Nicollet County Ledger November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023 | South Central News & Media

Local Development Page 6

Focus on Ag Page 2

Legal Notices Page 5

Highway 14 Between Nicollet and New Ulm Finally Opened After Years of 68 Detour

The Courtland exit on the newly completed section of Minnesota Highway 14 between Nicollet and New Ulm features a new roundabout heading into Courtland.

Hwy 14 from New Ulm to Nicollet is open to traffic as of 5 p.m. , November 21.

Federal, state, and local dignitaries gathered with the community for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to

celebrate.

“The finish line is in sight for this significant Highway 14 fourlane expansion project,” said Greg Ous, district engineer. “It has been a decades-long goal to improve safety

and travel for this important interregional freight and travel corridor, and we look forward to Highway 14 opening to traffic tonight.”

Highway 14 from New Ulm to Nicollet has been under construc-

tion with traffic detoured since spring 2022. The 12.5-mile project completes a continuous four-lane highway between New Ulm and Rochester.

Improvements include the follow-

ing: Converted the two-lane highway to a four-lane divided highway Added new interchanges at Brown County Road 37 near New Ulm and Nicollet County Road 12/24 near

Courtland (opened to traffic in midSeptember).

Constructed safer intersections at New Ulm Quartzite Quarries and Minnesota Valley Lutheran High

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.com Postcard featuring the historic First National Bank building built in 1904 in St. Peter, Minnesota. The building 612-460-5851 was the site of Godfather’s Pizza, who closed its doors after the COVID-19 pandemic. A local group is eyeing the Development Continues in Nicollet building for redevelopment of a new restaurant and hotel concept.

County with many projects focused in North Mankato and Saint Peter.

Commercial and residential, some The Mankato Free Press has ment and expansion under their was home to another food chain mixed use, projects are being conrevealed that new restaurants are recent rebrand as they expand that left the area: Godfather’s structed and planned in both comon the horizon in Saint Peter and outside Mankato. Chris Person, Pizza. Those that remember the munities. There are developments North Mankato. One local group his son Carter Person and dining experience there should planned for a former hotel in North has been quietly expanding in Tasha O’Hara are the trio that remember the historic architecthe food, beverage and hospital- make up ATOM and built a ture and preservation of the vault ity industry, even as many food string of successful restaurants areas. Aesthetically, it was remibusinesses exit, such as Perkins and bars that include Dino’s niscent of the roaring 20s gangand Taco Johns, both of which Pizzeria in North Mankato, Tav ster era, seemingly a perfect fit closed their North Mankato on the Ave in Hilltop Mankato, for the Godfathers’ brand. What locations post-pandemic. ATOM Neighbors Italian Bistro in West will the ATOM Hospitality By Robert Lawson Hospitality (The acronym Mankato and No. 4 in Downtown group’s vision be? According Publisher stands for “A Touch of Magic”), Mankato. to Tim Krohn at the Free Press, info@nicolletcountyledger.com who recently rebranded from Now the group is looking they are considering the site for 612-460-5851 Mankato Independent Originals, to redevelop the historic First a future restaurant and hotel in A car crash took place on Highway is planning more redevelop- National Bank in Saint Peter that Continued on page 5

Mankato on 1111 Range Street in North Mankato that would include a mix of apartments and commercial shop space. Work has already been underway at the location (see photos).

Plans were submitted to the city of North Mankato before an approval for 1111 Holdings LLC to begin construction on the development project.

Another apartment complex development proejct is also in the works jsut down the road along Range Street further to the North that is visible

when traveling along US Hwy 169 in Lower North Mankato (see photos). The location is not too far from another project that will redevelop the former Dutler’s Bowl bowling alley and subsequent thrift shop mall building that occupies that space.

Recently, North Mankato saw the addition of two new businesses in Upper North between Walgreens and the Freyburg Patroleum gas station that is no longer open for anything

14, just one day after the section of Highway 14 from Nicollet to New Ulm opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The crash took place on a section east of that, at the intersection

of Highway 14 and Highway 60 in Blue Earth County. The road was closed for several hours Wednesday evening.

