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...]
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...]