Maybe it’s just a professional preoccupation, but I’ve always been intrigued by why voters cast their ballots as they do. I’ve never made a formal study of it, but have talked with plenty of them over the years, and one thing sticks with me from those conversations: There’s no one thing. People find a myriad of interesting — and sometimes idiosyncratic —r easons for voting this … [Read more...]
Caledonia finances in good shape
At their regular meeting July 27, 2021, the Caledonia City council heard from Finance Officer Stephanie Mann that the city was doing “well for midway of the year.” She commented that “nothing jumps out,” several times as she presented the second quarter report. With the first half of property taxes and the first half of LGA totaling $528,000 coming in, the monthly balances … [Read more...]
WWI plaque dedication held at Fillmore County Fairgrounds
“Let us forever remember those who sacrificed for our freedom and honor them always.” That was the premise behind a Plaque Dedication Ceremony held at the memorial entrance of the Fillmore County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. In 2019, a program was held at the main gate at the Fillmore County fairgrounds, commemorating 100 years since WWI soldiers were welcomed … [Read more...]
Preston Veterans Home groundbreaking scheduled for Monday, August 9
The groundbreaking event for the new Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston will be held on Monday, August 9. This is a change from the Thursday, August 19 date announced at the meeting last week when MDVA officials visited with Preston stakeholders to provide an update on the new veterans home. More details on the groundbreaking event will be shared soon. We look forward to … [Read more...]
Arlin Falck Foundation accepting grant applications
Notice is hereby given that the Arlin Falck Foundation will accept applications for grants for community development, community promotions, community education and similar matters. The grants shall be for the benefit of persons residing in Fillmore County and Houston County, Minn. and Allamakee County and Winneshiek County, Iowa Entities that have a 501 (c) 3 designation by … [Read more...]
Lots of summer activity at Lanesboro School
At the July 15 Lanesboro School Board meeting, Superintendent Matt Schultz updated the council on the facilities project. The flooring for the indoor playground has been installed and the garage doors separating the area from the new gym have been as well. The daycare playground equipment is in the process of being moved to its new location. The custodial crew has been staying … [Read more...]
Critical Race Theory is not taught in Spring Grove Public Schools
The Spring Grove School Board met on Monday evening, July 19, 2021, from 7:04 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. in the school’s Learning Resource Center. Board members in attendance were Chairman Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Kelly Rohland, Jenny Stender, Aric Elton, and Rhan Flatin. The board approved the agenda and minutes of the regular board meeting of June 21, and the Treasurer’s … [Read more...]
R-P School Board readies for the 2021-2022 school year
In a relatively short meeting July 19, 2021, the R-P School Board made necessary decisions prior to the start of the new school year. This included approving a new Athletic Training Outreach contract with Winona Health. The same trainer will be serving R-P schools again; students will be familiar and comfortable with the trainer as a result. The long term facility maintenance … [Read more...]
Rural Finance Authority clears way for disaster loans Eligible drought-affected farmers can now apply for zero-interest financing
ST. PAUL, MINN – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Rural Finance Authority (RFA) Board has determined that an emergency exists in Minnesota due to drought, which makes zero-interest loans available immediately for Minnesota farmers whose operations are suffering from lack of rain. “The RFA board members voted unanimously to make these disaster recovery funds available … [Read more...]
MDA awards $95,000 to combat noxious weeds
ST. PAUL, MINN. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has awarded $95,000 to combat noxious weeds across Minnesota. Twenty projects are being funded though the 2021 Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant. The money, awarded to cities, counties, townships, conservation districts, and tribal nations, will be used to purchase equipment and supplies, conduct mapping and … [Read more...]