Businesses negatively impacted by this year’s warm and snowless winter may be eligible for loans through the Small Business Administration.
Eighty-one counties in the state are currently covered by federal disaster declarations for drought conditions, exacerbated by the lack of snowfall in Minnesota. From December to February, Minnesota experienced the warmest meteorological winter on record.
Under the Economic Injury Disaster Loans program, businesses can borrow up to $2 million to cover their actual losses. They pay no interest on the loan for the first year and no more than 4% for the rest of the loan period.
A webinar hosted by the SBA will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 15, to provide information about the disaster declaration, how to apply for a loan, and the use of loan proceeds. Business owners can learn more about eligibility, find an application and learn more about application deadlines for their county at the SBA's disaster assistance page.
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Plus: How to care for pets when wildfire smoke impacts air quality; and new signage marks Hwy 169 in honor of Sen. David Tomassoni. -
Plus: Grand Itasca will host a new physician residency program; Second Harvest to have public meeting about food bank closure; and fireworks galore across the Northland.
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Contributed/MidcoThe internet and cable provider said the Bemidji derecho caused damage in hundreds of locations, and crews worked long hours to restore service. -
Lorie Shaull/Special to KAXEThe lawsuit against the MN DOC commissioner argues the law would take away discretion from local providers to determine what’s best for the inmates and the situation. -
Contributed/Minnesota House of RepresentativesThe section of Highway 169, named in honor of late state Sen. David J. Tomassoni, runs between County Road 69 in Marble and County Road 7 in Mountain Iron. -
And: Midco Bemidji services mostly restored, and Affinity Plus offering disaster loans; Great Tails Animal Rescue's Anttila wins volunteer of the year; and Superior NF advisory committee meets July 7.
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Contributed/Crow Wing CountyThe county will use the plan as a roadmap for guiding investments in transportation over the next 20 years or longer. -
Contributed/Cloquet Police DepartmentLaw enforcement found a body that is believed to be 62-year-old Jane Korpela near Aitkin on Sunday, June 29, 2025. The search continues for her partner Daniel Latterell. -
Contributed/Lorie Shaull via FlickrThe committee will discuss and make recommendations on project proposals at a virtual public meeting July 7. -
Plus: Second Harvest food bank shutters Grand Rapids warehouse but maintains food shelf will remain open.
