Business News: GF living expense…beer & candle recall

The Labor Market Information Center has updated county-level data of the different costs associated with living in more – and less-populated areas within the state.  Seven fundamental living expense categories are tracked: food, housing, health care, transportation, child care, other necessities, and taxes.  A single person living in Grand Forks County needs an income of $24,891 to cover basic life costs.  That’s $564 dollars less than the statewide average.    (ND Job Service graphic)

Based on 2021 employment figures two of North Dakota’s ten largest employers are located in Grand Forks.  The University of North Dakota is ranked #4 and Altru Health is #6.  Sanford Health holds the number #1 ranking overall.  Grand Forks Public Schools is the state’s 14th largest employer.  The Bismarck and Fargo school systems are ranked 9th and 12th respectively.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency closed 173 enforcement cases for water…air quality…and wastewater violations in the first half of 2023. Penalties are calculated based on potential for harm to the environment, the economic benefit the company gained by failing to comply with environmental laws, and the corrective response.  The largest penalty…$250,000…was filed against a Morris (MN) firm for dumping 1.25 million gallons of wastewater on agricultural fields.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will provide over $13 million to help 15 businesses expand.  The funding will help leverage nearly $766 million in outside investment and create 652 jobs over five years.

The Grand Forks council has approved a new Class 3 license for the TapRoom Brew Hall at 13 North 3rd Street.  The original license issued in April 2021 was cancelled due to delays in construction.  A change in ownership was also announced as construction is nearing completion.

The North Dakota Ag Department has awarded grants totaling $80,000 for research of the grape and wine industry in the state.  Organizations receiving grants are: North Dakota Grape and Wine Association – $27,410 to lead a North Dakota grape and wine industry marketing campaign.  NDSU – $52,590 for support research to improve the efficiency and speed of grapevine cultivar development.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue reminds parents and caregivers to save receipts on school supply purchases to claim K-12 tax benefits when filing their taxes next year. Due to changes made during the legislative session over 31,000 additional Minnesota families will be able to claim the credit this year.  Last year over 17,000 families received the K-12 Education Credit for an average savings of $280.

Hyundai and Kia are telling the owners of nearly 92,000 vehicles in the U.S. to park them outside because an electronic controller in an oil pump can overheat and cause fires. The recalls cover certain 2023 and 2024 Hyundai Palisades, as well some 2023 Tucson, Sonata, Elantra and Kona vehicles. Hyundai owners will be notified by letter on Sept. 25. Kia will notify owners starting Sept. 28.

Target is recalling 2.2 million candles. The recall impacts Threshold-branded glass jar candles sold in multiple sizes and various scents.  According to a notice published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the jars of these candles can break during use, risking burns and lacerations.  The candles can be returned to any Target store or by mail for a full refund.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has activated the North Dakota Harvest Hotline.  Farmers who need custom combining and combiners looking for a job should call us at 701-328-5110. First implemented in 1992, when adverse weather conditions caused a heavy demand for custom combining, the Harvest Hotline has been offered annually as a free service for farmers and custom harvesters.