At the March 13 Chatfield City Council meeting, Fire Chief Ryan Priebe detailed recommended minimum benefit requirements, along with a proposal for an annual benefit increase. The Public Service committee recommended minimum requirements for firefighters to qualify for annual service credits. Members must at a minimum attend 18 meetings/trainings and 25% of annual calls. … [Read more...]
Minnesota ranked third best state in the nation in new study from U.S. News and World Report
ST. PAUL, MN – Citing economic opportunities, great educations, and quality health care in Minnesota, U.S. News and World Report today released a study ranking Minnesota the third best state in the nation. The study also ranked Minnesota as the best state in the region, when compared to North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri. “This … [Read more...]
Unemployment rate steady at 4% in January
Employers cut 8,300 jobs ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota’s unemployment rate was 4% in January, unchanged from the state’s revised jobless rate in December, according to seasonally adjusted figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.8% in January. Minnesota employers eliminated 8,300 jobs … [Read more...]
College News ~ 3/13/17
Graduations Fall 2016 • Iowa State University: Ryan Mayer, Harmony, B.S., Agronomy, Seed Science • North Dakota State University: Kayla Woltz, B.S., Veterinary Technology • Rochester Community and Technical College: Erin McKay, Harmony, CERT, Advanced Hospital Nursing Assistant, Honors; Jessica Jacobsen, Mabel, AA, Liberal Arts and Sciences; Mendela Paulson, … [Read more...]
Postmaster Bill Bires brings his memorabilia collection to the Preston Post Office
When Bill Bires started veterinarian school, he had every intention of finishing. But things don’t always turn out the way you think they will. Partway through his schooling to become a veterinarian, Bires’ mother, a rural mail carrier herself, told him that the U.S. Postal Service Test was being offered in La Crosse. He decided to take it and passed. That choice changed his … [Read more...]
Fillmore County producers urged to consider risk protection coverage before crop sales deadlines
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers to review available USDA crop risk protection options, including federal crop insurance and Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage, before the crop deadline of March 15, 2017. Federal crop insurance covers crop losses from natural adversities such as drought, hail and excessive moisture. NAP covers … [Read more...]
SWCD High School Scholarship deadline is March 31
Each year, the Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) provides two $500 scholarships to students pursuing a degree in natural resources, agriculture or another related field. One of the scholarships goes to a graduating Fillmore County high school senior. That application is due Friday, March 31. Applications are available at the SWCD office in Preston or … [Read more...]
Local liquor retailers reluctantly accept move toward Sunday sales
The state Senate voted last Monday (February 27) to repeal the ban on off-sale Sunday liquor sales and allow Minnesota liquor stores to open on Sundays. Since the House has already passed a companion bill, passage of a final bill to end the 159-year-old ban on Sunday sales in Minnesota is a virtual certainty. According to an article in the Pioneer Press, State Sen. Jeremy … [Read more...]
Advanced Body Chiropractic expands to Chatfield
When Dr. Stephanie Lillis D.C. was 19, she was in a serious car accident that changed her life. The accident left her severely injured and in chronic pain. When nothing her doctors tried worked to relieve her pain, they suggested surgery as a treatment. Thankfully, she decided to try out a chiropractor before the surgery and was amazed. “He took away the pain and gave me back … [Read more...]
JEM Theatre under new ownership
The show must go on - and it will at the JEM Theatre in Harmony, Minn., although with new faces selling tickets and popping popcorn. After 14 years of owning and running the JEM, Michelle Haugerud has sold the iconic theatre to Dana and Amber Coaty. Amber grew up in Rochester, Minn., while Dana is originally from Superior, Wis. The Coatys moved to the area 11 years ago … [Read more...]