Ron Schara and his black labrador retriever, Raven have been a staple on the Minnesota television airwaves since 1995. His show, Minnesota Bound, has showcased many of the favorite outdoor pastimes and destinations of the state, sharing them with its many fans. Recently, Ron’s daughter, Laura Schara, visited the Preston area to film an episode featuring fly fishing in the … [Read more...]
Houston School Board year end updates and decisions
Joe Ruskey of Dependable Solutions appeared before the board at the regular Houston School Board meeting May 20, 2021, to update them on the district’s technology. Ruskey told the board that they were trying to set a four- to five- year rotation for Chromebooks with about $33,000 spent this year and $48,000 to $50,000 in the following years. In addition, $5,000 will be spent on … [Read more...]
Spring Valley senior parade set for June 3
The Spring Valley city council held a regular council meeting on May 24. All members were present (Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, Greg Brooks, John Dols and Mayor Tony Archer). Also attending was City Clerk/Administrator Deb Zimmer. No visitors were on hand to address the council on any topics. Spring Valley’s annual “Senior Parade” was discussed. Troy Lange explained, … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central holds first concerts since December 2019
At the May 25 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, superintendent Heath Olstad updated the board on the spring concerts. Elementary music teacher Matthew Patterson has been holding concerts for each of the K-6 grades separately. High school choir teacher Sarah Holten and band teacher Duane Ledin also held smaller concerts by combining several grades instead of the whole high … [Read more...]
Chatfield councilors inspect new fire department brush truck
Councilors stepped outside during their May 24 Chatfield City Council meeting to inspect the fire department’s new brush truck. The purchase of the F-550 chassis was approved in November 2020 ($43,059) and the cost of the labor and installation of equipment ($86,008) was approved on December 14. The total cost of the unit which is equipped to fight brush fires was about … [Read more...]
Lanesboro wrapping up the school year and facilities project
At the May 20 Lanesboro School Board meeting, board member Steve Snyder asked when the final walk-through for the facilities project would be taking place. Superintendent Matt Schultz said that the final punch list walk-through would occur on May 26, but there are still some things left to do before everything is complete. The asphalt needs to be done on both parking lots, the … [Read more...]
Upgrades to Fillmore County website
At the May 25 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, recent upgrades to the county’s website were discussed. EDA director Chris Hahn had encouraged a separate website to highlight businesses, local events and celebrations, and cities. Much of what he imagined is now available at www.co.fillmore.mn.us/departments. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery had maintained that the … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… The word that best describes the Class of 2021
Adaptable. The Class of 2020 unexpectedly ended their school year apart, with the pandemic crashing the party like a giant wrecking ball in motion. For the Class of 2021, it wasn’t going to get any easier. But, for this group of seniors, it was all about adaptability. They had to learn from home, interacting with their classmates and teachers online. Then there … [Read more...]
Fountain looks to city hall security
Fountain’s special council meeting May 24 was initially scheduled to discuss road maintenance needs, but the recent break-in of city hall garnered the bulk of the conversation. According to Mayor Jim Schott, the break-in occurred late Monday May 17 or early Tuesday May 18. At this time, it is unclear who was responsible. City Clerk Mary Tjepkes confirmed items taken, which … [Read more...]
Houston County COVID-19 numbers are flat
Commissioners Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert Burns, Greg Myhre, and Teresa Walter were all present via Zoom on May 25, 2021, for the regular meeting of the Houston County Commission. Others present, Auditor/Treasurer Donna Trehus, Finance Director Carol Lapham, Human Resources Director Theresa Arrick-Kruger, Public Health and Human Services Director John Pugleasa, … [Read more...]