Nicollet County Ledger December 22, 2022

December 22, 2022 | South Central News & Media

Community Carol Photos Page 4

More Santa Day Photos Page 6

Lafayette Xmas Light Winners Page 8

50th Annual Community Carol Sing Held in Lafayette Dec. 11 Contributed by Fields of Grace evening of carol singing and felLutheran Parish lowship. It continued—even after the Methodist Church closed in It was a fun and festive eve- 1994. ning when First Lutheran Church After that, it moved to First hosted the 50th Annual Lafayette Lutheran and St. Gregory the Community Carol Sing Sunday, Great Catholic Churches, and December 11. later Bernadotte Lutheran. With The event—also sometimes St. Gregory’s now also closed, the known as the Hymn Sing—started special evening rotates between in 1972 at the Methodist Church First and Bernadotte. when members gathered for an This year’s event includ-

ed Charles Hartley telling the Christmas Story and Ruth Klossner sharing the history of the event. The continuing St. Gregory the Great Choir sang “Peace Carol” and a carol that the late Greg Bieraugel often sang at previous events. Tom Maidl played the “Hallelujah Chorus” on the organ and “The Foothills

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Nicollet Senior High School Choir. Photo by Ruth Klossner. More photos on page

Nicollet Public Schools Christmas Concerts Held

Members of the former St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church choir. Photo by Ruth Klossner.

Nicollet High School Band and Choir Presented

By Ruth Klossner Staff Writer cowladyruth@gmail.com

The Nicollet High School band and choir concerts were presented recently.

The band concert was Friday evening, December 9, with both the Junior High and High School Bands performing.

Nicollet’s junior high band is as good or better than most high school bands and the high school band is awesome. The bands are directed by Michele Metzger.

A favorite of the evening was “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” with Jasmine Wilking narrating as the band played fun snippets of a variety

of songs between the narrated parts. The high school band also played “Christmas Fantasy,” “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “Polar Express.”

The junior high group played “A Festive Holiday Overture,” “At the Feast of Stephen,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Santa Rocks the House,” and “Grandma Got Run Over.”

••• After a nine-day delay due to bad weather on the scheduled date, the NHS choirs were able to hold their winter concerts Sunday afternoon, December 18.

The choirs are directed by Sean Benz, with accompanist Erin Anderson.

The junior high choir sang “Light a Candle” with Lydia Martens and Megan Soost singing solos; “Riu, Riu, Chiu;” “My Christmas Tree” with Livia Salisbury soloing; and “Betelehemu.”.

The senior concert opened with Kelyse Engel doing a beautiful job on the solo, “Where are you, Christmas?”

The choir then sang “Winter Wonderland;” “The Midnight The First Lutheran Choir. Photo by Ruth Klossner.

Clear;” “Ding Dong! Merrily on High;” “Coventry Carol;” and “Let it Snow, Let It Snow! Let it Snow!” with Katey Robertson soloing.

The choirs joined forces with the audience to sing “Carols Four” to finish the program.

cent increase. The council also approved the city budget at $29 million in 2023. The general fund will be just over $10 million and the rest distributed across auxiliary funds.

The council managed to trim the increase down to the 8.8 percent increase by delaying a gravel to blacktop project on Somerset Lane. That project was initially scheduled for next summer. The city planned for a housing devel-

opment project there. Inflation has stalled the project.

The council agreed that trimming the increase was important for taxpayers right now and that another project in the same area could spread out traffic issues as a roundabout is planned for Howard Drive nearby. One council member didn’t agree and said it would likely make the project more costly down the road. That was Diane Norland.

Lafayette Santa Day Successful in Spite of Weather

North Mankato Tax Levy Approved

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

North Mankato City Council recently announced their final approval of a tax levy, set to increase by 8.8 percent in 2023.

The total tax levied will be about $7.75 million, unanimously approved by the council. It was initially proposed to be a 9.5 per-

Dangerous Weather This Week Area

Blizzard Snowfall and Freezing Temperatures in South Central MN

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

Temperatures are falling fast in Nicollet County lately. The next week’s forecast for the Lafayette area is set to be in the subzero temperatures through the weekend, according to Weather. com. MnDOT issued a warning that travel Thursday and Friday could be deadly if motorist become stranded. Snow accumulated across Southern Minnesota Wednesday.

Monday had the forecast’s

highest high temp at 12 degrees and a low of -6 degrees. Snow was falling Monday night in parts of the region as well. Monday and Tuesday were partly cloudy in the sky. Tuesday’s high was 2 degrees with a low of -8 degrees, while Wednesday had a high of 4 degrees and a low of 10 degrees, cloudy skies and snowfall.

It is to remain cloudy the rest of the week with partial cloud cover on the weekend. The temperatures will get colder and down to about 10-12 degrees the next couple days. When the sun is due to show itself again by Saturday temps will rise slightly Nicollet County Ledger P.O. Box 212 Lafayette MN 56054

but hovering around zero and below.

Monday was forecasted to have the highest amount of precipitation level of the week at 11 percent. It is forecast at 6 percent the rest of the week. Wind speeds were forecasted to be between 9 and 12 miles per hour for the week.

Last week and this week, the region has experienced snowfall for the most amount of precipitation in the area in quite a while.

Just this past summer, the county experienced drought conditions that were declared disasters by state and local officials.

119th Year • Number 51 ©2022 Nicollet County Ledger

Damian, 7; Jesus, 8; and Destiny, 4; children of Jon and Eva Larson. Photo by Ruth Klossner.

Contributed Lions

by

Lafayette

The weather may have been lousy, but Lafayette’s Santa Day Tuesday evening, December 13, was still a success. About 80 kids came to tell Santa what they want for Christmas, get a bag of treats, enjoy hot chocolate provided by Bernadotte 4-H, get cookies and milk provided by Citizens Bank, and eat hotdogs and chips from the event sponsor, Lafayette Lions Club.

The backdrop and props that the Lions borrowed from Linda and Troy Havemeier of Courtland were a big hit.

Horse-drawn wagon rides and making S’Mores over a fire pit had to be scrapped because of the rain. An adults’ drawing for turkeys and gift certificates from area businesses was held and the brave people still around at 6:30 p.m. ventured out to the Mini-Park where Santa threw the switch to light the community Christmas tree in the band

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shelter.

While Lafayette’s Santa Day usually attracts 100 to 120 kids, attendance was down a little because of the weather. With that in mind, the extra goodie bags prepared by the Lions were taken to Citizens Bank Minnesota, Lafayette where families that missed the event could pick up a bag for their children.

