To begin the January 9, 2017 regularly scheduled council meeting in Whalan, Minn., the newly elected mayor and council members were sworn in. After being sworn in, Mayor Marlys Tuftin and Council members Wyatt Berekvam and Owen Lewis were congratulated and welcomed as council members. New council member, Kim Berekvam was absent and will be sworn in at the February 2017 … [Read more...]
Faith, family and friends matter most after house fire
If not for faith, family and friends, the Meier family of rural Peterson, Minn., do not know how they would have coped with the devastating fire that took their home on December 27, 2016. As it was just two days after Christmas, Evan and Shannon Meier had all three of their children at home that day on winter break from school. The family was going to spend some time with … [Read more...]
Friends paddle through 2016
A love of canoeing and the outdoors brought two lifelong friends together to fulfill a goal in 2016. Jason Worden of Chatfield, Minn., and Jeremy Rabe of La Crescent, Minn., grew up together in Chatfield, were in the same graduating class of 1996, and have remained close friends since. Although “life” happens - people get married and have children, responsibilities … [Read more...]
Bick n Berry Boutique opens to a crowd
A fresh and exciting addition has come to Chatfield, Minn., in the form of the new Bick n Berry Boutique, which is receiving rave reviews from customers. Angie Bicknese and Brayonna Berry have teamed their creativity and seemingly endless energy to create a shopping experience that is as unique and fun as they are. The idea for a boutique came about “kind of on a whim,” … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council holds hearing, then meeting
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...]