According to the Minnesota State

Restaurants Seeking to Open in Nicollet County

Continued on page 5

Construction and Development Continue in Saint Peter and North Mankato Areas

Continued on page 6

St. Peter Woman Involved in Crash on Hwy. 14 Near Hwy. 60, Day After Ribbon Cutting

Continued on page 5

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Nicollet County Ledger

Ad From the Past

Sunday, November 26, 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

Travel News

MnDOT to Celebrate Opening of Highway 14 New Ulm to Nicollet with Ribbon-cutting ceremony November 21

MnDOT

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Highway 14 between New Ulm to Nicollet on Tuesday, November 21 at 11:15 a.m., according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).

The project converted the two-lane highway to a four-lane divided highway, and added new interchanges at Brown County Road 37 near New Ulm and Nicollet County Road 12/24 near Courtland. The 12.5-mile project completes a continuous four-lane highway between New Ulm and Rochester.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Highway 14 at the new eastbound bridge in Courtland.

Nancy Daubenberger, MnDOT Commissioner and federal, state and local dignitaries have been invited.

The public is welcome to attend.

Directions to the event: From the east (Mankato): Take Highway 14 to Nicollet. Go around the roundabout and across the bridge.

Travel south approximately 3 miles

on Nicollet County Road 23/461st Ave. Turn right onto Nicollet County Road 25/478th St. to Courtland. In Courtland, drive west on old Highway 14 and turn right onto Nicollet County Road 24. Proceed under the bridge and around the roundabout to the westbound on-ramp to Highway 14. Travel on westbound Highway 14 approximately 1 mile to the concrete crossover to get onto eastbound Highway 14.

From the west (New Ulm): Take Highway 15/68 to 20th Street South (Brown County Road 37). Use the eastbound on-ramp to Highway 14.

Parking will be on the eastbound lanes, at the shoulders. MnDOT staff will direct traffic.

After the event, traffic will be directed on eastbound Highway 14.

If weather is inclement, the event will be held at the MnDOT truck station in Courtland at 132 Zieske Road.

Music will be performed by the Minnesota Valley Lutheran high school band.

Highway 14 is expected to open to thru-traffic on Tuesday evening. Nov. 21.

Focus on Ag

USDA Issues a Surprising WASDE Report

By Kent Thiesse

Farm management analyst kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com

The monthly USDA World Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) Report that was released on November 9 was a bit of a surprise to grain traders and may impact corn and soybean markets in the coming weeks. The WASDE Report raised 2023 corn and soybean production estimates, based on increases in the expected final U.S. crop yields for 2023. However, the report made smaller adjustments to projected 2023-24 carryover estimates at the end of the current marketing year on August 31, 2024, due to some projected increases in grain usage during the current marketing year. The biggest surprise to the grain markets was the rather large increase in the estimated 2023 U.S. average corn yield in in the November USDA report compared to the October estimate and the corresponding increase in the total

production level.

There was an immediate negative grain market reaction for both corn and soybeans following the release of the November WASDE Report. Most grain marketing analysts viewed the latest report as “quite bearish” for future corn prices and “neutral” to “somewhat bearish” for soybean prices. December corn futures closed at $4.68 per bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) following the November 9 report, which compares to a price of $4.76 per bushel following the WASDE report on September 12 and to $6.64 per bushel and $5.55 per bushel, respectively, following the November WASDE reports in 2022 and 2021.

November soybean futures closed at $13.43 per bushel following the latest WASDE report, which was above the $12.90 per bushel price following the September report and compares to $14.52 per bushel following the WASDE report in November of

See FOCUS ON AG, page 5

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, November 26, 2023

Page 3

Nicollet County Ledger

Local Literature

Local Law Enforcement Activities

Saint Peter Police Logs October 2023 Writers and Writing: Authors and Books Featured From the Upper Midwest On October 2 around 8:15 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 1700 block of Sheppard Drive for a report of kids fighting.

By Michael Tidemann

The Family Chou Lan Samantha Chang W.W. Norton & Company ISBN 978-0393868074 $12.88 hardcover (On Amazon) Sometimes a book not only suggests, but requires, a second reading.

That is most certainly the case with The Family Chou by Iowa Writers’ Workshop director Lan Samantha Chang, a native of Appleton, Wis. The book received the 2023 AnisfieldWolf Book Award.

