Kailor Gary Grotegut Kailor Gary Grotegut was born February 11, 2024, weighing 7 pounds 15 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long. Proud parents are Krayton Grotegut and Andrea Nolan of Waukon, Iowa. Grandparents are Gary and Deanna Nolan of Harmony, Minn., and Craig Grotegut of Waukon, Iowa. Great-grandma is Lynn Larson of Chatfield, Minn. … [Read more...]
Rushford Getting New Public Transit Bus
At the February 26 meeting, the Rushford Council welcomed Rolling Hills Transit Director of Transportation Manager Bill Spitzer. He attended the meeting to discuss the program, Rushford bus details, area community details on ridership, services provided, funding needs, and plans. Spitzer hit on reasons why public transit is critical, including accessibility, affordability, … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Upgrades 911 Phone System
Sheriff John DeGeorge, Emergency Management director Don Kullot, and Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) manager Jon Whitney addressed the county board at their February 27 meeting. They requested approval to purchase the Vesta Next Generation 911 phone system to make the county Next Generation 911 compliant. The one-time cost for system setup in the amount of $40,283.61 … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Kids Celebrate “I Love to Read Month”
At the February 27 Fillmore Central school board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad reported that I Love to Read Month is wrapping up. The students experienced fun events and programs, dress up days and more to celebrate over the month of February. Thanks were extended to the Preston Fire Department for their donation that will allow each student to receive a free book at the … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Meeting Short on Attendance
In an unusual turn of events, neither Caledonia Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder nor former Mayor Robert (Bob) Burns could recall a time when the Caledonia City Council lacked a quorum for a council meeting. However, on Monday evening, February 26, 2024, it happened. With only the mayor and Councilmember David Fitzpatrick present, the council found itself without the required … [Read more...]
Chatfield Approves Updates for Wastewater Treatment Facility
At the February 26 meeting of the Chatfield city council, Steve Schlichter, WWTF superintendent, explained the current UV disinfection system is 18 years old and parts are no longer available and/or difficult to find. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. Schlichter recommended the lower of two quotes submitted by Great Northern Environmental in the amount of $145,000 for … [Read more...]
Journal Wins 17 Awards at MNA Convention
At the 157th annual convention held in Brooklyn Center, Minn., in early February, the Journal staff raked in 17 awards in the categories of news reporting, advertising excellence, and online presence. Judges evaluated each newspaper compared to others of the same size circulation in the State of Minnesota, awarding first, second and third place winners in each … [Read more...]
Rushford Village Maintenance Work Continues
At the February 20 meeting, the Rushford Village Council learned from Public Works Supervisor that upgrades for the maintenance shed are nearing completion. The budget for 2024 includes $20,000 for it and projected work includes blown-in insulation, steel and equipment rental for the insulation. Estimates included for insulation and accessories were $8,532, while steel walls … [Read more...]
Preston Approves CUP for Vacation Rental
The Preston City Council, at their February 20 meeting, continued the discussion that began during the Planning Commission meeting, regarding a conditional use permit (CUP) application submitted by Pauline Orban to use her single-family home for boarding and lodging. The Planning Commission held a public hearing prior to the council meeting and recommended approval of the … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton’s Kuphal Not Giving Up
At the February 20 Mabel-Canton School Board meeting, Superintendent Gary Kuphal updated the board on the latest interactions with Decorah School District. Decorah declined to meet with the Mabel-Canton full board as Kuphal had requested in a recent letter sent to all Decorah board members. “They have resisted any effort so far,” Kuphal explained. Kuphal stated that … [Read more...]