Four CNC machinist students made their way from underdog to winners at the recent Project MFG Advanced Manufacturing Competition. The National Championship was held at the Gene Haas Foundation Center in Greenville, S. C.; the three-day competition was videotaped as season 3 of Clash of Trades. After a grueling 20 hours, the team of Ellery Kiesel of Winona, Austyn Warren of … [Read more...]
Hovda awarded for teaching 40 years of firearm safety
Close to two dozen youth from around the state came to the Grand Meadow Gun Club in Grand Meadow, Minn., Saturday, July 22, 2023, for a Minnesota DNR Youth Firearms Safety Field Day. Many of these events are held in the state over the summer, but this one had a special surprise added for one of the local instructors. Grand Meadow resident Steve Hovda was given an award for … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Sheriff’s Department participates in active shooter training
By Janette Dragvold The week of July 10, 2023, Kingsland Schools in Spring Valley, Minn., served as the scene for active shooter training for the Fillmore County Sheriff’s department. The Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training know as ALERRT, is an FBI sponsored training program out of Texas that is available for law enforcement departments. The program was … [Read more...]
Chatfield honors Joel Young for serving his community well
At the July 10 meeting of the Chatfield city council, Luke Fischer, executive director of the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), began with a presentation in honor of retiring city administrator Joel Young. The League represents 838 cities in Minnesota. LMC advocates for cities at the state capital, provides resources, training, policy development and other services. Justin … [Read more...]
What haven’t they done?
The woman who has done everything, Elsie Babler, owns and operates Elsie’s Restaurant with her husband Lee in downtown Caledonia. She spouted off a list of other jobs – pig farmer, turkey farmer, mortgage broker, trucking dispatcher, cook, bartender, and the list goes on and on that she has held throughout her lifetime. Now she is expanding her resume to include running a … [Read more...]
Harmony firemen implement electronic firing system for Fourth of July fireworks
As the oohhs and aahhs come to an end, and the honking fades, lines of cars begin the slow exodus from their viewing spots around the Harmony Golf Course. Excitement and appreciation for a spectacular fireworks display may linger with the spectators for hours or even days as the Fourth of July finale brings the holiday to an end. Few may think about the relief and satisfaction … [Read more...]
Mike Halvorson, DNR Safety Instructor of the Year
Each year the DNR selects one ATV safety instructor as Safety Instructor of the Year; this year, they have chosen Mike Halvorson of Rushford from over 1,000 safety instructors in the 70 ATV clubs across the state. Bluff Country ATV Club president Allen Kirchhof said of Halvorson’s award, “an award truly deserved because of his tireless effort and dedication to what we are … [Read more...]
Rushford Public Library celebrates 100 years
On Thursday, May 25, the Rushford Public Library celebrated its 100th year anniversary in the D.J. Tew Memorial Building. The celebration took place just outside the building located 101 North Mill Street in Rushford, Minn. The event was put together by library director, Beth Nelson and library board members Sonja Cook, M. Kate Welti, Marcella Hosch, Daniel Munson, Jim … [Read more...]
Fravel arrested and charged with murder
On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, there was a new development in the case of Madeline (Maddi) Kingsbury’s disappearance. Adam Taylor Fravel, age 29, was booked in the Winona County Jail at 7:12 p.m. on June 7, 2023, charged with Murder - 2nd Degree - With Intent - Not Premeditated. During a press conference at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023, Winona Police Chief Tom Williams … [Read more...]
Preston historic campus and riverfront master plan
By Janette Dragvold Visitors of the root river trailhead and historic campus in Preston have been greeted by the renovated elevator, box car, caboose and rail display since the early 2000s. Though the Preston Historical Society is still hoping to complete the elevator renovation by adding back on the remaining components – a scale house, a bagging house, the bagging shed and a … [Read more...]