On May 6, 2021, Minnesota Governor Walz announced his plans to phase out of all restrictions by May 28. And, this included the elimination of the mask mandate by July 1 as soon as 70% of all Minnesotans 16 and older are vaccinated. Effective May 28, capacity restrictions on indoor events will be lifted for bars and restaurants. Gyms, pools and fitness centers will be … [Read more...]
Harmony Telephone to apply for broadband grant with City of Harmony
A public hearing to discuss the application of a grant from the Small Cities Coronavirus Community Development Block Grant Program was held at the beginning of the May 11 Harmony City Council meeting. Harmony Telephone would like to apply for it in conjunction with the City of Harmony so that the every home in town would have access to broadband internet. The grant would pay … [Read more...]
Rushford receives clean audit
Despite technical difficulties at the start, the Rushford Council meeting held May 10 yielded a clean audit for the city. Auditor Jason Boynton and Kali Lentz, of Smith Schafer & Associates joined the meeting virtually to present the findings, which highlighted healthy funds in an unusual year. The city’s tax levy for 2020 was $973,000, up from $936,000 in 2019. The … [Read more...]
Peterson approves welcome sign, community garden
After several months of discussion, the Peterson City Council has approved the order of a new welcome sign to be placed on the Root River State Trail. The 2x4-foot composite sign will taut a three-dimensional design and the city’s former school colors through a gold background and maroon lettering. Produced by Art Sign Works, of Murrieta, Calif., the sign will also have the … [Read more...]
Theft of catalytic converters
Over the past several months, catalytic converters have been a hot ticket item for thieves. According to Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge, they have recorded 14 thefts and attempted thefts in the past two months. “We currently have open and active investigations involving specific suspects. Those cases will be reviewed for charges.” In Mower County, Sheriff Steve … [Read more...]
City of Chatfield covers cost overrun for dugout
The cost of construction of the baseball dugout in Chatfield has run over the estimate by about $10,000 due to delays because of COVID and significant increases in raw material costs this year. At the city council’s May 10 meeting the council approved additional funding up to $10,000 for the project. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. The total cost of the project is … [Read more...]
Canton seeking new council member after surprise resignation
The May Canton City Council agenda was filled with unfinished business from its April meeting, but before the council could address those items last Wednesday evening, it first had to deal with a surprise resignation by Councilman Charlie Warner. As Mayor Nick Prestby called the meeting to order, Clerk Brock Bergey informed the council he had an item to add to the agenda and … [Read more...]
Commonweal Theatre company opens 33rd season with delectable comedy
LANESBORO, MN — The Commonweal Theatre in historic Lanesboro, Minn., is pleased to announce the reopening of the theatre for live performances following a season of virtual only productions in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions. Producing Artistic Director Hal Cropp remains at the helm of the organization having successfully led the company amidst the cancellation of live … [Read more...]
What do school concerts look like during a pandemic?
Music directors at area schools spent a considerable amount of time brainstorming with students, parents, and administration to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines and meet the needs of their students. The results – creative ideas that could become the norm. Dustin Moburg, vocal music teacher, Caledonia, reminded students and family members that if they are experiencing symptoms … [Read more...]
Houston County residents log 427 in volunteers hours assisting Public Health
Commissioners Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Robert Burns, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre were all present via Zoom on May 11 for the regular meeting of the Houston County Commission. Chairman Burns called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. The meeting was adjourned at 9:59 a.m. Commissioner Johnson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the agenda and the minutes … [Read more...]