All-in-all, it was a big success, considering the rainy weather!

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Ad From the Past

News from the Archives LAFAYETTE LEDGER

1917 — Nicollet Leader

Cartoon Monkey Business

By Michael Lemmer Managing Editor

The above cartoon is part of a Nicollet County Ledger. Lemmer series created by Michael Lemmer, creates dozens of images just like this Jr., the Managing Editor of the using artificial intelligence tools.

Focus on Ag

Farm Profitability Highlights Top Ag Topics for 2022

By Kent Thiesse

Farm management analyst kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com

At the end of every year, various publications, websites, etc., have their “Top 10” or “Top 5” list for that year. In this issue of Focus on Ag, I am highlighting my “Top 5 Ag Topics” for 2022, based on issues that were discussed in the columns throughout the year.

1. Strong U.S. Net Farm Income levels continue in 2022.

Based on the data in the latest 2022 Farm Income Forecast that was released by the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) in early December, U.S. net farm income is expected to increase by $19.5 billion or 12.8% above 2021 levels, which followed an increase of over 40% in 2021 as compared to 2020 net farm income levels. The estimated 2022 net farm income is now estimated at $160.5 billion. In the recent farm income report, the USDA estimated the total U.S. net cash income for 2022 at $187.9 billion, which is an increase of $39.7 billion or 26.7% from a year earlier. When adjusted for inflation, the 2022 net farm income is the highest since 1973, while net cash income would be at the highest level since the USDA began tracking this data in 1929. Net cash income includes cash receipts from all farm-related income, including government payments, minus cash expenses for the year.

Net farm income is accrual-based, which includes income adjustments for changes in inventories, depreciation and rental income.

The very strong improvement in U.S. farm income levels that began in 2021 and continued through 2022 are considerably higher than farm income levels from 2014-2020. The

improvement in 2021 and 2022 net farm income has largely been driven by continued strong commodity prices for crops and livestock, strong export markets and better than expected crop yields in some areas. By comparison, the positive U.S. net farm income levels in 2019 and 2020 were largely driven by very high levels of government farm program payments, which included payments for trade-disruption and COVID-related payments, as well as some traditional farm program payments and disaster payments.

2. Inflation and rapidly increasing farm input costs.

Almost every input cost for crop and livestock production increased in 2022 compared to expense levels in 2021, and expenses are likely to increase again in 2023. Much of the focus has been in higher fertilizer costs for corn, which doubled for many producers in 2022, compared to average 2021 fertilizer costs.

Input costs in 2022 were also significantly higher for crop chemicals, diesel fuel, propane, repairs, custom work and labor. In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank increased the prime interest rate from 3.25% at the beginning of 2022 to 7.5% by yearend in December, which will likely result in significantly higher interest costs for many farm operators in 2023. The cost of farm equipment and other capital improvements has also increased substantially in 2022 from a year earlier, which will likely increase depreciation and other overhead costs in the coming years.

The combination of significantly higher crop input costs, along with increasing land rental rates, will likely put more pressure on crop

See FOCUS ON AG, page 4

Thursday, December 22, 2022

100 Years Ago – Jan. 3, 1920 The home of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew M. Olson of New Sweden witnessed a pleasant gathering last Sunday afternoon and evening when all their children gathered with the old folks and celebrated a family reunion and in honor of their parents presented Mr. Olson with a fine upholstered rocker and Mrs. Olson with a gold ring. The meeting was a complete surprise to the old folks and it is needless to state that it was a most successful and pleasant one.

Clifford Landahl left Monday to attend Agriculture school.

W. A. Anderson visited at New Ulm Wednesday.

Oscar Lindquist was a business caller at Winthrop Tuesday.

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

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

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

Robert Johnson called at the county seat, Gaylord, Tuesday, and secured his citizenship papers.

His brothers, Ernest and Edwin Johnson, accompanied him.

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

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

75 Years Ago – Jan. 12, 1945 Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Johnson entertained relatives and friends Sunday evening in honor of Sgt. and Mrs. Russell Malmberg.

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

Mr. and Mrs. Bernard J. Ulrich of New Sweden are the parents of a daughter, born at the Union hospital, New Ulm, on January 3.

The Ulrichs formerly resided in this village when he was the Case implement dealer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

for the past two years. On Friday 100 Years Ago – Jan. 10, 1920 she departed for California to be A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. employed.

Hubert Karpen of Swan Lake on Monday.

50 Years Ago – Jan. 15, 1970 Miss Anna Dorn of Minneapolis Those entertained Sunday eve- is the guest of relatives in town ning at the Walter Karstad home since Thursday. were Mr. and Mrs. Paul Eckberg, Rev. C. J. Albrecht of New Ulm, Mr. and Mrs. Christ Loock and visited at the Rev. F. Koehler home Mrs. Helen Karstad. the first of the week.

The Bernadotte Home Extension Otto Stege left on Tuesday for Group met Monday afternoon at Max, North Dakota, where he has the Douglas Webster home. The secured a position in a bank. lesson on Foreign Cookery was Chas. Sondag has purchased the given by Mrs. Duane Eckberg and old Wm. Sondag farm in Brighton Mrs. Kenneth Martens. There were township consisting of 173 acres. twelve members present.

Consideration $16,500.

The Lafayette Home Extension The seven-year-old son of Mr. Group will meet this Thursday at and Mrs. Louis Kettner slipped and the Leroy Rathmann home at 7:30 fell on Monday, sustaining the fracp.m. The lesson on Foreign Cookery ture of one of his legs. will be given by Mrs. Rathmann County Commissioners O. C. and Mrs. Melvin Hacker. Each is to Karstad and T. O. Haugen attended bring a German recipe. the annual session of the county Mr. and Mrs. Warren Johnson board, at St. Peter, this week. were Sunday dinner guests at the A number of ladies agreeably Fred Rodewald home in New Ulm. surprised Mrs. Fred Volk Tuesday Mr. and Mrs. Les Kowba of evening in honor of her birthday Minneapolis were visitors January anniversary and spent a pleasant 3rd at the Warren Johnson home. evening.

