Nicollet County Ledger October 29, 2023

October 29, 2023 | South Central News & Media

Fall Festival Photos Page 8

Focus on Ag Page 2

Classifieds Page 4

Nicollet and Brown County Attorneys Weigh In On Transition to Legal Cannabis

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

The Nicollet and Brown County attorneys each weighed in with their perspective on how their counties are responding and transitioning under the new legal recreational cannabis law that was passed effective August 1 in the state of Minnesota.

Parties wishing to apply for the license and get up and going with a dispensary may have to wait for A handicap accessible parking lot was requested by a local business in Saint Peter at the last council meeting. quite some time as the Minnesota

Saint Peter Council Talks Financing, Traffic Study and Haunted Hay Ride

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

The Saint Peter City Council meeting was held on Monday, October 23 in the Saint Peter Community Center. Agenda items included USDA Fire Station Loan, Interfund Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Loan 1-20, Handicap Parking Designation Request, Intersection Control Study (Broadway/

Washington), Haunted Hayride Assistance, Legal Services Contract and Winter No Maintenance Trail Designations.

Business Licenses were approved by the council for Ducks Unlimited and River Valley Chapter of Rocky Mt. Elk Foundation. They were issued permits for temporary gambling.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board made appointments for Mike Meffert and Jane Sykora.

Their appointments were approved

by the council.

The city heard from Shannon Lloyd, Housing Authority Executive Director, about the USDA loan program the city has used to finance the mortgage of the fire station.

USDA requires us to obtain temporary financing during the course of construction, which we did,” Lloyd said. “We were able to work with local banks to do that.”

They are now processing the last pay request, according to Lloyd.

Continued on page 5

Molly Leonard and Keira Dunn are involved in student government at the Saint Peter High School.

ISD 508 Board of Education Meeting Held on October 16

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Members present at the ISD 508 Board of Education meeting on October 16 included Drew Dixon, Tim Lokensgard, Kate Martens, Tracy Stuewe and Bill Kautt. Ben Leonard and Charlie Potts were absent. Principals Jon Graff, Darin Doherty, Doreen Oelke, Ytive Prafke and Jana Sykora were pres-

ent. Superintendent Bill Gronseth and Administrative Assistant Sarah Janovsky were also in attendance.

The board highlighted the attendance of Keira Dunna and Molly Leonard and introduced them at the meeting. They are in the student council at Saint Peter High School.

“We are two of the four executive council members,” Dunn said.

“We both expressed interest in being able to share our perspectives here, so that’s kind of how we ended up here.”

Dunn also participates in knowledge bowl and mock trial. She is also a fellow with the League of Women Voters.

“Yeah, me and Keira are pretty similar,” Leonard said.

She is also in mock trial and said both girls are very interested in student government.

“We won’t ask too much of you,” Drew Dixon said.

In other business, the board approved bills ($1,875,282.64) and

Continued on page 5

Office of Cannabis Management puts together a game plan of how the industry will work and be regulated. As is currently written, counties are given a threshold of at least one vendor per 12,500 residents and they must not attempt to govern in any way that restricts that number lower. Counties are beginning to lay out their own ordinances as Brown County did this past month. Many law enforcement officials have expressed discontent over the law change and many were opposed to the change. Brown County Attorney Chuck Hanson explained how the

business might look and said that Brown County, with a population of about 26,000 residents, would have a threshold of three vendors as per the regulation guideline from the state.

“If someone wants to apply for a permit to become a distributor, they can do that,” Hanson said. “We kind of watched a little bit to see what other counties, what other municipalities were doing. Right now, the only restriction is where you can use it.”

Hanson said this equates to simi-

Continued on page 5

Nicollet County Attorney Michelle Zender-Fischer (left) and Brown County Attorney Chuck Hanson (right).

