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...]
A perfect Dairy Night on the Farm
Eighty degrees with a light breeze made for a perfect night at the picturesque verdant Rumpus Ridge Farms of rural Preston June 18th. The Fillmore County Dairy Association expertly presented an event with activities for everyone. The younger attendees took full advantage of a plethora of kid-friendly activities. Inflatables — both a bounce house and a slide/obstacle course — … [Read more...]
Jackson Memorial Golf Classic raises $18,000 for community
The rainy weather delayed the start of the annual Jackson Memorial Golf Classic on Monday morning, June 13, by two hours. Dedicated golfers were able to complete all 18 holes and enjoy the traditional steak dinner, and raised in excess of $18,000. “The Robert Jackson Memorial Foundation was established in 2001 in memory of our good friend and colleague Robert “Bob” Jackson. … [Read more...]
Popcorn stand memories
“Peanuts, popcorn, cracker jacks!” Della Marie Jetson Mehaffey can still hear her Grandpa Linstroth calling out those words to attract customers to his popcorn stand. “I’m not sure where the cracker jacks came from,” she laughed. She remembers the popcorn and the peanuts, but doesn’t recall him ever selling cracker jacks. Francis Linstroth grew up in Preston and moved to … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Study Club celebrates 100 years
Long-standing traditions often lead to longtime relationships. Such is the case with the former and current members of the Lanesboro Study Club. The Lanesboro Study Club was founded in 1922 by eight charter members that included Mrs. K.R. Palmer, Mrs. George Gulbrandsen, Mrs. Oscar Simonson, Mrs. Clair Lund, Mrs. Paul DeVilliers, Mrs. H. L. Ask, Mrs. A. M. Hanson and Mrs. … [Read more...]
The glitzy gutzy galz of Chatfield
ArtBitz, a fine art gallery and gift shop has joined the growing list of new businesses calling Chatfield’s Main Street (Hwy. 52) home. The store opened its doors May 5 in the former Bailiwick antique store just a couple blocks from the Chatfield Center for the Arts and near the town’s new brewery. When visiting ask the glitzy, gutzy galz, 80-year-old Alice Ernster, … [Read more...]
Rushford State Bank opens in Houston
A short three weeks after taking over their new building in Houston, Rushford State Bank officially opened its doors in Houston, Minn., on May 16. The front door now bears the bank logo, signs around the bank detail the Rushford State Bank’s services, and a special “Banker’s Blend” of Carlson Roasting Company Coffee can be found on display at the teller stations along with the … [Read more...]