Ernie’s Station in Whalan, Minn., has drawn attention from local residents and tourists for some time. Recently, it was noticed by the Executive Producer of Heritage Films, Matt Dacy who happened to be driving by with his wife when he came upon the vintage gas station and knew he wanted to film something there. On October 11 they did just that. Ernie Johnson purchased the … [Read more...]
Chatfield Center for the Arts remodel: the result of persistence
Saturday, September 24, was a big day for Chatfield; the long-awaited reopening of the Chatfield Center for the Arts finally occurred. From a committee sitting around a table with a vision in 2009, to construction beginning in 2015-2016, to fruition in 2022, a lot of people worked persistently to make the reopening happen. At the ribbon cutting Saturday morning, Mayor Russ … [Read more...]
Granny’s Liquor robbed in broad daylight
Thursday, September 15, was a beautiful sunny day in the charming little town of Lanesboro, Minn., like many days in the small community nestled between the bluffs. Lori Bakke, owner of Granny’s Liquor, was getting ready to open her store for the day. She had gone out in front of her store on Parkway Avenue, and watered her plants and swept the entryway. It was a busy … [Read more...]
Lanesboro residents speak out about grain bin
A public hearing was held at the September 7 Lanesboro City Council meeting to discuss the proposed sidewalk improvements. Lanesboro resident Anna Loney addressed the council to ask how those particular sidewalks were chosen for improvements. “I would like to distinguish whether our objective is to have a walkable community,” she said. “I’m not sure if a blanket policy is where … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office receives policy management award
At the September 6 Fillmore County Board meeting, Sheriff John DeGeorge explained every county in the state of Minnesota likely uses the services of Lexipol Connect. Fillmore County started using the service in 2012. Lexipol started a recognition program last year which is intended to help their users receive excellence in policy and online training. “Lexipol provides public … [Read more...]
Chatfield welcomes Carly Mae’s Bakery and Cafe
After being bakery-less since 2005, Chatfield residents are thrilled to welcome their new bakery, Carly Mae’s! Local residents and sisters Jerralyn Dieter and Jalyssa Houdek used their middle names to create the name of their new business. Tantalizing items in the display case on a recent Thursday included ham and Swiss scones as well as cinnamon ginger scones, sourdough and … [Read more...]
Fillmore County raises funds for cancer research
The 2022 Relay for Life of Fillmore County held in Fountain on August 19 exceeded its self-imposed goal of $50,000. “I’m so very proud of everyone who contributed to this year’s Fillmore County Relay for Life. Despite the multiple rounds of storms, we still had a great turnout and exceeded our fundraising goal. Fillmore County puts on one of the best Relays around all because … [Read more...]
The sky’s the limit for Kolling
Most teenagers are eager to be on the move, traveling fast, with the sound of an engine filling their ears. That’s true of Mason Kolling, too. But his mode of transportation is different than that of most people his age. Mason likes to take to the open skies in his own airplane. In many ways, Mason is a typical high school student. At 17, he’s about to begin his senior … [Read more...]
Wykoff addresses speed concerns
A regular meeting of the Wykoff City Council was held on August 8, with all council members in attendance (Lyle Morey, Mary Sackett, Barb Fate, Mayor Ryan Breckenridge, and Kaleb Himli). City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare also attended. The meeting was held at the council’s new location, 106 N. Gold Street. One of the main topics was traffic speed in and … [Read more...]
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is live
A lifeline is available if you or someone you know is thinking about hurting themself. Call 988 today to talk to a live Minnesota mental help crisis counselor. The federally funded 988 Lifeline is a national network of over 200 call centers. Minnesota has four Lifeline centers. The centers connect callers to nearby or state-specific resources and services quickly and … [Read more...]
Fresh and Fun options at Clara’s Eatery
Local residents and tourists alike are taking advantage of a flavorful new option in the area with the opening of Clara’s Eatery in downtown Lanesboro, Minn. It seems that what Clara’s Eatery is offering is just what many people have been waiting for. Not only is there a pizza place open in town again, which makes everyone happy, there are menu choices to please anyone in … [Read more...]
MiBroadband to expand internet service for Fillmore County residents
A groundbreaking event was held on July 18 to announce two broadband projects, one in rural Fillmore County and one in Howard/Chickasaw Counties in Iowa. MiBroadband was awarded a $1.1 million grant in 2021 from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Border-to-Border Grant. The grant and a $2.1 million local match will be used to upgrade … [Read more...]
Rushford adds full-time police officer to department
At the July 11 meeting, the Rushford City Council unanimously approved the hiring of Cale Stensgard for the open full-time officer position, replacing former officer Davin Daveau, who resigned in June. Stensgard has served the city as a part-time officer since September 2019. “It is my recommendation to hire Stensgard as he has proven to be a good employee and I believe he … [Read more...]
Friendship Wagon Train – 34 years on the trail
The Friendship Wagon Train has enjoyed over 34 years on the trail in Southern Minnesota and Northeast Iowa. Since the closure of Camp Winnebago five years ago, the funds raised go to Minnesota Special Olympics. Over the past three decades, the group has raised over a half million dollars. This year they estimate raising an estimated $20,000. “The most we have raised in one … [Read more...]
Harmony couple creates unique lawn art
Drivers traveling First Avenue Southwest in Harmony might be taking a second look as they pass the home of Ron and LeAnn Gregg. The couple has created a unique piece of art in their front yard, a project that emerged after their beloved maple tree had to be cut down once it began losing its branches. It was a sentimental tree, as their sons has climbed through the branches as … [Read more...]