At the heart of the novel is Big Leo Chao – philanderer, control freak and owner of a Chinese-American restaurant in Haven, Wis., a town that accepts the Chous solely because of the quality of their cuisine. The rest of the family is comprised of Winnie, Leo’s long-suffering wife who finds solace in a Buddhist convent; Dagou, who returns home to take over the family business; Ming, whose unbridled ambition blinds him to his family roots; and James, a pre-med student who, as youngest, is in a position to observe the cacophonous spider web of love, hate and intrigue that binds the Chou family.

Ironically, it’s Dagou, who seems most bent on preserving the family legacy, who falls victim to his own design. He abandons his fiancee, the wealthy and brilliant attorney Katherine Corcoran, for Brenda Wozicek, a server in the Chou’s restaurant, “that

pansexual demon of his high school days,” most likely because she is not Chinese, like Katherine.

When Dagou plans on taking over the family business from his 70-yearold father, Leo says he has sold it, only later to say he was joking. Dagou takes his frustration to the airwaves of 88.8, his illegal pirate radio station, and blurts out the motive, means and opportunity he may have to kill his father by taking a key from the freezer room and locking Leo inside so he freezes to death – the exact manner in which Leo dies.

Against the better advice of everyone, Dagou is his own worst witness when he testifies at his trial, repeating his desire to kill his father and telling how, right up the point where he says he didn’t do it.

There are clues, though, that counter Dagou’s claim. What happened to the stranger’s blue bag containing $50,000 James found in a train station? What happened to the priceless jade ring Dagou gave Katherine? And who, if anyone, could have carried out Leo’s murder except for Dagou?

Chang hits us with a lot of characters all at once. That’s why a second reading is helpful. That’s when it’s possible to pick apart the plot elements that reveal how caring – and really unselfish and unlike their father – the Chou sons really are.

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

On October 3 around 1:15 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 2100 block of Sheppard Drive for a report of fraud by a man who said someone used his debit card.

er female who left in a black SUV.

On October 4 around 9:25 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 1600 block of South 3rd Street for a report of a mentally disturbed person for multiple reports of an individual breaking and entering, possibly with a knife.

On October 3 around 5:40 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to a threats complaint on the 2100 block of York Street.

On October 5 around 8:15 a.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 800 block of North 9th Street for a report of a bike stolen at North Elementary School.

On October 4 around 2 p.m. Saint Peter police responded to a report of theft at the Saint Peter high school on the 2100 block of Broadway Avenue.

On October 9 around 5:50 a.m.

Saint Peter police responded to a rollover of a bucket truck on Rabbit Road and assisted other law enforcement agencies.

On October 4 around 3:15 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 2100 block of Broadway Avenue for the report of a theft by a woman who said a bottle of perfume was stolen.

On October 10 around 3:10 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 600 block of North 5th Street for a report of two juveniles fighting.

On October 4 around 4:30 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 800 block of North 9th Street for a report of theft by a woman who said her daughter’s bike was stolen.

On October 4 around 5:20 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 600 block of South 5th Street for a report of a disturbance by a woman who said she was assaulted by anoth-

On October 12 around 8 a.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 1400 block of Sunrise Drive for a threats complaint.

On October 12 around 11:10 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 400 block of Livermore Street for a report of theft by someone who said their ex destroyed the house and reported a PC missing.

On October 14 around 2:30 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 200 block of West Nassau Street for a report of trespassing by the American Legion who banned Jane Biehn from their business and she was refusing to leave the establishment.

On October 15 around 5:45 a.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 2000 block of Sunrise Drive, where police say a woman was kicking on people’s doors. Police later responded to the same location about the same individual who said someone stole her phone and was concerned about fraud. The report noted she was unstable. Officers were again dispatched to the location around 8 p.m. for the same person reportedly banging things and screaming in her apartment.

On October 16 around 3 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 600 block of West Park Row for a report of a female attempting to steal alcohol.

On October 17 around 10 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 800 block of North Minnesota Avenue for a report of several people outside of Dairy Queen yelling.

On October 18 around 1:40 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 1700 block of North 3rd Street for a report of criminal damage to proper-

ty for a report of a past breakin on the corner of Nichols and 3rd Streets.

