Harmony’s senior program, Golden Happenings, might not have been able to offer its spring and summer programs as scheduled, but COVID-19 has not stopped Harmony’s senior residents from keeping active during the pandemic. With support, financial and in-kind, from local businesses and individuals, program fees, and funding from grants, Golden Happenings has been able to offer … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Council allocates COVID-19 Relief Funds to Spring Grove Public Schools for needed technology
The regular meeting of the Spring Grove City Council, July 21, 2020, held at the Fest building. Due to COVID-19, the public was able to dial in. All members of the Spring Grove City Council were in attendance: Sarah Schroeder, Karen Folstad, Travis Torgerson, Scott Solberg, and Chad Roland. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including minutes from the … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Communications seeks a management company to operate the Spring Grove Fitness Center
The Spring Grove Fitness Center did not re-open in mid-June like the rest of Minnesota’s fitness centers. Fitness centers and gyms were closed by Governor Tim Walz in March due to COVID-19. “The Spring Grove Fitness Center closed its door in response to the Minnesota Governor’s Executive Order 20-04, stating all fitness centers were to close on March 17, 2020, at 5 p.m. … [Read more...]
Wykoff residents recognized for their service to the livestock industry
In the 86-year history of the Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association Hall of Fame, there have been three inductees from Wykoff. Hog breeder, Henry A. Derenthal was inducted in 1949, and this past March, Normen and Doris Peterson were inducted for providing exceptional service to the livestock industry. “The Petersons are good and honest people who treat their customers very … [Read more...]
Opening a new business at the beginning of a global pandemic
Envision spending two years preparing to open a financially laden business from the ground up nine days after the start of COVID-19, a global pandemic. That is what the owners of the Stinson’s Country Style Meats were faced with when they opened their business in the farming community of Houston, Minn., on March 20 of this year. Upon walking into the breakroom to interview the … [Read more...]
July 1, the first day of work for Spring Grove’s new K-12 principal, Luke Kjelland
Luke Kjelland, the new K-12 principal at Spring Grove Public Schools, arrived at school Wednesday, July 1, for his first day as the new K-12 Principal with a wide smile on his face. So who is Luke Kjelland? With the last name Kjelland, it is no surprise to Spring Grove residents that Kjelland is 75% Norwegian. Kjelland grew up in Coon Valley, Wis., and is a graduate of Westby … [Read more...]
Spring Grove City Council approves RED’s IGA request to open a brewpub
Due to COVID-19, the regular meeting, June 16, 2020, of the Spring Grove City Council was held remotely via Zoom to comply with social distancing policies and practices. All members of the Spring Grove City Council were in attendance: Sarah Schroeder, Karen Folstad, Travis Torgerson, Scott Solberg, and Chad Roland. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda: May 19, … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board thanks retiring Principal Nancy Gulbranson for her dedication to the community’s children
Due to COVID-19, the regular June 15, 2020, Spring Grove Public Schools board meeting was held in compliance with Minnesota’s requirements for remote board meetings at 7 p.m. remotely through Google Meet. Board members Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Rhan Flatin, Kelly Rohland, Jenny Stender, and Christian Myrah were all in attendance. Chairman Solum called for a motion to … [Read more...]
Local businesses struggle with increasing meat prices
Why the increase in meat prices? U.S. consumers have not seen such a rapid increase in the price of food purchased to consume at home since February 1974. According to the Consumer Price Index report released on May 12, 2020, in one month, the food at home category raised 2.6% in April. Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs increased the most, rising 4.3%. Conversations with Cody and … [Read more...]
Running a family business during a pandemic
Sitting down with Gjere Construction founder, Don Gjere, and sons, Mike, Mark, and Brian, to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on a family-run business proved to be a lesson in entrepreneurship. According to Dun & Bradstreet, dnb.com, Gjere Construction incorporated in 1961. Though listening to Gjere, it immediately becomes clear that the company’s beginnings can be traced … [Read more...]