The Chatfield City Council met on January 14, their first meeting in the new year. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. A public hearing was held on the application submitted by Daniel Pecarina, president and CEO of Hiawatha Broadband Communications, Inc. (HBC). HBC wants to provide cable television service to the city. The same terms and conditions of a current franchise … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Ambulance crew honored
Spring Valley City Council’s initial regular meeting of the year was held January 14. Council members present included Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Mayor Tony Archer, Mike Hadland, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. No citizens had signed up to address the council. The council gave certificates to the ambulance crew members who exceeded 1,300 hours of service in 2018. … [Read more...]
Soaring to the highest rank
Merrill Schroeder of Rushford became a part of an elite group that very few people ever earn their place to join. Merrill became an Eagle Scout, the highest achievement attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America. Only 4% of all Scouts are granted this rank, which takes years to fulfill. “I’ve been a part of Troop 53 in Rushford since fifth grade,” … [Read more...]
Mabel Fire Department awarded grant
On January 9, the Mabel City Council held a regular city council meeting. Members in attendance included Gary Morken, Adam Wilder, City Clerk Karen Larson, Mayor Jim Westby, Terry Torkelson, and Kirsten Wyffels. The newly elected council members took the oath of office. Prior to approving accounts payable, council members asked about several of the items listed, and Larson … [Read more...]
Valley Laundry up and running
Craig Seabright hadn’t been expecting or planning to move his laundry business in Spring Valley. Craig explained, “I’ve had the laundry down there by the BP (gas station/convenience store) for the last 14 years. And then (landlord) Tom told me that he was looking to sell the building, so he thought it was best for me to find a new place to go.” Craig also is the owner of … [Read more...]
Donna Rasmussen named Minnesota 2018 Outstanding SWCD Employee
Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District administrator Donna Rasmussen was awarded the 2018 Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District Employee award on December 10 at the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ annual convention. She was nominated for the award by her co-workers at the Fillmore SWCD, who were thrilled to hear that she had … [Read more...]
R-P Backpack Program fills nutrition gap
As many families in Fillmore County depend on school-age children receiving a nutritious breakfast and lunch at school each day, a question was raised of how to help those children in families who could use some extra help to provide meals on weekends as well. Kristy Tweeten, who is a dairy farmer, had experience with a backpack program in Winona County where food is sent … [Read more...]
Amendment to SSTS Ordinance to be considered by the County Board
At the December 20 meeting of the Planning Commission, the public had an opportunity to comment on the proposed amendment to the Fillmore County subsurface sewage treatment system (SSTS) ordinance. The proposed amended language in Sale or Transfer of Real Estate, Section 803, will make it less likely that any transfers of real estate will fall through the cracks without a SSTS … [Read more...]
Longtime Preston restaurant announces it’s closing its doors
“I hope that sparks someone to purchase it,” Branding Iron owner Steve Bahl said about his recent decision to announce a closing date for his restaurant. Bahl has owned the Branding Iron since 1989, and while he has enjoyed his time at the restaurant, he and his wife Allyson are ready for a change. The Branding Iron was built in 1970 by a group of businessmen who made up the … [Read more...]
DNR schedules special late season deer hunts
In an effort to control the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the core area, the DNR has scheduled special late season hunts for December 21-23 and December 28-30. These hunts will be in permit areas 603, 347, and 348 plus portions of deer permit areas 343 and 345 that are south of Interstate 90. The focus will be on the primary core area between Preston and Lanesboro, … [Read more...]