Project Engineer Chris Goodwin updated the Lanesboro City Council on the dam project. There is approximately $600,000 worth of work left to do. “The lion’s share of the physical work on the dam and the surrounding area has been completed,” he explained. Mayor Jason Resseman noted that he was thankful that the weather had cooperated during the work this summer. “I’m glad we can … [Read more...]
Articles by Hannah Wingert
Reporter
hannah@fillmorecountyjournal.com
Fillmore Central makes plans to move ahead with in-person learning
“Here we go,” said Superintendent Heath Olstad said at the August 25 Fillmore Central School Board meeting. With the school year starting after Labor Day like usual, the district is working hard to ensure that the needs of its families are met. Most will be going back to school in-person, but some have chosen distance learning. Not all of the parent surveys have been turned … [Read more...]
Ed Asner to appear at first ever Spring Grove International Film Festival
It has never been done in Spring Grove before, but that hasn’t stopped Katie O’Regan, Director of Development at Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, from planning the first annual Spring Grove International Film Festival which will be held from September 11-13, 2020. “I had a dream about it and said, that’s it. I’m doing it,” she explained. After getting the go-ahead from the … [Read more...]
Lanesboro school gears up for start of school
At the regular Lanesboro School Board meeting on August 20, Superintendent Matt Schultz updated the board members on the ongoing facilities project. The classroom furniture and scoreboard will be delivered next week. There have been some delays in finishing the chemistry lab due to duct work issues and the kitchen has also been delayed as Superintendent Schultz works to make … [Read more...]
Lanesboro school finalizes back-to-school plan
The Lanesboro School Board met for a special meeting on July 31 to discuss the 2020-2021 school year following Governor Walz’s announcement the day before, which allows each school district in Minnesota to choose their learning plan. The three learning options are distance learning, in-person learning, or a hybrid of the two, and schools need to have a plan in place to allow … [Read more...]
Lanesboro council approves hazard pay for firefighters
At the August 13 Lanesboro City Council meeting, the council approved hazard pay in the amount of $10 per call that firefighters responded to during the month of March. Jeff Norby was appointed to the Lanesboro Fire Department per the recommendation of the fire chief. The consent agenda was approved and included the accounts payable, a lodging license application, Resolution … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central adds mask statement to student handbooks
At the July 28 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, the board reviewed and approved the K-6, 7-12, Faculty, Paraprofessionals, and Coaches handbooks. With the mask order from Governor Walz in effect, Superintendent Heath Olstad recommended adding a statement to the student handbooks requiring that students wear appropriate face coverings at school. Other additions included a … [Read more...]
Manion Law Office welcomes new attorney
When Joseph O’Koren was attending high school at Lanesboro Public School, he had the opportunity to spend a day shadowing a profession of his choice. “Attorney came to mind,” O’Koren said. He was matched with local attorney Thomas Manion and was able to attend court with him and meet with him in his office. During O’Koren’s senior year of high school, he participated in a work … [Read more...]
Harmony council reviews CARES Act funds
At the July 14 Harmony City Council meeting, City Administrator Devin Swanberg informed the council that the city had received approximately $77,000 from the State of Minnesota’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES Act. The money cannot be used to make up lost revenue for businesses or the city, but can be used for other COVID related expenses. Swanberg … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Community Center to remain closed
The Lanesboro City Council met on July 6 at 6 p.m. for their regular meeting, which was held in the community center gym and streamed on Zoom. The COVID-19 response for public facilities discussion was revisited as it will be each month for the foreseeable future. The council decided to keep the community center closed for the time being. The city offices have been re-opened … [Read more...]
Harmony veterinarian retires after 47 years
“If you like what you do, you never have to work a day in your life and that’s true,” Dr. Lynn Aggen said. Aggen spent 47 years working at the Harmony Veterinary Clinic and celebrated his retirement with an open house on June 18. It all started when a steer needed medical attention at his parents’ farm near Worthington, Minn. Aggen was able to watch the vet work on the steer. … [Read more...]
Lanesboro School Board emphasizes flexibility for 2020-2021 school year
The Lanesboro School Board met on June 18 via teleconference and discussed the guidelines for the upcoming school year. The state department has asked districts to make plans for three different models, which include in-person learning, distance learning, or hybrid learning, in which students would spend part of their time at the school and the other part distance learning from … [Read more...]
Driftless Fly Fishing Company opens kayak shop
Mel Hayner has owned and operated The Driftless Fly Fishing Company in Preston since 2013, and recently expanded his business to include a dedicated space for kayaks. “They were in the way over here,” he said. When the opportunity came up for him to rent the empty building next door, which used to house Chic’s Pizza, he decided to go for it. “It was always in the back of my … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Board discusses options for upcoming school year
At the June 23 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, which was held via teleconference, Principal Heath Olstad updated the board members on the plans for the 2020-21 school year. “We’re looking at multiple scenarios for the upcoming year,” he said, adding, “that a committee will be formed to help make decisions.” The state department has given schools three possibilities to … [Read more...]
Not all Fourth of July activities canceled in Harmony
At the June 9 Harmony City Council meeting, Jimmy Strozyk from Harmony Spirits informed the council that they are still planning to hold the car show on the Fourth of July and asked permission to use the city parking lot as overflow. He noted that social distancing and safety protocols will be in place during the event. The council agreed to his request. The city is still … [Read more...]