It appears that the rumors and talk around Windom have come to light. A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) letter sent to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), yesterday stated HyLife Foods plans to permanently close its facility in Windom if a buyer doesn’t step in and take on the plant. The plant closure and employee layoffs could go into effect as soon as Monday the 17th or as late as June 2nd. More than 1,000 employees in Windom will be effected. None of the employees are represented by a union so layoffs at the facility are expected to be permanent.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Grant Lazaruk issued this statement “Our industry has been facing unprecedented external challenges such as inflation, high grain costs, and exchange rates that are affecting businesses and consumers alike. As a result, we have had to make some difficult decisions. In 2020, when we purchased the plant in Windom, Minnesota, our goal was to turn the operations around. Our vision, investments, and strong community involvement are a testament that we intended to be here for the long run. On April 10, 2023, we shared that our leadership has been working to sell this facility to ensure that the business continues and is properly capitalized for the future. This means we intend to continue producing high-quality products while this sales process plays out. We want to sincerely thank our team. This is an extremely hard week, and we are unquestionably sad. We are doing our best to share the information we currently have.”
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The Des Moines Valley Health and Human Services Board will be meeting, Thursday, April 13th at 9:00 am at the Jackson County Government West Conference Room.
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The Clock is ticking! Only 6 days left till April 18th TAX DAY!!! I laugh when I think of my father-in-law that truly waited till the Ultimate last minute to “mail” his taxes in. It use to be a sort of fun night, do you remember? The Post Office was open later and you could get your envelopes that held the forms that were either going to make you or break you postmarked on Tax Day up to the 11 hour and 58th minute… Now adays everything is on the computer. I mean they can even electronically withdrawl your payment directly from your checking account. None of that “I have most likely 6 days until my check is going to be cashed so lets go have a drink” anymore. Now adays all you do is go to your computer and log into your IRS Online Account or one of those programs and they automatically magically have your w-2’s uploaded and you just have to click a few keys and whaalah… DONE, SENT, PAID or WITHDRAWN… It is a crazy technological world we are living in… There are a few pointers if you are doing your own taxes that keep popping up to make the 18th a little less hectic… This is what they say:
- Create an IRS Online Account
- Be aware of reporting changes for the gig economy and service industry – the IRS is requiring an income reporting threshold of $600
- Find out if you qualify for the Free File program
- If you are receiving a refund, you can check on its status using the IRS’ “Where’s My Refund” tool
- If you need to file for an extension, that needs to be done by April 18
- If you can’t pay the full amount of taxes you owe, you can set up a payment plan
- Know that the IRS provides short, informational videos on a variety of tax-related topics
OR if you really want to make it less stressful be like me, and get an amazing Accountant that gets you and understands that numbers are hard sometimes and is willing to be the hero of the hour… A huge shout out to Marge… She is the BEST!!!
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The Jeffers City Council met on the 10th in regular session. The Council heard a presentation from Paul Burkhardt on the 2022 Financial Satement for the City of Jeffers. After the presentation and discussion the Council approved the Audit for the 2022 year. The council then discussed and agreed that letters would be sent to City Residents who have accumulated garbage in their yards. The Council then set The Board of Review for the City of Jeffers for Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 5 p.m.
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The Springfield Chamber of Commerce announced the Spirit of Springfield and Business of the Year Banquet will be held on Thursday, April 27th. The Event will be held at 6 East with doors opening at 6:30pm with a reception and cash bar. Dinner will be served at 7pm with the program to follow. ONLY ADVANCED TICKETS will be sold. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased at the following locations. The Springfield Chamber Office, F&M Bank, SouthPoint Financial Credit Union and Springfield Advance-Press. Tickets must be purchased by Monday April 17th. This year’s recipients are
Dotty de Lambert for the 2023 Spirit of Springfield and
NAPA Glen’s Auto Parts for the 2023 Business of the Year
The evening will also have chances to purchase tickets to win the “Shop Springfield First Basket” that is packed with local merchandise and gift cards and certificates and the ever popular Wine Pull and Booze Basket will be back.
If you need further information call the Springfield Chamber Office at 507-723-3508.