At its October 26 meeting, the Rushford City Council unanimously supported a recommendation from the Economic Development Authority (EDA) for a Jump Start loan and revolving loan fund application by 116 West Jessie, LLC. The company, owned by Kelle and Keith Dencker, is seeking funding to support the acquisition of the building at 116 West Jessie Street, formerly home to Jessie … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Welcomes New Teachers with a Passion for Learning
Spring Grove Public Schools is welcoming new faces to its classrooms this school year, including two teachers who bring a love of learning, a passion for their subjects, and commitment to helping students succeed. Claire Bratland has returned to her hometown to teach first grade, while Ian Zahren joins the school’s music department, bringing 15 years of experience in … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Approves Purchase Agreement with City of Preston
At the regular October 27 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad noted that the Facility Committee has been meeting to review the potential purchase agreement with the City of Preston. The agreement will allow the city to purchase land at the elementary site to build a new swimming pool for Preston. Superintendent Olstad extended congratulations to … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Requests State Disaster Assistance
Emergency Manager Jason Harmening asked the county board at their October 27 meeting to consider the submission of a letter to Governor Tim Walz requesting state disaster assistance for damage resultant of the September 18 flood event. Beginning on September 18 there were repeated heavy thunderstorms across all of the county. The State Preliminary Damage Assessment conducted … [Read more...]
Houston County Board Approves Watershed District Reappointments, New Staff Hire
The Houston County Board of Commissioners met October 27 at the historic courthouse, approving routine business and consent agenda items, including reappointments to the Crooked Creek Watershed District and a gambling permit for the Gopher State Sportsman’s Club. Routine Business Chairman Greg Myhre called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. Commissioners Cindy Wright, Eric … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… I’m Looking Forward to November 4
Get out and vote. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to participate in the process. Interestingly, I was thinking about the impact of each person’s vote in a smaller population like most of our rural communities. At a local level, especially, each person’s vote equals a higher percentage of value compared to large scale elections. So, the impact of your vote for candidates … [Read more...]
Chatfield Wastewater Treatment Facility Plan
At the October 26 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, Maria McCarty, civil engineer at Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc., presented the plan to update the wastewater treatment facility. Mayor John McBroom and councilors Pam Bluhm and Mike Urban were absent. The plan was presented during a public hearing to get public comment before it will be submitted to the Minnesota … [Read more...]
Caledonia City Council Approves 12-Month Data Center Moratorium
At the October 26 regular meeting, the Caledonia City Council approved Ordinance 2026-02, establishing a moratorium on data centers within the city. City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson noted that the 12-month moratorium could be lifted before the 12 months expires. However, he expects the planning commission will need the full 12 months to study data centers and develop a … [Read more...]
Measles cases in Minnesota hit highest total in 36 years
Health officials advise getting vaccinated for maximum protection The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today reported that the number of measles cases in Minnesota for 2026 has reached a total of 80 cases — the most the state has seen in a single year since 1990. Health officials are stressing that now is the time for people to check their vaccination status and make sure … [Read more...]
Chatfield Education Foundation’s 4th Annual Live and Silent Auction Set for November 21
The Chatfield Education Foundation (CEF) will host its 4th annual fundraising event on Saturday, November 21, 2026, bringing the community together in support of students and educational opportunities in Chatfield. Now in its fourth year, the event has become an opportunity for community members, local businesses and supporters to come together while raising funds that benefit … [Read more...]









