The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office recently received a donation of three life-saving fire suppression devices from the Chatfield Masonic Lodge and the Freemasons. “It can make a dramatic difference in a house fire,” stated Scott Oesterlin, member of the Chatfield Masonic Lodge (Meridian Lodge No. 25), who spearheaded the project. Oesterlin presented the devices to … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council Approves Final 2024 Tax Levy
After a lengthy discussion and several adjustments, the Whalan City Council approved the final tax levy for 2024. Present at the December 12 regularly scheduled council meeting were Mayor David Hallum, councilmembers Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe, Kim Berekvam and Owen Lewis (via Zoom) along with City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell. The agenda was approved with two … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council Discusses Budget
As the end of the year approaches, the Whalan City Council once again discussed the 2024 budget which needs to be submitted by December 29, 2023. Present at the November 13 regularly scheduled council meeting were Mayor David Hallum, council members Kim Berekvam, Sheila Higbe and Thore E. Johnson. Council member Owen Lewis attended virtually through Zoom. City … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Has a Latte to Be Excited About
With the opening of the new Paddle On Coffee Shop & Maker Emporium on main street in Lanesboro, Minn., area residents have some unique choices of not only several types of beverages, but so much more. Owners Ryan and Allie Palmer, who also own Root River Inn & Suites in Lanesboro, approached the former owners of the building on May 15, closed on the purchase of the … [Read more...]
Whalan Council Continues Work on Short-Term Rental Ordinance
After many months of working on a short-term rental ordinance which has included hours of discussion by the zoning committee, creating several drafts, sending out surveys to homeowners and holding a public hearing before the October council meeting, the Whalan City Council has once again sent it back to the zoning committee for adjustments. Present at the October 9 council … [Read more...]
Whalan Welcomes Teresa Grossell, New City Clerk
The Whalan City Council welcomed Teresa Grossell as the new Whalan city clerk/treasurer at the September 11 city council meeting. After the council interviewed four people for the position, Grossell was hired. Present at the regularly scheduled meeting were Mayor David Hallum and council members Kim Berekvam, Sheila Higbe, Owen Lewis and Thore E. Johnson, along with … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Girl Scouts take Educational Trip to Savannah
After years of studying Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, and celebrating Low’s birthday each Halloween, the Lanesboro Girl Scouts traveled to Savannah, Ga., to visit her birthplace as well as many other educational and exciting places. Girl Scout leaders Stena Lieb, Sasha Holst and Desiree Ferrie, along with volunteer Susy Riggott traveled with five Girl … [Read more...]
Whalan to Interview for New City Clerk/Treasurer
With the resignation of Michele Peterson as the city clerk/treasurer, the Whalan, Minn., city council discussed applications received and the interview process at their August 14 council meeting. Present at the council meeting were Mayor David Hallum, council members Kim Berekvam, Sheila Higbe, Thore E. Johnson and Owen Lewis. Peterson was in attendance, as her role of city … [Read more...]
Joe’s Pizza Palace and Pub a popular place
There is a new gathering place in Mabel, Minn., that will have you feeling like royalty from the moment you walk in the door. Joe’s Pizza Palace and Pub is now open and serving happy customers. Owner Joe Houdek is pleased to have the new business up and running after a complete renovation was done. “We re-did the whole thing,” states Houdek. His Amish friends did most of … [Read more...]
Vander Plas new executive director of LACC
The Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) has a new executive director with a very familiar face. Melissa Vander Plas has accepted the position following the resignation of her predecessor, Andrzej Zalasinski, who had served in the position since 2019. “I’m very happy to be here, and I think it’s going to be a good experience,” states Vander Plas. Vander Plas was … [Read more...]
Whalan Good Old Days coming soon
It was announced at the July 10 Whalan City Council meeting that the Whalan Good Old Days celebration will take place this summer. Present at the regularly scheduled council meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Michele Peterson was also in attendance. Two items were … [Read more...]
Lanesboro makes a statement with new mural
As a town known for its arts and culture, Lanesboro has now made a large statement in the form of a colorful Theatre District Mural. The mural, located at the corner of O’Koren Law Office, 204 Parkway Ave. N., was a collaborative effort between Lanesboro Arts and Commonweal Theatre, who partnered with Joe O’Koren who owns the building. Lanesboro Arts and Commonweal Theatre … [Read more...]
Norway touched heartstrings and artstrings
Breathtaking, amazing and awesome are just a few of the words I used repeatedly during a recent visit to Norway. Seeing such majestic scenes leaves a person awestruck and the words to describe what you are looking at do not seem to do them justice. I longed to go to Norway not only to discover more about my own ancestry, but also to learn about the country, where so many … [Read more...]
Whalan receives positive drinking water report
The Whalan City Council announced at their June 12 meeting that they have received a positive response to the city’s drinking water. Residents can rest assured knowing that their tap water is safe to consume. Present at the meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Michele … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council completes walking tour
The Whalan City Council completed their annual walking tour of the town on Tuesday, May 2. The purpose of the walking tour is to take notice of any issues that need to be addressed to make improvements to the functionality and the appearance of the city. Present at the May 8 regularly scheduled Whalan City Council meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members … [Read more...]