A legislative hearing last week focused on Gov. Mark Dayton’s recent executive order on protecting pollinators, specifically a section of the order that requires farmers to prove that they face “imminent danger of significant crop loss” before they can make foliar applications of neonictinoids. MDA is also requesting regulatory authority of treated seeds. Brian Thalmann, a … [Read more...]
Author Donald Harstad to appear at Preston Public Library November 3
Author Donald Harstad brings his crime fiction to life at the Preston Public Library on Thursday, November 3. Harstad draws upon his experiences as a police dispatcher and Deputy Sheriff in Elkader, Iowa, to write his novels. Harstad’s first novel, Eleven Days, was nominated for an Anthony award as Best First Novel. In 2000, it was sold to Warner Brothers Theatrical Film … [Read more...]
Sheriff Tom Kaase completes 111th session of National Sheriffs’ Institute
AURORA, CO - Sheriff Tom Kaase of the Fillmore County Sheriff s Office completed participation in the 111th session of the National Sheriffs’ Institute (NSI) held in Aurora, Colo., September 19-23, 2016. The NSI is the only national executive development program designed for sheriffs. This no-cost program is co-sponsored by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) and the … [Read more...]
Minnesota ranked in top 10 for science and technology
ST. PAUL, MN – On October 25, 2016, Minnesota scored in the top 10 of all 50 states, on a national measure of science and technology across the country. The 2016 Technology and Science Index from the Milken Institute ranked Minnesota eighth in the United States, on the strength of Minnesota’s science and technology capabilities and overall ecosystems, with a focus on our … [Read more...]
Police Reports ~ 10/31/16
Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Nathan John Birch, 18, Canton, Minn.; 8/31/2016, Speeding (64/55), Fine $40, Total Fees $130. D’auna Nicole Cook, 25, Richfield, Minn.; 8/26/2016, Possess Small Amount of Marijuana – No Remuneration, Fine $50, Total Fees $140. Ian Greg Gunderson, 23, Owatonna, Minn.; 7/10/2016, DWI – Operate Motor Vehicle – Alcohol Concentration 0.08 … [Read more...]
Fillmore County District Court ~ 10/31/16
On October 19, Jon Gregory Anderson, 50, of Rushford, appeared before District Court Judge Larry M. Collins. Anderson is charged with Harassment; Restraining Order – Violate within Ten Years of the First of Two Previous Domestic Violence Convictions/Adjudications. On or about October 17, within Fillmore County, the defendant allegedly violated a restraining order issued under … [Read more...]
Give blood with the American Red Cross before the holiday season and help save lives
The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help stock the shelves before the busy holiday season. Many regular donors delay giving between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day because of holiday activities. This often causes a drop in donated blood available for patients. Therefore, more donations are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to help … [Read more...]
2017 community banker elected to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board
Local leader helps deliver community banking voice to nation’s capital WASHINGTON D.C. — The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) announced that local community banker Dan Christianson, CEO of the $120 million F & M Community Bank based in Preston, Minn., was elected to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board. ICBA is the nation’s voice for community banks. “I am … [Read more...]
Letter about Bryan Van Gorp’s “Imaginary friends”…
To the Editor, From my “echo chamber” I want to tell you about my “imaginary friend.” I’ve received Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I estimate that I have read about a third of the Bible so far, and have listened to a lot of good Bible teaching. You have read the Bible through three times and have rejected Jesus, though you agree with most of His teachings. Dear sinner friend, … [Read more...]
The haunted house
By Yvonne Nyenhuis One sunny day, my sister Vange and I set off on a great adventure. I was nine and Vange was thirteen. We were heading for the “haunted” house, a two-mile walk from our home, along Second Street Pike. When we arrived at our destination, we waited for a lull in the traffic and darted across the highway. There it was, a massive, dark, imposing stone … [Read more...]

