Latest news with #Mankato
Globe and Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Easy Environmental Solutions Secures Full Down Payment for First EasyFEN™ Units in Africa
Full down payment on $3.4 million order confirms Kenyan launch Each EasyFEN™ unit designed to deliver $19 million in recurring revenue annually while restoring farmland at scale Production at full capacity in Mankato with public showcase scheduled before shipment MANKATO, Minn., Aug. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digital Utilities Ventures, Inc. (OTC: DUTV), operating as Easy Environmental Solutions Inc., has received the full down payment on its $3.4 million contract for its first EasyFEN™ waste-to-microbial fertilizer units in Africa, with Kenya confirmed as the initial deployment site. This milestone positions the Company to tap into Africa's share of the $381 billion global fertilizer market and sets in motion a large-scale initiative to combat food insecurity and soil degradation in a region where hunger deepens year after year. EasyFEN™ Waste-To-Microbial Fertilizer Unit 'This is a historic moment—not only for our company but for African agriculture,' said Mark Gaalswyk, CEO of Easy Environmental Solutions. 'The EasyFEN™ system isn't just sustainable; it's profitable, scalable, and built to create lasting value for investors while transforming agriculture for entire nations. This is the model wherein doing the right thing for the planet also delivers strong financial returns.' Turning Waste Into Wealth Each EasyFEN™ unit processes up to 17,500 tons of organic waste annually, converting it into more than 2.7 million gallons of Terreplenish ® —a proprietary, 100% organic microbial fertilizer. At full capacity, a single EasyFEN™ unit is expected to generate approximately $19 million in recurring annual revenue through ongoing Terreplenish ® production and technology licensing, creating a scalable, high-margin growth model for the Company and its shareholders. Validated by over 100 independent studies and backed by more than a decade of field data, Terreplenish ® restores soil health, boosts yields, and reduces irrigation or rainfall needs by up to 20%. Just two gallons per acre delivers 45–60 lbs. of nitrogen and 15–20 lbs. of phosphorus, enabling each unit to treat 1.35 million acres (approximately 546,000 hectares) of farmland every year. Terreplenish ® - 100% organic microbial fertilizer Beyond nutrients, Terreplenish ® strengthens soil biology, acts as a natural bio fungicide, and builds long-term soil resilience—all while reducing the need for costly synthetic fertilizer imports. By creating fully local, circular economies, EasyFEN™ technology brings each country closer to agricultural self-sufficiency. Once operational, each EasyFEN unit deployed in Africa can produce enough Terreplenish ® annually to support food production for more than 5 million people. The technology—developed by Easy Energy Systems, Inc., manufactured by Easy Modular Manufacturing, and marketed globally under Easy Environmental Solutions, Inc. alongside Feed Earth Now—will be showcased in Mankato, Minnesota, before being shipped to Kenya within the next 90–120 days, offering stakeholders, partners, and community members the chance to see the fully operational system up close. 'This is what the world has been waiting for,' said Nate Carpenter, Vice President of Global Operations – Eastern Hemisphere. 'Fully sustainable models. Automated machinery. Profits for developers and affordable pricing for farmers. In an era of famine and water scarcity, the EasyFEN™ isn't just a solution—it's the new gold standard, and we're ready to lead the charge.' A Continent-Wide Roadmap Easy Environmental Solutions is in active discussions with political leaders, businesses, and stakeholders in more than 10 African nations. 'This isn't just about technology—it's about sovereignty, stability, and long-term agricultural independence,' said Bakry Osman, Director of Africa Operations. 'Our goal is Terreplenish ® in every African country by 2027. We're not offering short-term fixes. We're replacing broken systems at scale.' For more information, visit About Digital Utilities Ventures, Inc. Digital Utilities Ventures, Inc. (OTC: DUTV), now doing business as Easy Environmental Solutions Inc., is an innovative company developing modular technologies to solve major world problems. With a strong goal for sustainability and efficiency, DUTV aims to provide solutions for various industries through its unique approach to manufacturing and technology development. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains discussions that may constitute 'forward-looking' statements. Often these statements contain the words "believe," "estimate," "project," "expect" or similar expressions. These statements are made in reliance on the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, acceptance of the Company's current and future products and services in the marketplace, the ability of the Company to develop effective new products and receive regulatory approvals of such products, competitive factors, dependence upon third-party vendors, and other risks detailed in the Company's periodic report filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release. Contact:
CBS News
01-08-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Mankato ultramarathoner running sixteen 100-mile or more races this year
It's one thing to run a 26.2-mile marathon. Now multiply that distance by four to 100 miles. One Mankato, Minnesota, man is doing that distance over and over this year. Nick Steel made a personal goal to run sixteen 100-mile or more races in a calendar year. One of the most recent ultras that he completed, he had to do very specialized training for, so he chose to train around the Mankato water tower for it. "I have a [100-mile] race coming up on a 0.411-mile course, so it's very short. I need to get ready for the repetitiveness," said Steel. In order to complete the feat, he's competing in a 100-mile or more race nearly every weekend this summer and into the fall. "I want to push my limits, see how far I can push my boundaries, and also I want to motivate other people," said Steel. Steel is traveling all over the Midwest to find new 100-mile-plus races to compete in. It started as a way to honor Matt Watts, a runner he looked up to. "[Watts] ran 95 official 100-milers before passing away due to blood poisoning," said Steel, "I felt the need for me to run those 100-milers and finish it off for him." As the races grew longer, Steel realized how much the challenge actually helped him. "I used to be very low in my mental aspect of things," said Steel, "Doing this helps you cope with those emotions and helps you deal with them." One of his longest races was a 170-mile ultramarathon that lasted two days and nights. "Your body can handle far more than your mind will allow," said Steel. To follow along in his journey the remainder of the year, click here.