On October 23 around 1:30 p.m.

Saint Peter polcie responded to the 1500 block of Gault Street for a report of illegal garbage dumping in the Grain Millers dumpster.

On October 25 around 8:45 a.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 100 block of Lincoln Drive for a report of theft.

On October 25 around 5 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 2100 block of Broadway Ave. for a report of assault where one student reportedly assaulted another student at the high school.

On October 25 around 7L30 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 10 block of Stratford Boulevard for a report of theft from a motor vehicle.

On October 26, around 1 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the Saint Peter Middle School for the report of a theft that took place the day before.

On October 29 around 6:30 p.m.

Saint Peter police responded to the 200 block of Stratford Boulevard for a report of fraud by a woman who said she sent money on Facebook to hold a car but there was no car for sale.

Minnesota Attorney General Opens Investigation Into Controversial Contract-for-Deed Real Estate Practices

Following a ProPublica and Sahan Journal report, authorities are examining fast-tracked real estate deals for possible civil charges.

Nicollet Athletics

Nov 19 4:00 PM — 6:00 PM Cross Country Running: Boys Varsity vs. Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial (next SY) vs. (Home)Nov 19 Nov 19 4:00 PM — 6:00 PM Cross Country Running: Girls Varsity vs. Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial (next SY) vs. (Home)Nov 19 Nov 28 4:30 PM — 5:30 PM Basketball: Girls C vs. Cleveland (Home)Nov 28 Nov 28 4:30 PM — 5:30 PM

Basketball: Girls Jr. High vs.

Cleveland (Away)Nov 28 Nov 28 5:45 PM — 6:45 PM Basketball: Girls B vs. Cleveland (Home)Nov 28 Nov 28 7:00 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs.

Cleveland (Home)Nov 28 Nov 30 4:30 PM Basketball: Boys C vs. Loyola Catholic School (Away)Nov 30 Nov 30 4:30 PM — 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys Jr. High vs.

Loyola Catholic School (Home)

info@nicolletcountyledger.com

By Jessica Lussenhop and Joey Peters Propublica and Sahan Journal October 23 Co-published with Sahan Journal ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up for Dispatches, a newsletter that spotlights wrongdoing around the country, to receive our stories in your inbox every week.

The Minnesota attorney general’s office is investigating potentially exploitative real estate transactions that have targeted Somali and Hispanic immigrant homebuyers in the state.

The attorney general’s action follows a report by ProPublica and Sahan Journal last year that revealed how contracts for deed — an alternative home sale agreement made directly between a seller and a buyer — can lock purchasers into inflated prices and unfavorable terms, and sometimes lead to eviction and the loss of their life savings.

“We have received a high number of complaints about predatory lending practices,” Mark Iris, an assistant attorney general in the office’s civil rights division, said in a statement. “Our office is concerned with the potential for abusive lending tactics that extract wealth from already impoverished communities.”

The Sahan Journal-ProPublica investigation identified a rising market in and around the Twin Cities for contract-for-deed sales, particularly in the Somali community.

Many buyers in the East African Muslim community avoid paying or profiting from interest because of

their religious principles. Investors have been offering them contracts for deed as an “interest free” way to purchase a house and sidestep a traditional bank loan.

But several Somali homeowners said they purchased homes without understanding their contracts, which included huge down payments and balloon payments, some of which soar into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The homeowners said they had been misled, and they told reporters they feared having to walk away from their homes and the money they’d invested.

Contract-for-deed home sales lack many of the consumer protections of a bank-backed mortgage loan. Homes can be sold for tens of thousands of dollars above their current market price, which makes them difficult to resell or refinance.

If the purchaser misses a payment, the seller has the power to evict in as little as 60 days.

Based on the reporting, Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., convened a Senate subcommittee hearing in July on the issue, characterizing the contracts as “designed to fail.” She and other senators called for more consumer protections.

Home sellers and investors who use contracts for deed say that they provide a needed, alternative pathway to homeownership for some buyers, and that, when properly used, the transaction is a safe financial instrument. They deny abusive practices.

