The Lanesboro School Board heard concerns about the current semester test policy from the public at their November 12 regular board meeting. Jeff Lepper, who has three children in Lanesboro Schools and is an educator himself, said he supports semester tests, but feels that they should not be used as a punishment for missing school. Lepper declared that nothing new was being … [Read more...]
Chatfield Discusses Quarterly Financial Report
At the November 10 meeting of the city council, City Administrator Michele Peterson pointed out concerns in the third quarter financial report. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. Peterson maintained, “We are doing well as anticipated with the budget.” No action is recommended with Library Operations, Fire Operations, and Ambulance Operations. Community Development Operations … [Read more...]
Whalan Council Gratefully Accepts Donation
The Whalan City Council gratefully received a $200 donation from the Root River Community Church during the November 10 council meeting held at the Whalan Town Hall. Present at the meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe, Owen Lewis (via Zoom) and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also in … [Read more...]
Chatfield Board Approves Contracts and 2026-27 School Calendar
At the November 12, 2025 school board meeting, board members David Sovinski, Katie Priebe, Tom Keefe, Josh Thompson, Jill Harstad and Mark Johnsrud were present. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, elementary principal, Shane McBroom, and high school principal, Eric Nelson attended remotely. Student senate representatives Zaylee Boyum and Kylie Sinn were also … [Read more...]
Caledonia Welcomes Four New Teachers
Four new teachers joined the staff at Caledonia Public Schools this year. They are Nicole Meyer, Maria Inglefield, Kailee Olerud, and Liza Bruce. Meet Nicole Meyer Nicole Meyer grew up in Winona and graduated from Winona Senior High School in 2020. After high school she attended Winona State University. She started her teaching career at Dover Eyota High School as a … [Read more...]
DEED Announces 7 Grant Recipients for Growing Careers Program
ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded $2.4 million to seven local partners to develop and implement agriculture-focused workforce training programs for the Growing Careers initiative. “Minnesota farms are facing new challenges because of policies coming out of the federal government,” said DEED Commissioner Matt … [Read more...]
Houston Considers Course Equivalency Offerings
Michael Mangan, director of Educational Success and Innovation, and Kelsey Harvey, Minnesota Virtual Academy (MNVA) teacher, addressed the Houston School Board at their regular meeting November 6 about the possibility of offering course equivalencies at both MNVA and onsite at Houston. Course equivalencies would offer alternative classes that would satisfy graduation … [Read more...]
Is Your Medicare Advantage Plan Discontinued for 2026?
As of January 1, 2026, certain Medicare Advantage plans will no longer be available. If you are affected, you should have been notified through a letter sent by your insurance provider. Unfortunately, there will be less Medicare Advantage plans to pick from, along with higher premiums for some Minnesotans. You will not be losing Medicare; you have other options that will … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Moving Ahead with Comprehensive Plan
During the public comment portion of the November 3 Lanesboro City Council meeting, Jon Buggs noted that Tara Johnson recently celebrated 15 years as library director of the Lanesboro Public Library. Peter and Vicki Torkelson both spoke about the lack of proper procedure taken at the October council meeting to appoint the newest library board member. Vicki also noted her … [Read more...]
New Rushford-Peterson Teachers
Rushford-Peterson Schools had five new teachers join the staff this year. Taylor Allen, kindergarten; Belle Berg, fourth grade; Jodi Monerson, K-4th grade music; Grace Dahl, grades 9-10 math; and Robbie Strand, MSHS business and head football coach. Taylor Allen, the new kindergarten teacher, used to always play school with her siblings growing up. During COVID, Taylor … [Read more...]