CBS News
12-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
A year after devastating floods, Rapidan Dam store starts over at new location in Mankato
Nearly a year ago, flooding at the Rapidan Dam destroyed a family's home and shut down their long-time restaurant. Now, they're starting over in a new location. "It's our legacy. We want to keep it going and we are proud of our parents," said Jenny Barnes. For Barnes and her brother David Hruska, the past year has brought about many changes. In May, the Dam Store restaurant their family has run for more than 50 years, officially re-opened in downtown Mankato — miles from where it once stood. Six days a week they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. "It's going well. It's picking up. More people are finding out about it," said Hruska. Old and new customers show up for their signature food and pies. But for Barnes and Hruska it's hard to put the past behind. Both the Rapidan Dam store and home had been around for more than a century. "It wasn't easy, no. Still isn't easy. Still, I get very emotional yet," said Barnes. Only the entrance remains at the site of where the Dam Store used to be. But each day the river and rain, continue to chip away at this property. The ground where their home stood is no longer there. That's where David and his dad were living. It forced them to move in with Barnes and her husband. "We know each little spot is going to go down and just to see it is pretty sad," said Barnes. But the family is holding out hope that someday they can return to their property and start over again. Even in a new location, it's a dream they can't let go of. "We don't know what our future will be but no matter what, the future is out there. It'll always be our home . . . it'll always be home to us," said Barnes. The new Dam Store is located on 609 South Front Street in Mankato. It's cash only but there is an ATM on site.
Globe and Mail
10-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Easy Environmental Solutions Begins Manufacturing EasyFEN™ Units for Africa Following Initial Down Payment
Easy Environmental Solutions Inc. announces that the client sent the initial deposit and agreed to the $3.4 million modular EasyFEN order for Africa. EasyFEN units produce organic Terreplenish liquid microbial fertilizer, transforming waste into a feed that supports over 16 million people in Africa. Terreplenish liquid microbial fertilizer enhances soil health, increases crop yields, and reduces irrigation needs by up to 20%. WELCOME, Minn., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digital Utilities Ventures, Inc. (OTC: DUTV), now doing business as Easy Environmental Solutions Inc., is pleased to announce that the client sent the initial deposit and agreed to the $3.4 million modular EasyFEN order for Africa. Modular EasyFEN in production in Mankato, MN This milestone follows months of coordinated effort by the purchasing group to establish operations in Africa, ultimately securing their place in the production queue and signaling readiness to execute throughout the continent. 'This down payment is not just a firm commitment of a buyer to a seller to proceed with manufacturing and delivery, but even more so a significant first step in eliminating starvation for all of Africa,' said Mark Gaalswyk, CEO of Easy Environmental Solutions. 'Once deployed, the unit will transform local waste into Terreplenish—a powerful, organic microbial fertilizer that replaces expensive chemical imports and rebuilds soil from the ground up. It's a scalable model for self-sufficiency, and we plan to replicate this approach in multiple African countries.' The reason for this is that each single EasyFEN will produce enough fully organic Terreplenish liquid microbial fertilizer to fertilize over 1 million acres of African farmland. University studies indicate this number of properly fertilized acres is enough to feed over 16 million people! The EasyFEN will do so by utilizing the plant juices of locally derived green biomass and mixing it with the company's proprietary Terreplenish 'seed microbial inoculant' to then 'grow' the fully organic fertilizer in remote local African villages. This eliminates both the greenhouse gas emissions and the added expense from alternatively freighted conventional expensive chemical fertilizers from distant lands. Studies have shown an up to 2/3 cost reduction. Additionally, studies have shown that the Terreplenish will reduce the amount of rainfall or irrigation needed by up to 20%, thereby also providing a possible solution to the continent's drought-induced famines. Meanwhile, each EasyFEN unit running at 100% capacity will generate approximately $19 million dollars in recurring inoculant and technology revenue each year for Easy Environmental Solutions, Inc., delivering both measurable agricultural benefits and strong financial returns. Each EasyFEN™ unit is fully automated and designed to process up to 17,000 tons of organic waste annually—including food scraps, crop residue, and green biomass—into more than 2 million gallons of Terreplenish. Terreplenish is a 100% organic microbial fertilizer, backed by over 100 independent studies and more than a decade of field use. With just two gallons, it naturally delivers 45–60 pounds of nitrogen and 15–20 pounds of phosphorus per acre—improving soil health, increasing crop yields, and reducing irrigation or rainfall needs by up to 20%. It also functions as a natural bio-fungicide, supporting long-term soil resilience and sustainability across a wide range of crops and climates. Terreplenish is a 100% organic microbial fertilizer, backed by over 100 independent studies and more than a decade of field use 'With worsening drought, rising crop prices, and over 20% of Africa's population facing hunger, this system couldn't come at a more critical time,' added Bakry Osman, Director of Africa Operations. 