Just as many people in the area are able to get out and get a line wet, there is a new store in Lanesboro, Minn., that can help them improve their fish stories. Root River Rod Co. is now open in downtown Lanesboro, and not only are the owners and the business interesting, but the building which houses the new business has an intriguing history as well. Steve Sobieniak and … [Read more...]
Houston School Board considers new math program for fall 2017
The Houston Public School Board met at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2017 in the library of Houston Public High School. In attendance were Superintendent Abraham, along with Board Members Bonner, Wilson, Stillin, Krage, Evenson, and Carlson. Board Member Norlien arrived later in the meeting. Following the pledge, the board approved the agenda and opened the meeting for public … [Read more...]
New Rushford-Peterson school building nears completion
Although the school year is winding down, there is already much excitement and anticipation in the Rushford-Peterson school district for the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year by students, staff and community members as construction on their new school will soon be complete. Superintendent Chuck Ehler was gracious enough to give me a tour of the facility on Tuesday, … [Read more...]
County Board discusses veterans home proposal
Several veterans and Rep. Greg Davids attended the April 11 County Board meeting for a discussion regarding the proposal for a state veterans home to be located in Fillmore County. County EDA Director Sam Smith, Preston and Spring Valley EDA Director Cathy Enerson, and Rep. Davids lead the discussion. Smith explained the EDA is looking at the proposed veterans home from a … [Read more...]
The Owl Center has baby owls!
By Karla Bloem Executive Director International Owl Center Rusty and Iris came to live at the International Owl Center in 2010. Both of these Great Horned Owls had vision in only one eye, preventing them from being released to the wild. They were perfectly capable, however, of breeding in captivity. The Owl Center acquired permits for these owls to study Great Horned Owl … [Read more...]
Good Earth Village open house to be held April 30
Come to Good Earth Village for an open house on Sunday, April 30, from 2-5 p.m. The local camp and retreat center invites all ages to explore the 500 acres, participate in camp activities, and meet some of the very talented and well-trained staff that will be working at camp for the summer. “We cannot wait to introduce you to our incredible faith-based summer programs” says … [Read more...]
Winners announced in The Great Lanesboro Snow Art Challenge
Now that spring is here, it is a good time to take a look back at the winter we endured and enjoyed, including the results of The Great Lanesboro Snow Art Challenge. During this first annual event in Lanesboro, Minn., organizer David Applen states that people had fun, which is what it’s all about. Applen explains, “the reason I wanted to do this is because in the winter … [Read more...]
Local man purchases Preston Liquor, becomes his own boss
After driving by Preston Liquor for the past year and a half on his way to work at Crenlo in Rochester and thinking, “I should buy that,” Joe Lafreniere finally “called my own bluff,” as he put it, and signed an agreement to purchase the liquor store. Lafreniere officially closed the sale on March 27. Lafreniere grew up in Preston, but he, his wife Marsha, and their … [Read more...]
Longtime automotive hub sold to Rushford brothers
After more than 47 years in business and 55 years in the industry, Larry Dahl is moving on to the next chapter in his life. Proprietor of the long-standing Dahl’s Auto Works in Rushford, Dahl has secured new ownership for the business he fought hard to keep as notable business entity in the community. “Over the years since, we have had a few individuals interested, but … [Read more...]
Lt. Governor Smith tours POET
Lt. Governor Tina Smith visited POET in Preston on March 24 to learn more about advances and innovations in the production of ethanol and its effect on the economy. With a background in business, Smith was interested in how the state may be a better partner. General Manager Chris Hanson expressed his enthusiasm about the plant’s production of ethanol and related by products … [Read more...]