Swift County RDA News

Meet Jordan Almen, a Millennial Who Has Chosen to Grow Her Career in Swift County

Wednesday, August 08, 2018

Jordan Almen, reporter at The Kerkhoven Banner, chose to move back to Kerkhoven after spending four years away at school and then two years in the cities, working at a bank. She spent enough time elsewhere to know that living here was what she wanted. She chose to be here because this she loves living in Kerkhoven, even though she had a good job elsewhere. Like many Millennials, Jordan is living life on her terms and choosing to live in a small community is part of that. “Through those six years away, I came to realize that I really missed things...

Terri and Bob Orr Moved Home to Grow their Family and Launch a Business

Wednesday, August 01, 2018

When Terri and Bob Orr decided to have children, they knew they wanted to raise them in Benson. Moving back to Swift County after 17 years allowed them to be close to their large families, reconnect with the community, and pursue their passions in the process. Terri is the Swift County Veterans Service Office Manager and works closely with Veterans. Bob runs their two companies - BackStreet Media and BackStreet Printing. We wanted to learn more about what drew them back to Swift County and how their careers have thrived here. Q: After leaving Benson, you lived in several places, including...

Benson airport getting $820,000 in upgrades

Friday, July 27, 2018

With considerable financial assistance from the federal and state governments, the Benson City Council agreed at its meeting to pursue more than $820,000 in improvements to the municipal airport. It has contracted with TKDA Professional Services of St. Paul for work on a new aviation dual-fuel storage tank at the airport and the removal of the old tank. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has ordered the city to replace the old tank. The cost of the new fuel tanks is $320,000, but the federal government is paying 90 percent of the cost, or $288,000. The state government is paying $16,000 as is the...

Minnesota's youth labor force growing

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

New numbers from DEED show Minnesota has more teens working during the summer. MINNESOTA - Summer is almost here and that means kids are antsy to get out of school and start having more fun. But many teens will be busy working, some collecting a paycheck for the first time. Through Growing Good, about 50 youth will be digging in the dirt at community gardens in the Twin Cities. The program is run by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to teach kids job and life skills. "They're growing vegetables, herbs and selling them to local restaurants. They're learning how to create invoices, communication skills, and...

Optimism grows among Minnesota manufacturers

Monday, July 23, 2018

The state of manufacturing is strong. A full 93 percent of Minnesota manufacturers are financially confident about the future, which is just a hair off last year's high-water mark of 94 percent, according to a recently released survey by Enterprise Minnesota. "There has never been as much energy in manufacturing as there is today," said the consulting firm's CEO, Bob Kill. "And that's a cool thing to say, because we face a lot of challenges." Continue to full article

Nursing field is attracting more males, both in Minnesota and nationwide

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Long before Raney Linck joined the nursing profession or became a clinical assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, he bounced from one sales gig to another for seven years. Then the routine started to feel a little mundane, and Linck, who had a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, decided to try a different career path — one that involved educating and caring for people, would be both personally satisfying, and would help him make a difference. The best occupation that combined all of those characteristics, he figured, would be nursing, because he could both care for his patients and inform them about...

Ranking of world's top 1,000 universities puts Minnesota, many from Big Ten in first 50

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Minnesota landed in 35th in the annual ranking released A well-regarded annual ranking of 1,000 of the world’s universities is out, and the University of Minnesota is one of nine Big Ten schools landing among the top 50. The U came in 35th on the list released Monday by the Center for World University Rankings. The center, based in the United Arab Emirates, is a global consulting organization providing policy and strategic advice, and consulting services to governments and universities. It has been publishing the academic ranking of universities since 2012. Continue to full article

How Minnesota farmers are using different plant varieties, and new techniques, to extend the state's growing season

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

When horticultural and wine scientists at the University of Minnesota apply for funding to research growing grapes in a climate better known for producing soybeans than wine, they often have to answer a common question: Why bother? “We get that pushback when we submit grants all the time,” said Matt Clark, who leads the University’s grape breeding project. The simple answer – why not? – smacks of the same spirit many Minnesotans adopt to handle long, cold winters. Yes, the climate presents challenges, but farmers and ag researchers also see opportunities: Breeding cold-hardy fruit varieties has made the university a lot of money...

