Marion Alfreda Holtan was born on Sunday, March 8, 1931, at 8 p.m. on a farm four miles south of Kasson, to Alfred and Minnie (Lee) Holtan. She was their ninth child. Her father was a farmer who raised oats, a little corn, wheat and flax and had about a dozen head of dairy cows. Her mother was a God-fearing woman who raised her children with a Bible in one hand and a switch in … [Read more...]
Learning from trees and watching debates
If you have an interest in nature and trees, I urge you to visit the adjoining Parks of Kings Canyon and Sequoia in central California. I recently visited there, what an experience it was to see the groves of Giant Sequoias and learn about their relationship to fire. Giant sequoias are the largest trees in the world; the General Sherman [1,700 yrs. old] is the largest. it … [Read more...]
Gammel Dag Days
To the Editor, I went to Gammel Dag Days on Saturday, June 22, and thought it was fun. I participated in the parade with the Scouts. There were numerous activities to choose from. The strawberry smoothie was the highlight for me, but I also enjoyed the music. My siblings enjoyed the horse rides, face painting, wool spinning, and flower crafts. There were many people in … [Read more...]
Government this week
Monday, July 8 • Houston City Council, City Hall, 6 p.m. • Spring Valley City Council, City Hall, 6 p.m. • City of Rushford City Council, City Hall, 6:30 p.m. • Chatfield City Council, City Hall, 7 p.m. • Whalan City Council, City Hall, 7 p.m. • Wykoff City Council, City Hall, 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 9 • Chatfield School Board, Forum Room, 7 p.m. • … [Read more...]
The professor forgot to tell us something
If I wanted to undercut, diminish, and/or destroy an opinion I didn’t agree with, I might start with telling you all about my bon-a-fides. I would begin by highlighting my credentials. For example, I might point out that I am a Distinguished professor. In the College of Technical stuff. At the largest university in the state. In other words, I want everyone to know that I … [Read more...]
Totally Rad “Surfin’ USA” Variety Show in Lanesboro July 12
“Surfin’ USA” is the theme of the next “Over the Back Fence” Community Variety Show presented by Lanesboro Arts on Friday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the historic St. Mane Theatre in downtown Lanesboro. Songs like “Surfer Girl,” “Surf City” and “Surfin’ Safari” will each be part of a tubular evening that also includes jokes, stories, and sing-alongs. July’s show features … [Read more...]
Minnesota Groundwater Protection Rule regulations begin in 2020 Rule limits use of nitrogen fertilizer in areas with vulnerable soils
St. Paul, MINN. – The state’s new Groundwater Protection Rule (GPR) became effective June 24, 2019. The GPR will reduce the risk of nitrate from fertilizer impacting groundwater in areas of the state where soils are prone to leaching and where drinking water supplies are threatened. Nitrate is one of the most common contaminants in Minnesota’s groundwater; elevated nitrate … [Read more...]
AmeriCorps crews improve trout streams, gain work experience via Root River SWCD
BLACK HAMMER TOWNSHIP — A trout stream bank stabilization project that started as an experiment on a Root River tributary has become a tested conservation practice in Houston County’s bluff country. This summer, for the sixth consecutive season, a Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa crew will harvest invasive cedar trees from nearby bluffs, and then anchor them to … [Read more...]
Jillian Rae to engage with Lanesboro community week of July 8 and perform full band concert at St. Mane Theatre
Lanesboro Arts presents an evening with the Jillian Rae Band at the historic St. Mane Theatre in downtown Lanesboro on Saturday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m. Returning to the St. Mane after a memorable 2016 performance. Jillian Rae is a multi-talented singer-songwriter and vocalist that has cultivated a reputation as the go-to violin accompanist for dozens of roots, rock, and Americana … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Police Report
Chatfield Police Department Mary G. Hershberger, 43, Fountain, Minn.; 5/6/2019, Duty to Drive With Due Care, Fine $40, Total Fees $130. Aharon Maizlik, 38, Postville, Iowa; 2/27/2019, Speeding (39/30), Fine $40, Total Fees $130. Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Jennifer Marie Elaine Allen, 35, Spring Valley, Minn.;5/28/2019, Seat Belt Required - Driver and Passenger … [Read more...]