https://www.mixcloud.com/KTOE/mvac-interview-1-15-21/ Listen as we talk with Sheila from MVAC on energy assistance help in our area.

Daily Update: Because all data is preliminary, the change in number of cumulative positive cases and deaths from one day to the next may not equal the newly reported cases or deaths. Total positive cases (cumulative) 443,562 Total confirmed cases (PCR positive) (cumulative) 425,985 Total probable cases (Antigen positive) (cumulative) 17,577 Newly reported cases 1,640 Newly reported confirmed cases 1,413 Newly reported probable cases 227 Newly reported cases detail County Newly reported confirmed cases Newly reported probable cases Aitkin 3 0 Anoka 77 21 Becker 11 1 Beltrami 14 3 Benton 11 1 Big Stone 1 0 Blue Earth 23 2 [...]

 Governor Tim Walz today announced the Minnesota Department of Revenue has issued $67.3 million in COVID-19 Business Relief Payments to 3,891 eligible businesses in Minnesota. The relief payments were part of bipartisan legislation passed by lawmakers and signed into law by Governor Tim Walz in December to help restaurants, bars, gyms, and bowling centers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation also provides relief options to movie theaters and convention centers, as well as direct funding to all of Minnesota’s 87 counties to set up local grant relief programs.   “This relief comes at a crucial time for our businesses who [...]

Minnesota Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault) and Representative John Petersburg (R-Waseca) today introduced a bill that strengthens state criminal penalties against individuals who are convicted of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer, judge, prosecutor, or correctional officer. The legislation increases the minimum sentence from 20 years with release under supervision after two-third of the sentence is served to life incarceration with a minimum of 30 years in prison before being eligible for release.   The legislators were joined at a press conference in support of the bill by Officer Arik Matson, a Waseca police officer who was nearly killed in the line [...]

The Blue Earth County Historical Society is currently seeking candidates to fill open seats on the Board of Trustees beginning March 2021.  Monthly board meetings are held the 4th Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m.  All openings are for a three-year term ending March 2024. Applications are due by January 31, 2021 to the History Center. The Board consists of members representing Blue Earth County and is currently seeking individuals strong in one or more of the following areas: financial management, business management, development and/or fundraising.  Previous non-profit Board experience preferred, but not required. The Historical Society will be making some [...]

Daily Update: Because all data is preliminary, the change in number of cumulative positive cases and deaths from one day to the next may not equal the newly reported cases or deaths. Total positive cases (cumulative) 441,935 Total confirmed cases (PCR positive) (cumulative) 424,584 Total probable cases (Antigen positive) (cumulative) 17,351 Newly reported cases 1,598 Newly reported confirmed cases 1,369 Newly reported probable cases 229 Newly reported cases detail County Newly reported confirmed cases Newly reported probable cases Aitkin 3 1 Anoka 56 22 Becker 6 0 Beltrami 10 4 Benton 22 1 Blue Earth 13 0 Brown 2 0 Carlton [...]

Four projects in Greater Minnesota will receive a total of $1.85 million for infrastructure development under the state’s Transportation Economic Development program, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today. Created in 2010 by the Minnesota Legislature, the TED program provides funding for infrastructure projects that create economic development opportunities, jobs and improvements to statewide transportation systems. While the funds for this program are allocated through MnDOT, the Department of Employment and Economic Development also evaluates the proposed projects and certifies those that may receive financial assistance. “Infrastructure investments are a powerful way for us to bring more business to Minnesota,” said MnDOT [...]

Roughly a week after collections would be traditionally ending, the Blue Earth County and North Mankato residents and local businesses gave generously – enabling The Salvation Army to exceed its monumental goal for the 2020 Christmas campaign.   Lt. Andy Wheeler, one of the leaders in Mankato, attributes this success to a community with deep resolve and cheerful hearts.  “This is unprecedented!” said Wheeler.  “So many people helped in such a variety of ways.  This victory goes to the community.”   The Salvation Army was expecting to end the year with a shortfall just a week ago but recent donations have [...]

Motorists are advised that the forecast storm will likely result in road closures or “No Travel Advised” later today as the winter storm moves into in southwestern and possibly south central Minnesota, according to Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Motorists should prepare for changing weather conditions and monitor road conditions at www.511mn.org . Potential impacts include reduced to zero visibility and slippery roads from snow compaction as the warm temperatures dramatically drop and freeze the precipitation to the road.  Motorists should also have a full tank of gas and winter survival kit if they must travel in these conditions. MnDOT emphasizes that motorists [...]

 Mayo Clinic Health System is resuming operations at five area clinics that had been closed for several weeks to reallocate staff to respond to the surge of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The clinics at Mankato-Northridge, Le Sueur, Janesville and Waterville, Minnesota, will reopen Monday, Jan. 18. The clinic in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, will reopen Monday, Jan. 25. In addition, the visitor policy for hospitalized patients in Mankato, New Prague, Fairmont, St. James and Waseca, Minnesota, will change to allow one visitor per patient, effective Friday, Jan. 15. Previously, due to the COVID-19 surge, visitors were not allowed, aside from compassionate exceptions [...]