You’ve likely seen that both the Minnesota state legislature and the federal legislature passed financial relief laws in response to the COVID-19 situation. But what do they mean financially for farmers and other agricultural small business owners? This article offers a short summary of some of the recent legislation. Federal Programs The Families FIRST Act requires all … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Charles Jack Buffie, 20, Nowthen, Minn.; 7/1/2020, Speeding (69/60), Fine $40, Total Fees $130. Gonzalez Estrella Hugo, 41, Blaine, Minn.; 6/19/2020, Speeding (69/60), Fine $40, Total Fees $130. Morgan Elizabeth Sanford, 22, Grand Meadow, Minn.; 6/19/2020, Speeding (64/55), Fine $40, Total Fees $130. Hokah Police Department Bryan Keith … [Read more...]
Root River Trail Towns cancels September Taste of the Trail activities
Root River Trail Towns has organized Taste of the Trail events on September Saturdays following Labor Day since 2012. The organization made the difficult decision this week to cancel the events in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trail Towns President Gabby Kinneberg said, “Each year, the Taste of the Trail brings in visitors and bicyclists from across Minnesota and … [Read more...]
SMIF invites small towns to “jumpstart” their community
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is seeking applications for the second round of its Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV) program which supports long-term economic growth. Three communities will be selected for this three-year program. Communities with populations of 5,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region are eligible to apply. The REV program helps rural … [Read more...]
City of Houston deals with COVID-19 changes
By Wanda Hanson Meeting on the second floor of the community center, socially distancing, and wearing masks when necessary, the Houston City Council dealt with several changes brought about by COVID-19 Monday, July 13. Houston Hoedown has been cancelled, but the queen contest is being held. A request before the council for a small parade consisting of the queen, her court, and … [Read more...]
Uninsured Minnesotans can get free COVID-19 tests: New health care option covers cost for many residents in need
Many uninsured Minnesotans can get tested for COVID-19 at no cost to them during the federal public health emergency, thanks to a new health care option. The state will cover the cost of testing for individuals who apply and meet all of the following conditions: •Be a resident of Minnesota. •Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawfully present noncitizen with an immigration … [Read more...]
John Yonts
John M. Yonts, 86, of Rushford, Minn., died on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford. John Mason Yonts was born on August 13, 1933, in Groseclose in Smyth County, Va., to William Grady and Ora Mabel (Lindamood) Yonts. He was raised at Groseclose, Va., in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. John attended high school in Marion, Va. He entered … [Read more...]
Shelva Giordano
The memorial service for Shelva Giordano will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2020, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stewartville. Due to attendance limitations and distancing guidelines, the memorial service will be primarily for family and very close friends. There will be a visitation starting at 10 a.m. in the church narthex for anyone to stop by and greet the … [Read more...]
Dennis “Denny” Wead
Dennis “Denny” Wead, 75, of rural Preston, passed away Monday, July 13, 2020, unexpectedly, at his home. Dennis Walter Wead was born January 19, 1945, in Lanesboro, to Walter and Harriet (Hoff) Wead. He grew up on a farm outside of Lanesboro, and graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1963. After high school he entered the Marine Corps, and served in the Vietnam War. After … [Read more...]
Fillmore County death
Updated July 16, 2020 According to Fillmore County Chief Deputy, Lance Boyum, the body of the man located in the Root River yesterday has been identified as 58 year old, William Michel, of Rushford, Minn. An official cause of death will be determined pending the autopsy. July 15, 2020 According to Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge, search and rescue teams located the … [Read more...]