Since 1986, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) has invested over $60 million in grants across our 20-county region. These grants support a diverse array of projects, ranging from providing books to young children to fostering growth in small towns. Many of our grants also support initiatives that make our communities a more welcoming place for everyone to live and visit. Currently, two such grant opportunities are open.

Applications are now open for a $24 million emergency aid package aimed at bolstering rural ambulance services across Minnesota. The package targets providers making 30 or fewer trips per square mile in their primary service area.

It’s probably not what he expected, but it’s where my heart and passion lie.

There has been a lot of debate over whether or not there should be changes to legislation requiring public notices to be required to be printed in newspapers.

Friends and neighbors,

Several weeks ago, the Dodge County Fair drew large crowds at their grandstand shows. A variety of races, bull riding and a demolition derby filled the stands with families. While each separate event offered a somewhat different venue, they all had a couple things in common, the chance of danger and destruction. There seems to be something about the human psyche that is attracted to an element of danger.