While contracts for deed are legal, sellers can run afoul of the law by charging excessive interest rates, targeting minority groups with unfair contract terms or using

deceptive tactics to lure buyers. The attorney general’s office declined to say what, specifically, officials are investigating. In addition to complaints from the Somali community, Iris said, the attorney general’s office has received a large number of reports of questionable practices being used within the Hispanic community.

Mohamed Goni, executive director of the Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization, said he has heard stories about allegedly deceptive tactics used by some contract sellers.

Goni’s organization is a nonprofit serving the Somali community in St. Cloud, about an hour northwest of the Twin Cities.

“It’s a way of robbing or putting people into more poverty,” he said.

“In central Minnesota specifically there’s a huge, huge housing problem, so it’s really encouraging to see the AG stepping in and doing an investigation.”

Stories about problematic contracts-for-deed practices have been around for years, said Jessica Aliaga-Froelke, CEO of Hispanic Solutions Group in Bloomington.

Several Hispanic clients told her they bought homes using a contract for deed because they had bad credit, could not get traditional mortgages or did not have Social Security numbers.

Aliaga-Froelke said the buyers were led to believe that after making huge cash payments for a period of time, they could refinance their loans at a later date.

“They are told, ‘Here, you can have your house,’ but technically they don’t know what they’re sign-

ing,” she said. Contract-for-deed sellers “know these people will never be able to refinance with a bank.”

Real Estate Investors Sold Somali Families on a Fast Track to Homeownership in Minnesota. The Buyers Risk Losing Everything.

Roxanny Armendariz, a financial counselor with Neighborhood Development Alliance in St. Paul who also works primarily with the Hispanic community, said she hopes the attorney general looks into the role that real estate agents play in pushing buyers toward contracts they can’t afford. Real estate agents sometimes connect homebuyers who don’t qualify for a bank loan with investors who do contractfor-deed sales in bulk. The investor purchases the home through their business or limited liability company, then resells it to the buyer at a price markup.

“They do want to hold these LLCs responsible, but what about the realtors involved? That is the piece that needs to be called out,” she said.

The attorney general’s office declined to provide further details about its investigation. The office said anyone wishing to submit a complaint about contracts for deed can fill out its Tenant Report Form online, or call 651-296-3353 or 800657-3787.

Jessica Lussenhop Jessica Lussenhop is a reporter covering Minnesota and the Midwest. She lives in Minneapolis. jessica.lussenhop@propublica. org @Lussenpop Signal: 612-460-1202

Minnesota Highway 14 Courtland Exit (left) Roundabout on St. Julien Street in St. Peter (right)

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Page 5

Nicollet County Ledger

Focus on Ag Continued MnDOT Highway 14 Project Completion Continued From Page 1 From Page 2 2022.

The 2023 national average corn yield is now estimated at the record level of 174.9 bushels per acre, which was increased from 173 bushels per acre in October. The 2023 harvested corn acreage in the U.S. was maintained 87.1 million acres, resulting in an estimated record total U.S. corn production of 15.234 billion bushels for 2023. This compares to total U.S. corn production levels of just over 13.7 billion bushels in 2022, near 15.1 billion bushels in 2021, and 14.1 billion bushels in 2020. Total corn usage for the 2023-24 marketing year is now estimated at just over 14.46 billion bushels, which would be up from nearly13.77 billion bushels in the 2022-23 marketing year. The amount of corn used for feed and ethanol production, as well as for exports, are all expected to increase during the current marketing year that ends on August 31, 2024, as compared to a year earlier.

USDA is now estimating 2023-2024 U.S. corn ending stocks at just over 2.15 billion bushels, which was 26 million bushels above the October estimate.

This compares to previous carryout levels of just over 1.36 billion bushels in 2022-23, nearly 1.34 billion bushels in 2021-22, and 1.24 billion bushels in 2020-21. Based on current estimates, the U.S. corn carryout to use ratio would be at 14.9 percent for 2023-24, which compares to previous levels of 9.9 percent for 2022-23, 9.2 percent for 2021-22, and 8.3 percent in 202021. The increased level of corn supply could limit the potential for substantial rallies in the cash corn market in the coming months.

