The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed an additional positive case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Fillmore County. This new case is a male in his 20s who likely got the disease through local transmission. As of March 23, 2020, the current coronavirus case counts for Fillmore County are: One female age 20-29 One male age 20-29 One male 60-69 All … [Read more...]
DNR COVID-19 response: What you need to know
In accordance with guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health, we have adjusted our services, events and operations to protect Minnesotans and prevent further spread of COVID-19. Our public lands remain open but we have closed some buildings. We have canceled or postponed many public events and meetings. You will find the latest details below. What's open State parks, … [Read more...]
Spinning a good yarn – a girl and her goats
By Elena Patterson In the heart of Harmony, there’s a little shop on Main Street called Homespun Harmony. Once inside the eye is immediately drawn to the walls of yarn that are as varied and colorful as a handheld kaleidoscope. One special display showcases the local talents of Audra Otto, a 13-year-old who hand spins yarn from the fleece of her own herd of Pygora goats. … [Read more...]
USDA launches new conservation pilot program for Prairie Pothole producers to plant cover crops
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced a new pilot program that enables farmers in the Prairie Pothole region to receive payments for planting cover crops on their land for three to five years. The new Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Soil Health and Income Protection Program (SHIPP) pilot is available to producers in Iowa, … [Read more...]
Minnesota farmers can nominate schools for $15k STEM grants
The America’s Farmers programs, sponsored by Bayer Fund, are back for another year to strengthen farming communities across Minnesota. Beginning January 1, America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education is partnering with farmers across the country to help strengthen rural public school districts through $15,000 STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) grants. Since 2010, … [Read more...]
Manure: waste or valuable agricultural resource?
By University of Minnesota Extension and Partners Stories about manure often illustrate two opposing sentiments. Is manure a “Waste” that pollutes our water resources and creates undesirable nuisances for communities? Or, is manure a “Resource” that reduces the demand for importing greenhouse gas intensive inorganic fertilizers and improves the health of our soils? Both … [Read more...]
City of Rushford Village begins land use planning process
An effort to begin both long and short term strategic planning for the City of Rushford Village has begun via a land use survey. The city’s Economic Development Director, Rebecca Charles, will be conducting a survey of rural landowners within the city limits of Rushford Village to collect data from residents. Not all residents within the Village will be receive a survey as … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Agriculture Summit canceled
The Fillmore County Economic Development Authority (EDA) has canceled the Fillmore County Agriculture Summit scheduled for March 26 at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, per the Governor of Minnesota’s declaration and recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health. This event cannot be rescheduled at this time, as the timeline for the COVID-19 Coronavirus … [Read more...]
Government this week
Monday, March 23 • Chatfield City Council, City Hall, 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24 • Fillmore County Commissioners, Courthouse, 9 a.m. • Fillmore Central School Board, High School Media Center, 6:30 p.m. Schedule subject to change. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Police Reports
Fillmore County Sheriff’s Department Megan Evangeline Marie Halverson, 19, Winona, Minn.; 1/5/2020, Speeding (70/60), Fine $40, Total Fees $130. Justin Michael Johnson, 18, Spring Valley, Minn.; 2/7/2020, Possess/Sale Small Amount Marijuana - No Remuneration, Fine $50, Total Fees $140. 2/7/2020, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Use or Possession Prohibited, Fine $50. … [Read more...]