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...]
Get Squirrelly with Surly at Lanesboro’s first pub crawl
Amid the rise and popularity of distinctive craft beers, Lanesboro is riding the wave in effort to both promote those smaller-scale breweries, as well as its own drinking establishments. April 1 will see a flurry of activity in the city as it hosts its first pub crawl. “This event began as an experience that will continue to promote craft beer into corners of Minnesota where … [Read more...]
Jim Cooper EMS Foundation presents check to Caledonia Volunteer Ambulance Service
At the March 17-18 Southeast EMS Conference, held at the Mayo Civic Center, John Cooper, son of Jim Cooper, presented a check to Mike Tornstrom of the Caledonia Ambulance Service, as a donation from the Jim Cooper EMS Foundation. Jim Cooper, long time ambulance director in Spring Valley, died in September 2016. His legacy of dedication to serving others lives on, as his family … [Read more...]
A music concert event in Preston
Doug Lind, Fillmore County Fair Board, discussed plans to hold a music concert at the fairgrounds on Saturday, August 12. Councilman David Collett was absent at this March 20 meeting. City Administrator Joe Hoffman reported that he met with Lind, Mayor Kurt Reicks, and Police Chief Matt Schultz last week to discuss the planned concert and the city’s ordinance that regulates … [Read more...]
Summer internships Harmony’s golden opportunity
By Julie Little “What’s the difference between a job and an internship?” was the opening question posed by Jan Bigalk, member of the Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce and coordinator of this summer’s new internship program. She addressed several Harmony business owners with an interest in providing internships at a “Teach and Learn” session on March 7. “With a job,” she … [Read more...]
Two Lanesboro students declared Mayor for the Day
Two Lanesboro Public School students were recognized in the “Mayor for the Day” essay contest sponsored by the League of Minnesota Cities. Fourth grader Isaac Snyder was selected as one of the three winners in the contest and sixth grader Peyton Olson received an honorable mention. Isaac was unable to attend the Lanesboro City Council meeting on the evening of March 6, but … [Read more...]
Ostrander police service options discussed
The Ostrander City Council met on March 7 with all council members present (Erin Volkart, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, Clerk Chris Hyrkas, Heidi Jones, and DJ Start). The bulk of the meeting was spent on the topic of how to replace Police Chief Tom Mosher when he retires later this year. Essentially, the city appears to have two options: hire an individual officer to work as … [Read more...]
Kiera Olson named a Region One A “AAA” award winner
Kiera Olson of Fillmore Central High School and Bryant Gernes of Winona Cotter High School have been named the Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award (AAA) winners for Region One A for 2017. Established in 1988, the Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award (AAA) is sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League. The award goes to high school seniors with a 3.0 or higher … [Read more...]