New Ulm School Board Updates

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

board discussed personnel, first addressing a few employee resignations. The board approved the resignations of Daviney The New Ulm School Board Dreckman, KC High School met on Thursday, October 26 at Staff; Arnie Holkesvig, KC Adult 5 p.m. for their monthly meet- Staff; and Robert Martin, High ing. They discussed reports pro- School Custodian. The board vided by board members, policy also approved a termination of updates, activities and finances. one employee, paraprofessional There were no public visitors at at Washington Learning Center, the meeting. effective October 16. The board After the agenda was approved moved on to approve employment with no changes, the board contracts for new hires Alsison administered the student school Gibbs, ECFE paraprofessional at board member oath of office for WLC; Theresa Martyn, NUHS Daviney Dreckman and Adeline Line Server; Kevin Maudal, Ringhofer. Both girls were pres- NUMS Grade 5 science teacher ent at the school board meeting. (.99 FTE, 184/185 days); Dorothy After the minutes and con- Oeltjenbruns, WLC cafeteria sent agenda were approved. The paraprofessional; and Megan Brown County Attorney (left) and County Commissioner Scott Winschitl (right) discuss the Sheriff’s proposals for pole cameras.

Zabel, WLC ECFE paraprofessional. The board also approved co-curricular contracts. There were two changes in assignment as well. They approved the changes for Shelby Norcutt from Jeffeson special education para at 7 hours/day for 5 days/week to 7.25-hour days and Bernice Kral from NUHS assistant cook at 6 hours/day for 5 days/week to 7-hour days.

The board heard reports and correspondence from the superintendent, activities committee, staff development, DCAC, negotiations committee, policy committee, district and student committee.

In action items, the board approved the bills for audit that

Continued on page 5

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Nicollet County Ledger

Ad From the Past

Sunday, October 29, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson farm in New Sweden.

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

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

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

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

Miss Claudia Swenson of Otis Muller home.

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

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

LAFAYETTE LEDGER

1929 — Lafayette Ledger

Traffic Report

D7 - Hwy 169, Hwy 22 & Hwy 99 Intersections: 2023 Construction

Highway 22 south of St. Peter opens to traffic by 3 p.m. Oct. 9

MNDoT -- Highway 22 south of St. Peter opens to traffic by 3 p.m. today (Oct. 9) Highway 22 just south of St. Peter is expected to open to traffic by 3 p.m. today, Oct. 9.

Traffic has been detoured since May 1 as crews constructed a second left turn lane on southbound Highway 169 at the intersection with Highway 22 to create a dual turn lane.

Lane restrictions on Highway 169 at the south end of St. Peter have also been removed.

The temporary traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 169 and Elm Street to aid in traffic and pedestrian movements during construction has been removed. Access to Highway 169 from Wabasha Street has also been permanently closed as part of this project.

The intersection improvement projects in St. Peter included adding

a second left turn lane on southbound Highway 169 at the intersection with Highway 22 to create a dual turn lane, and the construction of the J-turn at the intersection of Highway 99/169 that opened in late September.

Benefits of the project include improved pavement, updated underground utilities, intersection safety, and traffic flow on the south side of St. Peter. Mathiowetz Construction was awarded the project with a bid of $8,124,440.87.

MnDOT would like to thank residents, businesses, and motorists for their patience during construction.

For more project information visit: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/d7/ projects/hwy169-22-99/index.html.

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

Focus on Ag

CALCULATING POTENTIAL 2023 CROP INSURANCE PAYMENTS

By Kent Thiesse

Farm management analyst kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com

Based on early yield reports from many areas of the Upper Midwest, it is likely that a significant number of corn and soybean producers may qualify for crop insurance indemnity payments in 2023. The lack of rainfall and drought conditions during much of the growing season, together with the price declines from the crop insurance base prices on March 1, increases the likelihood of 2023 crop insurance indemnity payments. Given the much tighter breakeven margins in corn and soybean production in 2023, farmers and ag lenders are now trying to estimate the amount potential crop insurance indemnity payments that may occur following harvest this year.

With Federal Crop Insurance, every year is different, and with the multiple options available to producers, there are many variable results from crop insurance coverage at harvest time. The 2023 crop year will be no different, with some producers choosing Yield Protection (YP) policies (yield only) versus Revenue Protection (RP) policies (yield and price), and producers having different levels of coverage on various crops. Producers also vary on having “optional units” versus “enterprise units” for their crop insurance coverage. In addition, some producers also have enhanced

insurance coverage through private insurance companies, or through the “Supplemental Crop Option” (SCO) and Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) policies that were available in 2023.

In the Midwest, most corn and soybean producers in recent years have tended to secure some level of revenue protection (RP) crop insurance coverage, in order to have the flexibility of insurance coverage for reduced yields, as well as in instances where the harvest price drops below initial base price. The established base prices for 2023 RP crop insurance policies were $5.91 per bushel for corn and $13.76 per bushel for soybeans. These base prices will serve as the final price to calculate revenue guarantees for determining potential RP crop insurance indemnity payments for corn and soybeans in 2023.

