At the November 23 Chatfield City Council meeting, Deborah and Frederick Gerlach were recognized with the 2020 Heritage Preservation Award. Each year during Preservation Month (October) someone who has contributed to the restoration and preservation of Chatfield’s history is selected to be honored with this award. The recognition this year was for the couple’s donation of … [Read more...]
R-P sets guidelines for determining learning model
The Rushford-Peterson School District notified families of students that they would be moving to full-time distance learning November 7 following an increase in COVID-19 cases within Fillmore County, particularly in Rushford. Now, the district is setting guidelines for determining which learning model to use going forward. The guidelines are flexible, based on a specific set of … [Read more...]
Rushford considers potential land purchase
While the November 23 council meeting agenda was shorter than usual, it did comprise two items requiring a move to a closed meeting that likely garnered quite a bit of discussion. Up first was the potential purchase of the Farmers Win Cooperative properties in downtown Rushford. The cooperative merged with Farmers Co-op Elevator in 2018 and began selling equipment on the … [Read more...]
Houston Schools’ World’s Best Workforce Hearing
The World’s Best Workforce Hearing was sandwiched between portions of the regular Houston School Board meeting on November 19. Superintendent Krin Abraham presented an abbreviated slideshow presentation via Zoom to the board. Missing from the slideshow were graphs and charts of MCA spring results data since no MCAs were taken this past spring. Abraham assured the board that … [Read more...]
Grand Meadow announces Structure and Façade, Improvement Forgivable Loan Program
Businesses in Grand Meadow will now be able to apply for financial assistance to repair, preserve, and update commercial properties within the city limits. A newly created Structure and Façade, Improvement Forgivable Loan Program sets aside a total amount of $45,000 that allows for external maintenance and repairs to existing commercial structures. “Grand Meadow has some … [Read more...]
Grain handling safety: priceless practices
By UNMC, Central States - Center for Agricultural, Safety and Health, Omaha, NE Grain is valuable, but lives are worth much more In the process of handling grain, producers are exposed to a range of safety hazards both during harvest and once the grain is stored. Jess McCluer, vice-president of Safety and Regulatory Affairs at the National Grain and Feed Association (NFGA), … [Read more...]
Fillmore County open by appointment only; closes doors to walk-in public
At the Fillmore County Board’s November 24 meeting, Commissioner Duane Bakke reported that the COVID cases in Fillmore County have more than doubled in the last couple of weeks. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery admitted there have been COVID cases among the staff or staff that has had contact with COVID positive individuals, requiring some staff members to quarantine. She … [Read more...]
Lanesboro school to see significant savings with installation of solar panels
At the November 19 Lanesboro School Board meeting, which was held with social distancing measures, Superintendent Matt Schultz informed the board that the solar panels on the gym at the school should be installed by the end of the year and will supply a significant portion of the school’s energy, saving an estimated $60,000-$75,000 a year in energy costs. Board member and city … [Read more...]
Six public hearings on CUP applications/variances
The Fillmore County Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment worked through a busy agenda at their November 19 meetings. Four Condition Use Permit (CUP) applications were brought forward for public comment. Caleb Benson, section 27 Newburg Township, requested that five acres of property, located on the north side of Mabel, be rezoned from Agricultural to B1 (General … [Read more...]
Commonweal Theatre offers original radio play for the holiday season
LANESBORO, MN — As a response to and in compliance with state and federal guidelines associated with COVID-19 precautions, the Commonweal Theatre in historic Lanesboro has remained closed since the end of March and will proceed as such for the remainder of the year. During this period, Commonweal leadership along with its professional resident ensemble members, and board of … [Read more...]