As the kick-off to Rochesterfest, the annual Olmsted County Breakfast on the Farm gives visitors an opportunity to visit a working farm and learn about farming and farming operations. It also gives farmers and producers the chance to promote the Ag Industry. This year’s 37th annual Breakfast on the Farm was held on June 21, 2025, at North Creek Dairy near Chatfield, Minn. … [Read more...]
Whalan Water Samples Receive Clean Bill of Health
As discussed at the June 9 meeting, the city of Whalan was notified that water samples sent into the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) have passed. Present at the regularly scheduled city council meeting was Mayor David Hallum along with council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also present. Councilor Sheila … [Read more...]
Stone Mill Hotel & Suites Under New Ownership
An exciting change has taken place in Lanesboro, Minn., as Stone Mill Hotel & Suites has new owners as of March 1, 2025. Annie Kang and her husband Adam McCabe have taken over ownership of the historic and genuinely unique business located at 102 Beacon St. E. in Lanesboro. Adam knows the Lanesboro area well, growing up near Lanesboro and graduating from Lanesboro … [Read more...]
Transfer of Municipal Electric System Complete in Whalan
Following months of planning and preparing, the city of Whalan has confirmed that the transfer of the city’s municipal electric system over to MiEnergy is complete, according to City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell, who made the announcement at the May council meeting. Present at the regularly scheduled city council meeting on May 12, 2025, were Mayor David Hallum along with … [Read more...]
Dan Winkler: Teacher of the Year 2025, Major Excitement as Teacher of the Year is Announced
There was a mystery going on at Caledonia High School on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, as the student body was instructed to go to the Fine Arts Center after first period. They were not told why; they were told they would find out when they got there. As students and staff started filling the room, anticipation grew until Principal Nathan Boler spoke into the microphone. “We … [Read more...]
Whalan Council Learns About the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail
The Whalan City Council was educated on the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail that is being planned and how Whalan could be included in the trail. Present at the regularly scheduled council meeting on April 14, 2025, were Mayor Hallum, along with councilmembers Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also … [Read more...]
Abrahamson Retires as Holt Township Treasurer after 60 years
There are certain people in life that you can always count on to step up and stand out. Philip Abrahamson is one of those people for many reasons. In this specific instance, we are talking about Abrahamson’s 60 years of service to Holt Township as the treasurer of the township board. The Holt Township Board consists of Loren Berge - chairman, Don Ruen - supervisor, Karroll … [Read more...]
Whalan Adopts Ordinance on Sale of Hemp and Cannabis
During the March 10 Whalan City Council meeting, the council approved a resolution on the sale of hemp and cannabis, following suit with other local communities. Present at the regularly scheduled monthly council meeting were Mayor David Hallum, and council members Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also in attendance. … [Read more...]
Pedal Pushers Café Celebrates 20 Years of Pleasing Palates
Twenty years ago, when Angie and Scott Taylor opened the doors of their new business in Lanesboro, Minn., they didn’t really know what to expect but they were excited, nonetheless. Fast forward to 2025, and the success of the business is unquestionable. Pedal Pushers Café has become a staple for locals and visitors alike and the Taylor family has become a piece of the heart of … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament Warms the Heart
In the cold of winter, a large crowd could be found on the ice at the bass pond in Lanesboro for an event that makes even the coldest of days bearable. No matter the temperature and no matter the weather, they have been there with ice fishing poles in hand. What began as The SnotRocket Ice Fishing Tournament has evolved in several ways over the years. It has come to mean … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council Learns of Spongy Moth Management Proposal
Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture attended the February 10 Whalan City Council meeting to discuss a spongy moth management proposal for 2025. Present at the regularly scheduled Whalan City Council meeting were Mayor David Hallum and council members Thore E. Johnson, Kim Berekvam and Sheila Higbe, along with City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell. … [Read more...]
LACC Celebrates 30th Anniversary During Annual Banquet
There was good news all around at the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) Annual Meeting on January 22, 2025, which was held in the Rustic Hearth Event Center at Cedar Valley Resort in Whalan, Minn. The evening began with socializing and delicious snacks from Clara’s Eatery as well as beverage options. Chamber members enjoyed mingling and networking with each other and … [Read more...]
A Place for Dog Lovers and Craft Beer Drinkers
Bust out of your gate and make tracks to The Dog Paddle in Fountain, Minn., for a unique experience with your furry friends! Kim Radke, owner of The Dog Paddle, has created a space where a person can chill, and so can their pet. Whether you would like to enjoy a cool drink with friends and their dogs, or grab a bite to eat, The Dog Paddle has something for you. The idea … [Read more...]
City of Whalan Prepares for 2025
Prior to the Whalan City Council meeting on January 13, 2025, Mayor David Hallum was once again sworn in along with returning councilmembers Thore E. Johnson and Owen Lewis. Following the swearing in, the meeting began and the council got down to business. Present at the regularly scheduled council meeting were Mayor Hallum along with councilmembers Lewis (via Zoom), Kim … [Read more...]
Local Students to Showcase Artistic Talents
The level of artistic talent in our area is astounding. Some of that flair will be highlighted during the upcoming Juried High School Art Show. The annual art show sponsored by Lanesboro Arts is an event which is positive and supportive in many ways for the young student artists. The Juried High School Art Show will take place from January 11 through February 2, 2025, at … [Read more...]