'This is just the beginning. We're building systems that deliver food, hope, and resilience—unit by unit.' Untreated vs Terreplenish treated onion field in – Somalia, Africa With over 300 million hectares of arable land under pressure from climate change, depleted soil, and rising fertilizer costs, Africa urgently needs scalable, local solutions. A single EasyFEN unit can produce enough Terreplenish to treat more than 400,000 hectares annually. 'EasyFEN units aren't just machines—they're strategic weapons in the fight against hunger,' said Nate Carpenter, President of Feed the Famished, a subsidiary of Easy Environmental Solutions. 'Each gallon of Terreplenish restores dignity, fuels self-reliance, and chips away at the root causes of food insecurity. This isn't a short-term fix—it's a scalable, long-term solution that's designed to disrupt the status quo.' Easy Environmental Solutions has already delivered Terreplenish samples to the Congo and Somalia, with results exceeding expectations. These early trials have driven demand and opened new doors for expansion. The EasyFEN unit is expected to be completed and shipped to Northern Africa within 90 days. For more information, visit About Digital Utilities Ventures, Inc.: Digital Utilities Ventures, Inc. (OTC: DUTV), now operating as Easy Environmental Solutions Inc., develops modular technologies to address global challenges. The company is committed to scalable, sustainable solutions that drive efficiency, profitability, and positive environmental outcomes. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Terms such as "believe," "expect," and similar expressions are intended to identify such statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. The company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this release. Contact: Mark K. Gaalswyk, CEO - Mark@ Nate Carpenter – ncarpenter@ Bakry Osman – bakry@ Phone: 952-400-6045 Email: info@ Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mankato convicted rapist tries to walk out of the courtroom during sentencing
The Brief A man convicted in a 2015 rape of a 14-year-old girl was sentenced on Monday. Lazarous Lazaro Thomas was sentenced to 30 years behind bars. Thomas attempted to walk out of the courtroom after the sentence was handed down. MANKATO, Minn. (FOX 9) - The man convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Mankato was sentenced to prison on Monday, nearly 10 years after the attack. The backstory Lazarous Lazaro Thomas, 28, was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual assault for the attack that happened in September 2015. Thomas wasn't arrested in the case until eight years after the attack, when there was a DNA match in 2023. He was accused of breaking in through the girl's bedroom window, crawling on top of her, and threatening to kill her if she screamed. What we know In court on Monday, the judge handed down a 30-year sentence for Thomas, who will get credit for nearly two years of time served in jail. The other side Last week, the victim, Chloe Taber, spoke with FOX 9, talking about how the attack had scarred her. "I struggled a lot with doing not so safe things. I ended up getting pregnant at 15. It's another one that I thought was a really weird symptom of it, or sign or whatever, is you would think after being raped that sex and those kind of things would be something that you would want nothing to do with. And I came to find out as I got older that that's not the case. Sometimes they become like victims and survivors become like hypersexual or do things not so safely, which I thought I was crazy for. But I came to find it's more common than we realize. But I did become pregnant at 15. I have a beautiful 8-year-old. She basically saved my life after the fact." What they're saying In court, Taber talked about how the assault changed her forever. "Every night, I triple check that all the doors and windows are locked and shut," she said, "sometimes, getting up again to make sure. After all this time, it still affects me in many ways and will forever, something the defendant will never understand the feeling of. That being said, I believe he should be sentenced to the highest extent, as it's been shown to the state, there's no remorse." When given the chance to speak, Lazaro denied he was responsible for the attack. "I believe that I've been wrongly convicted," Thomas told the judge. "I don't understand how this person can sit up here and say that I did something." After the sentence was handed down, Thomas had to be stopped by deputies from walking out of the court.