A baby girl was born Sunday The first annual meeting of the morning to Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Nicollet Electric Company was Sullivan of Lafayette. held on Thursday evening when the The Cornish Willing Workers met following officers were elected for for their home extension meeting at the ensuing year: J. C. Rabe, presithe Mrs. George Schmeising home. dent; J. C. Zins, vice president; Ed. The lesson was on Switzerland and C. Johannes, secretary-treasurer; Fondue Cookery. Twelve members Louis Dahms and A.P. Anderson, were present. directors. With the increased conPvt. Robert Hamann returned sumption of electricity during the to his base at Ft. Jackson, S.C. on coming year, it is hoped to put the Monday last week after spending company on a paying basis. a three week furlough here with Miss Rosina Dallmann returned his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Delton from New Ulm on Thursday after Hamann. a two weeks stay with her grandCarolyn Gieseke returned by mother, Mrs. Fred Becker, Sr. plane Monday to Bell Flower, Calif., after spending the holidays 85 Years Ago – Jan. 12, 1935 at the home of her parents, Mr. and Lester Vinson and Miss Martha Mrs. Elroy Gieseke.

Quast of Gaylord spent Sunday at Mr. and Mrs. Otis Mueller spent the Walter Wilking home. the weekend at Rochester with their Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Boerger and daughter, Mrs. Michael Hatch. daughter, Miss Jewel of Kasota, were Sunday visitors at the F. W. Muesing home.

NICOLLET LEADER John Doucet has returned to Minneapolis to resume his studies 115 Years Ago – Jan. 14, 1905 Wm. Ginkel has commenced at the Diesel Motor School after spending the holiday vacation with with his ice harvest this week.

C. F. Mason, of St. Paul, rural relatives and friends here.

Oscar A. Swenson left route inspector, was inspecting the Nicollet routes early in the week. He Wednesday for St. Paul to attend a predicted that Route No. 3 would be meeting of the Creamery Fire and Tornado Insurance Company. soon established.

Dr. and Mrs. M. C. Anderson A number of Nicollites enjoyed a sleigh ride to Hebron Thursday eve- attended the regular dental meeting ning. They attended the “Shadow of the Mankato District Study Club Social” given under the auspices of at Mankato Tuesday evening.

Miss Lydia Engel returned home the “Thimble Bee” at the home of last Sunday after spending a two Rev. and Mrs. Allen.

Our Marshal has had consider- weeks’ vacation with her sister, able trouble this cold weather to Mrs. Fred Schumacher of Redwood keep the water works in first class Falls.

Fred Stolz, Henry Epper, Anthony condition, it is no snap, any way you look at it, and especially in cold Epper and Jake Schuck were guests of the Skelly Oil Company at a weather.

A lady who has been visiting meeting and banquet given in the relatives hereabout was heard to Loyola club rooms, at Mankato, say the other day, that, if she lived Wednesday. in Nicollet she would advocate for Mrs. Lena Zins, son George and a curfew ordinance, seeing as there Miss Marion Juberien motored to are too many young people out at the twin cities Wednesday for a night when they should be in bed. couple of days visit. George attendWe back her up in that, and hope ed the Hardware and Implement that the City Dads will draft one Dealer’s convention held in this year.

Minneapolis.

A young fellow from St. Peter With all but some 70 checks was in our sanctum the other day being received, disbursements and made several complaints as to started last Friday on $46,548.08 the coyness of the feminine gen- in second installment payments to der out this way, saying that he corn-hog contract signers by the had been living at a farm near federal government. Nicollet is one the village for some three months, of 11 counties to receive the first and had not become acquainted checks on the second payments. with a single young lady. We could These checks form part of the first only theorize out that all the ladies million to be paid by the federal around there must have been mar- government on the second installried, or he must have kept himself ment of corn-hog money. up on the top shelf out of the reach of leap year inspirations.

LAFAYETTE NICOLLET

LEDGER

25 Years Ago – Jan. 12, 1995 After spending fall semester in China, Nicollet High School graduate Angie Stoffregen wouldn’t mind going back. The English secondary education college major would like to teach at the university where she studied.

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

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

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

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

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

Catherine Gjerde spent Christmas Eve with Jerry and Sandra Wersal and family at Mapleton.

Additional guests were: Gene and Corinne Wesley, Tim, Tara and Chris of Mankato, Mr. and Mrs. Randy Gjerde and family of New Sweden, Mr. and Mrs. David Gjerde and Megan of North Mankato and Rose Vetter of Mankato.

10 Years Ago – Jan. 14, 2010 Playing the Norseland Lutheran Church organ on its rededication day were: Lisa Quist, Margaret Annexstad, Lydell “Fred” Struck, Howard Nolte, and John Baumann.

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

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

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

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

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

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Thursday, December 22, 2022

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Nicollet County Ledger

Education HyVee Biz Showcase Mn Assn of Townships MNSU Local Fall Grads Women/Minority Owned 2023 HS Jr. Scholarship Courtland, MN Lafayette, MN Jamie Schumacher, BS, Rec, Parks Courtney Dalluge, BS, & Leisure Services, Summa Cum Psychology, Summa Cum Laude Laude Nicollet, MN Jamie Schumacher, CERT, NonBradley Wolfe, MS, Teaching & Profit Leadership Certificate, Summa Learning Cum Laude

Nicollet Girls Varsity Basketball Scores

Nicollet vs. St. Clair Friday, Shannon soost 10 pts 13 reb December 16: Ghec leaders: Nicollet down 28-37 McKenna benck 20 pts Nicollet lost 56-74 Olivia mattson 32 pts Nicollet leaders: Keira beneck 12 pts Leah bode 12 pts 8 reb Nicollet record 3-5 Shannon soost 16 pts 26 reb Next game tomorrow Tuesday Savannah Klockziem 16 pts 12/20 at Sleepy Eye Public 7:30 St Clair leaders: p.m.

Brooklin hinze 30 pts Nicollet down at half 32-29 Stephanie cink 14 pts Nicollet loss 69-65 Kayli hinze 14 pts Nicollet leaders: Nicollet record 3-4 Leah bode 19 pts Home game on Monday 12-19 5:45 Brooklyn bode 16 pts p.m. vs. GHEC: Hatti Hansen 13 pts Half Nicollet up 38-27 Savannah Klockziem 11 pts Final Nicollet loss in OT 79-78 Sleepy eye leaders: Nicollet leaders: Paige haala 20 pts Brooklyn bode 22 pts Kadence hesse 24 pts Leah bode 17 pts 7 reb Nicollet record 3-6 Savannah Klockziem 15 pts Next game January 6 Nicollet vs Hatti Hansen 10 pts Alden conger 7:15 p.m.