Total U.S. soybean production for 2023 was estimated at just under 4.13 billion bushels in the November report, which was increased by 26 million bushels from the October estimate and was slightly higher than the average grain trade projection. Total soybean demand for 2023-24 is projected at just over 4.18 billion bushels, which is down from 4.3 billion bushels in 2022-23, primarily due to a decrease in the expected soybean export level. The 2022-23 U.S. soybean ending stocks in the recent WASDE Report were estimated at 245 million bushels, which was an increase of 25 million bushels compared to the October USDA report. The projected soybean ending stocks compare to 268 million bushels in 2022-23, 274 million bushels in 2021-22 and 256 million bushels in 2020-21. The projected 202324 carryout level is still well below the very high ending stocks of 523 million bushels in 2019-20 and 913 million bushels in 2018-19. The soybean stocksto-use ratio for 2023-24 is estimated at 5.9 percent, which is down from down from 6.2 percent on 2022-23 and is far lower than the levels of 11.5 percent in 2019-20 and 23 percent for 2018-19.

Based on the November WASDE report, USDA is currently estimating the U.S average on-farm cash corn price for the 2023-2024 marketing year at $4.85 per bushel, which was down $.10 per bushel from the October report. The USDA marketing year price estimates are the expected average farm-level prices for the 2023 crop year from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024; however, they do not represent estimated prices for either the 2023 or 2024 calendar year. The projected USDA average corn price of $4.85 per bushel would be lower than the average prices of $6.54 per bushel in 2022-23 and $6.00 per bushel in 2021-22 and would compare to recent national average corn prices of $4.53 per bushel for 2020-21, and $3.56 per bushel for 2019-20.

USDA maintained the projected U.S. average farm-level soybean price for the 2023-24 marketing year at $12.90 per bushel, which was the same as the October estimate. The 202324 projected national average soybean

price compares to prices of $14.20 per bushel in 2022-23, $13.30 per bushel in 2021-22, $10.80 per bushel for 202021, and $8.57 per bushel for 2019-20. The fact that soybean ending stocks remain fairly tight may offer some opportunities for short-term rallies for farm-level soybean prices in the coming months, especially if there are any weatherrelated production issues in South America.

USDA Increases 2023 Corn and Soybean Yield Projections Based on the USDA Crop Production Report released on November 9, the projected U.S. average corn yield for 2023 will be 174.9 bushels per acre, which would be an increase from the final 2022 average yield of 173.4 bushels per acre but would still trail the record U.S. corn yield of 177 bushels per acre in 2021. This compares to other recent U.S. corn yields of 171.4 bushels per acre in 2020, 167.5 bushels per acre in 2019, and 176.4 bushels per acre in 2018. The projected 2023 U.S. harvested corn acreage is 87.1 million acres, representing an increase of 10.1 percent from 79.1 million acres that were harvested last year, which is quite significant.

The November USDA Report increased the estimated 2023 corn yields from the October report by 7 bushels per acre in North Dakota, by 6 bushels per acre in Wisconsin, by 5 bushels per acre in South Dakota, by 3 bushels per acre in Illinois and Indiana, by 2 bushels per acre in Minnesota, and 1 bushel per acre in Iowa. The latest report left the projected corn yield unchanged from a month earlier in Ohio and reduced the estimated yield in Nebraska by 1 bushel per acre.

Minnesota is projected at an average corn yield of 181 bushels per acre in 2023, compared to 195 bushels per acre in 2022, with Iowa the same as last year at 200 bushels per acre in 2023. Other projected state average corn yields for 2023 are Illinois at 203 bushels per acre, Indiana at 200 bushels per acre, Ohio at 195 bushels per acre, Nebraska at 173 bushels per acre, Wisconsin at 171 bushels per acre, South Dakota at 152 bushels per acre, and North Dakota at 143 bushels per acre.

USDA is estimating the 2023 U.S. soybean yield at 49.9 bushels per acre, which is an increase of 0.3 bushels from the October estimate. The projected 2023 national average soybean yield compares to 49.6 bushels per acre in 2022, 51.7 bushels per acre in 2021, 51 bushels per acre in 2020, 47.4 bushels per acre in 2019, and the record U.S. soybean yield of 52.0 bushels per acre in 2016. The 2023 harvested soybean acreage is projected at just under 82.8 million acres, which is down from the 2022 U.S. soybean harvested acreage of just over 86.2 million acres. This compares to harvested soybean acreage of 86.3 million acres in 2021 and 82.6 million acres in 2020.