The final harvest price for RP insurance policies is based on the average CBOT December corn futures and CBOT November soybean futures during the month of October, with prices finalized on November 1, 2023. The harvest price is used to calculate the value of the actual harvested bushels for all RP insurance policies. As of October 9, the crop insurance CBOT price estimates were $4.90 per bushel for December corn futures and $12.76 per bushel for November soybean futures, which are well below the spring base prices.

See FOCUS ON AG, page 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEDGER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There was no damage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sunday, October 29, 2023

Vintage Photo

“Speechless No More”

Vintage Photo Identification Ostrom Studio of Winthrop took many family and wedding photos in the Sibley County area in the early 1900s. If you know the people pictured here, please call the Sibley County Historical Society at 507-2483434 on a Tuesday, email schs1@frontiernet.net, or mail information to 700 Main Street, Henderson, MN 56044. Please use this code:

N-639

k beginning 3/19/2023 Construction on

Highway South15

through Lewisville nearly complete Construction on Highway 15 through Lewisville is nearly complete, and most traffic restrictions have been removed.

Construction on the project began in mid-July and was primarily completed under traffic. Construction included resurfacing approximately nine miles of pavement through the city of Lewisville. Remaining work includes the installation of lighting at several intersections, culvert repairs, and installing snow fence.

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Nicollet County Ledger

Motorists are urged to watch for workers as minor finishing work along the shoulders continues.

Benefits of the project include improved pavement, drainage, and safety along the corridor. Ulland Brothers, Inc. was awarded the project with a bid of $6,763,682.73.

For more project information visit: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/ d7/projects/hwy15lewisville/index. html.

For updated road condition information visit www.511mn.org.

Pastor Micah Plocher

What does it take to leave you speechless?

On Easter, we received confirmation that our story will not end in death, but in resurrection life.

That confirmation was the resurrection of Jesus as proof that all our sinfulness has been paid for and forgiven. This is a gift, an expression of love that dwarfs every other. How do you respond to that? Does Easter leave you speechless?

If you can’t think of words to express your joy, your thanks, your praise, the prophet Isaiah is here to help you out. In chapter 12 of his book, he gives you words that are a totally fitting response to the great things God has done for you. Let’s take a look: In that day you will say: “I will praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and

not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:1-3) The first thing Isaiah gives us is words for God. God has every right to be angry. He had every right to punish us for our sin.

But God chose not to punish us for our sin. He punished his own Son instead. All his wrath fell on Jesus on the cross, and as his anger turned toward him, it turned away from us.

But on Easter, we learn something even better: God’s anger is no more! It couldn’t even remain on Jesus - it is totally satisfied.

Want the proof? He raised him from the dead! Jesus’ resurrection is the receipt for his payment for sin, and it reads, “IT IS FINISHED: PAID IN FULL.” Our sins are forgiven, now and forever!

That means that Isaiah’s song is our song. “God is my salvation!” Not only that, but we

Pastor’s Column

Light For The Way: Who’s Lost?

By Pastor Wayne Wayne Bernau Immanuel Lutheran

Have you ever gotten lost? I recall a couple times in my life when I was out hunting in areas not too familiar to me. Once in the midst of a woods and once in the middle of a swamp, I began to wonder and worry if I would find my way back before the sun set and darkness descended on the land. To be lost in the dark—now that is not a good thought! Fortunately, in both cases, I was able to find my way back to safe, familiar territory. Thank You, Lord!

Luke 15 is the “Lost and Found” chapter of the Bible. Jesus

shared three stories: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. A shepherd searches for his lost sheep until he finds it. A woman searches for a lost coin until she finds it.

And a father eagerly awaits the homecoming of his lost, wayward son, and then throws a party to celebrate his son’s safe return.

Actually, if you know the parable of the lost son, you might realize that the father had not one, but two lost sons. The younger, prodigal son left home and was lost for a time as he wasted his inheritance. But he eventually returned home to his father. The older son stayed at home, but was in essence, “lost” to his father. For when the younger son who had been broken

“draw water from the wells of salvation” as we reap all the benefits of Jesus’ resurrection: through faith we live, even if we die.

