Iowa’s famed RAGBRAI did not happen this year in its usual form, but it did not stop RAGBRAI teams from pulling on their jerseys and shorts and riding the paved bike trails in SE Minnesota. This past week over 100 bike riders gathered in Fillmore County to ride the trail along the scenic Root River. The pseud-RAGBRAI earned the name FAKEBRAI for obvious reasons. RAGBRAI … [Read more...]
What will the first day of school look like in Spring Grove?
The Spring Grove Public Schools Board, including administration and the business manager, met in person on Monday, July 20, 2020, at 7 p.m. in the media center while adhering to the governor’s guidelines for capacity (10 people total). The public and media attended remotely through Google Meet. Board members Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Rhan Flatin, Kelly Rohland, and … [Read more...]
Fountain works through restrictions with concert events
The fate of concert events in the City of Fountain appears to have gained some forward momentum. A local establishment, on the recommendation of several entities, will be working to develop their plans for events to be held through the remainder of the year. Beaver Bottoms Saloon co-owner Jody Wiza has been undertaking creative events for the last year in effort to bring … [Read more...]
R-P Schools goal: In-person school, done safely
By Wanda Hanson When the Rushford-Peterson School Board met Monday, July 20, two community members addressed the board during the public comments portion of the meeting. Leandra Duneman politely requested, “I ask you to find the safest way possible to educate our students in person. I don’t want anyone to babysit my kids — they need an education.” Concerned about older … [Read more...]
Chatfield reluctantly cancels Western Days 2020
At a special meeting of the Chatfield City Council on July 21, councilors denied the request from Western Days, Inc. to hold Western Days activities in City Park, to hold activities that require streets to be closed, and to use city services for related activities. The vote was 3-1, with John McBroom voting no and Pam Bluhm abstaining. Events like some Saddle Club events and … [Read more...]
Still lots of questions for Houston School Board
By Wanda Hanson The Houston School Board started off its July 16, 2020, meeting with this simple observation by Superintendent Kim Abraham as she updated the board on the COVID-19 situation. Abraham had attended a news conference that day, but many questions will be waiting to be answered until after Governor Walz’s presentation scheduled for July 27. In their in person … [Read more...]
Golden Happenings, Harmony’s active senior group
Harmony’s senior program, Golden Happenings, might not have been able to offer its spring and summer programs as scheduled, but COVID-19 has not stopped Harmony’s senior residents from keeping active during the pandemic. With support, financial and in-kind, from local businesses and individuals, program fees, and funding from grants, Golden Happenings has been able to offer … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Living increasing care capacity
Spring Valley has been actively working with seniors in the area since 1957 to enhance quality of life through innovation, ongoing education and encouragement. Over the years the staff members have developed strong and lasting relationships with both the community and its healthcare services. Presently there are three options at Spring Valley Living: • The Evergreens is … [Read more...]
Being “in a pickle” can be fun
Pickleball may seem like a new sport, but it’s been around since 1965. It was invented on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Wash. Three dads — whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities — are credited for creating the game. There are a few stories about how pickleball got its name. The most widely circulated credits the name to the … [Read more...]
MDA expands options for contacting Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline Text and email service now available
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering two new ways that farmers and others involved in agriculture can contact the Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline: text and email. “We want to make it as easy as possible for our farmers to get the help they need when they need it,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “COVID-19 has come on top of several years … [Read more...]