By Mary T. Bell On a frigidly cold Saturday morning, my husband Joe Deden and I held a bald eagle as it struggled for breath. It did not resist our touch as it died in our arms. Watching this death was heartbreaking and powerful. The previous Thursday morning, Joe was skiing along the Root River when he saw this eagle perched on the lower branches of an oak tree near the … [Read more...]
Chatfield joins Root River Trail Towns
Community representatives of Root River Trail Towns voted unanimously on Wednesday, February 17, to accept Chatfield into the Root River Trail Towns organization. Established in 1988, Root River Trail Towns was created as a non-profit group to market the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley state bike trails. Participating communities include Fountain, Preston, Harmony, … [Read more...]
Lieb is booking it to Eagle Scout status
Determination, ambition and love of learning are three of the many characteristics of anyone who has worked their way up from entering Cub Scouts, moved their way on to Boy Scouts and then continues on even further to work toward becoming an Eagle Scout. Robert Lieb, 18, of Lanesboro, Minn., not only maintains these characteristics, but they are combined with numerous other … [Read more...]
Magnum Sports a one-stop shop for archery supplies
In general, magnum means “great in power” and visiting Magnum Sports at 21 1st St. SE in Chatfield exemplifies its name because has much to offer the sportsman. Tucked into the back of the former Ford dealership and garage on Main Street in Chatfield, it was once the garage part of the building. This lends itself well as the ceilings are higher for displays and mammoth enough … [Read more...]
Black bear harvested near Lewiston
Living in the hills and valleys of Bluff Country, we sometimes hear stories of bear being sighted in the area. It most cases, it appears that the bear is just moving through the area while looking for a mate. Randy Hoekstra of rural Lewiston, Minn., in western Winona County, was wishing that was the case when he first start seeing pictures of a black bear from the trail … [Read more...]
Four-way stop installation planned in Spring Valley at Hwy 63-16 intersection
Motorists using the intersection of Hwys 63 and 16 in Spring Valley will soon encounter a new four-way stop, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The signs being installed will include flashing LED lights around the signs, which will be placed in each direction. The intersection includes Hwy 63/16 to the west, Fillmore County Road 1 to the north, Hwy 16 … [Read more...]
Out of the Darkness Walk held in Chatfield
“If you know someone who is showing signs of anxiety or depression, reach out to them, show them that you’re a friend and that you are there for them and they can pull through this,” states Terry “Hogie” Haagenson, organizer of the Out of the Darkness Walk through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) held in Chatfield’s Groen Park on Saturday, September 19, … [Read more...]
Citizen science in action: Joan Redig on Paradise Valley Creek
By Cathy Malakowsky Information Officer, MPCA Intrigued by the changing conditions she saw in the creek flowing through her farm, Joan Redig of rural Houston County signed up for the Citizen Monitoring Program in 2017 after reading about the volunteer opportunity in a local newspaper. She monitors Paradise Valley Stream in the southeast corner Minnesota. This region is known … [Read more...]
A special outdoor opportunity for families
A special opportunity for families to get outdoors together is being offered at Good Earth Village, rural Spring Valley. Choose from Saturdays July 25 or August 8. Come enjoy the many hiking trails that the camp has to offer. Registration is required so that social distancing can be followed. The events are free to come and use the trails. However, if you would like to also … [Read more...]
Driftless Fly Fishing Company opens kayak shop
Mel Hayner has owned and operated The Driftless Fly Fishing Company in Preston since 2013, and recently expanded his business to include a dedicated space for kayaks. “They were in the way over here,” he said. When the opportunity came up for him to rent the empty building next door, which used to house Chic’s Pizza, he decided to go for it. “It was always in the back of my … [Read more...]
Will area swimming pools open for the summer?
With the temperatures already hovering above 90 degrees, a dip in a swimming pool would be refreshing. The rural communities in Fillmore and Houston Counties are fortunate to have city-run swimming pools in communities like Chatfield, Preston, Rushford, Spring Grove, and Spring Valley. But, due to concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing, as of the … [Read more...]
Liberty Project – Boy Scout Troop 43 flag installation
Imagine an early morning peek out the window, cup of coffee in hand, being greeted by an orderly row of American flags ribboning a course through your neighborhood. Perhaps this sight inspires your mantra for the day or solidifies an attitude of respect and reflection for a day that’s been chosen to honor our country. Boy Scout Troop 43 of Chatfield is anticipating it’s sixth … [Read more...]
BWSR accepting applications for Lawns to Legumes Grants for fall 2020 projects
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is now accepting applications for the Lawns to Legumes program for fall 2020 projects. This program aims to increase residential habitat for at-risk pollinators across the state by providing residents with workshops, free planting guides, and opportunities to apply for reimbursement for gardening projects. The new … [Read more...]
Houston County Farm Bureau announces Biggest Doe Contest winner
The Houston County Farm Bureau (HCFB) is happy to announce this year’s Biggest Doe Contest winners. Garrett Waldenberger, age 13 and son of Ken and Heidi Waldenberger, of Spring Grove brought in a doe weighing 145.4 pounds. Garrett harvested the winning doe during the regular hunting season on Steve Klug’s farm in Spring Grove Township. Waldenberger and Klug were both presented … [Read more...]
MnDOT invites public to comment on rules governing Special Transportation Services providers
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is seeking public comments on existing rules for Special Transportation Services providers that serve the elderly or disabled, or provide nonemergency medical transportation services paid for with public funding. MnDOT is in the process of updating the existing rules, and is interested in hearing from stakeholders about updates and … [Read more...]