But that’s not all Isaiah gives us. Jesus’ resurrection is too big to be just between you and God. He also gives us words for each other: In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.

Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.” (Isaiah 12:4-6) The first people Isaiah wants us to speak to are our fellow believers. The victory of Easter is something to be shared by God’s people. It’s something to celebrate in worship, as we join our voices to praise the God who saved us - one family of faith that echoes distantly the triumph song

that will ring throughout eternity. Listen the next time you sing with your church family, when you confess your faith together.

That’s the sound of heaven, the sound of God’s people, alive in Jesus for eternity!

Second, Isaiah tells us that these words are for the world.

When Jesus rose, he proved that the sin of every sinner is paid for.

This is a life, a gift, a victory for everyone! You have the news that changes everything, not just for this life, but for eternity! Isaiah tells you, go! Announce it! Proclaim it! Let it be known to all the world! And all the world begins right outside your front door.

God has given us words to say: words to praise him, words to celebrate together, words to proclaim to the world. So even if you feel a little slow of speech or timid of tongue, grace upon grace, God has seen to every one of our needs. We are speechless no more. How could we be when our Savior lives? Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

by the hard knocks of life humbly returned home, the older, self-righteous son refused to join the homecoming celebration thrown by his joy-filled father.

Spiritually speaking, have you been, or are you presently lost from God? Have you wandered away from the home of your Father God and wasted your life in godless living? Are you ignorant of, or have you forgotten God’s love, grace, and mercy? Have you strayed from His commands? Do you sense a real distance between you and the Lord? And do you sometimes refuse to celebrate with the family of God over another sinner who repents and returns?

The Lord loves lost peo-

ple. Jesus stated His purpose for coming to earth in Luke 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

If you are lost, know that the Father has not stopped loving you and longs eagerly for your return. If you are lost, know that Jesus wants you to be found. He comes looking for you. If you are lost, know that the Holy Spirit will patiently guide you back home to the Father’s family and house.

And then, together with other lost sinners who have been found and saved by God’s amazing grace, the heavenly rejoicing can continue! After all, there’s no place like home! Especially after you have been gone for a season.

Focus on Ag Continued From Page Two

info@nicolletcountyledger.com

The lower crop insurance harvest prices greatly increase the likelihood of crop payments for Upper Midwest corn and soybean producers that have 80% and 85% RP insurance policies for 2023. Based on current CBOT December corn price projections, 2023 indemnity payments for corn could begin at final yields that are slightly above the 2023 APH yields for farmers with 85% RP insurance policies. For example, with an 85% RP policy on corn with a 200 bushel per acre APH yield and a $4.90 per bushel harvest price, 2023 crop insurance indemnity payments would begin at a yield below 205 bushels per acre. If the harvest price increases to $5.10 per bushel, the payments would begin at a yield below 197 bushels per acre. For soybeans with an 85% RP policy and a 60 bushel per acre APH and a $12.76 per bushel harvest price, crop insurance payments would begin at 55 bushels per acre or approximately 92 percent of the APH yield.

Farmers had the option of choosing RP crop insurance coverage levels from 60% to 85% for corn and soybeans. in 2023. Many Midwest corn and soybean producers utilize “enterprise units” for their crop insurance coverage, which combines all acres of a crop in a given county into one crop insurance unit, rather than choosing “optional units” that allow pro-

ducers to insure crops separately in each township section. The level of insurance coverage and the type of crop insurance units that were selected will greatly affect the potential crop insurance indemnity payments for 2023.

Simple Method to Estimate Potential 2023 Crop Insurance Payments Many farmers and ag lenders would like to estimate potential 2023 crop insurance indemnity payments. One simple method to estimate potential insurance payments is to calculate the estimated 2023 “threshold yield” for crop insurance payments to begin for corn and soybeans with Revenue Protection (RP) crop insurance policies. If the final farm yield is lower than the “threshold yield”, there is potential for 2023 crop insurance indemnity payments, depending on the final harvest price for corn or soybeans.

Following is the formula to calculate the “threshold yield” at different APH yields and levels of insurance coverage, as well as the potential gross insurance indemnity payment: Multiply the APH yield on a farm times the crop insurance spring price times the crop insurance coverage level to get the crop insurance guarantee, and then divide by the estimated fall harvest price to arrive at the “threshold yield” where RP crop insurance

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payments are initiated. (The spring prices were $5.91 per bushel for corn and $13.76 per bushel for soybeans.)

