OWATONNA, MN, October 14, 2019 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved six grants totaling $48,800 to support small towns of 5,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region. The Small Town Grant Program seeks to build sustainable and vibrant communities by engaging community members, enhancing existing leadership and creating opportunities for new … [Read more...]
Juvenile probation report
Travis Gransee, director of Dodge-Fillmore-Olmsted (DFO) Community Corrections, highlighted juvenile probation data at the October 22 county board meeting. Gransee pointed out that there was an increase in the number of juvenile clients in Fillmore County in 2019 (44 in 2018 and 51 in 2019). His data showed that there was a significant percentage decrease in both Dodge and … [Read more...]
Chatfield recognizes a remarkable citizen
At the October 14 Chatfield City Council meeting Mayor Russ Smith read a proclamation honoring one of the city’s own, Betty Lou Balcome. Smith listed the many contributions of leadership and service Balcome gave to the city over her lifetime. Betty Lou was one of the original fruitcake bakers of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and she continued to do that for over 50 years. … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton to recognize North Winn connection
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on October 15. All members were present (Mark Wiedemann, Jason Marquardt, Traci Livingood, Chris Miller, Principal Michelle Weidemann, high school Secretary Lynette Donald, Business Manager Aimee Lake, Superintendent Gary Kuphal, Diane Wilder, Board chair Cristal Adkins and Chris Loppnow). The board heard an appeal from … [Read more...]
Meet the Candidates: Daniel Hellerud Ostrander City Council
1. Tell us about yourself My name is Daniel Hellerud and I have lived in Ostrander for the past 25 years. I am married to my wife Stephanie and we have a daughter, Savannah. I grew up in the Spring Valley-Wykoff area and graduated from Wykoff Public School. I own a painting company in Rochester. 2. Why are you running for Ostrander City Council? I am running for the … [Read more...]
Meet the Candidates: Dorothy Billmeier Chatfield School Board
1. Tell us about yourself. I have been a Fillmore County licensed daycare provider since 2008. I have a three-star Parent Aware rating. My husband Tony and I have two sons. Dominic as well as myself are Chatfield Alumni and Dylan is a sophomore. My husband and I have lived in the same house here in Chatfield for over 20 years and I’m proud that my family has been in … [Read more...]
Meet the Candidates: Dustin Tollefsrud Mabel-Canton School Board
1. Tell us about yourself. I am a Mabel-Canton graduate of 2003. I have attended Western Technical College and Winona State. I live in Mabel with wife Kayla and my three kids: Rachelle, Raelynn, and Landen. 2. Why are you running for Mabel-Canton School Board? To help grow and develop the school district, that would allow the kids be successful after graduation. 3. … [Read more...]
Meet the Candidates: Jim O’Donnell Rushford City Council
1. Tell us about yourself. I am a 63-year-old lifelong resident of the City of Rushford. I an finishing up my first four-year term on the Rushford City Council. I am a member of the Rushford Lions Club and serve on the board with that organization. I also serve on the Rushford Community Foundation board and the Rushford Library Board. I have previously served for 12 years on … [Read more...]
Meet the Candidates: Rick Lowrey Chatfield School Board
1. Tell us about yourself. I’ve been married to my wife Lorri for nearly 22 years. We moved to Chatfield 15 years ago from Colorado in search of a small-town environment and a better education system to raise our children in. I am a father of three children: Jason (20), Maggie (19), and Aaron (17). I am a heavy-equipment operator by trade of the Local 49. 2. Why are you … [Read more...]
Meet the Candidates: Terri Benson Mayor, City of Rushford
1. Tell us about yourself. Being raised on a SE MN farm taught me to be kind, caring, responsible and giving. I carry those attributes by participating in communities I’ve lived in – the farm, college, metro cities and now, Rushford. My bachelor of science degree provided a doorway to my business career, which exposed me to a variety of communities and businesses which … [Read more...]