Shutdown hits breaks on licensing renewals

A prolonged state government shutdown could slow some area businesses.

Deer Creek Speedway renewed its liquor license, but did not receive a buyer’s card from the state to buy wine or higher-alcohol content liquor, according to Randy Queensland, a manager at the raceway.

While Queensland said they’re approved to sell liquor since the county received documentation of the license renewal, they can’t buy new high-content alcohol products without the card.

“We are approved, we’re just in somebody’s outbox up there, and it (the buyer’s card) never got to us,” Queensland said.

That doesn’t mean the speedway will have to go dry just yet. Deer Creek will still be able to buy 3.2 beer and sell the higher-alcohol products already in stock, since it has its license.

“We’re probably luckier than most because of the inventory we have,” Queensland said.

“It’s a minor hiccup. It’s just a nasty inconvenience,” he added.

However, Deer Creek won’t be able to buy anything new if the shutdown goes on for an extended time.

A prolonged shutdown could have a negative impact on businesses not able to renew licenses, according to Auditor-Treasurer Doug Groh.

“It impacts them negatively,” Groh said of businesses that cannot renew licenses. “That’s their livelihood. And I feel bad about that, but I think we did everything we could.”

Since liquor licenses are due monthly, there could be another wave of businesses unable to renew licenses in August.

Forfeited freeze

The county is waiting for the deeds on six forfeited properties from the state of Minnesota

According to Groh, a backlog at the state is causing the delay after the shutdown reduced the number of workers in the Department of Revenue.

People who purchased foreclosed properties cannot take possession of the properties they acquired through tax forfeiture sale because of the backlog at the state.

SportsPlus

Education

PHOTOS: Unified fun — Austin High School hosts 2nd Unified Basketball Day

Mower County

Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota won’t seek reelection, dealing blow to Democrats’ hopes to take Senate

News

Republicans advance anti-abortion legislation during control of Minnesota House

News

Feds to probe Minnesota State High School League over transgender athlete policy

Mower County

Hormel honors winners of Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest

News

MnDOT announces winners of Name a Snowplow contest

News

US inflation got worse with rising groceries and gasoline prices

Education

With federal money at risk, Minnesota’s public colleges stress high stakes of state budget debate

Mower County

Snow, cold to impact region into tomorrow

Business

Hosting Legends: Mower CEO program promising big night with Local Legends concert

Education

APS School board authorizes bidding process for tennis courts reconstruction

Mower County

Austin Symphony Orchestra gets a little help in promotion for Sunday’s concert

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: Jan. 27-Feb. 3

Education

Local students advance to Southeast Minnesota Final Spelling Bee

Education

Education Briefs

News

Trump steel, aluminum tariffs likely to drive up car costs, industry leaders say

News

Republicans put fraud, measures to stop it in spotlight as they take Minnesota House reins

News

Most nations miss deadline for plans to fight climate change

News

Trump once again slaps taxes on foreign steel, aluminum, a move that proved costly in his first term

Education

APS Board votes to return to 2020 version of sex nondiscrimination policy

Mower County

Man already charged in two cases of criminal sexual conduct with a child charged a third time

News

Judge finds Trump administration hasn’t fully followed his order to unfreeze federal spending

Mower County

Hormel Historic Home’s Harris Music Contest registration deadline approaching

Mower County

Percussive impact: MacPhail’s Cheryl Berglund being honored at state conference