Following that calculation, subtract the actual farm yield from the “threshold yield” and multiply the difference times the projected harvest price to arrive at the estimated gross crop insurance indemnity payment. Be sure to account for the differences in “enterprise” and “optional” units. Remember that this is just an estimate of gross payments, and that this calculation does not account for deductions for crop insurance premium payments. The calculation will vary as the estimated crop insurance harvest prices change from day-to-day. Harvest prices will be finalized on November 1, 2023.

The estimated crop insurance harvest prices are available on the RMA website at: https://prodwebnlb.rma. usda.gov/apps/PriceDiscovery.

Following are examples of calculations for crop insurance payment estimates for corn and soybeans: Corn (85% RP Policy; 190 APH; 185 bu./A farm yield; projected harvest price of $4.90/bu.)

190bu./A APH x $5.91/bu. x .85 = $954.47 guarantee divided by $4.90/ bu. = 194.79 bu./A. “threshold yield”.

194.79 bu./A. – 185 bu./A = 9.79 bu./A x $4.90/bu. = $47.98/A. est. insurance indemnity payment Soybeans (85% RP Policy; 55 APH; 45 bu./A farm yield; projected harvest price of $12.76/bu.)

South

55bu./A APH x $13.76/bu. x .85 = $643.28 guarantee divided by $12.76/bu. = 50.42 bu./A. “threshold yield”.

50.42 bu./A. – 45 bu./A = 5.42 bu./A x $12.76//bu. = $69.16/A. est. crop insurance indemnity payment Producers that have crop revenue losses in 2023, which could result in potential crop insurance indemnity payments, should properly document the yield losses, regardless of their type or level of insurance coverage.

A reputable crop insurance agent is the best source of information to make estimates for potential 2023 crop insurance indemnity payments, and to find out about documentation requirements for crop insurance losses. It is important for producers who are facing crop losses in 2023 to understand their crop insurance coverage and the calculations used to determine crop insurance indemnity payments.

Kent Thiesse has prepared an Information Sheet titled “2023 Crop Insurance Payment Potential”, as well as a spreadsheet to estimate potential 2023 crop insurance indemnity payments. Both are available by contacting: kent.thiesse@ minnstarbank.com. The University of Illinois FarmDoc web site also contains some good crop insurance information and spreadsheets to estimate crop insurance payments.

The FarmDoc web site is located at: https://farmdoc.illinois.edu/crop– insurance.

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Sunday, October 29, 2023

A traffic accident took place in North Mankato on Lor Ray Drive on October 26 around 8 a.m.

Hwy 14 Construction Reminder and Update from MnDOT MnDOT MnDOT would like to remind motorists that Highway 14 from New Ulm to Nicollet remains closed to thru-traffic, and motorists should refrain from driving around barricades.

Concrete paving on mainline Highway 14 will be completed tonight (Oct. 27), and it’s imperative that traffic refrains from driving on it.

Additional work remining before Highway 14 can open to thru-traffic includes bituminous

Page 5

Nicollet County Ledger

paving of the roadway approaches and shoulders, median turf establishment, safety devices, signage, striping, and lighting systems.

Highway 14 is expected to open to thru-traffic in late November, weather permitting.

For more project information including weekly construction updates visit: https:// w w w. d o t . s t a t e . m n . u s / d 7 / projects/14newulmtonmankato/ index.html

Progres on the roundabout being constructed on St. Julien Street near McDonald’s in Saint Peter.

Continued From Front Page of the Ledger

Saint Peter City Council News Continued From 1 “We are now able and anxious to close on the loan,” Lloyd said.

The interest rate will be 2.25 percent over a 40-year term.

“It was the reason we applied to that program, to take advantage of a low fixed interest rate that was fixed at the time they provided us with the letter of conditions,” Lloyd said.

The USDA indicated November 1 would be an ideal closing date.

Payments would start November 2024.

The principal amount is approved up to $9.4 million.

City Administrator Todd Prafke and Lloyd also discussed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) payments to a developer under contract. Prafke recommended an interfund loan to pay the TIF payment to the developer to encourage ongoing development in the city.

The City of Saint Peter created Housing Tax Increment Financing District 1-20 (TIF 20) for the purpose of assisting qualified housing projects.

That district was developed to help the Traverse Green Apartments project.