USDA is estimating the 2023 Minnesota soybean yield at 48 bushels per acre, which is down from 50 bushels per acre in 2022, while Iowa is projected at 58 bushels per acre in 2023, which is down slightly from 58.5 bushels per acre last year and compares to the record yield of 63 bushels per acre in 2021. Estimated 2023 soybean yields in other states include Illinois and Indiana at 61 bushels per acre, Ohio at 58 bushels per acre, Nebraska at 51 bushels per acre, Wisconsin at 49 bushels per acre, South Dakota at 41 bushels per acre, and North Dakota at 34 bushels per acre.

Note — For additional information contact Kent Thiesse, Farm Management Analyst and Sr. Vice President, MinnStar Bank, Lake Crystal, MN. (Phone — (507) 381-7960) E-mail — kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com) Web Site — http://www. minnstarbank.com/

LEGAL NOTICES

School Added turn lanes and installed snow fence between Courtland and Nicollet to prevent excessive blowing and drifting snow Originally expected to open to thru-traffic in mid-October, the opening of Highway 14 was delayed approximately a month due to construction delays. After Highway 14 opens to thru-traffic, construction on the project is expected to continue with little impact to traffic until the contractual completion date of the project in June 2024.

MnDOT extends their appreciation to motorists, residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during construction.

Hoffman Construction is the prime contractor on the project.

More project info: https://mndot.gov/ d7/projects/14newulmtonmankato/ index.html.

New Ulm Spring Roadside Parking Area The New Ulm Spring Roadside Parking area located on Highway 14 about one mile east of the

Highway 14/15 interchange was restored while Highway 14 was closed to traffic. The goal of the project was to bring the 1938-39 wayside to be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. It is now being re-evaluated for eligibility. It was originally designed by Arthur R. Nichols and constructed by the National Youth Administration, a federal New Deal work relief program during the depression.

The project included repairing the stone wall, walk, parking area

with a restored curbed island and right in/right out access. Two picnic areas up the slope were restored with a natural surface trail connecting them, and a new accessible picnic table was added near the stone wall. Environmental Associates, Inc. was the prime contractor on the project. More information on historic wayside rests can be found at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/roadsides/historic/index.html.

For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org.

Photo by Davis Sánchez

Highway 22 Mankato traffic signal timing updates – expect changes beginning Nov. 27 MANKATO, Minn. (MnDOT) – Motorists traveling in Mankato will soon see improved traffic signal operations along Highway 22, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

MnDOT has been developing updated signal timing plans for all seven traffic signals. Starting on Monday, Nov. 27, the updated signal timing plans will be implemented.

The updated timing plans account for changes in traffic volumes and patterns that have developed since the traffic signals along Highway 22 in Mankato were last coordinated in 2019. Motorists can expect to encounter more green lights when traveling the speed limit but may experience a bit more delay in crossing or turning onto Highway 22. Pedestrian signal timing was also checked to

ensure adequate walk/don’t walk crossing times.

When making a left turn at certain intersections, drivers may find that the left turn arrow appears at a different time in the cycle.

“Motorists will need to pay closer attention at the signals, as the timing and sequencing may not be what they are used to,” explained Scott Thompson, District Traffic Engineer. These changes were

made to improve how the traffic signals operate together as a system.

Motorists will benefit from reduced delays, stops, fuel usage, and wear and tear on their vehicles. Nationally, updating traffic signal timing has been shown to reduce traffic delay by 15-40 percent, reduce travel times by up to 25 percent, and has a benefit to cost ratio that can exceed 50:1.

St Peter Woman in Crash on Highway 14 Continued From Page 1

Patrol (MSP), a Dodge Durango on Highway 14 around 4:15 A 60-year-old Owatonna man ed to the scene to help local t ravel i ng sout hbound on p.m. was driving the semi tractor. authorities.

Highway 60 crashed into a A 32-year-old Saint Peter The incident report indicated Highway 14 opened around 7 semi-truck heading westbound woman was driving the Durango. a Mayo One helicopter respond- p.m. that night.

