OWATONNA, MN, June 30, 2020 — Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) awarded $9,620 worth of paint from Ace Hardware to eight communities across the region through its Paint the Town Grant Program. This program is a partnership between SMIF and 12 local Ace Hardware stores and is designed to engage volunteers and build collaborative efforts that beautify communities … [Read more...]
Citizen science in action: Joan Redig on Paradise Valley Creek
By Cathy Malakowsky Information Officer, MPCA Intrigued by the changing conditions she saw in the creek flowing through her farm, Joan Redig of rural Houston County signed up for the Citizen Monitoring Program in 2017 after reading about the volunteer opportunity in a local newspaper. She monitors Paradise Valley Stream in the southeast corner Minnesota. This region is known … [Read more...]
Summertime and the living is uneasy
By Al Batt Stay near the flyswatter. It’s summer. When is it truly summer? When there is no sign of winter anywhere. It’s a beautiful summer day here at the home place, the entertainment capital of my world, but I’m a chronic walker, so my wife and I visited St. Olaf Lake. We met several convertibles on the way. The only convertible we own is a riding lawn mower. St. Olaf … [Read more...]
Preston/Wykoff UMC to offer ‘Vital Conversations: Racism and the U.S. Church’
“The conversations we are having right now on race, race relations and racism is especially important,” said Pastor David Stoeger. “In largely Caucasian communities, we may feel that we are somewhat sheltered from the large movements in this country, yet if we are to love God and our neighbor most fully, we must have these conversations, including the conversation on how we may … [Read more...]
Semcac’s Preston Food Shelf now open for client choice
On July 2, the Preston Food Shelf opened with the following restrictions: •Only registered food shelf clients and essential companions will be allowed in the building. •No children are allowed in the building at this time. •All clients and food shelf staff will wear face coverings. •If you choose not to wear a face covering, a prepacked food box will be given out at the … [Read more...]
Houston County WIC program
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...]
A special outdoor opportunity for families
A special opportunity for families to get outdoors together is being offered at Good Earth Village, rural Spring Valley. Choose from Saturdays July 25 or August 8. Come enjoy the many hiking trails that the camp has to offer. Registration is required so that social distancing can be followed. The events are free to come and use the trails. However, if you would like to also … [Read more...]
Fillmore County District Court
On June 22, Sarah Lynn Breiter, 27 of Hayfield, and Terry Lee Dahl, 40 of Spring Valley, appeared before District Court Judge Matthew J. Opat. Breiter did so via zoom. Each are charged with seven felonies; two counts of Check Forgery - Offer/Possess With Intent to Defraud, two counts of Check Forgery - Offer/Possess With Intent to Defraud (Aid/Abet), Possession or Sale of … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Caledonia Police Department Nicholas Levi Glaunert, 26, Onalaska, Wis.; 5/22/2020, Speeding (75/60), $60, Total Fees $135. Bryce John Murphy, 28, La Crescent, Minn.; 2/20/2020, Speeding (70/60), $40, Total Fees $115. Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Bobbie Jo Bemmert, 31, Elgin, Minn.; 5/20/2020, Initiate, Compose, Send, Retrieve, Read Electronic Message, Fine $50, Total … [Read more...]
Kenneth Duane Pederson
Kenneth Duane Pederson passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday June 24, 2020. Kenneth was born in La Crosse, Wis., on April 6, 1952, as the sixth child of nine to Arnold and Arlene (Sanden) Pederson. Ken was raised in Peterson, Minn., with his parents and his four brothers and four sisters. He graduated from Peterson High School in 1970. Some of his favorite stories were from … [Read more...]