Minneapolis, Minn. (Dec. 14, 2022) — Hy-Vee, Inc. announces today that it is hosting a unique opportunity to advance local minority- and women-owned companies through a networking and showcase opportunity in Minneapolis in February.

The Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit will be held Thursday, Feb. 9, at U.S. Bank Stadium-Polaris Club, in space provided by the Minnesota Vikings. The summit will feature an expo offering resources for small businesses, learning opportunities through presentations and panel discussions, the chance to be inspired by other brands and more. Local community groups and organizations, area businesses and other professionals interested in supporting or networking with small-business owners are also invited to attend at no cost.

In addition, local minority- and women-owned businesses are invited to apply for the chance to showcase their products or services

during a pitch competition at the Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit. Selected applicants will present to a panel of judges for the chance to win up to $30,000 as an investment for future endeavors.

Hy-Vee is currently accepting submissions for local products or services for the pitch competition at www.hy-veeopportunitysummit.com in the following categories of economically viable and/or previously tested products or services: food and beverage; product innovation and technology; and health, wellness and beauty. There is no cost to apply.

The deadline to submit is 11:59 p.m.

(CDT) on Jan. 12, 2023.

A panel of judges will select one grand-prize winner to earn $30,000.

Plus, one first-place winner will be selected from each pitch category (three total) to win $5,000 each.

Additional cash investments may be awarded and select finalists may be invited to participate in further discussions regarding their product or service following the summit.

(St. Michael, Minn.) – The Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) is proud to announce its 2023 Scholarship Program, which will award up to five $2,000 scholarships to high school juniors. All students currently enrolled in 11th grade and attending a Minnesota public, private, or parochial school, or a home-study program, are eligible to apply for this program. Since its inception in 2001, the MAT Scholarship Program has had over 2,500 submissions and 97 winners.

Applicants should submit a written essay using critical thinking on the topic of promoting awareness of township government by June 1, 2023.

Winners will be chosen by an independent panel of judges and will be notified in September 2023. They will also be invited to attend MAT’s annual conference in December 2023 in St. Cloud.

The 2023 essay question on promoting township government is, “Representation of people and ideas is the hallmark of government in the United States. No level of govern-

ment is as close to its constituents as the township. Today’s townships face several challenges, including decreasing populations, annexation pressures from cities, declining interest in public service, growing demands from constituents, and a distrust of government.

Considering these challenges, what do you see as the future role of townships in local government?”

For more information and application details, please call the MAT offices at 1-800-228-0296 or visit https://www.mntownships.org/about/ scholarship-program.

“The MAT Scholarship Program has made a real difference for our recipients and has also been an opportunity to learn about township government, which embodies the values of ‘grassroots government’ where local citizens directly participate. We encourage as many high school juniors as possible to apply, whether they are from rural areas or urban cities,” said MAT Executive Director Jeff Krueger.

There are approximately 914,000 township residents in 1,780 townships in Minnesota.

USDOT -- Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Bureau’s Rural Project Initiative Provides Financing at Half the Treasury Rate WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced that its Build America Bureau has provided a low-interest loan of up to $48.2 million to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) to reconstruct 12 miles of Highway 14 to a four-lane, divided highway from the City of New Ulm to the City of Nicollet, bypassing the City of Courtland – helping to improve safety on a critical rural highway.

The Bureau helps communities across the country reduce the costs of infrastructure projects by providing Transportation Infrastructure

Finance and Innovation Act loans, known as TIFIA loans, and other types of financing. Under the Rural Projects Initiative (RPI), this loan is for half the treasury rate and for nearly half the $98.38 million project costs instead of the customary 33 percent.

Expected to be complete in 2024, the project includes a new interchange, safer intersections in the City of New Ulm, new turn lanes, replacement of three bridges, construction of two new bridges, safety improvements and modernization, including the installation of improved lighting, intelligent transportation systems, and a snow fence.

“The project will enhance safety and reduce travel time, improving access to vital services for communities on the corridor. These improvements will both provide a higher quality of life for rural Minnesotans and save

lives.” said Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an update to the comprehensive National Roadway Safety Strategy released earlier this year. To help save lives, the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes historic levels of funding to address safety, especially in rural areas, where a disproportionate number of traffic injuries and fatalities occur.

“I am pleased to see our partners in Minnesota have successfully closed their first loan under our TIFIA Program, which will help them deliver much-needed improvements sooner and cheaper at a very low financing cost,” said Bureau Executive Director Morteza Farajian. “The Bureau is continually looking to assist more partners to explore innovative options and offer consultation

and technical assistance to deliver their projects more efficiently and effectively.”

The Bureau was established as a “one-stop-shop” during the Obama Administration to help states and other project sponsors carry out infrastructure projects. The Bureau offers low-interest, long-term credit programs, technical assistance, and best practices in project planning, financing, delivery, and operation.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Biden in November 2021, expands project eligibility for the Bureau’s TIFIA credit program and extends maturity of the loans, giving borrowers additional flexibility.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has closed $38.6 billion in TIFIA financings, supporting more than $132.6 billion in infrastructure investment across the country.

A major Minnesota company, based in Maplewood with a nearby manufacturing facility in New Ulm, said it will discontinue manufacture of PFAS chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals”, according to a recent broadcast by Minnesota Public Radio (MPR). The company’s planned timeline for this is by the end of 2025, according to the report.

The company sent out a press release on Tuesday and said it will also stop using PFAS in other products as well. In the news release, 3M cited regulation as a motivating factor.

“This is a moment that demands the kind of innovation 3M is known for,” 3M chairman and CEO Mike Roman said.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are synthetic organofluorine chemical compounds that have multiple fluorine atoms attached to an alkyl chain.

Roman claimed PFAS can still be safely manufactured.

The EPA updated its statement on PFAS on April 28 this year and stated what the agency allegedly understands and does not yet fully understand about the so-called forever chemicals.

Here’s what they say they understand: PFAS are widely

used, long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, many PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment. PFAS are found in water, air, fish, and soil at locations across the nation and the globe.

Scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals. There are thousands of PFAS chemicals, and they are found in many different consumer, commercial, and industrial products. This makes it challenging to study and assess the potential human health and environmental risks.

Here’s what the EPA says it doesn’t quite understand yet: PFAS are widely used, long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, many PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and

in the environment. PFAS are found in water, air, fish, and soil at locations across the nation and the globe. Scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.

There are thousands of PFAS chemicals, and they are found in many different consumer, commercial, and industrial products.