A pay-as you-go agreement with St. Peter Investors, LLC (Investors) on

October 1, 2020 provides for reimbursement of tax increments for the Phase 1 Project, a qualified housing project. The investor’s development property was platted and assigned new parcel numbers at which time it was inadvertently removed from TIF District No. 1-20 in Nicollet County’s tax collection software. This resulted in the tax increments non-generation of the tax increments that should have been generated in 2023, according to Prafke’s office.

“We have explored a number of options to correct this problem and have discussed this issue with Nicollet County on a number of occasions and have determined that the most efficient and effective solution that allows us to continue to met our obligation with the investors is to provide the payment through an interfund loan which will be repaid in the subsequent years of the District. This will not change the number of collection years and allows us to uphold the agreement that was established. I intend to fund the 2023 tax increment payment to the investors from cash reserves in the General Fund which will be

repaid by the investors over the life of the District. We believe it is in our best interest to follow through on the obligation in our agreement as this development has been high quality and it is not advantageous to the City to fail to meet this obligation with a qualified developer who continues to look at additional housing opportunities in our community.”

The public works director Pete Moulton discussed the owner of Premier Tax and Accounting, located at 200 South Minnesota Avenue, who has requested designation of an additional handicap parking space on Park Row in order to assist existing customers with better access to their business.

The cost, billed to the business, would be just over $500. A motion was made and a resolution to approve was passed by the council.

Moulton also discussed a recommendation to the council to retain Bolton and Menk, Inc. to prepare an Intersection Control Evaluation Study of the Broadway and Washington Avenue intersection in an amount not to exceed $27 ,650.

“With the increased traffic through

the intersection of Broadway Avenue/ Washington Avenue, I recommend an ICE study be completed,” Moulton concluded. “The study will examine the intersection in detail to identify existing issues and deficiencies as well as potential future safety and operations issues. Traffic volumes, turning movements, non-motorized travel, and crash history will be evaluated to identify the most appropriate intersection geometry and traffic control. The study will conclude with a recommendation for improvements.”

The council also discussed a request from Nicollet County Trails Association Club. They asked the council the following: “As a fundraiser for the Nicollet County Trails Association and many other community clubs and organizations, we would like to hold the annual Mill Pond haunted hayride event in Saint Peter. This year the dates would be Friday, October 27 and Saturday October 28 -4p.m. to 12a.m with gates opening at 4pm). All areas will be cleaned of litter each evening and early morning the following day.”

It was approved by the council.

totaled $2,248,770.09 and the cash balance report from September 2023.

The board also approved a new copier lease agreement with River Bend Business Products, which runs from November 2023 through June 2029.

The board approved several donations.

The board approved the first reading of the following policies with

changes: Expense reimbursement License status Organization of school calendar and school day School district system accountability Transportation of nonpublic school students The board approved the second

reading of the following policies with changes: School district curriculum and instruction goals Curriculum development Instructional curriculum Credit for learning Literacy and the Read Act The board approved an at-will contact for Brianne Taralson, Safe

Routes to School Coordinator for the 2023-24 school year. They also approved a contract master agreement with the New Ulm Education Association. The board will hold a study session on Thursday, November 2 at 5 p.m. in the District Conference Room at 414 South Payne Street. The next board meeting will take place November 16 at 5 p.m.

Raiders Football: Redwood County West Overtakes Nicollet, 34-0 New Ulm Schools Board of Education Continued

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

On October 25, the Raiders were overtaken on the field by The Renville County West football team. The Jaguars beat Nicollet 34-0 in a Section 2-9 Player game.

Lightning strikes had postponed the game from Tuesday to Wednesday.

RCW is the fifth-seeded team, netting 379 yards rushing for the season with 56 carries. The Jaguars

also got 70 yards passing, racking up 449 total offensive yards for RCW. Raiders are the fourthseeded team.

RCW goes on to play Red Rock Central in Westbrook, where they are the top seeded team.

The Raiders game on November 3 at 7 p.m. is to be announced.

In section 2, Saint Peter Saints lost to the New Ulm Eagles, 16-15.

Look for more sports coverage in upcoming issues of the Nicollet County Ledger newspaper.

