Newly elected and reelected Whalan City Council officials took part in a swearing-in ceremony at the Whalan City Council meeting held on January 7, 2019, at the Whalan City Hall. Sworn in were Mayor Marlys Tuftin and councilmembers Kim Berekvam and Johnny Halvorson, who each stood and solemnly swore to “support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the … [Read more...]
R-P Backpack Program fills nutrition gap
As many families in Fillmore County depend on school-age children receiving a nutritious breakfast and lunch at school each day, a question was raised of how to help those children in families who could use some extra help to provide meals on weekends as well. Kristy Tweeten, who is a dairy farmer, had experience with a backpack program in Winona County where food is sent … [Read more...]
Whalan’s Stand Still Parade to have additional events in 2019
Jane Lewis and Tanya Cook, with the Stand Still Parade Committee, attended the December 10, 2018, Whalan Council meeting in Whalan, Minn., to ask for council approval to add some very exciting new events to next year’s Stand Still Parade, which will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2019. As 2019 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Stand Still Parade, the committee would like to … [Read more...]
Lanesboro council approves property tax levy
During the December 3 Lanesboro City Council meeting, the council paused the meeting at 6 p.m. to hold a Truth in Taxation Hearing. After the property tax levy and budget were discussed, the public was invited to speak and to ask questions of the council. There were no questions asked by any residents in attendance. What this means for residents is a property tax increase … [Read more...]
Whalan tournament receives special recognition by Hall of Fame
In 2017, the Whalan Lutheran Church Men’s Fastpitch Tournament was selected to be included in the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame, which was celebrated by not only those involved in the tournament, but also by residents of Fillmore County and those living far beyond southeast Minnesota. Everett Johnson, longtime director for the Whalan Lutheran Church Men’s Fastpitch … [Read more...]
Oakwood (Sherwood) Cemetery holds first recorded burial in 139 years
While Glenn Maynard “Mush” Ukkestad was working for the Minnesota Department of Transportation in the mid 1950s, he was on the original survey crew during the construction of Highway 16 between Houston and Rushford. As he came upon the old Oakwood Cemetery, which overlooks Hwy. 16 just before coming into Rushford, Ukkestad was inspired by the beautiful view. Although the … [Read more...]
Hanson inducted into Bowling Hall of Fame
A symbol of bowling in the Fillmore County area will now have her name permanently associated with the sport as her name is now listed in the Bowling Hall of Fame. Shelly Hanson, who owns B & B Olympic Bowl in Preston, Minn., with her husband Paul, says she was “shocked” when she found out on October 1, 2018, that she had been selected to be included in a very exclusive … [Read more...]
Root River Settlement Burying Ground restoration project
It is heartbreaking to see cemeteries that have come into such disrepair that they are hardly even recognizable as a cemetery anymore. And although we feel disheartened when we see these cemeteries falling further and further into remnants of what they once were, what can one person do? As shown by Don Lukkason of Lanesboro, Minn., one person can do a lot when they set their … [Read more...]
Whalan to acknowledge covenants of Hill Country subdivision
The Whalan City Council is proposing to add the covenants of the Hill Country subdivision as an addendum to the city ordinances. A public hearing will be held on the matter in the future where residents can voice any opinions they may have on the matter. All council members were present at the October 8, 2018, council meeting, including Mayor Marlys Tuftin, Kim Berekvam, … [Read more...]
Beaver Bottoms Saloon has much to offer
A new business has also brought new life to the main street in Fountain, Minn. Beaver Bottoms Saloon is a bar, restaurant, liquor store, and hair salon all wrapped up in one. Owners Jody Wiza and Laura Schroeder have created a fun and welcoming atmosphere in the former Bent Wrench building located at 98 Main Street. Wiza, who owns The Hair Shack and The Shack Bar in … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council approves two building permits
The Whalan City Council had a full agenda for the September 10 council meeting, which included two applications for building permits that were both approved. Present at the regularly scheduled council meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, council members Johnny Halvorson, Kim Berekvam, Everett Johnson and Owen Lewis. City Clerk/Treasurer Lolly Melander was absent. Minutes … [Read more...]
State Veterans Cemetery – Preston receives certificate of recognition
State officials visited the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn., on August 24, 2018, for a very special presentation, as the staff at the veterans cemetery was presented a certificate of recognition. The certificate of recognition was presented by Randy Reeves, Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, with the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Also attending … [Read more...]
Lanesboro now offers EV charging
As the number of people driving eco-friendly vehicles is on the rise, the City of Lanesboro, Minn., is being proactive in offering charging stations for electric vehicles within city limits. As environmental stewards, the operators of these vehicles look for EV chargers in the places they visit and often plan trips around the locations of such charging stations. Although the … [Read more...]
Full agenda at Whalan’s August council meeting
As the Whalan City Council met on Monday, August 13, 2018, not only was the agenda full, but also the room, as there were several visitors. All council members were present, including Mayor Marlys Tuftin, Kim Berekvam, Everett Johnson, Owen Lewis, Johnny Halvorson and City Clerk Lolly Melander. First on the agenda was a meet and greet with John DeGeorge, who is running for … [Read more...]
Holst is NCAA National Champion
On Saturday, May 26, 2018, Lanesboro native Eric Holst made a mark for himself as he became the field-event national champion in the NCAA Championships in LaCrosse, Wis., with an incredible 211-4 hammer throw. “I started throwing in seventh grade, but I didn’t get to start throwing the hammer until my freshman year of college,” states Holst, which makes his accomplishment … [Read more...]