The Whalan City Council met for a special public hearing on December 12, 2016 at 5 p.m. to hear a response from a resident in regards to junk items on their premises. The council felt it had become a nuisance. With City Attorney Terry Chiglo in attendance, the council heard from a member of that household who attended the hearing to respond to a nuisance order. The resident … [Read more...]
Youth actors shine in A Christmas Carol
As the Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, Minn., presents its rendition of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, area residents are fortunate to see four very talented local youth actors on stage along with seasoned veteran actors and actresses. Siblings William and Vivienne Hoeltzle, children of Michelle Van Hee and Kevin Hoeltzle, both of Canton, Minn., play the children’s … [Read more...]
Hats off to local school dance teams
It seems that everyone, including our young people, have such busy schedules and so many responsibilities to tackle each and every day. So when the members of the dance teams in our area schools put such dedication into their routines you know how much dance means to them. Melissa Delaney, coach of the Chatfield varsity dance team has 11 members on her team. Not only does … [Read more...]
Many gave to the max in 2016
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s Give to the Max Day is an annual event held statewide on November 17 that focuses on supporting local non-profit organizations in your community. It was evident again this year, it’s eighth year, how much Give to the Max day means to residents in the area and the importance of the work the foundations do. Sue Kolling, President of … [Read more...]
Whalan Council acknowledges new city officials
During its regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the Whalan City Council announced the newly elected city officials. In the two year, mayoral seat is Marlys Tuftin. New council members include Owen B. Lewis - four year term, Kim Berekvam - two year term and Wyatt Berekvam - two year term. Motion by Johnson, second by Smith, to accept the results of the election. Motion … [Read more...]
Chatfield Fire Department designs new engine
The members of the Chatfield Fire Department in Chatfield, Minn., have many reasons to be proud each and every day, and with the new fire truck they designed now in service, there is one more reason added to the list. The Chatfield Fire Department started working on getting a new fire truck in January 2015 by bringing information, including pricing, to the Chatfield City … [Read more...]
Semper Gumby
Many things from his time in the military stick with Scott Johnson, including “Semper Gumby” or “Always Flexible” which is a phrase that comes from his former First Sergeant. Born in West Point, Nebr., Johnson’s family moved to Chatfield, Minn., when he was about a year old and he attended school there until fifth grade when they moved to Harmony, Minn. He graduated from … [Read more...]
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center expands
It is a very exciting time for the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center of Lanesboro, Minn., as 151 acres have recently been added to the existing 80 acres. The property, which is known as “The Point,” was owned by the Gavere family from Albert Lea, Minn. It was first owned by Frank Gavere and then by his son Allen. “For 38 years they have allowed us to use the … [Read more...]
Service with a smile at Reicks Auto License Bureau
By Barb Jeffers Many activities in our daily lives are not necessarily pleasant but have to be done. Such is the case with getting our driver’s license renewed or getting new license plates or tabs. However, stopping by Reicks Auto License Bureau in Preston, Minn., somehow doesn’t seem like such a chore. One reason may be due to the quick service. People tend to travel a … [Read more...]
Hopp earns trip to Nationals
Abby Hopp, member of the Root River Rabbits 4-H Club, has lived and loved 4-H since early childhood, and now that passion is taking her to the National Dairy Judging Competition. “This year I exhibited a Holstein-Grade Senior 2-year-old at the MN State Fair for 4-H. I also took a Holstein-Grade Winter Calf, Holstein-Grade Winter Yearling, and a market barrow to the Minnesota … [Read more...]