This makes it challenging to study and assess the potential human health and environmental risks.

Roman said they will end their use “for continued sustainable growth by optimizing our portfolio, innovating for our customers, and delivering long-term value for our shareholders.”

These synthetic chemicals are known to repel water, grease and oil and have been used in a variety of applications including cookware, carpet and clothing. The chemicals never break down, however, so they stay in the environment forever, hence the forever chemical name. A couple decades ago, 3M decided to stop making a couple other types of PFAS that were linked to cancer. Though 3M continued to make other PFAS chemicals with shorter carbon chains,

experts agree that more regulation is likely to come, so companies like 3M are preparing to pivot and save their bottom line and company image.

In 2018, 3M settled for $850 million with the State of Minnesota for groundwater contamination in the Twin Cities east metro area. They have faced many other lawsuits as well.

Many chemical manufacturers including Dupont and Monsanto have faced similar backlash, scrutiny, regulation and massive lawsuits. The Monsanto suit yielded billions in settlements akin to the tobacco companies that were sued over the years.

3M’s history dates back to 1902 as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. It was founded by Dr. J. Danley Budd, Henry. S. Bryan, William A. McGonagle, John Dwan and Hermon W. Cable in Two Harbors. By 1905, the company moved to Duluth and by 1910, they made the move to St. Paul before settling on Maplewood in the 1960s. The company has manufactured everything from sandpaper and abrasive cloth in its early days to cellophane tape and other exclusive products that made its brand a recognized household name.

mation about Minnesota’s wolf population and the history of wolves in the state. It details the diverse and changing public attitudes about wolves, the legal status of wolves, tribal perspectives on wolves, and ways to support a healthy and resilient wolf population while minimizing conflicts between humans and wolves. The plan also includes a framework for how the state will approach decisions about wolf hunting or trapping if the wolf is delisted federally.

“The DNR is continuing Minnesota’s longstanding commitment to wolf conservation and ensuring that our wolf population remains healthy and stable,” said Kelly Straka, DNR wildlife section manager. “Thank you to everyone who engaged in the planning process. Minnesotans’ involve-

ment has been critical to establishing the comprehensive vision for wolves that is reflected in this plan.”

Six goals in the plan are designed to support Minnesota’s vision for wolves. The goals are to maintain a well-connected and resilient wolf population, collaborate with diverse partners to collectively support wolf plan implementation, minimize and address human-wolf conflicts, inform and engage the public about wolves in Minnesota, conduct research to inform wolf management, and administer the wolf program to fulfill agency responsibilities and the needs of the public and partners.

“The plan reflects the breadth of input received through the process to update the plan,” said Dan Stark, DNR large carnivore specialist. “Information

in the plan describes current knowledge of the wolf population, Minnesotans’ attitudes toward wolves, and guides the approach to the future conservation and management of wolves in Minnesota.”

To inform the wolf plan update, the DNR conducted a public opinion survey, consulted with technical experts and tribal staff, and convened a 20-member wolf advisory committee.

Advisory committee members represented diverse perspectives including hunting and trapping, wolf advocacy and animal rights, livestock and agriculture, and other interests related to wolf conservation and management.

The DNR’s public engagement efforts for the plan update included input meetings, forums, online questionnaires and public review of a draft plan.

U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $48.2 Million Loan for Rural Highway Safety USPS Expands EV Fleet US Postal Service Shifts Project in Nicollet County, Minnesota to Electric Vehicle Fleet The United States Postal Service (USPS), the federal government agency that manages and delivers mail in the United States, plans to spend almost $10 billion on more than 100,000 new trucks over five years and of those, 75 percent will be electric. Its previous proposal, according to reports from Verge and other outlets, was only 40 percent. This will mark a major shift in focus to electric vehicles (EVs).

The government, under Biden leadership, plans to get to 100 percent EV use in all government agencies, according to a broadcast by Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) recently. In this proposal for USPS, the government

will spend $9.6 billion on 106,000 new trucks. The previous proposal only called for 84,000 trucks, only 40 percent of them as EVs. Biden and Democrats want all federal fleets to be emissions free by 2035. This has led Democrats to push for the new proposed USPS fleet purchase proposal. $3 billion will reportedly be spent on charging infrastructure, which has stalled the progress of EV adoption en masse. Other private delivery services have ambitious EV fleet plans too.

Amazon reportedly ordered 100,000 Rivian EV trucks to hit roads by 2030.

Question: Are yellow speed signs in curves or busy locations enforceable? I’ve seen 60 mph white speed limit signs then a short distance later a yellow 50 mph sign. The yellow signs don’t say “limit” on them, so I would think going 60 mph in a yellow 50 mph zone isn’t illegal but not a good idea.

Answer: The white signs are regulatory signs. Yellow signs are warning and advisory signs. You could see the yellow signs in areas such as curves, winding roads, etc. to help inform motorists about what is safe.

Regulatory – Red: Prohibits and commands White: Regulates Warning – Yellow: Warns Yellow-green: Warns and controls pedestrian and bicycle crossings and

school areas.

Orange: Warns and controls in construction zones Informational – Green: Guides and informs Blue: Describes services for motorists.

Brown: Indicates historic, cultural, or recreational sites You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

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

Mankato police arrested a man after a brief police pursuit at slow speed.

Police responded after receiving multiple complaints at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, December 13. According to the report, Mankato officers approached a a white four-door sport utility vehicle (SUV) near Sibley Park. Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle and driver. The driver instead led officers on a pursuit for about

4.5 miles. They only reached speeds about 20 mph.

The chase took place through Sibley Park and Carney and Moreland avenues, according to reports. Law enforcement deployed stop sticks. The SUV eventually stopped on the 1300 block of S. Riverfront Dr. Police arrested Chadwick John Larson, 53, of North Mankato.

Charges requested included fleeing police, reckless driving, and Plan guides DNR’s approach to wolf 5th-degree assault. management The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has finalized an updated wolf management plan that incorporates the diverse views of Minnesotans and will guide the state’s approach to wolf conservation for the next 10 years.

“We’re proud we brought people Peter Polar Plunge event as well as together to update Minnesota’s wolf Cop on a Rooftop. Both events have plan,” said DNR Commissioner Sarah helped their office raise more than Strommen. “We had great engagement $1 million to support the state’s from tribes, state and federal agencies, Special Olympics. academia, and groups and individuals The Minnesota Sheriff’s interested in wolves.”

