On June 15, 2022, at approximately 11:47 a.m., a fast moving storm caused significant damage to area farms in Caledonia Township. Houston County dispatch originally received a report of as power line arching on a tree on County Road 10 in the area of Prairie Ridge Rd. Upon officer’s arrival to the area, it was discovered there was a significant amount of property damage in the … [Read more...]
Red Cross and Chatfield Fire Department to install free smoke alarms May 14
On Saturday, May 14, American Red Cross serving Southeast Minnesota, Chatfield Alliance, and Chatfield Fire Department will join together to install free smoke alarms for local families vulnerable to home fires during a Sound the Alarm event. This effort is part of a national Red Cross Sound the Alarm initiative to install 50,000 free smoke alarms in more than 50 at-risk … [Read more...]
Recycling 101 Hazardous waste disposal options
By Drew Hatzenbihler Solid Waste Administrator Fillmore County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection event is nearly here! This year’s event will be on Tuesday, May 3 from 11 a.m. until 3p.m. I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone of some helpful tips for this event and also to give you some other options for hazardous waste disposal that exist within the … [Read more...]
Give blood during National Minority Health Month Mini-health screening, gift card and chance at travel trailer camper for donors
April is National Minority Health Month — a time to raise awareness about health disparities that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority populations. The American Red Cross is reminding blood donors it’s critically important to maintain a stable blood supply this spring to support those with chronic illnesses and other blood needs in the U.S. Blood transfusions … [Read more...]
Fillmore County declares state of emergency
Emergency Manager/Deputy Don Kullot described the damage resulting from the April 12 storm at a special meeting of the Fillmore County Board held on April 19. Already, damage estimates that qualify for public assistance have exceeded the necessary threshold of $43,500 required by the state. Preliminary numbers from MiEnergy are at least $50,000. MiEnergy and other damages in … [Read more...]
Cub Scout Pack 53 food shelf donation drive a success
Cub Scout Pack 53 of the Rushford Peterson area recently held a food shelf donation drive, and is thankful for the generous donations to the Rushford Food Shelf. Pack 53 is also appreciative of the many area businesses that hosted donation cups to raise money. This donation drive raised $1,166.32 for the food shelf. … [Read more...]
Celebrate spring and help save lives by giving blood Red Cross T-shirt for those who come to give April 1-18
MANKATO, MN, March 22, 2022 – It’s officially spring! As the weather warms up and the latest COVID-19 surge continues to slow, many people are looking forward to meeting up with family and friends. At the start of this new season, the American Red Cross encourages the community to play an important role in helping save lives by making blood donation part of their spring … [Read more...]
Harmony to host bloodmobile on March 29
Harmony will be hosting a bloodmobile at the Harmony Community Center, 225 Third Avenue SW, from 1-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Donating is by appointment only, and masks will once again be required for all donors. If you don’t have one of your own, one will be provided by the Red Cross. All donors will be required to provide identification before donating, so please … [Read more...]
Cub Scouts collecting for Rushford Food Shelf
The Cub Scouts help the March food drive each year. Pack 53 of the Rushford/Peterson area will have cans to collect monetary donations at local businesses for the month of March. Donations can also be mailed to Rushford Food Shelf P.O. Box 549, Rushford, Minn. 55971. The Cub Scouts cannot gather food at neighborhood homes this year because of COVID. Food insecurity affects … [Read more...]
40th Annual Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign
“Food insecurity means access to adequate food is inconsistent and limited by a lack of money and other resources throughout the year. Food insecure households report their diets to be of reduced quality, variety, or desirability and/or experience disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake.” Semcac’s Rushford, Kasson, Preston and Caledonia Food Shelves served 921 … [Read more...]
Semcac offering free rides to/from vaccination appointments via new transportation program – Vax Van
Semcac is offering a new transportation program, to assist people with no-cost, reliable, safe rides to and from their vaccination appointments. To assist in getting southeastern Minnesotans vaccinated, Semcac requested grant funds from the MN Department of Human Services and was awarded the funding to purchase a van and launch the new program. The agency is using COVID relief … [Read more...]
Stress: Don’t let it manage your life Chronic excess stress doesn’t just ruin your day – it could ruin your health
By UNMC, Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, Omaha, NE There is a “healthful,” stimulating kind and level of stress. It’s called eustress. Susan Harris, University of Nebraska Extension Educator in Rural Health, Wellness, and Safety, says eustress assists in rising to a challenge. “For instance, if you have a son or daughter who’s getting married, … [Read more...]
Battle in Bluff Country Omnium bike ride expecting 200 riders
The Caledonia City Council met Monday, February 14, from 6:02-6:55 p.m. at city hall. Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members in attendance included Amanda Ninneman, Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder, David Fitzpatrick, and Brad Rykhus. Also present was City Clerk/Administrator Adam Swann. Council member Robert … [Read more...]
Over $3.5 million for school bus stop arm cameras Minnesota Department of Public Safety providing grants to 32 schools and transportation companies statewide
ST. PAUL — A child should never have to fear boarding a school bus or getting dropped off, but across Minnesota, motorists failing to stop for school buses are risking children’s lives. To change dangerous driving behaviors and keep students safe, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety is awarding more than $3.5 million in grants to 32 schools and … [Read more...]
Severe winter weather intensifies Red Cross blood crisis Hundreds of blood drives canceled due to storms
MINNEAPOLIS, February 8, 2022 — Severe winter weather has further complicated efforts to rebuild the national blood supply. The American Red Cross is asking people in areas unaffected by weather to schedule the earliest-available blood or platelet donation appointments in their community. Dangerous snow and ice conditions have contributed to over 600 blood drive … [Read more...]