This Ordinance adopts Chapter 120 related to Short-Term Rentals in the City of Whalan. This Ordinance is enacted to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the inhabitants of the City of Whalan by closely regulating the conduct of Short-Term Rentals. The Ordinance addresses permitted uses, license requirements and quantity cap, and other standards, and also … [Read more...]
How To Cut Back on Your Big Box Habit
Big box retailers are ubiquitous. The appeal of such stores’ extensive inventory is undeniable, and consumers like the comfort of knowing they can stop into a big box store anywhere on the map and feel a sense of familiarity with their surroundings. Despite that feeling of familiarity, consumers who shop exclusively at big box retailers are missing out on what small … [Read more...]
Mindy Jones: A Life Ablaze with Lies and Arson
By Zech Sindt On November 19, 2024, Mindy Jo Jones was found guilty of first-degree arson and animal abuse in the Allamakee County courtroom. This verdict completes another chapter in a long and troubling saga that has spanned over two decades, leaving a trail of victims and destruction in its wake. Jones has used the names Mindy Bear, Mindy Jacobsen, and Mindy Riley in … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project How AI is Destroying Human Connection and Creativity and How to Stop It
By Hayden St. Mary With technology continuing to develop, Artificial Intelligence, commonly known as AI, is becoming more frequently used and updated. AI consists of computers and programs that can replicate human thinking. It is used in thousands of ways ranging from generating art to driving cars. With how major AI is becoming, the question being asked is, “Is all this … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – Thankful
By Pastor Marke Geselle Valley Christian Center We just had a Workers Appreciation Banquet last Saturday evening for all those in our church who volunteer themselves, giving of their time and energy for the ministry of the church and community. There are those who greet, usher, teach classes, make coffee, work in the kitchen. Some take care of babies in the nursery and … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Awards $300,000 in Taylor Grants Pilot Grant Program Supports Rural Improvements and Child Care Needs
OWATONNA, MN, November 11, 2024 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved 17 grants totaling $300,000 to support rural improvements and child care needs in small towns of 10,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region. The Taylor Grants are supported by a generous donation from Glen A. Taylor through the Taylor Family Farms Foundation. The Taylor Grants … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Awards $200,000 in Small Town Grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved 25 grants totaling $200,000 to support small towns of 10,000 or less in SMIF’s 20 county region. Each grant seeks to impact the culture, education, economy and/or social aspects of a town by investing in collaborative initiatives that help make the community more welcoming. The Small Town Grant program was … [Read more...]
College News
Graduates List Spring 2024 Bemidji State University: Noah Winrow, Rushford, BS, Psychology; Jennifer Knutson, Spring Valley, BS, Wildlife Biology and Certificate, Geography Information Science. St. Olaf College: Katie Lamm, Spring Grove, BA, Psychology University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Barron County: Brooklyn Wallin, Caledonia, BS, Psychology; Erin Spelhaug, … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Caledonia Police Department Sabrina Starr Schreiber, 31, Caledonia, Minn., 7/31/2024, Driving After Revocation, Fine $200, Total Fees $275. Chatfield Police Department Osvaldo Cardenas Gonzalez, 37, Rochester, Minn., 2/13/2024, Theft - Take/Use/Transfer Movable Property - No Consent, Fine $300, Total Fees $390. Rajnish Kumar, 40, Fresno, Calif., 8/24/2024, … [Read more...]
Remembering the 4Rs When Applying Manure
By Katie Drewitz For much of the area, harvest is wrapped up. For many, fall is also the time for manure application to fields. Manure is a valuable, natural fertilizer. In order to get the most value for next year’s crop, and avoid runoff and leaching we need to remember the 4Rs. The 4Rs are Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time and Right Place. There are many sources … [Read more...]