By Trevor Garner Hello everyone. Many of you have no idea who I am. To most, I am just another kid at a high school. To others I am a friend to some. But today I am a writer talking about something very important to me. Kindness. Why did we lose it? You walk around town and you don’t hear people say good morning to one another, you have people scared and untrusting not … [Read more...]
Music speaks: Studio316 open in Preston
Ironic that a person so beloved for his writing would be known for this quote: “Where words fail, music speaks” – Hans Christian Anderson. And yet, for those who have been profoundly moved by music this sentiment rings true. There are times when music can communicate what ordinary speech cannot, and in so doing it gives us a medium to express ourselves. In Preston, Minn., there … [Read more...]
Chatfield board revises COVID-19 plan
At the November 10 school board meeting, Josh Thompson, Matt McMahon, Tom Keefe, Jill Harstad, Katie Priebe and Lanny Isensee were present as well as principals Shane McBroom and Eric Nelson, Superintendent Ed Harris, and Trista O’Connor, business manager. During district patron time, Elizabeth Fuglestad asked the board to reconsider the guidelines for students who are … [Read more...]
2021 Preston Area Community Foundation’s Give to the Max Day
“Give to the Max Day” is Minnesota’s statewide day of giving, and this will be PACF’s 10th consecutive year of participation. First State Bank of Fountain and F&M Community Bank will contribute matching funds. The first $1,000 donated by Fountain residents and businesses will be matched by the First State Bank of Fountain. F&M Community Bank and Dan Christianson will … [Read more...]
Fillmore County broadband expansion proposals
Three broadband providers outlined their proposals at the Fillmore County board’s November 9 meeting. The county has received $4.2 million in American Recovery Act funding. Broadband providers are looking for a portion of this funding to support broadband projects within the county. Much of Fillmore County is still underserved. Corey Hauer, LTD Broadband, said they have … [Read more...]
Rushford council reelected
The first order of business at the November 8 Rushford City Council meeting was canvassing of election results. Mayor Terri Benson will remain at the helm for another two-year term, as will councilors Andrew Linder and Sally Ryman for their four-year terms. All ran unopposed. The council also took action in renewing governmental accounting standards, initially adopted in 2011. … [Read more...]
USDA funding available to help low-income individuals and families buy or repair homes
USDA Rural Development has funding available 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 one … [Read more...]
Canton Council approves increase to water, sewer rates
The Canton City Council discussed the need to increase water and sewer rates during its meeting on Wednesday evening, November 10. The topic has been discussed at several past meetings with Clerk Brock Bergey and Utility Committee members, Josh Nordsving and Cindy Shanks, looking at options for meeting the city’s needs while still being sensitive to what the residents can … [Read more...]
Harmony Council hears suggestion for a gym refresh
Harmony resident Cindy Ofstedal addressed the city council at their November 9 meeting to ask them to consider the condition of the gymnasium at the Community Center. She is a member of an exercise group that meets there and the group has noticed that the gym could use new paint, deep cleaning, and some updating for the stage. If the council is going to tackle the project, they … [Read more...]
Ostrander switching to Sunshine Sanitation
During the November 4 Ostrander City Council meeting, the council considered the bids from Sunshine Sanitation and Waste Management to provide solid waste and recycling services for the city. The current contract with Waste Management runs through April 2022. In comparing the bids and prices from Sunshine Sanitation and Waste Management, Wendy Brincks said, “They run neck and … [Read more...]