News and Media in Benton

Sauk Rapids-Rice School District Purposes a Referendum to Build a New Elementary School on this November’s Ballot

Saturday, November 02, 2019

After over ten months of holding listening sessions with the community and assessing the school’s quality and future the Sauk-Rapid school district is offering a referendum to the community on November 5th’s ballot which if passed would make it possible for the school district to build a brand new building for the elementary school. This new building would be built on the same spot and has major potential for upgrading the school for the betterment of the students and the community as a whole. The Sauk Rapids-Rice school district officials have discussed this referendum at length and agree that the followin...

GROUNDBREAKING HELD FOR SARTELL COMPANY

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

(KNSI) - Governor Tim Walz was in Sartell as a printing company broke ground on a new expansion. Toppan Merrill is building a 70,000 square foot addition onto their production facility at 300 11th Avenue Northeast. They'll be closing down a St. Cloud facility and moving the employees and operations to the expanded building. The $10 million project includes 56,000 feet of warehouse space and 14,000 square feet of office space to be added onto the current 100,000 square foot building. The project has been in the planning phase for almost three years. Vice President of Operations Mike Zimny has worked for the compan...

Minnesota Business Firms Expect Stable Conditions in 2020

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Annual survey by DEED, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis measures stability of business services ST. PAUL – Minnesota business service firms feel positive about the economy, with 86 percent expecting sales revenue to increase or remain stable next year, according to a joint survey released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Business services firms are less optimistic however that labor availability will grow or remain stable in 2020. Seventy-nine percent expect labor availability to remain stable, while 13 percent expect a decline. Only 8 percent of respondents anticipate labor availability to grow nex...

WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT DO UNDER THE NEW HANDS FREE LAW

Monday, July 15, 2019

(KNSI) - We're just weeks away from the new hands free law in Minnesota. Attorney Mike Bryant of Bradshaw and Bryant was a guest of KNSI's Dan Terhaar and he says hands free means exactly that. "People won't be driving with it up to their ear, you won't be able to have it in your hand, you definitely won't be able to text. It will be clear. You can't have your phone in your hands while you're driving, and that includes at stoplights." It is already illegal to text and drive in Minnesota, but the new law will also ban actively scrolling to select music...

Sartell outdoor performance venue to open after landscape completion

Friday, July 12, 2019

SARTELL — The City of Sartell is watching grass grow as it finishes the landscaping around a new performance patio at Lake Francis Park. Mary Degiovanni, city administrator, said the outdoor venue will not be ready for concerts and large events until this fall at the earliest. The city wants to make sure the grass is ready before inviting crowds. Once the landscaping is complete, Degiovanni says the open green space could accommodate an audience of about 1,500 people. Read full article.

Veterans Are Vital to Minnesota's Workforce

Friday, July 12, 2019

Governor Tim Walz has declared July “Hire a Veteran Month" to encourage Minnesota employers to connect the state's 153,000 military service members of working age with employment opportunities in July and throughout the year. As part of “Hire a Veteran Month,” DEED is inviting job-seeking veterans, active military members, and their spouses to attend the 13th Annual Veterans Career Fair on Wednesday, July 24 from 2-6 p.m. at the Earle Brown Heritage Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive) in Brooklyn Center. The event will provide networking opportunities with over 100 on-site employers who have been encouraged to offer full-time jobs with benefits an...

Five Greater Minnesota Cities Awarded Infrastructure Grants

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Funding will support infrastructure improvements in Hutchinson, Kenyon, Paynesville, Perham and Sleepy Eye ST. PAUL – Grants totaling $5.3 million were approved by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for infrastructure projects in four Greater Minnesota communities. DEED awarded the funding from its Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program (BDPI) for projects in Hutchinson, Kenyon, Paynesville, Perham and Sleepy Eye. The grants were all approved in the second quarter of 2019 and are expected to create or retain 365 full-time jobs. Read full article.

TRADE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM GETS BIG BOOST

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

(KNSI) - Students enrolled at any of the 30 colleges in the Minnesota State system are about to get more financial help in the form of scholarships to educate themselves in the trades. The Chancellor of Minnesota State, Devinder Molhotra, was at St. Cloud Technical and Community College to talk about what it means to go from a $1 million to $7 million in scholarships. Read full article.

PFA Approves more than $36 million for projects in five Minnesota cities

Tuesday, July 09, 2019

The PFA approved funding for Columbia Heights, De Graff, Little Falls, Ortonville, and Perham ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) approved just over $36 million in grant and loan funding for water infrastructure projects in Minnesota. The cities of Ortonville, De Graff, Perham, Columbia Heights and Little Falls were approved for funding. “These projects will revitalize existing water infrastructure,” said Governor Tim Walz, “Thanks to the hard work of the PFA and these local governments, these Minnesota cities will have clean drinking water and safe waterways for years to come.” Read full article.

