August 2026

Insurance Insights & Interesting News

As the last days of August arrive, so too does the farewell to summer. It is an exciting and bittersweet time for many families as kids begin a new school year.

This month, we'll share back-to-school reminders and a preview of what's new at the Minnesota State Fair this year.

Please note that our office will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, September 7th

Sincerely,

Jeremy Loretz and the Loretz-Johnson Team

Back to School Checklist

As the new school year begins, it’s a great time to review your insurance coverage, especially if you have a student starting high school or heading to college. This season is the perfect time to make sure you have the right coverages in place, and you're taking advantage of available discounts.

Coverage for New Drivers & Recent Grads

Do you have a new teen driver in the family or a recent college graduate who may need their own auto policy? This is a good time to review and update their coverage and make sure they have the protection they need.

Good Student & Student Away Discounts

Teen drivers with a GPA of 3.0 or higher may qualify for a Good Student Discount. There is also a Student Away Discount for college students who live 100 miles or more from home without regular access to a vehicle while at school.

College Students: Homeowners Coverage or Renters Insurance?

Many homeowners policies will provide some coverage for a full-time college student’s belongings while they’re away at school, often up to 10% of the policy’s personal property limit. Keep in mind, however, that a claim would typically be subject to your homeowners deductible, which may be higher than the deductible on a separate renters policy.

For students renting an apartment, house, or other off-campus housing, renters insurance may provide more complete protection at an affordable cost. In addition to covering personal belongings, renters insurance includes personal liability coverage, which can help protect your student if they accidentally damage the rental property or are responsible for someone else’s injury while living away from home.

What's New at the Minnesota State Fair

The Great Minnesota Get-Together is back Aug. 27 through Labor Day, Sept. 7. Along with the traditions we know and love, there are plenty of new reasons to visit this year.

The fair was always a special time for Jim Loretz, one of the founders of Loretz-Johnson Agency. It was a highlight he looked forward to every summer. He and his wife, Michelle, made it their anniversary tradition for many years, enjoying the music and time together.

Whether you go for the food, the music, or the time spent with whomever you go with, the fair has lots of fun to offer.

New Rides & Big Views

One of the biggest additions this year is hard to miss. The new America Wheel rises 230 feet above the North End, making it the world’s largest traveling observation wheel. With 45 gondolas and views stretching up to 14 miles, it promises a whole new look at the fairgrounds.

Thrill seekers will also find two new attractions on the Mighty Midway, Thor and the Juke Box Funhouse. Younger fairgoers get new adventures of their own with Pirate Jet and Ghost Pirate Dark Ride joining the Kidway.

New Experiences

Dinosaurs are taking over the North End Event Center with Ultimate Dinosaurs, presented by the Science Museum of Minnesota. The free exhibit features life-size skeleton casts, real fossils, augmented reality activities and opportunities to meet paleontologists on select days.

Other new experiences include five nights of Minnesota-made Films at the Fair, special exhibits celebrating America’s 250th birthday and a newly renovated Coliseum. The fair has also expanded accessibility services, including additional ASL interpretation, adult-size changing tables and more resources for visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Of Course, There’s New Food

It wouldn’t be the State Fair without something new to eat. This year brings 36 new official foods and nine new food vendors. A few creations likely to get people talking include Pickle Pie from LuLu’s Public House, Cracklin’ Corn Ribs from The Blue Barn and Longanisa Cheese Curd Lumpia from Lumpia City.

There’s also a brand-new dining destination called Eat Together, featuring nine food vendors and shaded seating, plus the new Summer Lakes Boat House on the North End with food, drinks, mocktails and live music.

The 2026 Minnesota State Fair has plenty of new things to add to your must-do list.

Visit our Website

We're a pretty fun group and share a lot of helpful info too.

Grateful for Your Business...And Your Review

The Loretz-Johnson Agency is incredibly thankful for our customers. We have many individuals and families who have trusted us with their personal and business insurance for many years, and we wouldn't be the agency we are today without all of YOU! If you're pleased with the service we provide, we'd be grateful for your Google Review or Facebook Review!