, the trailer house was fully involved and unoccupied.

Crews had the fire under control

within 20 minutes. The trailer house is a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Crews were on scene for approximately two-and-ahalf hours

and no injuries were reported. The New Ulm Fire Department was also assisted by the New Ulm Police Department and Hanska Fire Department.

was critically injured in the accident. Peterson was treated at the scene and then transported to New Prague Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Adam Wacholz, and a passenger in his Truck, Whitney Marie Wacholz, age 31, also of New Richland, Minnesota, were treated at the scene and transported to Hospital in New Prague with non-life-threatening injuries. Kyle Peterson was

treated at the scene and then transported to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale for treatment nonlife-threatening injuries.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office. Also responding to the accident scene was the New Prague Police Department, North Ambulance Service from New Prague, the New Prague Fire and Rescue and the Minnesota

Woman Takes North Structure Fire in New Ulm Near State Hwy 15 on Friday Mankato Police on a Wild Turtle Chase to Mankato One Fatality Reported in Crash in LeSueur County Reporting by Robert Lawson

On Thursday, a Mankato woman led North Mankato Police on a slow-speed pursuit in the morning and now faces two criminal charges, including a felony. Just before 8 a.m.

Thursday, an officer tried to pull over a driver but the driver didn’t stop, just kept going.

The driver continued to drive at slow speeds despite sirens and lights on the squad car during the pursuit, according to police.

Other assisting officers tried to box the car in twice on Lor Ray Drive but the driver drove

Cause of Accident Under Investigation LeSueur County Sheriff’s Office

35 of Bethel, Minnesota was traveling north on CR. #3 and crossed over the centerline and collided, head-on with a 2022 Ford Pickup Truck that was traveling south on CR #3 and driven by Adam Lane Wacholz, age 30 of New Richland, Minnesota.

Mason reports that Ronald Alan Otterstrom, age 72 of Shoreview, Minnesota, a passenger in the 2011 Hyundai Sedan driven Peterson,

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

Sunday, May 12, 2024

Page 4

Nicollet County Ledger

Like us on Facebook.com/NicolletCountyLedger

e e y

Page 5

Nicollet County Ledger

Focus on Ag Continued Expanding Family Business From Canada, Based in From Page 2 Vermont, Builds Midwest Hub in North Mankato prices on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). After the USDA planting intentions report was released on March 28, December 2024 corn futures closed up 16 cents per bushel and November soybean futures were basically steady.

Typically, these late March USDA Reports are very critical to farm operators and grain traders due to their impact on grain market prices in the Spring and early Summer months.

During these months, many farm operators try to sell remaining grain inventories from the previous growing season, as well as look for opportunities to forward price a portion of the anticipated crop for the current year. In a majority of years, corn and soybean prices usually reach their “peak-price” during the period from April until June, which is why these reports are so important.

Highlights from the March 28th USDA Planting Intentions Report: Corn — The planting intentions report indicated that just over 90 million acres of corn are expected to be planted in the U.S. in 2024, which is a decrease of 4.6 million acres or 4.9 percent from the 2023 corn acreage of 94.6 million acres. The 2024 U.S. corn acreage would still be above the 2022 corn acreage of 88.2 million acres.

The highest corn acreage recorded in recent decades in the March USDA survey was 97.3 million acres in 2012.

The current USDA corn acreage estimate was about 1.7 million acres below the average grain trade estimate.

Based on the report, 2024 planted corn acreage is likely to decrease in all of the major corn production States. The largest expected decrease in expected corn acreage is 700,000 acres (8.1%) in Minnesota. Other large decreases in corn acreage include Indiana at 350,000 acres (6.4%), Missouri at 350,000 acres ((9.1%), Iowa at 300,000 acres (2.3%), Illinois at 300,000 (2.7%), South Dakota at 300,000 (94.8%), Ohio at 300,000 ((8.3%), and North Dakota at 250,000 (6.2%). Nebraska’s corn acreage was only expected to decrease by 100,000 acres (1%).

Soybeans — Based on the estimates in the March 28th Planting Intentions Report, U.S. soybean acreage in 2024 is projected at 86.5 million acres, which represents an increase of 2.9 million acres from a year ago.

