When Bremer Bank sent letters to their Houston customers in early January about their pending April 15 closure of their brick and mortar bank, it came as a complete surprise to many. Bremer Bank’s vice president of communications, Clarise Tushie, explained the move, “Like many others in the banking industry, we are seeing digital adoption accelerate throughout our footprint … [Read more...]
Interim-Superintendent Bruce Klaehn’s last Spring Grove School Board meeting
Spring Grove School Board members met in the school’s Learning Resource Center on Thursday, February 22, from 7-8:30 p.m. Board members present include Chairman Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Rhan Flatin, Aric Elton, and Kelly Rohland. Jenny Stender was absent. The board approved the consent agenda, including the agenda and the minutes from the January 13 regular board meeting … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central addresses damage from December storm
The Fillmore Central School Board met virtually at 7 a.m. on February 22 due to icy road conditions. Two bids from Niagara Builders were reviewed. One bid was to build a dugout and adjoining storage shed for the junior high baseball field. The vocational class had constructed a small storage shed at that location around five to seven years ago, but unfortunately, it was … [Read more...]
Preston begins process to hire new administrator
Preston said goodbye to its long serving City Administrator Joe Hoffman at the February 22 meeting. He has been with the city for 17½ years. Mayor Kurt Reicks congratulated him, “It has been great working with you,” as he presented Hoffman with a Key to the City. Hoffman will be leaving by the end of this week to take on his new job. Hoffman explained the city council could … [Read more...]
Thompson hopes Norwegian blood klub tradition will continue
The annual Norwegian Klub & Chili Feed took place at the Lanesboro American Legion in Lanesboro, Minn. on Saturday, February 19, with many people attending the rare occurrence of blood klub being served in Fillmore County. Finding klub in the area may get even more difficult according to organizer of the event, Robert Thompson, who is ready to hand over the reins to … [Read more...]
Contract negotiations to proceed for Fillmore County Jail
At the Fillmore County Board meeting held on February 22, it was decided by consensus to go forward with contract negotiations for the county jail. Three architectural firms had been interviewed February 17. Each firm was given about two hours to deliver their presentation and to answer questions. The committee composed of two commissioners, the sheriff, county administrator, … [Read more...]
Houston Council makes staffing decisions
At their regular monthly council meeting on February 14, the Houston City Council chose to keep the assistant librarian salary as had been decided in November. Any adjustment to the wages will need to be made in advance of the next budget cycle. Two individuals had been interviewed in the search for a Houston Nature Center assistant; one however withdrew from consideration and … [Read more...]
Follow Winneshiek County influencer Lydia Dawley
If you’re not, you should be following 25-year-old influencer, Lydia Grace Dawley. It is a lot of work to become a recognizable influencer, but Dawley is a natural influencer and makes it look easy. Google her name, and you will see entry after entry of what she has been up to since she moved from Winneshiek County. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary describes an influencer … [Read more...]
Whalan taking bids for garbage service
Prior to the regularly scheduled monthly Whalan council meeting on February 14, a public hearing was held at 4:45 p.m., to hear from the Murphy family regarding a proposal for a vacation for a portion of 2nd Avenue. Ben Ruberg, a member of the Murphy family, gave a brief presentation of the proposal, which was the fourth proposal from the Murphy family regarding the section … [Read more...]
Stress: Don’t let it manage your life Chronic excess stress doesn’t just ruin your day – it could ruin your health
By UNMC, Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, Omaha, NE There is a “healthful,” stimulating kind and level of stress. It’s called eustress. Susan Harris, University of Nebraska Extension Educator in Rural Health, Wellness, and Safety, says eustress assists in rising to a challenge. “For instance, if you have a son or daughter who’s getting married, … [Read more...]