Survey report suggests Midwest economy still steaming ahead

Monday, July 16, 2018

OMAHA, Neb. — The surging business conditions in nine Midwest and Plains states will be tested by trade conflicts and other factors that could slow growth, an economist said in a survey report issued. The Mid-America Business Conditions Index recorded its highest mark in 14 years last month, hitting 67.3 in May, compared with 64.5 in April, according to the report. The March figure was 62.1. This is the 18th straight month the index has remained above growth neutral 50.0, pointing to strong growth for the region over the next three to six months. Continue to full article

The State of Internet Connectivity in Minnesota’s K-12 Schools

Friday, July 13, 2018

96 percent of Minnesota school districts had access to high-speed Internet in their classrooms. Here’s what’s left to do. Ninety-six percent of Minnesota school districts had access to high-speed Internet in their classrooms in 2017. This year, thanks to federal and state funding and local partnerships, we may see every school district in Minnesota on a scalable fiber connection to support K-12 education. The Minnesota Legislature established goals to help Minnesotans improve the availability and use of broadband services in 2010. Shortly after, the Office of Broadband Development was created to “connect communities, policy-makers, providers, regional support organizations, and state and federal programs with each...

U.S. Treasury Approves Minnesota Opportunity Zones

Thursday, July 12, 2018

128 census tracts in Minnesota to receive the designation ST. PAUL – The U.S. Department of Treasury approved 128 low-income census tracts in Minnesota to be designated as Opportunity Zones. All of the approved census tracts were recommended to Treasury by Gov. Mark Dayton in April following recommendations from cities, counties and tribal nations. Opportunity Zones are a new economic and community development program established by Congress in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 to encourage long-term economic development and housing investments in low-income communities nationwide. “Expanding access to good jobs and better opportunities has been a top priority for my Administration. These efforts have been especially important...

Minnesota Exports at $5.3 Billion in First Quarter

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

State companies set record for export sales in a first quarter ST. PAUL – Sales of Minnesota agricultural, mining and manufactured exports soared 9 percent to a first quarter record of $5.3 billion, according to figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The agency said Minnesota businesses exported 930 different products to 187 countries during the quarter. U.S. exports were up 8 percent during the period, with 45 states reporting increased export sales. “Minnesota companies achieved sales that were $450 million higher in the first quarter than in the same period a year earlier,” said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy....

Attracting Millennials to Swift County

Monday, July 09, 2018

In Swift County, we know that there is a lot more to Millennials than what floats around in popular culture. We know that they can be a vibrant addition to any community and want them here. To attract them, it is important to dig deeper and learn more about what makes Millennials tick. Every week there’s a new ground-shattering revelation about their lifestyle choices —but the most conflicting reports have to do with where they live; and why. As a business or community leader, here is what you need to know. Some Millennials are moving home In Swift County, we have found...

New DEED Pilot Program Offers Interest-Free Loans for Startups

Monday, July 09, 2018

Minnesota Innovation Loans for Entrepreneurs accepting loan applications through July 16 ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is accepting loan applications through a new program designed to help early-stage businesses that are developing high-tech products or services in Minnesota. Minnesota Innovation Loans for Entrepreneurs (MILE) is a pilot program that will provide interest-free loans ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. Businesses approved for loans under the program must have a 1-to-1 match from another funder and repay the loan within four years, with no payments required in the first year. The program is an initiative of the Minnesota...

The Syversons Return Home to Join the Local Medical Community

Monday, July 02, 2018

Swift County is home to Josie Syverson, MD and her husband, Paul Syverson, DVM. As two medical professionals, they could have gone anywhere in the country to launch and grow their career. They chose Swift County because they enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of living in a rural area. They appreciate being able to live “in the country” but still be only 15 minutes away from their places of work and never have to worry about traffic! They also look forward to raising their children in this family-friendly community and appreciate the support they have received from so many people since moving...

