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...]
Gem of a gym – Wykoff Health and Recreation Center
A whopping 60,000 feet of opportunity. When Kingsland Middle School closed three years ago, the City of Wykoff had the chance to buy the building and repurpose it. When the City of Wykoff decided to pass, it was auctioned, bought, and then generously given to the Wykoff Commons Project. A whole team of people have put their hearts into this project, including nine members of … [Read more...]
Sports Returns; Running Season Starts with Home Meets
If there is a silver lining to the new altered cross country season, which sees only three teams per meet, but thus a lot more meets, it is that the Journal-covered programs will host more than in previous seasons. The first week of September saw Lanesboro/Fillmore Central and Kingsland both hosts meets, the first for either since the Knights hosted many years ago at Root … [Read more...]
MNVA enrollment skyrocketing!
By Wanda Hanson The Houston School Board dealt with an influx of students in MNVA when they met on September 3, 2020. Last year’s enrollment in MNVA was 1,303 students; this year’s enrollment is 2,444 at this time, an increase of 1,141. As a result, MNVA will need 25 more teachers. Since 405 of those students have IEPs, more special education teachers will be included in the … [Read more...]
2020 Fillmore County jail inspection
Sheriff John DeGeorge and jail Administrator Jamie Fenske reviewed the 2020 Minnesota Department of Corrections jail inspection report at the Fillmore County Board’s September 8 meeting. The county’s jail facility was reduced to a 90-day facility in 2017. Since then several improvements and upgrades have been made to come into compliance with state requirements. Fenske said … [Read more...]
Spring Valley man’s donation — bait for youth
After the Executive Order 20-19 was given by Governor Tim Walz in late March, a period of distance learning began for the students of Fillmore County. Providing a safe environment became the focus, yet getting outside for exercise, sunshine, and fresh air still needed to be addressed. What better way to achieve this than by grabbing a pole, tackle, bait and heading to the … [Read more...]
Final touches for the Houston Schools’ back to school plan
By Wanda Hanson With just a few weeks remaining before the September 8 start of the 2020-2021 school year, the Houston School Board met August 20, 2020, with a focus on a smooth start to the year. Superintendent Krin Abraham shared updates on the COVID-19 detail: for teachers who request to work from home, the board is “to the extent possible” make accommodations. SPED … [Read more...]
Pay increase and hirings for Spring Valley Fire Department
At their August 24 meeting, the Spring Valley City Council approved a pay increase for members of the fire department, beginning September 1, and effective when they are paged out for calls. Council member Mike Hadland made the motion, stating that after the city’s recent increase in EMT pay, “I would like to see the hourly wage raised for the fire department.” He suggested … [Read more...]
A fitting memorial to Brett
Teri and Brett Jarland shared a love of golf, and of spending time with friends and family. In fact, when they were married in 2003, their wedding reception was held at Harmony Golf Course, and they included a golf outing in their festivities. Brett was diagnosed with cancer, and eventually received services from Mayo Hospice, which Teri said was “wonderful.” When Brett … [Read more...]
Fillmore County approves CARES Act Funding for local small business relief
An amount of $500,000 of the county’s CARES Act funding will be available to small businesses with 50 or fewer employees. At the August 25 meeting, the Fillmore County Board of Commissioners gave its approval to release the business grant application form for Economic Development relief grants of up to $10,000 to eligible businesses. The grants are to be used for costs … [Read more...]