Heather Ptacek recently made history when she was elected commander of the Preston VFW in Preston, Minn. “I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet,” says Ptacek, but she is certainly up for the challenge as she has faced much more intimidating circumstances while serving in the military. Ptacek grew up in Preston and graduated from Fillmore Central School. She joined the … [Read more...]
County reviews list of legislative priorities
At the December 11 County Board meeting, commissioners reviewed a list of 2019 legislative priorities. At their upcoming December 18 meeting, Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller will be present to hear the county’s legislative preferences. Commissioner Duane Bakke noted the priority list document grows year to year. He suggested that next year there be more discussion … [Read more...]
Whalan’s Stand Still Parade to have additional events in 2019
Jane Lewis and Tanya Cook, with the Stand Still Parade Committee, attended the December 10, 2018, Whalan Council meeting in Whalan, Minn., to ask for council approval to add some very exciting new events to next year’s Stand Still Parade, which will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2019. As 2019 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Stand Still Parade, the committee would like to … [Read more...]
Worrisome situation growing as drivers continue to pass stopped school buses
School buses; the bright yellow, metal behemoths are designed to stand out. We expect that there are children aboard and hope drivers anticipate stops. A frightening rise in the number of reported violations, close calls, and even deaths, however, has law enforcement, transportation directors, and bus companies on high alert. On October 30, three young siblings were struck … [Read more...]
Lanesboro council approves property tax levy
During the December 3 Lanesboro City Council meeting, the council paused the meeting at 6 p.m. to hold a Truth in Taxation Hearing. After the property tax levy and budget were discussed, the public was invited to speak and to ask questions of the council. There were no questions asked by any residents in attendance. What this means for residents is a property tax increase … [Read more...]
Marin to join Ostrander Council
On December 3, the Ostrander City Council held a regular meeting. Members in attendance included Vernon Thompson, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, and DJ Start. Heidi Jones and City Clerk Wendy Brincks were absent. Because of the resignation of Council member Heidi Jones, the Ostrander Council had a vacancy to fill. The resignation letter from Jones to the city stated, in … [Read more...]
Kingsland talks facilities, funding and football
At the Kingsland School Board’s monthly “work session” meeting on December 3, with all members present (Doug Plaehn, Ann Oeltjen, Leah Stier, Jackie Horsman, Tiffany Mundfrom, and Superintendent James Hecimovich), the board discussed the long term facilities maintenance (LTFM) plan, and the Indoor Air Quality project being planned. Regarding the IAQ project at the Spring … [Read more...]
Nisse Treehouse daycare in Mabel
Word is getting around that there’s a new daycare center in Mabel. Darcy Thorson is the director of Nisse Treehouse daycare in Spring Grove and Mabel, and that keeps her very busy. But she recently sat down for an interview. Darcy explained that the center in Spring Grove has been operating for just over two years, but that the Mabel center just opened in mid-September of … [Read more...]
Lego League gives presentation at Fillmore Central School Board meeting
First Lego League coach Stuart Weist was present at the November 27 school board meeting along with the league’s student members. The Lego League is a STEM program and consists of 10 students from 4th-8th grade who must work together to build a robot based on a theme chosen by the international First Lego League organization. This year’s theme is Into Orbit, and the Fillmore … [Read more...]
Whalan tournament receives special recognition by Hall of Fame
In 2017, the Whalan Lutheran Church Men’s Fastpitch Tournament was selected to be included in the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame, which was celebrated by not only those involved in the tournament, but also by residents of Fillmore County and those living far beyond southeast Minnesota. Everett Johnson, longtime director for the Whalan Lutheran Church Men’s Fastpitch … [Read more...]