Those attending the 2026 Lanesboro Area Community Foundation (LACF) Annual Banquet in Lanesboro, Minn., on April 20, felt as if they were at a garden party, with flowers in vases, flower shaped candies, flower petals and flower and vegetable seed packets found on each table. “Strong communities don’t just happen – they grow; Come Grow With Us,” stated the program for the … [Read more...]
Whalan Orders New Playground Equipment
After months of discussion and decisions on which playground equipment should be purchased for the playground at the Whalan softball field, the decision was made and approved by the city council at their April 13 meeting and the equipment will be ordered. Present at the meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe, Owen Lewis and … [Read more...]
Beaver Bottoms Saloon Under New Ownership
Although there is a new owner of Beaver Bottoms Saloon in Fountain, Minn., she is a very familiar face to those who frequent the business. Kylie Ramsey, daughter of former proprietor Jody Wiza, officially took ownership of the bar and restaurant on February 1, 2026, although she has grown up working in the business. Jody opened Beaver Bottoms Saloon in 2018 as a … [Read more...]
PACF Annual Dinner Draws a Record Crowd
The number of people in attendance at the 2026 Preston Area Community Foundation (PACF) 19th Annual Dinner and Auction on April 6 was quite impressive. With the event being held at the Branding Iron Restaurant in Preston, Minn., those in attendance filled the entire dining room with the additional bar area full of a large variety of silent auction items. Organizers of the … [Read more...]
Fostering Animals Has Been a Darr Family Effort
It all started by going to the animal shelter to just “pet cats” and quickly turned into fostering animals for the Darr family of Rushford, Minn., which includes parents Bruce and Tina, and children Daisy, Beatty, Gibson and Mannix. Several years ago, the family had just experienced the loss of their cat and didn’t necessarily want the commitment of having another cat as a … [Read more...]
Whalan To Hold Public Meeting
The Whalan City Council will hold a public meeting at the end of March to inform residents of proposed liquor license regulations and rate changes. Present at the March 9, 2026, council meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe, Owen Lewis (via Zoom) and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also in … [Read more...]
Chosen Valley Care Center Celebrates 50 Years of Care
Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, Minn., is celebrating a milestone this year. Fifty years of providing professional and loving care, but also so much more. It is hard to put into words just how much the care center has meant to countless area residents and families over the years. Chosen Valley Care Center (CVCC) opened its doors in 1976. But it almost didn’t … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce Holds Annual Meeting
The Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) Annual Meeting is an event that many area residents and businesses look forward to each year. Not only to look back at the past year and point out highlights and recognize where there could be improvements, but also to look ahead to the coming year with renewed enthusiasm. The meeting was held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in … [Read more...]
Rural Health Innovation Study Highlighted at Whalan Council Meeting
The Whalan City Council gained knowledge of the Rural Health Innovation Study during the February 9 council meeting, courtesy of Alicia Pearson of Lanesboro, Minn., including how it could improve the lives of many area residents by strengthening access to healthcare on a more consistent basis. Present at the February 9, 2026, regularly scheduled council meeting were Mayor … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Market is a Dream Come True
After more than two years without a grocery store the dream of having a market back in Lanesboro has come true for area residents. The manager of Lanesboro Market, Cynthia Ruen, was asked to run the market before anything else went forward. Owners of the building, Susan Schultze and Todd Readinger, as well as Lanesboro residents Phil and Heidi Dybing were happy with … [Read more...]