ISD 508 Board of Education News Story Continue

Transfers ($2,946,636.67) for effective September 12, 2023. assistant (Melissa Mitchell) at Saint The Student Spotlight for the month Large Wild Animals on the Loose Wire September 2023. They also approved The also approved the hiring of Peter High School beginning October was Eliott Ruble, North Elementary. some donations. an ECFE Teacher (Cynthia Nadeau) 9 and a cook/dishwasher (Eric Foster) Eliott Ruble is the son of Todd and personnel, the board approved beginning September 18, a School at Saint Peter High School beginning Sarah Ruble. He is in Mr. Lewis’ in the Area, Moose and Cougar theUnder hiring of a Saints Overtime Readiness Classroom Assistant October 16. They accepted the resig- 4th grade class this year. He recently

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

North Mankato urged residents in the last couple weeks to watch their family pets after cougar was reportedly sighted in the area of Omega Court.

According to local news reporters from KEYC TV, whose station is located in North Mankato off Lookout Drive, there was surveillance footage of the animal. It appeared to show a cougar walking through a yard just before 5 a.m. on October 11.

There is a ravine close to this area of upper North Mankato.

Law enforcement contacted the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to make them aware of the situation, according to reports. DNR says cougars are nomadic and eat small mammals including deer and squirrels.

In addition to the cougar sighting, a moose was also spotted near New Ulm and Mankato.

According to CBS News, witnesses believe there are possi-

bly two moose in the area. Their natural habitat is in Northeastern Minnesota, hundreds of miles away.

It is common to see deer, fox, coyote, racoons, wild turkey and even bald eagles and some owls, but moose is really unheard of for most people in this area.

A woman reportedly was driving on Highway 60 and traffic stopped and slowed due to a moose strolling in the area. Multiple others stopped to get photos and video of the creature.

According to reporting from CBS, there are only about 3,000 to 4,000 moose left in MInnesota, and mostly in the Arrowhead region. DNR said it may have traveled so far to mate or to find habitat or even due to a brain disease that disoriented and confused them. Deer rifle hunting season is coming up and it is illegal to shoot a moose in the state. Moose are dangerous animals and can be very aggressive. Encounters can be fatal so if you see one, the DNR urges you to be careful and try to avoid getting near the animal.

info@nicolletcountyledger.com

Assistant (Ainsley Thode) at Saint Peter Community & Family Education and the hiring of an HR/Business Office Assistant (Amy Brown) at Saint Peter Public Schools. The board accepted the resignation of an ECSE Paraprofessional (Jaimi McClintock)

(Aiyana Trujillo) beginning September 11, an ECSE Paraprofessional (Sylvia Hernandez) beginning October 9, a paraprofessional (Christine Joramo) at Saint Peter Middle School, an ECSE paraprofessional (Nobras Sayidnour) at Saint Peter Early Childhood, a health

nation of a Saints Overtime Assistant (Skylar Price) effective November 3.

The board also approved a Saint Peter High School diploma for Joshua Reyes-Herrera who has met the established requirements.

anchored “Saints Center”. Eliott is a smart student who sees his future in technology. He enjoys coding and playing math games. He can give you a very informative and entertaining “90 second news” update.

lar legislation such as the Indoor Clean Air Act, which restricts Minnesota residents from smoking indoors. The Brown County ordinance covers this in their ordinance and regulates where cannabis can be consumed. These are also similar to businesses and public locations in Minnesota that can ban carrying guns on their premises.

So far, the only dispensary businesses licensed to sell cannabis are two indigenous sovereign tribes that do not fall under county or munici-

pal jurisdictions in the state and are only accountable to federal agencies. White Earth and Red Lake reservations are both selling legal cannabis and both Nicollet and Brown County attorneys say that, for now, most all cannabis sales in this part of the state are illegal even though use of the substance is legal. Hanson already mentioned this caveat at a previous Brown County Board of Commissioners meeting.

Nicollet County Attorney

Michelle Zender-Fischer said there has been significant debate over how the state has rolled out this law and whether the right infrastructure was in place prior to passing it, a sentiment mirrored by other county attorneys including Hanson..

Zender-Fischer said that her office has not received much in the way of guidance from the Office of Cannabis Management yet.

Look for more reporting on this story in following issues of the Nicollet County Ledger newspa-

per and subscribe to our YouTube channel, where you can find the full Brown and Nicollet County Attorney interviews, which are also posted at nicolletcountyledger. com. The videos are part of the Minnesota Homegrown Series: From Prohibition to Recreation, which has applied for funding through grants from PBS in their Local Journalism Initiative program and partnered with New Ulm Public Access Television to produce the segments.

