Elizabeth (Liz) Benedum, a strong and passionate woman, known for the positive impact she made on her community in the far southeast corner of Minnesota, left a lasting impression on her family, friends, and customers. Liz passed away on September 3 after a valiant battle with cancer. For 48 years, she called the lush green hills of Southeast Minnesota home. Liz grew up in … [Read more...]
SMIF seeks input on broadband accessibility
OWATONNA, Minn., August 17, 2020 - Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is seeking input from community members in southern Minnesota to help define where broadband service is available and what speeds people are receiving. SMIF is partnering with the Minnesota Rural Broadband Coalition, among other partners, on this Minnesota Speed Test Initiative by asking people … [Read more...]
PawPrint Brewery blazes a trail in Chatfield
“It just evolved, with the right people, and the right place,” states James Kenison, owner of Chatfield’s first brewery, PawPrint Brewery. Kenison has spent the majority of his life serving the public and the time came when he wanted to serve the public in a much different capacity. Having served in the Air Force and in law enforcement simultaneously for 25 years, Kenison … [Read more...]
Burdey’s Cafe changes plans based on new information
In the Monday, August 3, 2020, issue of the Fillmore County Journal, in an article titled “Fillmore County businesses make a difficult decision in lieu of the July 25 Executive Order 20-81,” four businesses were referenced with making changes to their business operations as a result of the mask mandate issued by Governor Walz. As quoted in the article, Charlene Corson Selbee … [Read more...]
Community and Economic Development Associates’ (CEDA) Cathy Enerson champions use of Minnesota Compass data to improve Minnesota lives and communities
Preston, MN, August, 2020 — Minnesota Compass is pleased to announce that Cathy Enerson, Economic Development Director of Eyota, Minn., Preston, Minn., and Lanesboro, Minn. has been selected as one of its 2020 Minnesota Compass Champions! Minnesota Compass, a social indicators project led by Wilder Research, measures progress, and provides data and trends about Minnesota and … [Read more...]
Fillmore County businesses make a difficult decision in lieu of the July 25 Executive Order 20-81
The latest COVID-19 Executive Order 20-81 to come down from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s office has made it difficult for four Fillmore County businesses to continue business as usual. With only three days to prepare, the Harmony Gardens and Floral indoor gift shop, Home Sweet Home Café and Cakery, Burdey’s Café, and The Sweet Shop and Sandwich Shoppe made the emotionally … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Communications seeks a management company to operate the Spring Grove Fitness Center
The Spring Grove Fitness Center did not re-open in mid-June like the rest of Minnesota’s fitness centers. Fitness centers and gyms were closed by Governor Tim Walz in March due to COVID-19. “The Spring Grove Fitness Center closed its door in response to the Minnesota Governor’s Executive Order 20-04, stating all fitness centers were to close on March 17, 2020, at 5 p.m. … [Read more...]
A new way to “Unwined” in Lanesboro
As summer gets into full swing, there is no better time to “unwined” when in Lanesboro, Minn., than a visit to Root River Unwined Wine Bar. The new and exciting business is just what people need to get out and explore something fun and relaxing. Owners Lori and Randy Rakosnik knew they wanted to purchase a building for their business somewhere in Minnesota, and after … [Read more...]
Opening a new business at the beginning of a global pandemic
Envision spending two years preparing to open a financially laden business from the ground up nine days after the start of COVID-19, a global pandemic. That is what the owners of the Stinson’s Country Style Meats were faced with when they opened their business in the farming community of Houston, Minn., on March 20 of this year. Upon walking into the breakroom to interview the … [Read more...]
Spring Grove City Council approves RED’s IGA request to open a brewpub
Due to COVID-19, the regular meeting, June 16, 2020, of the Spring Grove City Council was held remotely via Zoom to comply with social distancing policies and practices. All members of the Spring Grove City Council were in attendance: Sarah Schroeder, Karen Folstad, Travis Torgerson, Scott Solberg, and Chad Roland. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda: May 19, … [Read more...]