While Glenn Maynard “Mush” Ukkestad was working for the Minnesota Department of Transportation in the mid 1950s, he was on the original survey crew during the construction of Highway 16 between Houston and Rushford. As he came upon the old Oakwood Cemetery, which overlooks Hwy. 16 just before coming into Rushford, Ukkestad was inspired by the beautiful view. Although the … [Read more...]
Planning Commission recommends approval of event center near Spring Valley
At the November 15 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission, Linnea Weiser described her plans to open a wedding/corporate event center at the former Root River Country Club location, which is about two miles northeast of Ostrander in Section 21, Bloomfield Township. During the public hearing she explained that she intends to rent out the 40-foot x 60-foot building … [Read more...]
Kingsland considers “What now?”
On November 6, the Kingsland referendum was voted down, which brings up the question of what happens now. That question was recently asked of Kingsland board members and the superintendent. Superintendent James Hecimovich answered, “I think what happens is, at our next working session, in December, is that we’ll discuss do we come back in November (with another referendum). … [Read more...]
Hanson inducted into Bowling Hall of Fame
A symbol of bowling in the Fillmore County area will now have her name permanently associated with the sport as her name is now listed in the Bowling Hall of Fame. Shelly Hanson, who owns B & B Olympic Bowl in Preston, Minn., with her husband Paul, says she was “shocked” when she found out on October 1, 2018, that she had been selected to be included in a very exclusive … [Read more...]
Drury’s owner receives award for sales tax advocacy
Drury’s Furniture co-owner Mike Drury was recently named Minnesota Retailers Association Advocate of the Year. He accepted the award October 9, but even amid the accolades, his focus remains on the work that was done and why it was needed. The award comes after two decades pushing for sales tax fairness for retailers, specifically as it relates to purchases made via mail order … [Read more...]
Chatfield teacher earns top award
When Nora Gathje received the Minnesota Science Teacher Association’s (MnSTA) award for Science Teacher of the Year, no one was surprised, especially her students. “Mrs. Gathje is a remarkable teacher,” said Izzy Berg, a sophomore at Chatfield High School. “She thoroughly explains the concepts of science to everyone who takes her classes. I know this firsthand. When I’m … [Read more...]
Lange’s Grocers opening in Mabel!
Excitement is building as Lange’s Grocers gets ready to open its doors in downtown Mabel on November 18. It’s been more than six years since the town has had a grocery store and residents are looking forward to shopping locally again. Lange’s Grocers is located at 110 N. Main Street in the former furniture store building. Bryce Lange is the person who is making this a … [Read more...]
Lanesboro considers possibility of combined facility
At their November 5 meeting, the Lanesboro City Council discussed the possibility of eventually combining the public works, ambulance, and fire departments into one large building. Representatives from each of those departments were present at the meeting to be included in the discussion. “As things grow and change, we just want to make sure we’re looking at what’s best for … [Read more...]
Sheriff’s Office looking for thieves
The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft from a pop machine that occurred at the Valley Wash Laundromat, in Spring Valley, Minn. The theft occurred in the early morning hours of Wednesday October 24. The suspects are believed to be a white male and white female, who can be viewed in the screenshot photos that are attached. The female, in the video but not … [Read more...]
County prepares for Election Day
On Thursday, November 1, 2018, the public was invited to witness and participate in the General Election Public Accuracy Testing of Election Equipment. Sherida Newgard, who serves as the Absentee Voter Clerk for Fillmore County, Minn., demonstrated how the equipment worked as it processed ballots. She has worked with the count A total of 18 test deck ballots from Bristol … [Read more...]