On Thursday, March 18, 2021, Midwest Free Community Papers, conducted their annual awards ceremony. The Midwest Free Community Papers organization consists of a free distribution newspapers and shoppers spanning 11 states in the Midwest. The awards categories for the annual conference are primarily focused on news, advertising, and online presence. From 2018 to 2020, the … [Read more...]
Lanesboro council approves sidewalk assessments
The May 3 Lanesboro City Council meeting opened with a public hearing to discuss sidewalk improvements and assessments. There were no questions or comments from the public, so the hearing was closed and the regular council meeting opened. The assessments were approved by the council. City Engineer Brian Malm reviewed with the council pay request #5 for the wastewater treatment … [Read more...]
Application for Blue Jay Ridge Subdivision discussed
The Preston City Council held its first regular in-person meeting in about a year. Councilman David Collett was absent. City Administrator Joe Hoffman reported that Planning and Zoning held a public hearing on the application submitted by Mark Welch for a new subdivision at their April 28 meeting. P & Z recommended approval of the preliminary plat once a number of items … [Read more...]
Uff Da! Ostrander festival to return in 2022
The Ostrander City Council met in regular session on May 4, with all members present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert), and city clerk Wendy Brincks. The council discussed whether or not to hold Uff Da Days this year, while the city is still in the midst of a large infrastructure project. Brincks stated that “it’ll be a mess” if the … [Read more...]
One job, one place, 52 years
Jeff Fowler retired! Fowler hung up his crisp white shirt, Friday, April 30, after 52 years in the retail business. He spent his entire career in Spring Valley, a community of 2,479, working in three locations for three bosses. Dwayne (Squeak) Seeley, owner of Squeak’s IGA, hired 15-year-old Fowler in 1969, who began his career carrying out groceries for the residents of his … [Read more...]
Hobby: Brody Srsen, experienced racer
Middle-schooler Brody Srsen, from rural Harmony, is already an experienced and successful racer in his own right. Brody has been racing since he was five years old. His dad Ryan, mom Sarah, and his uncle got him started on ice racing with a four-wheeler using ice cleats to grab the ice on the track. Currently he races his dirt bike locally at Spring Creek in Millville, Minn.; … [Read more...]
Warrior Baseball Wins Seventh Straight
Fresh off Caledonia boys state basketball runner-up finish, many of the same guys have helped the Warriors to a great start to the baseball season. Team Cal ran off three more wins the Week of May 26. On Tuesday, St. Charles came to town. Brad Augedahl’s group won 16-3 in five innings. It was their fourth straight 10-plus-run win (by a combined 58-6 score). The Warriors … [Read more...]
Fillmore County accepts bid for airport construction project
The revised Fillmore County Airport project bid was approved at the county board’s May 4 meeting. The only bid from Everstrong Construction had come in at $1,802,002, which was significantly higher than the estimated budget of $1,249,602. The county’s consultant SEH (engineering/planning firm) had not recommended accepting this bid as it was. There were two options; rebid the … [Read more...]
Kingsland reminds spectators to “mask up”
Kingsland School Board held their monthly “work session” on May 3, with all members participating. Athletics and Activities Director Mark Fitzpatrick and Business Manager Amber Herbrand participated via Zoom technology. Mark Fitzpatrick stated that at Kingsland sports and activities, many spectators are attending without wearing a mask. He asked for the board’s input on how … [Read more...]
Some local events coming back, others will not
After missing so many beloved events, traditions really, in the last year due to COVID, local residents will be happy to hear that some towns are planning on holding events again this year, but they will also be disappointed that some events will not be, and may not ever, come back. One of those big events that was cancelled in 2020 was Preston Trout Days, which will be held … [Read more...]