The Nicollet County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. Present at the meeting were Commissioners Kolars, Dranttel, Morrow, Dehen, and Zins. Also present were County Administrator Mandy Landkamer, County Attorney Michelle Zehnder Fischer, and Recording Secretary Sarah Frahm.

Approval of Agenda Motion by Commissioner Dehen and seconded

by Commissioner Morrow to approve the agenda. Motion carried with all voting in favor. Consent Agenda Motion by Commissioner Morrow and seconded by Commissioner Dehen to approve the consent agen-

da items as follows: 1.September 26, 2023 Board Minutes 2.Approval of Bills 3.Acknowledgment of the Auditor’s Warrants and approval of the Commissioner Warrants as presented for the following amounts: a.General Revenue Fund - $189,841.26; b.Road & Bridge Fund - $55,434.92; c.Human Services Fund - $161,045.70 Motion carried with all voting in favor. Public Appearances: There were no public appearances. Health and Human Services 2024-2025 County MFIP Biennial Service Agreement Director Sassenberg shared information on the Biennial Service Agreement (BSA). The BSA is used to identify the County’s program strengths

and service delivery gaps. It was available for public review on the County website for thirty days and received no comments. Motion by Commissioner Morrow and seconded

by Commissioner Dehen to approve Nicollet County’s 2024-2025 MFIP Biennial Service Agreement. Motion carried with all voting in favor on a roll call vote. Public Works Consider Snow and Ice Removal Agreement with City of New Ulm Director Greenwood came forward and discussed the Snow and Ice Removal Agreement with the City of New Ulm. The agreement provides reimbursement to the City of New Ulm for snow and ice removal services on CSAH 37 for the period of

December 2023 through March 2024.

Motion by Commissioner Zins and seconded by Commissioner Dehen to approve the Snow and Ice Removal Agreement with the City of New Ulm. Motion carried with all voting in favor. DRAFTNicollet County Board Meeting Minutes October 10, 2023 County Attorney Designation of Elected Officials as Employees for Purposes of the Data Practices Act Attorney Zehnder Fischer came forward to provide information on the classification of elected officials as related to the Minnesota Data Practices Act. The determination of

Brown and Nicollet County Attorneys Continued

Nicollet County Attorney Said Illicit Drug Confiscations by Task Force Has Increased

Continued on page 6

Page 6

Nicollet County Ledger

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5: COUNTY BOARD elected officials as employees of Nicollet County would treat the classification of data the same as data of other County personnel. Motion by Commissioner Morrow and seconded by Commissioner Dranttel to approve the resolution deter-

mining Nicollet County elected officials as employees of Nicollet County solely for the purposes of the Minnesota Data Practices Act. Motion carried with all voting in favor. County Attorney Update: Attorney Zehnder Fischer recently spoke

at the Minnesota Teen Challenge gala. There have been concerning increases in the amount of illicit drugs confiscated by the MN River Valley Drug Task Force. She also shared that Bonnie Petersen, Victim/ Witness Coordinator, served 536

victims in 2023, which was an increase from the previous year.

Finally, area attorneys met with Attorney General Keith Ellison last Saturday to discuss local issues and ways to collaborate with the Attorney General’s office.

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com

This forum was sponsored by the League of Women Voters, Chamber of Commerce and St. Peter Herald. Vote on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

Margo Druschel and Lynn Solo helped to moderate the event.

The candidates in attendance

included Chuck Zieman (Ward 2), Keri Johnson (Ward 1), Ed Johnson (Mayoral Candidate), Joshua Weisenfeld (Ward 2), Shanon Nowell (Mayoral), Brad DeVos (Ward 2) and Charlie Rustman (Ward 2).

Those are the candidates run-

ning for the next election. To hear their positions on local issues, tune in to the League of Women Voters of Saint Peter City Council and Mayoral Candidate Forum. The forum was recorded and uploaded to YouTube.

Saint P eter C ity C ouncil and M ayor C andidate Forum Held September 26 IN ST PETER CC Candidate Forum for City Mayor and Council Candidates held on September 26 at the Saint Peter Community Center.

SAINT PETER FALL FESTIVAL 2023 PHOTOS

Sunday, October 29, 2023