After learning about the devastation that Hurricane Harvey had inflicted on Texas, Preston native Tracy Raaen knew she had to do something. “I’m a teacher, and I’ve seen how many kids this has affected. This is something I’m very passionate about,” Raaen said. Raaen got some direction for how to help when she came across the Sun, Sand, & Second Grade Facebook page. … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Child Care Center expands to accommodate more families
“It’s been really exciting for me to finally be able to say yes when people call,” Lanesboro Child Care Center Director Heidi Brown said. Until the recent expansion of the center, she had to answer inquiries for childcare by telling them that she’d put them on the waiting list. Before the daycare was expanded, it was licensed to care for 11 infants, 14 toddlers, 35 … [Read more...]
Lanesboro local earns prestigious aviation scholarship
Childhood is the stuff dreams are made of and everyone envisions what they’ll one day become. For most, dreams change and life happens. It’s a rare few who stick to their ambitions and make them a reality. Layton Howerton, a Lanesboro Class of 2017 valedictorian, is taking his childhood dream and soaring. “I first became interested in aviation when I was little,” says … [Read more...]
Congressman Walz’s staff visits proposed veterans home sites
Thanks to Dave Goodmanson, Fountain, who called Congressman Tim Walz’s office last week, three of the congressman’s staff visited Fillmore County on August 15 for most of the day. Goodmanson called about the city’s wastewater facility discussed in another article in this paper. About three months ago Cathy Enerson, who is the EDA director for both Preston and Spring Valley, … [Read more...]
JAC’s reopens with new owners
After a few weeks of being closed for remodeling, JAC’s Bar & Grill in Chatfield, Minn., will soon be opening with new owners behind the tap and in the kitchen. Jamie and Robin Arthur of Rochester, Minn., purchased the business on July 10, 2017, and have been busy making changes and improvements since. When asked why they bought the business, Robin stated, “He’s always … [Read more...]
New business gives vibrant life to old storehouse
The perfect wine, brew, or cup of coffee takes time, patience, and skill to create. The vision for Lanesboro’s newest business was as thoughtfully put into motion. Tucked into the former 1932 Lanesboro Granary is The Granary, Coffee, Wine & Beer, where an inviting atmosphere, rustic industrial interior, and mouthwatering aromas beckon. Owners Kristen Asleson and Kimberly … [Read more...]
Root River Fest set to make big impact for Fillmore County
Later this summer, eager crowds will pack into the Fillmore County Fairgrounds in Preston for the first annual Root River Fest. Created by the Fillmore County Agriculture Society, the two-day weekend festival is the county’s first full-scale music festival and proceeds will benefit the Fillmore County Fair, including grounds and programs. It is “Founded on the roots of the true … [Read more...]
E2 Boutique opens in new location
A favorite shopping spot in Lanesboro, Minn., is open once again after moving to a new building right next door to their former location. Barb Soma, owner of E2 Boutique, states that, “The opportunity to buy the building,” was a motivating factor. By purchasing the building she could “make it the way we wanted to,” including adding “real dressing rooms,” she notes. The … [Read more...]
New employee has four legs and a big heart
The newest employee at Hoff Funeral Home wasn’t able to fill out an application, but he still got the job based on his people skills and big heart. Charlie is a therapy dog. This special seven-month-old labradoodle joined the Hoff staff in April as “Chief Comfort Officer,” providing comfort to grieving families at Hoff locations throughout Southeast Minnesota. “We heard … [Read more...]
Root River Outfitters under new ownership
Just as summer is in full swing and many people are enjoying time in the water, the new owners of Root River Outfitters in Lanesboro, Minn., are getting their feet wet as well. Caleb Rissman, along with his parents, Kevin and Holly Rissman, purchased the business because “it’s something Caleb has had an interest in for probably three or four years,” says Holly. They were … [Read more...]