OWATONNA, MN – August 30, 2021 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is pleased to announce the members of the 2021 Prosperity Initiative cohort, a program which provides free coaching and training to entrepreneurs who identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color (BIPOC). Seven business owners from four different communities have joined this year’s cohort. SMIF … [Read more...]
Chatfield Public Library undergoes renovations
It all started on February 15, 1911 when Chatfield resident Medora Morrill proposed to the Commercial Club that a public library be opened in Chatfield at the public Rest Room. She was given the go-ahead to form a committee which collected 1,000 donated books, allowing the library to open to the public less than a month later on March 9, 1911. Just two years later, the … [Read more...]
Recycling 101 Hazardous Waste Day collection guidelines
By Drew Hatzenbihler Solid Waste Administrator With the cooler weather it means it’s time for another Fillmore County Hazardous Waste Collection. This year’s event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. While life is starting to look more like it did in 2019, things will still look a bit different at this year’s hazardous waste collection. Guidelines … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School holds Youth Mental Health First Aid training for staff
The Spring Grove Public School board met Monday, September 20 in the school’s Learning Resource Center, from 7-7:45 p.m. Board members in attendance were Vice-Chairman Stephanie Jaster and Directors Kelly Rohland, Rhan Flatin, Jenny Stender, and Aric Elton. Absent was Chairman Aaron Solum. Vice-Chairman Jaster called the meeting to order. The board unanimously approved the … [Read more...]
Lanesboro proclaims third week of September as “Welcoming Week”
During the city council meeting on September 7, 2021, the Lanesboro Council approved a proclamation designating the third week of September as “Welcoming Week.” “Welcoming Week 2021,” a nationwide initiative of Welcoming America, helps communities celebrate unity and togetherness. Lanesboro joined the fun this year with special events held on Wednesday, September 15, … [Read more...]
State grants for Hokah and La Crescent
ST. PAUL – State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) announces that the cities of Hokah and La Crescent are among the 32 recipients of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) grants. “I congratulate these cities and the department for working together in securing these grants,” Davids said. “This … [Read more...]
History Grant appropriations in southeastern Minnesota announced
ST. PAUL – State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) said he was pleased to learn a pair of local projects have received funding through history grants from Minnesota Legacy appropriations from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. “It’s great to learn that local and state officials were able to collaborate and make this funding happen,” Davids said. “Congratulations to the … [Read more...]
Houston School Board: Parents bring quarantine questions
Concerned parents filled the audience at the regular Houston School Board meeting on September 16. Only a few weeks into the school year, quite a few students have been quarantined due to close contact with a positive case of COVID. The parents had expected to be added to the evening’s agenda. Chairman Tom Stilin suggested that they ask the questions they want answered. The … [Read more...]
Lanesboro school staff adapt to record number of students
The Lanesboro School Board met on September 16. Board members Sarah Peterson and Steve Snyder were not present. Superintendent Matt Schultz reported that the 2021-22 school year was off to a good start. “It’s nice to be in a finished building,” he commented. Transportation is also going well with buses running at full capacity. The school is still in need of bus drivers though. … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton updates COVID guidelines
The Mabel-Canton school board met in regular session on September 21. In attendance were Mark Wiedemann, Jason Marquardt, Traci Livingood, Cristal Adkins, Chris Miller, Superintendent Gary Kuphal, Diane Wilder, and Dustin Tollefsrud. Lisa Halverson, Aimee Lake, and Michelle Wiedemann also participated. Matt McClimon (student representative to the board) was unable to … [Read more...]