ORGANIZATION GIVES LOCAL NONPROFITS 140K

Monday, July 08, 2019

(KNSI) - The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) announced $140,000 to 11 local nonprofits working to make the St. Cloud area a better place to live. The money comes from two recent grant rounds. The Central Minnesota "Difference Maker" grant round, with the support of the Norman C. Skalicky Foundation Fund, awarded $110,000 to six organizations and the Central Minnesota Arts awarded $30,000 to five groups. Read full article.

Veterans Are Vital to Minnesota's Workforce

Wednesday, July 03, 2019

Governor Walz Proclaims “Hire A Veteran Month” in Minnesota

Tuesday, July 02, 2019

Proclamation recognizes 327,000 Minnesota veterans for their service ahead of Veterans Career Fair ST. PAUL – Governor Tim Walz has declared July 2019 "Hire a Veteran Month" in the State of Minnesota. Governor Walz's proclamation encourages all Minnesota employers to help connect military service members with employment opportunities during the month of July, and to continue hiring veterans throughout the year. "Veterans returning from deployments face higher unemployment rates and experience more challenges entering the workforce," said Governor Walz. "I encourage all Minnesota employers to give veterans the uppermost consideration when hiring." As part of "Hire a Veteran Month," Minnesota veterans are encourage...

DEED Awards Small Cities Development Grants

Friday, June 28, 2019

More than 40 grants totaling more than $24 million approved for Greater Minnesota communities ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded more than $24 million for 43 infrastructure and rehabilitation projects in Greater Minnesota. The Small Cities Development Program is part of the Community Development Block Grant Program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is funded by Congress. The program helps pay for rehabilitating housing and commercial buildings and updating public infrastructure in small cities and counties. Read full article.

Launch Minnesota: Help Shape Minnesota's Startup Ecosystem

Thursday, June 27, 2019

I wrote about the creation of Launch Minnesota, a new program at DEED designed to nurture technology startups and entrepreneurs across the state. We’re excited to get Launch Minnesota off the ground, but we need your help in building a team that can make state government a meaningful contributor to Minnesota’s startup ecosystem. DEED is looking for an Executive Director to run Launch Minnesota, but this isn’t your typical state government job. You’ll be based in a co-working space working directly with startups and entrepreneurs every day. This is truly a unique way to help shape Minnesota’s startup ecosystem. This executive directo...

Amphitheater construction underway in Waite Park

Thursday, June 20, 2019

WAITE PARK — Crews have spent much of the last year moving boulders and leveling dirt at the future amphitheater site in Waite Park. Now, the fun part begins. Crews are now digging in preparation of building the stage and seating areas. During a tour of the site with city officials, City Administrator Shaunna Johnson said the view from the back of the seating area will feature the stage, of course, but also the quarry. Read full article.

New 2019 Minnesota State Fair foods revealed: The most outrageous, mouth-watering additions

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

ST. PAUL — Prepare yourself for buckets of cookies and deep-fried delights. The Minnesota State Fair announced 31 new foods and seven new food vendors for the 2019 fair season. Read full article.

Launch Minnesota: Come Help Us Grow Minnesota’s Startup Ecosystem

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

One of the most exciting outcomes of the 2019 Legislative session for DEED was the creation of a new program called Launch Minnesota. Designed to nurture technology startups and entrepreneurs across the state, Launch Minnesota will work with private industry to create financial incentives and programming to demonstrate that Minnesota is committed to fostering an innovation ecosystem that draws global attention. The program concept grew out of a collaboration between DEED and the Minnesota Legislature – with legislators on both sides of the aisle making meaningful contributions. It is a joint initiative with private businesses and nonprofit organizations statewide. Read full article.

Chat with 'SNL' star or dive into dinosaurs in new CSB/SJU fine arts season

Monday, June 17, 2019

ST. JOSEPH — The College of St. Benedict and St. John's University announced their fine arts programming for the 2019-20 season, unveiling a year of entertainment which will include a family matinee performance series for the first time. "Our concept for these matinee shows is 'daytime, not bedtime,'" quipped Tanya Gertz, executive director of Fine Arts Programming for CSB/SJU. The Saturday matinee series was inspired by audience feedback and designed with families in mind, Gertz said. "These performances are a little shorter, that maybe don't require as much of an attention span, and may be a little more interactive," she explained last week. The shows in the serie...

St. Cloud-born restaurant chain Granite City Food & Brewing celebrates 20 years

Friday, June 14, 2019

ST. CLOUD — A restaurant chain that began in St. Cloud before spreading into more than 25% of the country is celebrating 20 years of success this month. Granite City Food & Brewing's premiere location opened June 19, 1999 at 3945 Second St. S in St. Cloud and has been serving up elevated pub fare and signature craft brews ever since. Over two decades, the St. Cloud-made chain has expanded in a big way, currently sitting at 32 restaurants in 13 states. Now, the restaurant where the journey began is planning a celebration to thank the community that made it all possible. Read full article.