The 2024 U.S. soybean acreage estimate compares to 83.6 million acres in 2023, 87.4 million acres in 2022, 87.2 million acres in 2021, and the record 90.2 million acres in 2017.

The projected USDA soybean acreage came in very close to the average grain trade estimates for 2024. The highest increase in estimated 2024 soybean acreage was in North Dakota, with an expected increase of 700,000 acres, followed by Missouri with an increase of 400,000 acres. Smaller increases in 2024 soybean acreage are likely to occur in Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Kansas was the only major producing State to show a decline in anticipated soybean acreage for 2024.

Wheat — Due to the continued potential impacts on worldwide wheat production that has resulted from the Russian war in Ukraine, there was considerable interest in the U.S. planting intentions for Spring wheat in 2024. The intended total U.S. wheat acreage for 2024 is estimated at 47.5 million acres, which is down 4 percent from 49.6 million acres in 2023 but still exceeds 45.8 million acres in 2022. Spring wheat acreage for 2024 was estimated at 11.3 million acres, which is very similar to last year. Spring wheat acres in 2024 are expected to increase in Minnesota and South Dakota, decrease slightly in North Dakota, and stay the same in Montana.

Highlights from the March 28th USDA Grain Stocks Report: Corn — The total U.S. corn stocks

on March 1, 2024, were listed at over 8.35 billion bushels, which is an increase of 13 percent from a year earlier. The March 1st USDA corn stocks estimates were slightly below the average grain trade estimate. The report indicated that a significant number of farmers are still hanging on to their 2023 corn inventory, with nearly 61 percent of the total corn stocks being held in on-farm storage. One negative in the USDA grain stocks report was that implied corn usage from December, 2023 through February, 2024 was down about 12 percent compared to a year earlier. Many farmers are hoping that favorable corn stocks numbers, together with the expected reductions in 2024 U.S. corn acreage, will spur a rally in the cash corn market in the coming weeks. This would allow farmers to liquidate some of the large 2023 corn inventory that is still in on-farm storage.

Soybeans — Soybean stocks on March 1, 2024, were listed at just under 1.85 billion bushels, which is up 99 percent from a year ago but is still slightly below the total soybean stocks on March 1, 2022.

About half of the total soybean stocks were held in on-farm storage.

The total U.S. soybean usage from December, 2023 through February, 2024 was estimated at 1.16 billion bushels, which was down about 13 percent from a year earlier. The March 1 soybean stocks estimate came in slightly above the average estimate of grain traders. The higher levels of grain stocks, together with the expected increase in 2024 soybean acreage may limit any substantial increases in the CBOT soybean futures prices in the coming weeks.

Wheat — Total wheat stocks on March 1, 2024, were listed at just over 1.09 billion bushels, which is up 16 percent from March 1, 2023. Of that total, approximately 25 percent of the wheat stocks were held in on-farm storage. The implied U.S. wheat usage in the past quarter was 334 million bushels, which was down about 10 percent from the same quarter a year ago.

Corn and soybean market prices declined considerably in the past 12 months due to increasing supplies and reduced demand compared to previous years. Nearby CBOT corn futures closed at $4.42 per bushel on March 28 following the release of the USDA reports, which compares to $6.60 per bushel on Mach 31, 2023 following the release of the reports a year ago.

New crop December corn futures on March 28 closed at $4.76 per bushel, compared to $5.66 per bushel a year ago on March 31. 2023. Nearby CBOT soybean futures closed at $11.91 per bushel following the USDA report on March 28, compared to $15.05 per bushel on March 31, 2023 and new crop November futures closed at $11.86 per bushel on March 28, compared to $13.20 per bushel a year ago.

The March 31st USDA report was based on producer surveys of planting intentions, as of March 1st; however, there is potential for these planting intentions to be adjusted slightly when final planting takes place. The lower cost of production for soybeans has likely encouraged the potential for more soybean acres in 2024; however, the potential for early spring planting in many areas of the Midwest could encourage an increase above the intended corn acreage. Any enhancement in corn prices in the coming weeks could also be favorable for increases in corn acreage. In the past twenty years, final corn acreage has increased above the prospective March 1 planting estimate in twelve years and decreased in eight years.