Association was established in The updated plan is available on the 1885. It features exhibits at its con- DNR’s wolf plan page (mndnr.gov/ ferences such as a recent event in WolfPlan). This is the first update to June 2022 in Brainerd. It held its Minnesota’s wolf plan since 2001.

The plan includes summary inforwinter conference in Alexandria.

ASK A TROPPER

Police North Mankato Man Pursued at Slow Speeds

Sheriff Sheriff’s Office Award

2022 Guardians of the Flame Receieved The Nicollet County Sheriff’s Office was recently recognized for its charitable efforts for the Special Olympics in Minnesota.

The office was named as the 2022 Guardians of the Flame Award recipient at the annual Minnesota Sheriff’s Association Conference.

The Nicollet County Sheriff’s Office contributes to the statewide event by raising money at the St.

3M Plans to Stop Making ‘Forever Chemicals’ Before 2026 to Pivot Amidst Regulations, Lawsuits

MN DNR: Updated Wolf Plan Strengthens Wolf Conservation

Page 4

Nicollet County Ledger

Focus on Ag: Top Ag Topics

More News

MNSure News Updates Include Enrollment Numbers ‘Strong’ Strong Enrollment Numbers Through First Open Enrollment Deadline MNsure continues to see strong enrollment in our tenth open enrollment period. Between November 1 and December 15, over 119,500 Minnesotans signed up for 2023 health insurance through MNsure.

Nearly 60% of enrollees are receiving tax credits that are projected to average $560 per month.

If you missed the December 15 deadline, you still have time to enroll in coverage for 2023! Open enrollment runs through January 15, 2023.

More Families Eligible for Savings More families can save through MNsure. New rules mean more

Carol C

Minnesotans can qualify for tax credits. Learn more at MNsure. org/newoptions.

Many Minnesota families who have access to insurance through an employer now can get financial help to buy a plan through MNsure.

In the past, the ability to access tax credits through MNsure depended on whether job-based insurance for the employee was considered affordable, no matter how much it cost to cover their whole family.

Thanks to a federal rule change, family members now may qualify for a tax credit when getting health insurance through MNsure.

Enrollment Help Available Here to help!

MNsure-certified brokers and navigators can help you apply and

enroll in coverage.

Use our online help tool for common questions and issues.

Call the Contact Center at 651539-2099 (855-366-7873 outside the Twin Cities).

Upcoming Meetings Board of Directors Meeting January 11, 1 - 4 p.m.

355 Randolph Avenue, Suite 100, St. Paul This meeting is also being broadcast through live-streaming video and audio.

MNsure is committed to accessibility and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities. Please submit your specific request for reasonable accommodations to AEO@ MNsure.org at least two weeks in advance of the event date.

ontinued from 1

Nazareth” on piano. Pastor Bob Stover and his wife Sarah sang “Christmas Lullaby.” Larry Mages sang and played two songs that he wrote—“I Will Dance” and “My Friend Marvin”—and “Thank God for Kids.” The First Lutheran Choir sang two hymns from the Methodist hymnal—”In the Bleak Midwinter” and “There’s a Song in the Air”—and closed with “O Holy Night.”

In between, those attending picked songs for congregational singing, to the accompaniment of organist Laurie Larson.

••• A 1993 story in the Lafayette Nicollet Ledger shared history of the event’s early years and the hope that it would continue after the Methodist church closed.

The Christmas Sing was a strong force in building community spirit in Lafayette.

It started almost by accident in 1972, when Dr. Elmer Suderman and his wife Norma were serving the Methodist congregation. The

Thursday, December 22, 2022

church had very few children so didn’t have a Sunday School program. Norma suggested that the members just get together to sing Christmas carols.

The early years were unorganized with no set lineup of carols or hymns. The one thing that was set was the opening and closing hymns—with the group traditionally opening with “O Come All Ye Faithful” and closing with “Silent Night.” (That tradition was continued this year.)

Along the way, other traditions developed. Norma Suderman always sang German carols, solo, and the songs, “O du Frohliche” and “Nun Ist Sie Erschienen” couldn’t be changed, even though Norma once suggested it.

Lafayette’s John Maidl was also instrumental in developing a tradition. Maidl sang the solo, “O Holy Night,” every time and packed the house.

The other great tradition that developed was the fellowship.

The sing quickly spread from the Methodist Church to the

Lafayette community and surrounding countryside. In addition to people from the churches in town, others came from Clear Lake Baptist, Brighton Methodist, and Bernadotte.

Although the sing was in danger of extinction when the Methodist church closed, the choirs of First Lutheran and St. Gregory took over, alternating years. The carol sing was held at least one year at New Life Fellowship (in the Methodist building) and Bernadotte also came into the rotation.

At the conclusion of the last event in the Methodist church in 1993, Dr. Suderman ended with these comforting words: “It is in such communities that Christ is born again—and again—over and over again in all our hearts, and we remind ourselves of that birth by reading again, as we have every year, the story which is always new.”

Just as Christmas always comes, every year, so, too, has the Lafayette Christmas Sing.

Photo by Ruth Klossner.

Pictured above from left to right: Tom Maidl, Larry Mages and Charie Hartley. Photo by Ruth Klossner.

Continued from Page 2

break-even price levels for 2023.

Using typical crop input expenses, other direct costs, average overhead expenses, together with a land rental rate of $275 per acre and a targeted return to the farm operator of $50 per acre, the break-even price on cash rented acres to cover direct and overhead expenses for corn in the Upper Midwest for 2023 will likely be around $5.50 to $6 per bushel. This compares to corn break-even levels of $5 to $5.25 per bushel in 2022 and $3.75 to $4 per bushel in 2021. The break-even soybean price to cover the cost of production and $275 per acre land rent in 2023 will likely be about $12 to $13 per bushel, which compares to soybean break-even levels of $11-$11.50 per bushel in 2022 and $9-$9.50 per acre in 2021.

3. Strong grain prices continue in 2022.

As in most years, where farmers were positioned in the grain market and the grain marketing decisions that were made by farm operators will have a big impact on the profit levels for their crop enterprise in 2022. Both corn and soybean markets have remained quite strong throughout most of 2022 due to increased demand both for domestic uses and for export markets, especially to China.

The basis level between Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) prices and local corn and soybean prices has remained extremely tight in many areas of the Upper Midwest due to strong local demand and tight grain supplies, which has also enhanced grain marketing opportunities during the year.

