Corey Marzolf, owner of Marzolf Implement in Spring Valley, says that throughout 2019, his business is celebrating 65 years in business, and he attributes that longevity to two guiding principles. Marzolf Implement has always stressed good service after the sale, and maintaining strong relationships with their customers. Regarding the origins of Marzolf Implement, Corey … [Read more...]
No tobacco under 21; Rushford approves Tobacco Ordinance
Leading the pack of communities looking to update long-standing tobacco ordinances amid the wave of electronic nicotine delivery services (ENDS) and increases in youth tobacco usage, Rushford Council passed modifications to its ordinance unanimously at a special meeting December 16. The council has been discussing the matter with Fillmore County Public Health for over a year … [Read more...]
The family that plays Spoons Buzz together, stays together
Anyone who uses a smartphone understands what is meant by the phrase “There’s an app for that,” as it seems there is an app for just about anything one can imagine. Five brothers from Spring Valley have launched their own game app, and it appears to be catching on. The Noble Bros are Philip (20 years old), Thomas (23), John (25), James (28) and Andrew (33) Engesser, and their … [Read more...]
L&L Volkman Auto Body Repair finds new home
Leigh and Kayla Volkman owned and operated L&L Volkman Auto Body Repair in Rushford for four and a half years before an opportunity came up that they couldn’t turn down. They had been discussing the possibility of moving their business to a better location for some time and were thinking about building, but when they heard that a place was for sale in Rushford, their plans … [Read more...]
Affordable housing leads to economic vitality
SE MN Together and the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund hosted two informational meetings concerning housing and a growing workforce (November 6 in Northfield and November 14 in Spring Valley). Several speakers and panels provided information pertaining to the relationship between adequate affordable housing and the attraction and maintenance of an adequate workforce. Many … [Read more...]
New consignment business opens in Harmony
It all started when Harmony native Becky Hoff started downsizing the contents of her closet by selling some of her clothes on online marketplace apps such as Poshmark and Mercari. Then, she started finding pieces while out browsing estate sales and thrift stores. “And I thought, I could sell that,” she said. The next thing she knew, she was in business. She stayed busy prepping … [Read more...]
Community rallies around Cords family following fire
The devastating fire experienced by the Cords family, of Rushford, has brought a community to its feet in support of the family. The house fire at 1086 Dump Hill Road, two miles east of Rushford, resulted in a complete loss of the home and significant injuries to the family of six, despite fire response arriving in just minutes. Miraculously, the family was able to get out of … [Read more...]
Harmony welcomes new Chamber director
“I felt that I was up to the challenge,” Melissa Vander Plas about her new job as the director of the Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce. Melissa grew up on a small farm just northeast of Harmony, graduated from Harmony High School, and has lived the last 20 years in Harmony. When Melissa saw the posting for the Chamber director job, it seemed too opportune to pass up. “I … [Read more...]
After barn collapse, North-Creek Dairy has hope for the future
“It was the first time in 116 years we weren’t milking a cow,” Corey Hoffman of North-Creek Dairy said. After the blizzard in late February 2019, Corey, a fourth generation farmer, and his family thought they were going to have to shut down their dairy farm near Chatfield for good. “I was heartbroken,” he said. It started at about 1 a.m. on February 24. An 80’x100’ section … [Read more...]
Filthy 50 bike race celebrates first year in Lanesboro
“Race it and set a record. Ride it and take in the beauty. Either way, get filthy,” Trenton Raygor quoted. He was referring to the Filthy 50 bike race that took place in Lanesboro on October 12. This was the bike ride’s seventh consecutive year, but the first in Lanesboro. The previous six were held in Stewartville where Raygor grew up and his parents still live. Trenton’s … [Read more...]