Irene Amelia Kester, 94, of Chatfield, passed away on January 28, 2018, at the Chosen Valley Care Center. Irene was born October 11, 1923, to Frederick and Amelia (Holton) Schroeder. On February 14, 1948, she married Richard Kester at the Methodist Church in Chatfield. Irene enjoyed spending time with friends, sewing, baking bread and rolls, doing crossword puzzles and … [Read more...]
Erwin Ruesink
Erwin Ruesink, 103, of Spring Valley, Minn., died January 28, 2018, at the Spring Valley Care Center. Erwin was born in rural Preston, Minn., in 1914. He attended a rural school and graduated from Preston High School and Teachers Normal Training. He married Carmen Kruegel in 1938. Both taught in rural Minnesota schools for several years before moving to Spring Valley in … [Read more...]
TEXT-TO-911 now available in Minnesota statewide A direct line to help for those with hearing loss; Alternative when the reporting party must remain quiet to stay safe
ST. PAUL — In an emergency, dialing 911 is a call for help. But people with hearing loss or those who must remain quiet in a dangerous situation aren’t able to place a call safely or at all. That’s why the Department of Public Safety Emergency Communication Networks (DPS-ECN) has worked with stakeholders around Minnesota to develop Text-to-911 on Minnesota’s Next Generation … [Read more...]
Space heater safety
Space heaters – whether portable or stationary – accounted for two of every five (40%) home heating fires and 4 of 5 (84%) home heating fire deaths. (National Fire Protection Association, based on 2009-2013 annual averages.) Do not let your space heater’s cozy comfort become a devastating disaster. Heating-related fires most often occur in December, January, and February. … [Read more...]
Give to the Max Day 2017
Give to the Max Day has become a Minnesota tradition since 2009, and F & M Community Bank (F & M) has participated in it in various ways to support local nonprofit organizations. This year, according to CEO Dan Christianson, F & M supported four local organizations with some matching funds. Those organizations were the Preston Area Community Foundation, the … [Read more...]
Jake Fishbaugher: 2017 NFL Student Athlete of the Year
When you first meet Jake Fishbaugher, you might notice his broad smile, his firm handshake, his friendly voice, and his easy going manner. What underlies all of this is a true leader with a competitive nature, a willingness to work hard, an athlete’s discipline, and a strong sense of team spirit. Jake, a seventh grade student at Fillmore Central, was recently presented with … [Read more...]
Houston School Board passes audit with flying colors
The Houston School Board met for its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the library of Houston Public High School. In attendance were Superintendent Abraham and board members Bonner, Stillin, Wilson, Lundak, and Carlson. Board member Norlien arrived at approximately 6:02 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the board added a signage discussion item to the old business section of … [Read more...]
Partisan true believers are part of the problem, not part of the solution
What is the right thing to do? That question should guide our political discussion not what a party’s position is. Truth should be the basis of debate and discussion rather than party talking points. As an independent voter who has voted for republicans, democrats, independents, greens and democratic socialists; parties are not important. What matters is the candidate’s … [Read more...]
In praise of party politics
By Eric Lee Harmony, MN I am going to state what anecdotally feels like an unpopular opinion, these days. I like party politics. I wasn’t always this way, and it took me a while to get here, but let me take you through my exciting journey. You see, much of my life I have preferred to think of myself as an independent. I can think for myself. I won’t be beholden to any one … [Read more...]
Government this week
Thursday, February 1 • Houston School Board, High School Library, 6 p.m. Monday, February 5 • City of Houston Planning Commission, City Hall, 5:30 p.m. • Lanesboro City Council, City Hall, 5:30 p.m. • Preston City Council, City Hall, 6 p.m. Schedule subject to change. … [Read more...]