Uniting the Harmony area with a culture on the other side of the world, “Jottings from Japan” became a favorite column of area residents for many years. These columns told of the adventure of teaching at international schools - Cindy at the Sacred Heart and Doug at Saint Mary’s, which allowed this couple a unique understanding of the Japanese people and culture. After teaching … [Read more...]
Love for the universal language of music resonates in Fillmore County
Elliott Grandall has been privileged to have been introduced to a relationship with music his entire life. Now, in retirement, after many years of teaching in Kingsland Public Schools, Elliott is still actively engaged with music, sharing his vast knowledge and enthusiasm in Southeastern Minnesota. Elliott reflects, “In retrospect, I realize how incredibly blessed I have been … [Read more...]
Kingsland facility maintenance plan discussed
Kingsland school board held a regular session on July 19, with all members participating (Jackie Horsman, Kyle Rader, Natasha Howard, Gwen Howard, Maranda Emig, Pamela Freet, and Superintendent James Hecimovich). Also in attendance were Principal Scott Klavetter and Building & Grounds Director Jason Thompson. Business Manager Amber Herbrand participated via Zoom … [Read more...]
Geneva’s Hideaway — same name; new owners
As of May 1, Geneva’s Hideaway in Peterson has been under new ownership. May was already a busy month for new owners, Matt and Jenny Helgemoe; it was planting time for farmer Matt, while Jenny was busy wrapping up her 19th school year at Rushford-Peterson as a counselor. When the couple learned that previous owner Terry Highum was ready to sell Geneva’s, however, they decided … [Read more...]
Rushford Village quickly takes care of business
At a very short July 20, City of Rushford Village Council meeting, Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit presented the four new planning and zoning permits for CRV. Jeremy and Nicole Williams will be replacing a fence, Moonyeen Holle will be building a new garage, Darrel and Ellen Highum will be building a new house, and David and Marnie Brown will be reroofing and … [Read more...]
Mary Morem takes the helm at Houston Schools
Mary Morem attended her first Houston School Board meeting as the new superintendent July 15, 2021. During the Old Business section of the meeting, Mary addressed some of the items the board had chosen to wait to discuss with her. Morem opted to wait on a decision to hire an onsite instructional coach at this time. She wants to gather more information and knowledge of the … [Read more...]
Spring Valley preps for Ag Days
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on July 12 at city hall, with all members present (Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Greg Brooks, John Dols and Mayor Tony Archer). Also attending was City Clerk/Administrator Deb Zimmer. The council approved several requests for the upcoming Ag Days event, including a temporary liquor license (for the Chamber of … [Read more...]
Blood shortage continues: Red Cross needs donors now A thousand blood donations needed daily to prevent further delays in patient care
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, MN, July 13, 2021 — While donors across the country have rolled up a sleeve to give this summer, the need for blood remains crucial for patients relying on lifesaving transfusions. The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage and donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give now. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County discusses uses for Rescue Plan funds
The county’s allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is estimated to be about $4 million. At the July 13 board meeting County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reported that the first half of that funding has been received. The second half is expected to be received next year. The board reviewed a document prepared by the National Association of Counties (NACo) … [Read more...]
Houston County COVID-19 emergency declaration lifted
Commissioners Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert Burns, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre were all present at the July 13, 2021, meeting of the Houston County Commission. Chairman Burns called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. The meeting adjourned at 10:58 a.m. Staff present included Allison Wagner, board clerk/EDA; Donna Trehus, auditor/treasurer; Brian Pogodzinski, County … [Read more...]