Note — For additional information contact Kent Thiesse, Farm Management Analyst, Green Solutions Phone — (507) 381-7960; E-mail — kentthiesse@gmail.com

Gordini From Page One Growth, including Greater Mankato Growth Executive Vice President Andy Wilke.

“So we built a DC here and we put our foot in the waters of North Mankato about two-and-a-half years ago through leased space and tremendous success with the workforce

here, the managers we’ve managed to recruit, so it really prompted us to say, ‘okay, let’s build a permanent home here for a fair amount of our products’,” Gellis said. “It’s been great and we’re super excited.”

So far, they have hired 30 people at the facility and expect to increase

Hwy 14 from Page One

that to around 45 this year, according to CFO Hackermann.

“We have plans for substantial growth in the coming years, so that number is only going to increase.”

The company is an importer and manufacturer, mainly of gloves, socks and base layer work clothing.

They make the well-known GORETEX gloves introduced in the 1980s.

They also produce Clutch synthetic leather products and 3D-knit gloves with patented ErgoKnit technology, according to a company description in their press release about the event.

has been blocked with barriers and slow-moving equipment. zone is $300.

Be patient; expect delays, or cones.

Obey posted speed limits.

Minimize distractions behind especially during peak travel Stay alert; watch for workers Fine for a violation in a work the wheel. times.

Frentz from Page One Commerce to conduct a study to facilitate the deployment of thermal energy across Minnesota (SF 4760).

Appropriates funds from the

Renewable Development Account to build new geothermal systems, make significant energy efficiency improvements across the Twin Cities metro, and build a new

anaerobic digester.

Allows utilities to collect an Individual Taxpayer Number (ITIN) in lieu of a Social Security number on applications for new

utility service (SF 4159).

The Agriculture, Commerce, and Energy budget bill passed the Senate floor on a 36-30 vote, and awaits passage by the House.

Saint Peter Community Development hosted a tour for a delegation from Grand Rapids.

The Girl in the Thistles Recounts 1862 Dakota War

By Michael Tidemann

While America was embroiled in the midst of a great civil war, yet another war was taking place in Minnesota.

Aberdeen, S.D., native S.K. Sandvig writes of the 1862 US-Dakota War in The Girl in the Thistles, a remarkable multigenre novel that’s part history, part

romance, part mystery and part courtroom drama. The novel is based on actual events.

The novel is told from the perspective of Emilie Ferguson, halfScottish and half-Dakota, who experiences the Dakota war firsthand. Torn between her loyalty to both societies, Emilie finds herself searching for her Scottish father, a bigger-than-life explorer and guide, even as her Dakota mother is imprisoned after hundreds of settlers are killed by Dakota who resent the seizing of their homeland.

As half-white, Emilie finds she, too, is the target of resentment of the Dakota uprising, even though her tribe hid white settlers.

She finds help from two friends, Eustis, an African-American man of extraordinary musical and intellectual abilities, and Anders, a Norwegian immigrant set out to find a better life in America.

Emilie is also taken in by the Hoffmans, a Jewish family living in full view of Fort Snelling and the stockade where the Dakota people,

including her mother, are held.

Sandvig’s exhaustive historical research is quite evident. When he mentions a place, he sends you to the map looking for it – the true mark of accurate historical fiction.

Sandvig skillfully weaves Emilie’s feelings for her parents with her quest to learn the truth of what happened to her father. As a result, Emilie evolves from a young girl in constant conflict with her mother and doting on her father to a woman who loves them both, and finally realizes how much they shaped her as a woman.

Sandvig’s depiction of the Dakota relocation is absolutely heartbreaking as even those Native people who protected white settlers were swept up in the fervor for revenge.

The Girl in the Thistles is also an objective portrayal of the real causes of the Dakota War, and how there were no clear heroes or villains. Emilie finds allies among both races in her quest for the truth.

Sandvig’s novel will appeal to

fans of the late Frederick Manfred’s Scarlet Plume and other historical fiction of the settlement era. It’s an intriguing novel, and impossible to put down.

Michael Tidemann writes from Estherville, Iowa. His Facebook page is Author Michael Tidemann.

Full Color Comics Coming Soon on Our Substack. Stay Tuned.

