The Kiwanis Club of Spring Valley is asking the community to nominate an outstanding person to be honored at its annual Citizen of the Year program to be held in the fall. The Kiwanis Citizen of the Year has been chosen by the club from nominations received from the public. Forms can be picked up at the Spring Valley City Hall starting August 1, and must be returned to them … [Read more...]
Preston EDA, Housing Committee and Minnesota Housing Partnership working together
The Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) Housing Institute Round 7 will officially commence on July 28, 2020, with a synchronous online meeting starting at 2 p.m. central time. COVID-19 has created new circumstances, but local housing needs remain and in fact have been amplified in many rural MN communities. MHP is committed, more than ever, to provide the necessary support to … [Read more...]
Recycling 101: Illegal trash dumping
By Drew Hatzenbihler Solid Waste Administrator This has been a crazy year thus far, during the initial response to the pandemic when many business were closed, we observed many people doing some “quaran-cleaning.” We had an increase in the number of people we normally see each year and have met a lot of people for the first time. We have also seen an increase in the amount of … [Read more...]
Houston County WIC continues to provide support
Houston County WIC continues to provide nutrition education and benefits, however all WIC appointments will take place over the phone. If your economic situation or job status has changed, check the Minnesota WIC website for eligibility information. At Houston County, the health and well-being of our clients, colleagues and community are our top priority. Given the evolving … [Read more...]
Richard “Ric” Murphy
Richard “Ric” Duane Murphy, age 64 of Lanesboro, Minn., passed away Sunday, April 19, 2020, at his home. Ric was born January 24, 1956, in Osage, Iowa, to Richard and Mildred (Helgeson) Murphy. Ric went to Lyle High School, graduating in 1974. He then went on to attend the University of Mankato State, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1979. Instead of pursuing his career, his … [Read more...]
Richard E. Fogal
Richard E. Fogal, 84, of Rushford, Minn., died on Tuesday July 21, 2020, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wis. Dick was born October 17, 1935, on a farm near Waldorf, Minn., to Edward and Agnus (Habeck) Fogal. He graduated from Peterson High School in 1953. Following High School, Dick joined the United States Navy and served his country for 20 years, where he retired … [Read more...]
Betty Jane (Beck) Hansen
Betty Hansen, age 90, died peacefully on July 14, 2020, in hospice at the Northfield Hospital Long Term Care Center. Her life began with the Great Depression and ended in the pandemic of this year. Betty was the youngest of six children born to Danish immigrants James and Astrid Beck, who raised their children in the thriving multicultural community of South Chicago. Their … [Read more...]
Governor Walz signs executive order on masking
Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 20-81, which requires Minnesotans to wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings. Researchers have advocated for masking, calling it a simple and effective step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. To date, 30 states across the country, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico have issued similar … [Read more...]
Fillmore County experiencing increase in COVID-19 cases
Fillmore County currently has 48 COVID-19 cases. From July 9 to July 21, 2020, the Minnesota Department of Health noted that Fillmore County had 19 cases, which is 40% of all identified cases. Fillmore County Public Health has observed an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases associated with events and mass gatherings. Case investigation conducted over the past two weeks … [Read more...]
Kurt Otto Onstad
Kurt Otto Onstad, 66, of St. Cloud, Minn., (formerly of Spring Grove and Maple Lake) died Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at the St. Cloud VA, with much of his family by his side. Kurt was born on January 30, 1952, in Spring Grove, to Carleton (Carty) and Beulah (nee Ganrud) Onstad. He attended Spring Grove Public Schools, excelling in academics, the arts and sports, … [Read more...]









