ST. PAUL, MN, December 22, 2021 – As holiday celebrations continue, concern is rising for the nation’s blood supply, which has now dipped to concerning levels and could force hospitals to hold off on essential blood and platelet transfusions for patients. Historically low blood supply levels not seen in more than a decade persist for the American Red Cross, which supplies … [Read more...]
Rushford sees opportunities for better communication
The last meeting of 2021 (December 27) for the Rushford Council was largely a follow-up on the city’s final levy and the annual performance review for City Administrator Tony Chladek. This was his fifth year with the city. Mayor Terri Benson kicked off the discussion noting she’d compiled the comments and concerns from the individual performance reviews done by herself and … [Read more...]
Preston DMV changes hands
After 53 years of the Reicks family owning and operating the Reicks Auto License Bureau, the torch has been passed. On December 1, 2021, Sean and Bethany Feind officially took ownership of the office. “Hands were shook and papers were signed,” Sean said, adding that Kurt Reicks has still been popping in to check on things as Sean transitions to his new role as a small business … [Read more...]
Managing stress and grief caused by big storms, tree loss and climate change
By Angela Gupta, UMN Extension Forester and Emily Krekelberg, UMN Extension Educator-Farm Safety and Health ROCHESTER, MN, 12/16/2021 - The news has been filled with the sights and sounds of devastating tornadoes in Kentucky. Then last week Minnesota was battered by record-breaking high winds after record-breaking high temperatures. This weather is not normal and is one … [Read more...]
USDA funding available to help low-income individuals and families buy or repair homes
USDA Rural Development has funding availabile for very low- and low-income individuals and families seeking to purchase or repair a home in a rural area. The Direct Home Loan program offers financing to qualified very-low and low-income applicants that are unable to qualify for traditional financing. No down payment is required, and the interest rate could be as low as 1% … [Read more...]
COVID vaccine requirements and testing discussed by Houston County Commissioners
The Houston County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 10:16 a.m. Commissioners in attendance included Chairman Bob Burns, Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre via Zoom. Chairman Burns called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led the commissioners and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton rejects bid on mechanical project
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on December 21. All members except Traci Livingood were present. Superintendent Gary Kuphal explained the situation regarding bids on the mechanical portion of the school’s ongoing facilities project. Kuphal stated, “We as a Facilities Committee met… the bids were opened. All of the other bids were in line… right where … [Read more...]
College News
Fall 2021 Graduation List • Minnesota State University-Mankato: Brandon Ebnet, Chatfield, BS, Sport Management; Reid Buschmann, Grand Meadow, BS, Accounting; Aaron Eversole, Lanesboro, BS, Accounting, Magna Cum Laude; Ashley Himli, Preston, BS, Psychology, Magna Cum Laude and BS, Dance, Magna Cum Laude; Tracy Agrimson, Rushford, MS, Special Education; Nicholas Anderson, … [Read more...]
Spring Grove residents pack the city council meeting
Mayor Solberg called the regular meeting of the Spring Grove City Council to order at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 21, from 6-7:39 p.m. at the Spring Grove Communication meeting room 100. Mayor Scott Solberg recognized the large audience and thanked them for attending and their interest in city government. The meeting agenda was unanimously approved. All council members … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School tax levy decreases 5.38%
Spring Grove School Board members met Monday, December 20, in the school’s Learning Resource Center from 7 p.m. to 8:24 p.m. Board members present, Chairman Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Rhan Flatin, Aric Elton, Kelly Rohland, and Jenny Stender. Aric Elton was not in attendance. Chairman Solum welcomed Interim Superintendent Bruce Klaehn. Klaehn is filling in for Rachael … [Read more...]