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...]
Jeff and Mariann Metz’s commitment to their family business
Always on the search for the best cheese curds lead to the Metz’s Hart-Land Creamery in Hart, Minn. Cheese curds so delicious, large, and squeaky that their garlic and herb curds won second place in the 2015 American Cheese Society annual competition. The award-winning cheese curds are the result of the family’s commitment to their herd and production. The business began in … [Read more...]
Spring Grove school year comes to a successful close amid a global pandemic
Due to COVID-19, the regular May 18, 2020, Spring Grove Public Schools Board meeting held in compliance with Minnesota’s requirements for remote board meetings at 7 p.m. remotely through Google Meet. Minnesota remote board meeting requirements are: •School board members are reminded to mute their microphone or phone when they are not speaking. •School board members wishing … [Read more...]
Spring Grove resident Darrell Sinclair proof that life is a verb
Numerous sites on the world wide web defend the notion that life is a verb and not a noun. One such website, MBS Performance Counseling, argues that “life, as a noun, is a limiting way to define our existence.” Listening to 93-year-old Darrell Sinclair’s stories illustrates that he was an active participant in his life. Sinclair did not wait around for life to happen. He lived … [Read more...]
Spring Grove City Council finalizes summer programs
Due to COVID-19, the regular May 19, 2020, Spring Grove City Council meeting was held remotely via Zoom to comply with social distancing policies and practices. City Council members in attendance included Sarah Schroeder, Karen Folstad, Travis Torgerson, Scott Solberg and Chad Roland. The Council approved the consent agenda items, including April 21, 2020, regular meeting … [Read more...]