Ledger Comic Strips Check Back Each Week For Fresh New Ledger Comics

s d r n g

Sunday, May 12, 2024

Submit Legal Notices to info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Page 6

Nicollet County Ledger

Sunday, May 12, 2024

South Central College Agriculture Students Honored Nationally

Members of South Central C ol lege’s P r ofe s sion a l Agricultural Student Organization (PAS) chapter competed at their national conference and placed in the Top 10 in 14 events: TEAM EVENT: Dylan Doyen, Kaden Ernst, Caleb Kimmes, Brian Larson, Wyatt Saemrow: 2nd Place in Tech Bowl

INDIVIDUAL EVENTS: Hunter Conrad: 4th Place in Career Planning- Plant Systems Lauren Cowell: 2nd Place Employment I nt er viewFloriculture, Landscaping and Nursery Kaden Ernst: 3rd Place in Career Progress- Plant Systems Leo Harguth: 6th Place in Employment Interview-

PAS Group Nationals B. Photo submitted.

Agronomic Production Bowl Team Jayden German: 7th Place Ethan Preston: 9th Place in in Career Planning- Power, Career Planning- Agribusiness Structural and Technical Systems Systems Carter Roemhildt: 5th Jenna Keltgen: 8th Place Place Employment Interviewin Employment Interview- Agronomic Production Agronomic Service Wyatt Saemrow: 2nd Place Caleb Kimmes: 2nd Place Tech Bowl Team and 5th Place in Career Progress- Plant Systems Tech Bowl Team Gavin Stevens: 8th Place Brian Larsen: 2nd Place Tech

WA S H I N G T O N — U. S .

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Broadband Caucus, was presented the Smart Rural Community Champion Award at the NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association Breakfast for her leadership in expanding affordable broadband access. Klobuchar’s Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act was incorporated into the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and has delivered significant federal funding to Minnesota for expanding high-speed internet access statewide. Download a photo here.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the NTCA, an organization committed to ensuring high-speed internet reaches rural communities across our country,” said Klobuchar. “Internet access is necessary for everything from education to healthcare, not to mention for keeping in touch with friends and family.

However, millions of Americans currently don’t have a reliable broadband connection in their homes. That’s why I worked to secure historic funding to deliver high-speed internet to every zip code in America.”

“Throughout her public service, Senator Klobuchar has

been a champion of sustainable rural broadband networks and a passionate advocate for building more Smart Rural Communities across Minnesota and our entire country,” said NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield. “On behalf of the nearly 280 Smart Rural Communities across the country and the more than 850 community-based broadband providers in NTCA’s membership, I would like to thank her for helping us build a brighter future for rural America.”

Klobuchar has long led efforts to expand broadband access, support rural broadband, and bridge the digital divide.

in Employment InterviewAgriculture Sales Brady Strodtman: 6th Place in Progress- Plant Systems About PAS The National Professional Agricultural Student Organization (PAS) is a student-led organization that allows students to build and sharpen their skills so that they are ready for the work-

place. Through competitive style learning and real-life application, members are skilled professionals and prepared to work in all areas of the agriculture industry.

PAS is one of the 11 career and technical student organizations that has been approved by the U. S. Department of Education as an integral part of career and technical education.

John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to expand broadband access to rural communities. The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act would strengthen funding mechanisms for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF), which promotes universal access to broadband and other telecommunications services. Currently, the USF is primarily funded through landline fees, disproportionately impacting seniors, who are more likely to use landlines than other Americans.

In February 2023, Klobuchar introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to strengthen broadband access for rural communities. The Rural Broadband Protection Act would ensure that providers applying for federal funding can reliably deliver broadband to underserved, rural communities.

In July 2021, Klobuchar introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to expand rural broadband access by streamlining the funding process and removing barriers for broadband connectivity in hard-to-serve rural areas.

Klobuchar Honored by the NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association In June 2023, Klobuchar announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce had awarded major federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring reliable, affordable, highspeed internet access to every household in Minnesota. The Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, Klobuchar’s legislation with Former House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) to expand high-speed internet nationwide, served as the basis for the program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In March 2023, Klobuchar and Senators John Thune (R-SD),

Subscribe: 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