New crop cash corn price bids in Southern Minnesota were near $5.25 per bushel early in 2022, before rising to near $7 per bushel

by April and staying above $6 per bushel for the remainder of the year. The cash corn price was above $6.50 per bushel in mid-December.

The 2022 new crop cash soybean bids in Southern Minnesota started the year at $12.50-$12.80 per bushel and rose to near $15 per bushel by late April, before finishing the year in the $13-$14 per bushel range from July to December. The cash soybean prices were above $14.25 per bushel in mid-December at many locations. The USDA is currently estimating the average farm prices for the 2022-23 marketing year, which ends on Sept. 30, 2023, at $6.70 per bushel for corn and $14 per bushel for soybeans. The current forward price bids being offered in many areas for the Fall of 2023 are near $5.50 per bushel for corn and $13.25 per bushel for soybeans.

4. Variable crop yields across the Midwest.

Some crop farmers in Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa would categorize 2022 crop yields as better than expected. Following a somewhat late planting season, favorable growing conditions for both corn and soybeans allowed crops in many areas to make rapid progress. Weather conditions turned very hot and dry from late May through July. Many portions of this region only received 50-75% of the normal growing season precipitation from May 1 through Sept. 30, and much of that came in midAugust or later. However, the combination of excellent planting conditions, no-drown-out loss, timely rainfall and above normal growing degree units resulted in average to above average corn and soybean yields for the year in some portions of the region.

Minnesota Farmers Union

On the other hand, mother nature was not kind to many producers in Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota and Western Iowa, as well as in portions of Western Minnesota, as producers in those areas experienced some of the worst drought conditions since 2012, and in some cases the worst drought since 1988.

The drought in these areas resulted in corn and soybean yields that were 20-30% or more below APH yields. The drought also resulted in very low hay and pasture production, which led to many cow/ calf producers in the region being forced to liquidate a portion of their beef herd.

5. Sharp increases in land values.

Iowa State University recently released the 2022 Farmland Survey results, which showed that average farmland values in Iowa increased by 17% in 2022 as compared to 2021 farmland value. The rather large percentage increase in annual land values this year came one year after a 29% increase in 2021, which was the second highest on record, trailing only a 32.5% increase in 2013. The 2022 average farmland value in Iowa was $11,411 per acre, compared to $9,751 in 2021 and $7,559 per acre in 2020. The 2022 average is at the highest nominal land value since Iowa State began surveying land values in 1941. Recent U.S. Federal Reserve data reported year-over-year average annual land value increases in the third quarter of 2022 at 30% in North Dakota, 27% in Kansas, 24% in Minnesota, 22% in Iowa, 20% in Nebraska and Illinois, 13% in South Dakota and 12% in Wisconsin. The higher land values were largely driven by high farm profit levels in 2021 and 2022.

MFU Hosts Meeting on Creating a Fairer Economy

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The economy and inflation were top issues in the election and research shows that voters blame the monopolization of markets for rising inflation.

Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) argues that monopoly domination is not inevitable and state legislators can play a key role in creating a fairer economy.

MFU, together with partners, the Main Street Alliance and The Awood Center, hosted a meeting Dec. 15 to share information about why market concentration matters and what legislators can do to make a difference in the lives of family farmers, workers, consumers and small business owners.

More than 40 people attended the meeting, including a diverse group of legislators.

“We are living in a moment of nearly unchecked corporate power across our economy, and Minnesotans are paying the price,” said Rep. Emma Greenman, DFLMinneapolis. “As we head back to the Capitol in January, our job is to focus on the structural reforms that will shift power from giant corporations and back to the families, farmers, workers, and communities who drive our democracy and power our economy.”

“The economy today is 50 percent more concentrated than it was in 2005 and a few corpora-

USDA

tions dominate the entire market in a wide range of industries.

These corporate monopolies use their power to raise prices, lower wages, offshore jobs, hurt smaller businesses, and influence public policy and politics,” said MFU Vice President Anne Schwagerl.

“Fortunately, markets do not have to operate this way. Right here in Minnesota we can tame the power of these giant companies.”

A package of three bills that will make Minnesota a leader in curbing the immense power of corporate monopolies and protecting fair and open markets were discussed at the meeting. The bills will be introduced in the 2023 legislative session, which begins Jan. 3, 2023.

Greenman plans to introduce an abuse of dominance standard to help restore antitrust law to its traditional role of protecting family farmers, workers and small businesses from abusive or anticompetitive conduct from dominant firms.

Rep. Steve Elkins, DFLBloomington, will carry the other two bills. The first bill establishes clearer definitions of monopoly and monopsony power, which is monopoly power of a buyer instead of a seller. It makes clear that attempting to violate antitrust law is illegal and increases penalties for violating Minnesota

antitrust law.

The second bill aims to help create economic fairness by strengthening protections against price discrimination to create a level playing field where dominant retailers are not favored and are not allowed to use their sheer size to bully others in the retail sector.

“Minnesota’s current antitrust laws are inadequate for addressing the level of corporate concentration in the economy today,” Elkins said. “I look forward to advancing reforms that will modernize our antitrust laws and protect small retailers across the state.”

“Together, we can create new protections for Minnesotans that can help ensure fair markets and create greater opportunity for farmers, rural communities and all Minnesotans,” Schwagerl said.

“We thank Attorney General Keith Ellison for his leadership in crafting this legislation.”

About Minnesota Farmers Union Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities.

MFU is a nonprofit membershipbased organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

USDA Rural Dev. Invests $3M for Rural Entrepreneurs ST. PAUL, Minn., March 12, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director Colleen Landkamer today announced that the Department is investing $3 million to help create new and better market opportunities and expand essential services for rural people in Minnesota.

“Rural businesses, ag producers and entrepreneurs provide many of the everyday essentials we depend on,” Landkamer said. “The partnerships we’re announcing today demonstrate Minnesota Rural Development’s commitment to advocating for rural business owners and building brighter futures for everyone across Minnesota.”

The funding will help keep resources and wealth made by rural people right at home through affordable financing and technical assistance. It will help rural Minnesota residents start businesses and allow small business owners to grow. It will also open the door to new economic opportunities for communities and people

Accompanist Laurie Larson. Photo by Ruth Klossner.

who historically have lacked access to critical resources and financing.

For example: This Rural Development loan of $3,115,00 will assist Mattheisen Properties and Do. Mats Inc., restructuring and refinancing by providing a lower fixed interest rate for faster repayment. Mattheisen Properties and Do. Mats Inc. is the co-borrowers in the rural community of Benson, MN. This Rural Development investment will provide a revolving loan fund of $36,986 to assist RenvilleSibley Cooperative Power to re-lend to the Scared Heart Fire Department.