Technical Assistance, Webinars Available for Workforce Development Grant Program Applicants

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is accepting requests for proposals (RFPs) from qualified organizations across the state for five competitive workforce development grant programs designed to increase economic opportunities for people of color, women, youth, people with disabilities and veterans. Read full article.

Four Minnesota Cities Awarded PFA Funds totaling $17.93 million

Monday, June 03, 2019

The PFA approved funding for Faribault, Winnebago, Sacred Heart, Arden Hills ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) approved $17.93 million in loan and grant funding for water infrastructure projects in Minnesota. Funding was approved for Faribault, Winnebago, Sacred Heart, and Arden Hills. “Clean drinking water is a necessity for every Minnesotan family and business,” said Governor Tim Walz. “These PFA dollars are a great investment in our communities and pave the way for future growth.” “Water projects like these help insure that current and future water infrastructure needs are being met,” said Steve Grove, PFA chair and commissioner of the Minnesot...

Minnesota Exports up 1.5 percent in the First Quarter of 2019

Sunday, June 02, 2019

Exports to Europe grew 14 percent to $1.4 billion ST. PAUL – Minnesota exports grew to $5.4 billion, representing growth of 1.5 percent between the first quarters of 2018 and 2019, according to a report released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). U.S. exports grew 1.4 percent during the same period. Minnesota exports grew to markets within Europe (up 14 percent) and North America (up 4 percent), but fell within Asia (down 8 percent) and Central and South America (down 1 percent). Read full article.

Community Engagement Sessions: What Did We Learn? What’s Next?

Saturday, June 01, 2019

As DEED’s newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development, I started my new leadership role travelling across the state, meeting with people and organizations working to build an economy that works for all Minnesotans. I believe that leadership starts with listening, that’s why I travelled more than 1,300 miles visiting Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, St. Cloud, Duluth and Detroit Lakes. For many of these stops, it was my first visit. I was amazed by how each corner of our state is working to address their specific workforce challenges. Community engagement is a two-way exchange of information, ideas and resources. Oftentimes, community engagemen...

Benton County joins township in backing 800-acre solar farm

Saturday, May 25, 2019

RICE — A major solar project in the works along U.S. Highway 10 would add to the region's tax base and energy output, according to Benton County board documents. Geronimo Energy has proposed an 800-acre solar farm in Langola Township, north of Rice. It would be among the biggest solar-energy producers in the state. Benton County board members approved a letter to the state Public Utilities Commission supporting the project, said County Administrator Montgomery Headley. It's called the Regal Solar Project and would produce 100 megawatts of power, according to the Benton County board's April 2 meeting packet. That energy production equals "taking over 30,000 cars off th...

Redevelopment planned for Marketplace of Waite Park property

Friday, May 24, 2019

WAITE PARK — Marketplace of Waite Park, a commercial property with restaurants, retail and office space, is under new ownership and plans are underway to redevelop and modernize the property. Kevin Brink, owner of Trivista Brink Commercial Real Estate, oversees the management and leasing at the property. He is also part of the group of investors, Marketplace LLC, that purchased the property. Parking lot improvements, new signage and exterior renovations will likely begin this summer, he said. Read full article.

Letter: Quality child care is vital to growing our workforce

Thursday, May 23, 2019

My wife Mary and I are the proud parents of two-year old twins. Raising them is the most amazing thing we’ve ever had the opportunity to do - so every morning when I leave for work, it’s hard to say goodbye. But you know what makes it a lot easier? Knowing they’re going to grow and learn all day long, thanks to the excellent child care we have available. Unfortunately, for many Minnesota families, excellent childcare (or any child care at all, for that matter) is simply not available. The number of licensed family child care providers has decreased almost 30 percent in Minnesot...

Enticing Businesses to Stay

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Trying to attract businesses from outside the community or launching startup businesses are key economic development activities. However, economic developers generally agree that the most practical strategy for growth is Business Retention and Expansion, or keeping established businesses in the community. Enticing Businesses to Stay, co-authored by Michael Darger, University of Minnesota Extension, and Cameron Macht, DEED, looks at results from DEED’s Business Employment Dynamics dataset and provides insights and examples from ongoing business retention and expansion projects in Barnesville, near Fargo-Moorhead, and Cottage Grove, metro area. Read full blog post.

Improving Our Competitive Grantmaking at DEED

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

The mission of DEED is to grow the economy of Minnesota for everyone. One of the most important ways we pursue that mission is through partnerships. Minnesota is home to many nonprofit and civic organizations who are building innovative solutions to help Minnesotans from all backgrounds find meaningful employment across the state. By working with excellent partners, we can do so much more for Minnesota’s job-seekers and businesses. One of the ways we work with partners is through competitive grants, which create competition between organizations for state dollars to meet DEED’s mission. Over time, some of our community partners have tol...

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