SWMF micro loan makes Coffey Haus purchase possibleWhen Tammy Makram decided to purchase the Coffey Haus in Luverne, like any new business owner she had to decide how to finance it.To make her dream come true, Makram became the first business owner in Rock County to use the Micro Enterprise program of the Southwest Minnesota Foundation.Connie Connell serves as a local representative on the SWMF board.Along with the loan for the purchase of the business and extra equipment, Macram received support and training as part of the program as well.The Micro Enterprise program is available in 18 counties and offers loans of up to $35,000 for start-up or existing for-profit small businesses located in southwest Minnesota.The program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Otto Bremer Foundation.The SWMF is an independent, nonprofit organization that has contributed nearly $38 million to date through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has helped more than 350 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 6,250 jobs to date in the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota.A vote for appropriate cell phone useI am an avid cell phone user. I feel lost if I leave my phone at home or at my desk at work. However, some places are inappropriate for these wonderful devices.I find myself almost having a panic attack when I’m at a wedding or funeral and realize I forgot to turn my cell phone off. Fortunately, I haven’t had one of those embarrassing moments yet.In that line of thought, I was pleased to read in the Minneapolis Star Tribune that the National Association of Theatre Owners has petitioned the FCC for permission to block cell phone signals in movie theatres.What a great idea. I think people can revert back to the old way of life for a couple of hours.Now, let’s keep cell phone use off airplanes …Meth cookers cleaning up their own mess?Thanks to a new law effective Jan. 1, people convicted of manufacturing or attempting to manufacture methamphetamine or similar drugs may be required to pay restitution to police and firefighters or any other government agencies involved in an emergency response to their criminal activity.Currently, the owners of the property have to bear the burden of the cleanup. The new law addresses that issue also.The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Steve Smith (R-Mound) and Sen. Jane Ranum, (DFL-Mpls.) requires meth makers to pay restitution to any property owners who "incur removal or remediation costs" as a result of their crime.The sites must be cleaned up according to Department of Health guidelines, and anyone selling property that formerly housed a meth lab must inform potential buyers that meth production occurred on the property.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com