The funds will purchase a fire truck to help with fire protection and first responder medical care for residents in and around Sacred Heart, Minnesota.

Northeast Entrepreneur Fund Inc in Northeast Minnesota received $39,552 in funds that will provide a revolving loan along with technical assistance to entrepreneurs in rural Minnesota. Northeast Entrepreneur Fund Inc. is a business that stimulates the growth of successful businesses in

rural Northeastern Minnesota. This project projects to create 43 employment opportunities and save 21 jobs.

Background: These programs are the Biofuel Producer Relief Payments Program, Business and Industry (B&I) Loan Guarantees, Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program, Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program, the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program, Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grants program, the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program and the Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees.

Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements, business development, housing, community facilities such as schools, public safety, and healthcare, and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.

Got a story idea to share? Let us know! info@nicolletcountyledger.com

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Your newspaper newspaper has agreed agreed to participate participate in the the Minnesota Minnesota Display Display Ad Ad Network Network program program by by running running Your has to in Offgrid/Grid-Tied/Hybrid Solutions Available Locally.

Frank Bianchi Don't fallads for the who are selling section you solar subscriptions or loans. these insalesmen the main news of your your newspaper newspaper (not the classified classified section of your your newspanewspathese ads in the main news section of the section of newspaper has agreed to participate in the Minnesota Display Ad(not Network program by running running Our solutions provide a way to buy and own your own energy for home, newspaper has agreed to participate in the Minnesota Display Ad Network program by Your newspaper has agreed to participate in the Minnesota Display Ad Network program by running per).main At times, times, advertisers maypurposes. request aa specific specific section.

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However, the decision is ads in the news section of your newspaper (not the classified section of your newspaTheup to ads in the main news section of your newspaper (not the classified section of your newspathese ads in the main news section of your newspaper (not the classified section of your newspaThe Minnesota each newspaper.

Ads mayaneed need to be be decreased/increased slightly in in size to fit fit your your column sizes.

Minnesota each newspaper.

Ads may to decreased/increased slightly size to sizes.

At times, times, advertisers may request specific section.

However, theHowever, decision isthe ultimately up tocolumn Outdoor Furnaces At advertisers may request a specific section.

However, the decision is ultimately up to per).

At times, advertisers may request a specific section. decision is ultimately up to Please do do not not 37946 bill for for667th theseAve. ads. If If you you have have questions, questions, please please call call MNA MNA at at 800/279-2979.

800/279-2979. Thank Thank you. you.

Please bill these ads. newspaper.

Ads may need to be decreased/increased slightly in size to fit your column sizes. newspaper. may needAds to may be decreased/increased slightly in size to fit your column sizes.column sizes. eachAds newspaper. need to be decreased/increased slightly in size to fit your New Ulm, MN 56073 / 507-359-2161 e do not bill for these ads.

If you have questions, please call MNA at 800/279-2979.

Thank you. Thank you. e do not Please bill fordo these If you have please call MNA at 800/279-2979.

Thank you. not ads. bill for these ads.questions, If you have questions, please call MNA at 800/279-2979.

Cell: 507-276-6304 • Fax: 507-354-7665 507-995-2638 fbbianchi@redred.com

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1

Page 6

Nicollet County Ledger

Thursday, December 22, 2022

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Left: Wynn Walter, 22 months, son of Scott and Emily Walter of Lafayette. Right: Cayde Maidl, daughter of Andrew and Jazmyne Maidl of Lafayette. Photo by Ruth Klossner.

Raylin Rehbein, 9, daughter of Amber Rehbein of New Ulm. Photo by Ruth Klossner.

Laken, 1-1/2, son of Sedona and Ryan Schuelke of Lafayette. Photo by Ruth Klossner.

Tucker Sandberg, 18 months, son of Tesah and Pat Sandberg of Lafayette. Photo by Ruth Klossner.

Isabelle Harris, 4, daughter of Chris and Katie Harris of Lafayette. Photo by Ruth Klossner.

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Page 7

Nicollet County Ledger

Continued from Front - Band and Choir, Nicollet

Nicollet Junior High Choir. Photo by Ruth Klossner.

Kelyse Engel sang the solo, “Where are you, Christmas.”

Left: Nicollet Junior High Band. Right: Nicollet Senior High Band. Photo by Ruth Klossner.

Santa Day in Lafayette Photos Continued From Page One and Page Six

Left: Reina, 5, and Solana Chavez, 3, children of Al and Cassie Chavez of Lafayette. Right: Jacobon Compton, 4, son of Eli Compton of Lafayette. Photo by Ruth Klossner.

Trying not to be seen?

Jasmine Wilking narrated “Twas the Night Before Christmas” as the band played snippets of various songs.

Cole Blackstad, 2, son of Randy and Mitch Blackstad of New Ulm. Photo by Ruth Klossner.

Sorry, can’t help you there. The Nicollet County Ledger is all about being seen — or, more accurately, making sure you are seen. Every week, we put pictures in the paper. Pictures of your kids. Pictures of people you know. And people get to see them. Subscribe to the Nicollet County Ledger at nicolletcountyledger.com.

Page 8

Nicollet County Ledger

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Lafayette Lighting Contest Winners Announced Contributed by Lafayette Lions Club

As it’s done for many years, the Lafayette Area Lions Club sponsored the Christmas Decorating Contest in the community. All homes in Lafayette,

or within six miles of town, were eligible for cash prizes. Homes outside of town signed up to take part.

The club recognized 10 homes and one business this year. Each was awarded a prize of $25.

A three-member judging committee drove up and down every street in town and went out of town to look at one more entry. They noted that many homes were decorated, making the town very attractive.

Winners of the 2022

lighting contest, in alphabetical order, are:

Charles & Jan Anderson, 580 6th St. Mike & Ann Atzenhoefer, 580 11th St. Mark & Lori Dick, 571 6th

St. Doug & Diane Durheim, 940 Main Ave. Sid & Angela Hartmann, 411 Skyview Ave. Chad Hoffmann, 350th St. (edge of town) Ruth Klossner, 34085 515th

Ave. (Bernadotte) Lafayette Excavating, 411 8th St. Leon & Cheryl Portner, 440 Skyview Ave. Wayne & Sheri Portner, 140 7th St. Debbie Schultz, 180 7th St.