Tom Evanoff started off his career in retail at a young age. His parents owned Evans Department Store in Wisconsin, which was started as Evanoff Five & Dime by his grandparents in the 1940s. Evanoff’s dad’s rule was that, as soon as you could tie your shoes, you were old enough to work. Evanoff couldn’t wait to start working so he could earn his own money, at the grand … [Read more...]
Articles by Hannah Wingert
Reporter
hannah@fillmorecountyjournal.com
Moulton Chinchilla Ranch flourishes outside of Chatfield
It all started when Dan Moulton’s parents purchased six chinchillas for $1,500 in 1966. Ever since then, Moulton has been raising and selling the soft, furry animals. Chinchillas are originally from Peru and Chile. When they’re full-grown, they weigh between one and one-and-a-half pounds. Their fur is extremely soft and full, and they can live up to 20 years. The most … [Read more...]
DNR plans swift actions to tackle Chronic Wasting Disease
Between 700 and 800 local hunters turned out for the DNR’s special meeting in Preston on December 15 to address their Chronic Wasting Disease response plan. The DNR had only expected about 400 people at the meeting, so by the time the meeting began, extra chairs had been brought into the gym as there was standing room only. “We hope to be on the front end of this infection. … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central approves levy
The Fillmore Central School Board opened their December 19 meeting with the annual Truth In Taxation hearing. There were no visitors for the hearing, so the board members reviewed the information given in the presentation by Superintendent Richard Keith before approving the $1,579,429.26 levy. The revenue collected in 2015-16 came to $8,953,871, and $8,855,190 was the amount … [Read more...]
Mabel landlords unhappy with new utility policy
At the Mabel City Council meeting on December 14, Jeff Engen asked the council members for some clarification on a recent policy change concerning utility bills. At their October meeting, the council decided to drop the $200 deposit for new utility customers and make landlords responsible for collecting utility payments from their renters. Unpaid utility bills will be … [Read more...]
Harmony Council renews garbage contract with Waste Management
The council reviewed the bid tabulations for garbage and recycling pickup at their December 13 meeting. Bids were received from five different companies ,with most having options for either bags and bins or carts. It was pointed out that moving to cart service would mean that residents wouldn’t have to buy garbage bags anymore. The different sizes of carts were discussed, … [Read more...]
Task force moves forward with Lanesboro’s concept plan
At their December 5 meeting, Julie Kiehne updated the Lanesboro City Council on the progress that the Concept Plan Task Force has been making. The Task Force was put together in August with the goal of taking the concept plan created for Lanesboro by Randall Arendt to the next phase. The group consists of Julie Kiehne, Walter Bradley, Mark Gorman, Ken Graner, Bethany Krom, Tom … [Read more...]
Proceeds from Big Springs Lutheran Church sale benefit area non-profits
“It’s sad that it had to close, but there’s not much you can do about it,” former St. Paul Lutheran Church (also known as Big Springs Lutheran) deacon David Kiehne remarked. The church’s last service was held on June 26, 2016 with a time of reminiscing and fellowship following the service. At the church’s final annual meeting earlier this year, the group began working … [Read more...]
Lanesboro re-elects school board members for another term
Board Chairman Dave Ruen congratulated the Lanesboro School Board members on their re-election at the regular school board meeting on November 17. The minutes from the October 20 meeting were reviewed and approved along with the agenda for the current meeting. The 2016 certified and non-certified contracts and the co-curricular contracts were all approved by the … [Read more...]
Family-owned bank celebrates 160 years in business
“All we have to sell is service.” Charles Johnson Sr. made that statement the motto of the Root River State Bank in Chatfield and today, his son, Charles Johnson Jr. carries on his father’s legacy. It’s been 160 years since the Root River State Bank in Chatfield, Minn., opened its doors. In that time, it’s been owned by three different families, first by J.C. Easton who … [Read more...]