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...]
Fillmore County motorcycle vs. car crash
According to Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge, dispatch received a report of a motorcycle vs. car crash on Fillmore County Road 8 near the intersection with Mower/Fillmore Road, north of Spring Valley, at 4:13 p.m., on Tuesday, May 25. Fillmore County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the crash, along with Spring Valley Ambulance and Fire Departments. Both drivers were … [Read more...]
Reported missing adult male, Houston County
On Monday, May 24, 2021, at approximately 11:05 p.m., the Houston County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an overdue adult male. It was reported that the family believed the male had been out mushroom hunting and failed to return home. Deputies and La Crescent PD responded to the area on Chicken Ridge Road in rural Houston County. The male’s vehicle was located … [Read more...]
SMIF awards a record 554 gallons in paint through Paint the Town Program: 16 projects awarded paint in partnership with local hardware stores
OWATONNA, MN., May, 19 2021 - Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) awarded $22,160 worth of paint from local hardware stores to 16 communities across its 20-county region through its Paint the Town Grant Program. This program is designed to engage volunteers and build collaborative efforts that beautify communities through painting community murals, welcome signs or … [Read more...]
Preston accepts proposal for revenue bonds
At the May 17 meeting of the Preston City Council, Mike Bubany, David Drown & Associates, reported that three bids were submitted for for the issuance of revenue bonds to finance the 2021 Street and Utility Improvement projects. Standard & Poors issued an AA- stable bond rating for the city before the competitive sale. The low bid was submitted by Northland … [Read more...]
R-P Schools – moving back to “normal”
With the new reduced masking regulations announced by the state, the Rushford-Peterson School Board members conducted their regular monthly board meeting on May 17 sans masks. Superintendent Jon Thompson joked with new board member Ken Sawle that it was the first time he’d seen his face! Thompson assured the board that teachers, staff and students would continue to wear … [Read more...]
Houston School Board looks ahead to next fall
At the regular Houston School Board meeting May 6, Mikayla Simmons was announced as the new Activities/Communications director effective June 7. Simmons will take on some of the duties that had been removed from the superintendent duties before the posting of the superintendent position, as well as the activities director position. With Jill Diana resigning from her position … [Read more...]
College News
Fall 2020 Graduation List • Coastal Carolina University: Alliyah Beisell, Spring Valley, BS, Business Administration • Iowa State University: Alyvia King, Rushford, BS, Child, Adult and Family Services • Minnesota State University, Mankato: Adam Schlee, Grand Meadow, BS, RN Baccalaureate Completion • North Dakota State University: Angela Engen, Caledonia, BS, … [Read more...]