Swift County Selected as Blandin Broadband Community

Monday, June 18, 2018

Swift County RDA announced that Swift County has been selected as one of four communities in Minnesota to be a Blandin Broadband Community. The program will provide access to coaching, planning assistance and a chance to obtain financial resources to address technology-driven priorities that community members will identify. Swift County has border to border broadband and fiber to the home in most rural areas, but having access to broadband and capitalizing on our access to broadband are two different things. Jennifer Frost, Executive Director of the RDA said, “Being a Blandin Broadband Community will enable our communities to incorporate ‘broadband thinking’...

Young Families Are Choosing to Make Swift County Home

Monday, June 04, 2018

Terri Barrett and her husband Dave grew up in rural Kandiyohi County. Raised on a farm 5 miles east of Sunburg and in a home near Sibley State Park, the Barretts are deeply rooted in the state and knew they wanted to build a life here. We asked Terri about their home in Swift County. “Dave and I were fortunate to come across a vacant farmstead for sale with a few acres and a nice pole barn. We bought our place the same year we were married and feel so fortunate to be living the country life that we had always...

Mi Mexico was Born of a Passion for Food and Family

Tuesday, May 08, 2018

Stephanie and Juan Cid- Guadarrama have a great love of food and family. They have been sharing that love with our community for 10 years, handcrafting brilliant sauces and family recipes to create authentic, flavorful and sensational Mexican dishes for everyone to enjoy at their restaurant, Mi Mexico. This is a passion that they share as a family. To them, Mi Mexico is more than a restaurant, it is a place for other families to gather and to create memories. Stephanie Cid said, “Our family is working together to create a place for family time where other families can create...

CVEC, one of Swift County's Top 20 Employers named AURI Ag Innovator of the Year

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), named The Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC)of Benson, Minn., its 2017 Ag Innovator of the Year. The award, which has been given annually for the past 15 years, was accepted by CVEC Board Chair, David Thompson and General Manager Chad Friese at the company’s Board meeting on Monday, November 20, in Benson. For full news release click here

2018 Consumer Confidence Report

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Notice is hereby given that the City of Murdock Consumer Confidence Report will not be mailed or published, but is available upon request at the Murdock City Office. Respectfully, Kim Diederich City Clerk

Garbage Pick up

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Due to the Memorial Day Holiday on Monday, May 28, City of Murdock garbage will be picked up on Tuesday, May 29,

Building Permit Guidelines

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Please remember that you need to apply for a building permit PRIOR to any building project being started. Please contact the City Office with questions. A building permit application can be found on the Monthly Meeting Minutes and Building Permit Application page.

City of Murdock April Newsletter

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Since Winter does not seem to want to leave us, please remember to move your cars during a snow event so that plowing of the city streets can be done easily! Hopefully this will have to be the last reminder of this for this year! There will be a city wide clean up day in mid-May. So start your spring cleaning. We will post more info and a date as when we have it set. Mark Your Calendars! May 25 Red Cross Bloodmobile at City Hall from 11:30-5:30p.m. More Details to come! July 13-14 Murdock Daze! Golf Tournament on Friday night in Kerkhoven, Volleyball...

Consumer Confidence Report

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

The Consumer confidence report for the City of Murdock is now available for reviewing at the City Clerk’s office at the Murdock City Hall. Thank you, Kim Diederich City Clerk

March 2018 Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

A Public Meeting was held at 5:00p.m. on Wednesday March 14, 2018 to discuss the TDS Franchise for the City of Murdock.. All Council members were present as well as Adam Simmonds and Trista Kavanagh. Mike Wentzel from TDS was at the meeting to present information regarding TDS providing Cable Service as a choice for residents of Murdock. Discussion was held and questions answered. The Public meeting was adjourned at 5:30p.m. The Murdock City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 5:30p.m. with all members present. Adam Simmonds was also present. February meeting minutes were read and approved...