By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension On average, nearly two dozen people are killed each year in the U.S. in grain entrapment incidents. Flowing grain is dangerous, and behaves much like quicksand. In four seconds, a full grown adult can sink knee deep from the suction of flowing grain. In just 20 seconds, they can be completely buried. The pressure of the … [Read more...]
Veterans home update highlights resident applications, staff recruitment
SEPTEMBER 26, 2022, ST. PAUL, MINN. – Preston Veterans Home advocates attended a virtual meeting with officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) on September 21 to receive an update on the future Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston. Construction continues on schedule for the facility that is located at 1112 Overlook Drive on a 15-acre bluff-top site … [Read more...]
Blood drive in Harmony collects 38 units
The blood drive held in Harmony on September 27, 2022, succeeded in collecting 38 units of blood. There were 40 donors presenting with one first-timer. Congratulations to these six donors who reached the following milestones: •Lynn Eich, 11 gallons •Mary Hershberger, 4 gallons •James Neppl, 9 gallons •JoAnn Runkel, 10 gallons •Emery C. Stutzman, 8 gallons •Mark Webber, 8 … [Read more...]
SMIF announces second Prosperity Initiative cohort of 2022
OWATONNA, MN, SEPTEMBER 28, 2022 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is pleased to announce the members of the second Prosperity Initiative cohort of 2022, a program which provides free coaching and training to minority entrepreneurs. Four entrepreneurs have joined the program. Prosperity Initiative clients commit to a six-month period of working directly with an … [Read more...]
Fillmore County approves preliminary 2023 budget/levy
Fillmore County Commissioners at their September 27 board meeting unanimously approved the preliminary budget and levy for 2023. The budget in the amount of $12,399,295 requires a 3.95% levy increase, or $471,533 more than in 2022. County Program Aid for 2023 will be $940,355, or $125,351 more than in 2022. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery noted recent adjustments that had … [Read more...]
Caledonia School District is off to a good start
By Kaitlin Longhauser Caledonia School Board members met in Caledonia Elementary School’s music room #162 on Monday, September 26, from 6-8 p.m. Board members present included Matt Blocker, Erin Hammell, Leigh King, Melissa Marschall, Daniel Small, Wendy Woyczik, and Spencer Yohe. The board approved the consent agenda and the minutes from the August 15 regular board meeting … [Read more...]
Mainspring Founder receives Fellowship
The founder and volunteer director of Caledonia’s art collaborative, Mainspring, Melissa Wray received word in August that she was selected for a two-year Rural Regenerator Fellowship through Springboard for the Arts. The Minnesota non-profit organization has a branch in Saint Paul and one in Fergus Falls. Fergus Falls oversees the Fellowship. According to the organization’s … [Read more...]
Rushford seeks airport engineering qualifications
The September 26 Rushford Council meeting held only one item of general business, which was unanimously approved. It provided authority to advertise a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for airport engineering and planning services. The process is required prior to the city entering into a master service agreement every five years. The current agreement with Mead & Hunt … [Read more...]
Celebrate fall in Spring Grove and Lanesboro
The Bluff Country’s vibrant fall palette of warm colors will be at its peak the second week of October. Plan a trip to Spring Grove’s annual fall celebration, Uffda Fest, on October 7 and 8 in Minnesota’s first Norwegian settlement and celebrate fall. The Giants of the Earth Heritage Center is hosting a Norsk Talent Show, late Friday afternoon and heritage classes throughout … [Read more...]
Houston County 6th graders explore their environment
The Root River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) sponsored the 6th Grade Environmental Day on Tuesday, September 20 at Winnebago Springs. The popular event founded by Spring Grove teacher Terry Nelson in 1997 has been held annually except in 2020 due to the pandemic. District Manager David Walter proudly shared, “This is the 25th anniversary.” The event has … [Read more...]