“It just evolved, with the right people, and the right place,” states James Kenison, owner of Chatfield’s first brewery, PawPrint Brewery. Kenison has spent the majority of his life serving the public and the time came when he wanted to serve the public in a much different capacity. Having served in the Air Force and in law enforcement simultaneously for 25 years, Kenison … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer resigns
Heidi Jones read her resignation letter addressed to “Citizens” during the Citizens Input portion of the county board’s August 4 meeting. The following is a portion of her letter: “It has been my great honor to serve on behalf of the people of Fillmore County... However, unforeseen events have impacted my ability to perform the duties with the focus and dedication they … [Read more...]
Future housing development in Preston
The Preston EDA has recommended the purchase of option agreements for land east of Park Lane for a possible future multi-family and/or single family housing development subdivision. The city council unanimously approved the agreements and a Stantec feasibility study for necessary infrastructure improvements at the council’s August 3 meeting. Cathy Enerson, EDA, explained the … [Read more...]
Burdey’s Cafe changes plans based on new information
In the Monday, August 3, 2020, issue of the Fillmore County Journal, in an article titled “Fillmore County businesses make a difficult decision in lieu of the July 25 Executive Order 20-81,” four businesses were referenced with making changes to their business operations as a result of the mask mandate issued by Governor Walz. As quoted in the article, Charlene Corson Selbee … [Read more...]
Lanesboro school finalizes back-to-school plan
The Lanesboro School Board met for a special meeting on July 31 to discuss the 2020-2021 school year following Governor Walz’s announcement the day before, which allows each school district in Minnesota to choose their learning plan. The three learning options are distance learning, in-person learning, or a hybrid of the two, and schools need to have a plan in place to allow … [Read more...]
Restructuring farmers eligible for relief from loan fees: COVID-19 relief funds available to help farmers restructuring debt
Eligible farmers restructuring their debt can get half of the loan guarantee fees on USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) restructuring loans covered through a new Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) program, paid for through federal COVID-19 funding. The Minnesota Legislature appropriated $175,000 in COVID-19 relief this spring toward a grant program that covers 50% of loan … [Read more...]
Lanesboro council approves hazard pay for firefighters
At the August 13 Lanesboro City Council meeting, the council approved hazard pay in the amount of $10 per call that firefighters responded to during the month of March. Jeff Norby was appointed to the Lanesboro Fire Department per the recommendation of the fire chief. The consent agenda was approved and included the accounts payable, a lodging license application, Resolution … [Read more...]
Fountain Council hears new complaints on old issues
The August 5 Fountain Council meeting was well attended, as several residents voiced their concerns over continued and increasing speeding on Cedar Street. The roughly quarter mile road has become a cut-through, particularly during commuting hours, for drivers between County Road 8 and Highway 52. Cedar Street resident Dan Byer presented the council with a petition of … [Read more...]
Rushford Village council approves cemetery replotting, discusses election
By Wanda Hanson Addressing the Rushford Village Council at their regular meeting on August 4, Rachel Ukkestad, Beth LaFleur, and Carl Ukkestad asked for approval of a replotting of gravesite block sizes at the Oakwood (Sherwood) Cemetery. Carl Ukkestad came prepared with the maps of both the original plotting from two years ago as well as the new replotting map. He explained … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board continues COVID planning
Board members Amy Jeffers, Lanny Isensee, Katie Priebe, Matt McMahon and Rick Lowrey were in attendance for the August 5, 2020, meeting. Scott Backer was not in attendance. The meeting was streamed on the local cable Channel 11 and on Facebook.com/ChatfieldTV. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, Principals Shane McBroom and Randy Paulson, Lorri Lowrey, administrative … [Read more...]