After months of discussion and decisions on which playground equipment should be purchased for the playground at the Whalan softball field, the decision was made and approved by the city council at their April 13 meeting and the equipment will be ordered. Present at the meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe, Owen Lewis and … [Read more...]
Rushford Public Works and New Administrator Update Council
At the April 13 meeting, Public Works Director Roger Knutston spoke in details to the city council about both current and future department projects and goals for 2026. While many of the Public Works items, including are routine maintenance, there were areas that saw more discussion. The Rushford Area Historical Society has undertaken a large renovation project at the … [Read more...]
Harmony Begins Preparations for Annual 4th of July Celebration
The annual Local Board of Appeal and Equalization was held at the April 14 Harmony City Council meeting. Fillmore County Appraiser Stefan Holets reviewed the taxes and appeal process with the council, noting that property taxes are up about 2% in Fillmore County, but that Harmony is down approximately 4.5% overall. Residents were welcome to address concerns about their property … [Read more...]
Town Line Road Reconstruction Approved by Eitzen Council
The Eitzen City Council met in a regular session on April 14 and approved a quote from Dunn Blacktop for $106,965.50 to completely redo Town Line Road in Eitzen this summer. Town Line Road (Highway 76 to Portland Ave.) is scheduled for June and will be completed in time for the town’s annual 4th of July celebration. Mayor Jeff Adamson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. … [Read more...]
Controversial Event Ordinance, City Fees Top Concerns at SV Council Meeting
On Monday, April 13, the Spring Valley City Council began the night with a public meeting to review a proposed event ordinance. The ordinance was written by city attorneys at Dunlap Seeger after they were asked to review questions the council had about potential events on city property. “I just have some concerns,” councilor Luan Ruesink expressed. “I think it is really … [Read more...]
Creek in Peterson Named
At the April 14 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, a public hearing was held to consider the naming of an unnamed creek in Peterson. Gail Bernard-Boyum thanked the board for the hearing. It is appropriate to name the creek “Haslerud Creek” after the man that founded the town of Peterson. Milford Olson, a long time resident of Peterson, sent in a letter detailing the … [Read more...]
Beaver Bottoms Saloon Under New Ownership
Although there is a new owner of Beaver Bottoms Saloon in Fountain, Minn., she is a very familiar face to those who frequent the business. Kylie Ramsey, daughter of former proprietor Jody Wiza, officially took ownership of the bar and restaurant on February 1, 2026, although she has grown up working in the business. Jody opened Beaver Bottoms Saloon in 2018 as a … [Read more...]
College News
Graduates List Fall 2025 Luther College: Nicole Schultz, Fountain, Management and Accounting, Cum Laude South Dakota State: Connor Ruen, Lanesboro, Master of Science; Tanner Marquardt, Mabel, BS University of Minnesota Duluth: Jacob Marxhausen, Lanesboro, Civil Engineering BSCE University of Wisconsin-La Crosse: Blake Morrow, Caledonia, BS, Finance; Madeline … [Read more...]
Fostering Animals Has Been a Darr Family Effort
It all started by going to the animal shelter to just “pet cats” and quickly turned into fostering animals for the Darr family of Rushford, Minn., which includes parents Bruce and Tina, and children Daisy, Beatty, Gibson and Mannix. Several years ago, the family had just experienced the loss of their cat and didn’t necessarily want the commitment of having another cat as a … [Read more...]
3-2 Vote: Houston County Bans Rifles for Deer Hunting
The Houston County Board of Commissioners made a long-awaited decision regarding the Minnesota shotgun/rifle law at the board’s regular meeting on April 7. The vote was 3-2, with Commissioners Cindy Wright, Kurt Zehnder, and Greg Myhre voting in favor of the ban, and Commissioners Eric Johnson and Bob Schuldt voting against it. Clayton Johnson, Black Hammer Township; Dan … [Read more...]