Business News: GF restaurant…wages & GF/EGF school jobs

America’s employers added a healthy 253,000 jobs in April, evidence of a labor market that still shows surprising resilience despite rising interest rates, chronically high inflation and a banking crisis that could weaken the economy. The unemployment rate dipped to 3.4%, matching a 54-year low.

The Labor Market Information Center has released annual 2022 employment and wages by industry. In 2022, North Dakota employment increased by 2.7 percent compared to one year prior, a gain of 10,836 jobs. Average weekly wages for 2022 were $1,158, higher by 5.9 percent from the prior year.  Average wages in Grand Forks County climbed 4.6% last year to $54,461 dollars.

Income eligibility guidelines for the North Dakota Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) have increased based on changes in the federal poverty levels. A family of four can earn up to $4,625 each month (or $55,500 annually). WIC has been providing healthy food and nutrition education for more than 40 years.

Tens of thousands of engineers remain frustrated with the lack of paid sick time and the demands railroads like BNSF are making in negotiations despite the progress that has been made this year with sick time deals for most of the other rail unions. The lack of paid sick time and concerns about demanding schedules took center stage during last fall’s contract talks.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced $5.4 million in funding for eight businesses through the Minnesota Job Creation Fund (JCF) and the Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF).  Altoz Inc. of Red Lake Falls will receive $420,000 (MIF) for an expansion that will cost $10.3 million dollars and create 60 new jobs.

The East Grand Forks School Board will decide this week how to proceed with its search for a new superintendent.  Current Superintendent Mike Kolness is leaving ISD 595 at the end of June to lead the Kindred (ND) school system.   The board is expected to decide Monday whether to schedule interviews with a short list of candidates or fill the post on an interim basis and continue soliciting applicants.  The district is also looking to hire a business manager.

East Grand Forks is considering hiring an outside group to conduct a facility study of Fire Station #2 on 5th Avenue SE.  The building dates back to 1977 and has not been renovated since 1997.  The $10,500 dollar assessment would look at everything from lighting and plumbing to gender equality and code compliance.  The city council will consider funding the report on Tuesday.

The City of Grand Forks has issued a building permit for the former HuHot restaurant on South Columbia Road.  The existing space is being subdivided.  HuHot closed the location in late 2021.  Workers on site say the space is being remodeled for a Crisp & Green eatery.  The company website suggests two new North Dakota locations are being added in 2023.

Valley City State University (VCSU) will use $11.5 million from the State of North Dakota to transform McCarthy Hall into a new home for the VCSU School of Education.  The project will renovate the site that was originally built in 1930. The space will include contemporary classroom areas and technology labs, student workspaces and updated instructional technology.

Ford Motor Co. is recalling certain 2004 to 2006 Ranger vehicles because replacement front passenger air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a letter that the recall includes 231,942 vehicles. The vehicles had received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall.