An Omnibus Rule 8 hearing was held on July 29 at 9 a.m. in Preston regarding charges against Fifth Sun Gardens, which is owned and operated by Luis Hummel of rural Lanesboro. Fifth Sun Gardens has operated as an industrial hemp farm, under a pilot program through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The charges, which include a misdemeanor and two felonies, resulted … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Historical Society Museum welcomes two fresh faces
By Katrina Bergey The Fillmore County Historical Society Museum and Library, located in Fountain, Minn., has undergone some significant staff changes. Sara Sturgis was recently hired as the new director of the Fillmore County Historical Society along with Bretta Grabau who is the assistant director. Both women are thrilled about their new jobs and the goals they hope to … [Read more...]
Minnesota adds 3,300 jobs in June Labor force participation rate increases to 70%
Minnesota gained 3,300 jobs in June and the state’s unemployment rate held at 3.3% according to figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.7%. May’s previously announced gain of 100 jobs was revised upward to 2,000 jobs. The state has now gained jobs in four consecutive months for the … [Read more...]
County reverses course
At the July 9 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, the Land Records Department established earlier this year was quashed. The board voted unanimously to change back from the Land Records Director position to the County Assessor position. Human Resources Officer Kristina Kohn explained the department headed by a Land Records Director was not functioning as the board … [Read more...]
Spring Valley accepts bid on Industrial Park
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on July 8. Members in attendance included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. Seven bids had been received for the upcoming 2019 Industrial Park Expansion project, and those bids were reviewed by the engineering firm of Bolton & … [Read more...]
Totally Rad “Surfin’ USA” Variety Show in Lanesboro July 12
“Surfin’ USA” is the theme of the next “Over the Back Fence” Community Variety Show presented by Lanesboro Arts on Friday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the historic St. Mane Theatre in downtown Lanesboro. Songs like “Surfer Girl,” “Surf City” and “Surfin’ Safari” will each be part of a tubular evening that also includes jokes, stories, and sing-alongs. July’s show features … [Read more...]
Come toast Harmony Spirits’ Grand Opening and Classic Car Show July 4
Perhaps you have been one of the many to press your nose against the big glass windows at Harmony Spirits, gazing at the elephant-size still inside, admiring its mirrored copper gleam. And maybe that gaze got you wondering, impatiently, when this new micro-distiller would officially open its doors. Well, wait and wonder no more! Harmony Spirits is ready. Though Jim Simpson, … [Read more...]
Chatfield pool opening celebrated
The new Chatfield swimming pool opened on June 7. On an unusually cool June 13 evening, Mayor Russ Smith stood before the new pool for a special dedication to celebrate the culmination of months and months of planning. He credited the Pool Committee (Julie Henry, Alesha Worden, Kari Fredricks, Greg LaPlante, Ed Harris, Kari Njos, Shari Harmann, Michelle Thompson, and Melissa … [Read more...]
Pauly’s Canton Pub will treat you right
Paul and Patti Stevenson know a thing or two about the restaurant business. Patti stated, “He’s been cooking for 31 years, and I was pretty much raised with it.” So when they opened Pauly’s Canton Pub in May of this year, they knew what they were getting into. And so far, it seems to be going well. Paul had worked as the head cook at Susie’s Roadhouse in Ostrander for … [Read more...]
Semcac’s Rushford and Preston Food Shelves participating in Open Your Heart to the Hungry & Homeless
The Preston and Rushford Food Shelves are participating in the 2019 Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Summer Challenge, a donation drive sponsored by Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless and Hunger Solutions, that takes place in July. As a member of Hunger Solutions Minnesota, Semcac is eligible to receive a percentage of grant funds designated for this … [Read more...]