In the year 1891, in the bustling city of San Francisco, a compassionate man named Captain Joseph McFee recognized a heartbreaking reality; countless individuals and families struggling in poverty were unable to afford a warm Christmas meal. Driven by a deep sense of empathy, he initiated a remarkable effort to provide not only holiday meals but also Christmas trees for those … [Read more...]
LACC Celebrates 30th Anniversary During Annual Banquet
There was good news all around at the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) Annual Meeting on January 22, 2025, which was held in the Rustic Hearth Event Center at Cedar Valley Resort in Whalan, Minn. The evening began with socializing and delicious snacks from Clara’s Eatery as well as beverage options. Chamber members enjoyed mingling and networking with each other and … [Read more...]
Caledonia City Council Appoints John Rauk to the Council
On January 27, the Caledonia City Council interviewed seven Caledonia residents for the position vacated by Ryan Stenzel. John Rauk was appointed by a roll call vote to fill Stenzel’s seat. Rauk immediately took the Oath of Office administered by City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson. Mayor Leis called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All … [Read more...]
Kingsland School Board Hears SMEC Audit Report
On January 22, Dan Armagost and John Mark Dundas, of the Southern Minnesota Education Consortium (SMEC), presented the Kingsland School Board with the fiscal year 2024 audit. SMEC is a multi-purpose cooperative of school districts that work together to provide support for special education students. Currently, there are seven member districts within SMEC including … [Read more...]
RFD Fire Chiefs Visit Rushford Council Meeting
Retiring Fire Chief Chad Rasmussen and the new fire chief, Nick Smith addressed the Rushford City Council at their January 27 regular council meeting. Rasmussen gave a summary of 2024 at the fire department and presented items for approval of the council. He detailed the list of officers, the relief association board, and meetings and trainings planned for 2025. RFD currently … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Board Hears Update on Driftless Hiking Trail
Alex Shapiro, director for the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail, reviewed progress made for the trail at the board’s January 28 meeting. This is a non-profit, private, independently directed effort for a 100-plus mile backpacking trail in southeast Minnesota. The proposed corridor goes from Chatfield area through Lanesboro area, Spring Grove area, to the state border … [Read more...]
Eagle Bluff Executive Director Recognized for Leadership in Outdoor Education
North East, Md, January 12, 2025 – Colleen Foehrenbacher, executive director of Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, has been honored with national recognition by the Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) as the recipient of the Outstanding New Leader Award at the Outdoor School Summit. Foehrenbacher received this prestigious award in front of an audience of … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Approve 2025 Highway Equipment Purchases
On January 28, the Houston County Commissioners approved several key actions, including the 2025 equipment quotes for the highway department. The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by Chairman Eric Johnson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All commissioners were present except for Kurt Zehnder. County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski confirmed that all equipment buys … [Read more...]
Chatfield to Explore the Sale of Groen Park Bridge
At the January 27 meeting of the Chatfield City Council approval was given to explore the possible sale of the Groen Park Bridge. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. Councilor Josh Broadwater, reporting for the Park & Recreation Committee, encouraged the council to authorize the exploration of the sale of the bridge. In 2022 the city received a matching grant in the amount … [Read more...]
State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Accepting Century Farm Applications
PAUL, MN – Minnesota families who have owned their farms for 100 years or more are invited to apply for the 2025 Century Farm Program. Produced by the Minnesota State Fair in conjunction with the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, the Century Farm Program was created to promote agriculture and honor historic family farms in the state. More than 11,000 Minnesota farms have been … [Read more...]