Business News: GF home sales…council demo & hemp

Americans are deeply opposed to cutting into Medicare or Social Security benefits, and most support raising taxes on the nation’s highest earners to keep Medicare running as is. The new findings, revealed in a March poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, come as both safety net programs are poised to run out of enough cash to pay out full benefits within the next decade.

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Home sales in Grand Forks – East Grand Forks posted the busiest month of the year in March. A total of 50 single family homes…townhomes…and condos were sold. That compares to 34 in January and 25 in February. The average sales price last month was $259,745 dollars. The figures do not include private sales.

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Progress is being made on the $1.8 million dollar renovation of the Grand Forks council chambers. The project is expected to last well into the summer. The goal is to better utilize the existing space…increase seating…sight lines…improve technology…and centers the room to let in more natural light. During construction the council is meeting in the nearby HIVE building. (demo pictured/City of GF)

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America’s employers added a solid 236,000 jobs in March. The unemployment rate fell to 3.5%, not far above the 53-year low of 3.4% set in January. Last month’s job growth was down from February’s gain of 326,000. The government report suggested that the economy and the job market remain on solid footing.

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There’s still no shortage of available jobs in North Dakota. The Labor Market Information Center has released the latest Online Job Openings Report from Job Service North Dakota’s labor exchange system. North Dakota had a total of 17,124 open and available job openings in March 2023, a change of +0.1 percent (+13) from the prior month and -3.8 percent (-682) from the same month one year ago.

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The North Dakota Department of Commerce says two companies have been approved for $658,796.41 in loan and venture funds through the North Dakota Development Fund, Inc. during the first quarter of 2023. Among the award winners was Aaron McWilliams dba McStash Mills LLC, of Hillsboro, who received $58,796.41 to support the purchase of a sawmill.

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The North Dakota Development Fund, Inc. has finalized investments through its Angel Match Program. Fenworks, Inc., a technology company located in Grand Forks, is set to utilize the funds to expand its services and hire employees. AMP supports early-stage primary sector North Dakota businesses by matching investor commitments up to $250,000 per business.

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Those wanting to grow and process hemp in Minnesota in 2023 must apply for a license with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) by April 30.This is the eighth year of the state’s Hemp Program. Last year, 293 people held licenses to grow or process hemp. Over 375 acres and 122,040 indoor square feet were planted in Minnesota in 2022.

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Honda is recalling nearly 564,000 older small SUVs in the U.S. because road salt can cause the frame to rust and rear suspension parts to come loose. The recall covers certain CR-Vs from 2007 through 2011. They were sold or registered in 22 states and Washington, D.C., where salt is used to clear roads in the winter.

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Over 2,500 student athletes are participating in the North Dakota State High School Target League this spring. They will compete on 102 high school teams across the state. The League offers trap, skeet, sporting clays, and 5-stand leagues to secondary and postsecondary schools across the country.