In 2007, prior to the collapse of the economy during the financial crisis that led to a worldwide recession, there was a spike in births. The following year, births fell back to what was considered a normal trend. This became a historical point of reference because exactly 50 years prior, in 1957, America recognized the peak of the Baby Boom. There were 4,316,233 births … [Read more...]
Chatfield Accepts LMC Grant
The Chatfield City Council sped through a very short agenda at their May 5 meeting. A grant (Grant Navigation Program) was accepted in the amount of $5,000 from the League of Minnesota Cities. This is a pilot program. The grant is to be used with industry partners to help identify matching funds for a city project and aid in grant application projects. The city’s potential … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Deals with Jail Project Delay
At the May 6 county board meeting, Sheriff John DeGeorge received approval to house inmates temporarily in Winona County, when necessary to keep the jail project on track. The new jail facility is ready to go except for the phone system migration which is being held up by Lumen Tech. Lumen plans to do the project by September. The Motorola portion of the project is pushed … [Read more...]
Fountain Ponders Compliance at Park
At the May 7 meeting, the Fountain Council welcomed Kent Skaar, Natural Resources Program Consultant, and Louise Thompson, from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), State Parks and Trails Division. The discussion centered on making Americans with Disabilities Act access at the city park, at the Fountain trail head for the Root River State Trail, particularly creating … [Read more...]
PHS Annual Update
Preston Historical Society president Sheila Craig updated the city council on its activities at the city council’s May 5 meeting. The highlight is the beginning of the construction of the Preston Depot Museum and Riverfront Center which began on April 1, 2025. After the demolition of the interior, reconstruction has begun. The roof will be shingled later this week. Craig … [Read more...]
Bollig Engineering Presents Wastewater Treatment Options for Brownsville
Brownsville City Council members met Wednesday, May 7 at the Brownsville Community Center. Mayor Jean Meyer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Meyer, Pam Walhovd, Bill Fitzpatrick and David Prestby. Councilor Barb Hurley was absent. City employees present were City Clerk Steve Schuldt, City Treasurer … [Read more...]
Houston County Sets Date for Public Input on Commercial Solar Ordinance
At the May 6 Houston County Commission meeting, it was announced that a public hearing will be held on Thursday, May 22, at 6:40 p.m. in the county commissioners’ room at the historic courthouse. The hearing, part of the Planning Commission meeting, aims to gather input from county residents and businesses regarding the proposed commercial solar ordinance. MiEnergy Vice … [Read more...]
CRV Searches for Seasonal Help
After advertising for a high school graduate for seasonal work and getting no applicants, the city of Rushford Village decided to change the job description and re-advertise the position. CRV is now searching for applicants who are 16 or older with a valid driver’s license. The summer employee would mow and do light maintenance for CRV. While a young worker would not be … [Read more...]
Ostrander Council Discusses Pickleball, Cleanup, and Yard Violations
The Ostrander City Council met for its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Stephanie Start called the meeting to order with all council members present, including DJ Start, Dan Hellerud, Jimmie Dean, and Lyn Massey-Mills. City Clerk Wendy Brincks was also in attendance. During the public comment portion of the meeting, a resident asked the council to … [Read more...]
Veterans, Community Gather for Tradition and Tribute at 18th Annual Military Ball
Veterans representing all branches of the military from Southeast Minnesota gathered at the 18th Annual Military Ball on Saturday evening, April 26, at the Fest Building in Spring Grove. The event, steep in history and tradition, welcomed approximately 120 attendees, including veterans, their spouses, and members of the public. Col. Fuller’s speech focused on … [Read more...]
Houston Ambulance Celebrates 60 Years
On April 26, the Houston community came together in a remarkable display of unity to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Houston Community Ambulance. The festivities began with a group photo of current ambulance crew members and a visit from Mayor Scott Wallace, who presented a commemorative plaque, marking the occasion with gratitude from the community. Residents of all … [Read more...]
Rushford Plans Council Work Session
At the April 28 meeting, the Rushford Council nailed down a date and protocol for an upcoming work session. The goal is for the council to discuss specific topics in-depth. Built off the original session in January and further discussion at the last meeting, the work session will be incorporated as an item of business rather than replace one regularly scheduled meeting all … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Okays Planning and Goal-Setting Session
During its regular meeting on April 28, the Caledonia City Council approved a strategic planning and goal-setting session to be held in early summer. The strategic planning session will be facilitated by Phil Kern, administrator for the city of Delano, who brings extensive experience in municipal government and has led strategic planning initiatives for numerous cities. City … [Read more...]
R-P Seeks Community Members to Serve On Committee
At their April 28 meeting, the Rushford-Peterson School Board unanimously voted to proceed with exploring the possibility of a future building project. The staff has already had input on future needs at the school; now it’s time for the public to share their input. Superintendent Dr. Ben Bernard has already reached out on Facebook asking for people willing and interested to … [Read more...]
Gateway Cafe Fire in Wykoff
At approximately 11 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, the Wykoff Fire Department was alerted to a structure fire at the Gateway Cafe in downtown Wykoff, Minn. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the restaurant will be closed for the foreseeable future. Spring Valley Fire Department provided mutual aid with Spring Valley EMR and the Fillmore County Sheriff’s … [Read more...]