Your cell phone rings and you feel annoyed. “Car warranties… student loans… Medicare plans.” So many scams wasting your time. You hang up immediately, if you answer at all. But what if an unexpected phone call had the potential to save your life — how would you feel then? That’s what Ann Junge Thacher has been dealing with for the last three years. Thacher, who lives in … [Read more...]
“Always look on the bright side of life” Spamalot opens July 15 at Ye Olde Gray Barn
By Tanya O’Connor In 1979, the tiny, tenacious town of Spring Grove put on a play. Forty-two summers later, they’re still at it. Like most good stories, this one’s not that simple. But stewed down to basic ingredients, it is one of community, a can-do spirit and a faith that magic can be captured inside a big old barn and reflected upon a summer hillside. Ye Olde Opera … [Read more...]
Ostrander to upgrade playground
During the July 6 Ostrander City Council meeting, the board discussed the condition of the playground equipment in the city park. Council members present included Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, Vernon Thompson, and Mayor Pam Kunert, along with Jeremy Runkle and city clerk Wendy Brincks. DJ Start was absent. Regarding the playground equipment at the city park, Wendy Brincks … [Read more...]
Fillmore County moves forward with process to appoint county recorder
At the Fillmore County Board’s July 6 meeting, a letter from county recorder David Kiehne to the board of commissions was referenced, stating his intent to retire at the end of his current term, December 31, 2022. Kiehne suggested hiring a full- time person by the fall of 2021 to begin the process of training his replacement. He plans to include a new full-time lead account … [Read more...]
Fatal crash in Fillmore County, June 29
According to Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge, a fatal crash was reported on Fillmore County Road 12, a short distance east of the intersection of Highway 52 on June 29, at 8:24 p.m. The initial investigation indicates that a pickup driven by Joseph Anthony Perry, a 39-year-old Hastings man who was traveling west on County Road 12, struck the rear of an Amish buggy which … [Read more...]
Drama, music, and entertainment return to DreamAcres
From whimsical and light hearted to dark and thought provoking, and always well suited to the performing environment, this year’s slate of Dreamery Rural Arts Initiative productions offers much to put into your summer and fall planner. Wood fired pizza is available to accompany most productions and all will be located on the grounds of DreamAcres, in rural Wykoff. No tickets … [Read more...]
Spring Valley again denies deer hunt within city limits
The Spring Valley city council held a regular council meeting on June 28, at city hall. Members present included Luan Ruesink, Greg Brooks, John Dols and Mayor Tony Archer. Chris Danielson was absent. Also attending was City Clerk/Administrator Deb Zimmer. Sandy Oeltjen was on the agenda to ask the council to consider a hunting ordinance proposal. Her proposal included, … [Read more...]
Beatty Darr paves his way to Eagle Scout
The flagpole at Oakwood (Sherwood) Cemetery has a new look thanks to 14-year-old Beatty Darr and his Scout group. Beatty, who has been in Scouting since he was nine years old, called Rushford City Hall in search of a project to complete his Eagle Scout level. He was referred to Jack O’Donnell, who suggested he do something around the flagpole at the cemetery. Beatty chose to … [Read more...]
Spring Grove to receive funding and assistance from National Endowment for the Arts
In its ongoing support of rural communities, the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with the Housing Assistance Council, announces the 2021 communities taking part in its national initiative, the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design (CIRD). Spring Grove is one of four communities selected for a multi-day design workshop. In addition, Spring Grove and the other … [Read more...]
Rushford nails down airport projects
The Rushford Municipal Airport has seen several projects take shape in the last few years with more than a handful prompted by the devastating fire of a six-unit hangar in October 2019. At the June 28, 2021 council meeting, several issues related to projects saw approvals as well as notes of frustration. First up, the Pavement Improvement Project. This is underway to correct … [Read more...]