MnDOT to Host Open Houses for Highway 22 Project Kato to SP D7 - Hwy 22 from Mankato to St. Peter: 2024 construction line Open houses for Hwy 22 project You're invited to attend any of three upcoming open houses for the Hwy 22 Mankato to St. Peter project.

Thursday, Nov. 30 from 4 – 6 p.m. at the St. Peter Community Center, 600 South 5th Street Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 4 – 6 p.m. at the MnDOT Mankato

Headquarters, 2151 Bassett Drive Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Kasota Community Center, 200 North Webster Street Staff from MnDOT will be available to provide more information about the project, which will begin July 2024 with little impacts to traffic, and primary construction occurring in 2025 and 2026 with a detour for Highway 22 traffic. The same project information on construction

impacts and detour routes will be shared at all three open houses. There is no formal presentation planned and attendees are welcome to arrive any time.

MnDOT will reconstruct Highway 22 from south of Blue Earth County Road 57 in Mankato to just south of the Minnesota River Bridge in St. Peter. To improve safety and traffic flow, turn lanes will be added throughout and intersections will be

improved, including a Continuous T at Blue Earth County Road 57, intersection realignment at Blue Earth County Road 2, and a roundabout at Le Sueur County Road 21.

Those who are unable to attend the open house or prefer to get information virtually can visit the Hwy 22 project website for more information.

More about this project Visit: mndot.gov/d7/projects/ hwy22mankato-stpeter

and hotel in Saint Peter. The space is located on South Minnesota Ave (US Hwy 169).

In addition to the Godfather’s site, the ATOM Hospitality group also purchased the former Frandsen Bank building in North

Mankato. O’Hara told Krohn the group wants to open a restaurant in one section and lease further shop space as part of the overall redevelopment of the site. It is located on Belgrade Avenue in North Mankato.

Construction on the project at the Godfather’s site in Saint Peter could start as early as the coming spring. Some construction on

the Frandsen building in North Mankato has already been underway, namely interior demolition.

Also according to the Free Press, some restaurants will be added to Mankato including one at the old USPS building downtown that is being redeveloped at the moment, and one at the former LaTerraza. The New Ulm man who owned the

LaTerraza Mexican Grill and Bar was recently embroiled in a tax fraud scheme and closed the restaurant a couple months ago. A new Mexican restaurant called Catrine’s Mexican Grill and Bar may take its place. It is owned by Moises Diaz Perez, who submitted the application to the City of Mankato, even before LaTerraza was finally closed.

New Restaurants in Nicollet County Continued From Page 1

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Page 6

Nicollet County Ledger

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Development in Nicollet County Continued From Page 1 other than pay at the pump for fuel. Chipotle and Starbucks both recently opened to the public this past summer.

Another redevelopment project going on is in Saint Peter at the Nicollet Plaza. The plaza holds several tenants including The Great Wall Chinese restaurant that has occupied the west end of the space in the plaza for at least two decades.

The other side will be the home

to a newly constructed Paddlefish Brewing, adding to the local microbrewery scene here in South Central Minnesota. North Mankato is also home to Mankato Brewery and Mankato is home to Locale a brewpub. Saint Peter recently saw the construction of a new office and apartment space near the coin laundry mat and old fire hall. The new building was constructed along South Minnesota Ave (US Hwy 169)

and at least part of the commercial space is still unleased.

Apartments are being contructed on the west end of Saint Peter as well. The City of Saint Peter recently acquired land from nearby Traverse township to expand city limits in hopes to facilitate its growth in population and development. Affordable housing continues to be a challenge for the area as it has been nationally.

The Mankato area and surrounding

communities have faced pressures from emigration after the pandemic and Mankato ended up with the highest average home prices in 2021 according to data obtained form ReMax, a real estate firm in the Twin Cities.

Road construction has also concluded on areas of Hwy 22, Hwy 169 and Hwy 14 this fall, as well as a roundabout on St. Julien Street in Saint Peter.

Taking the offramp from the new and improved section of Highway 14 toward Courtland.

Rendering of a new apartment complex in Saint Peter from APX Construction. The project is near completion.

The Capital Lofts are being constructed in Saint Peter by APX Construction.

The Nicollet Plaza building in Saint Peter is also undergoing renovations and construction along US Hwy. 169.

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