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...]
Arlin Falck Foundation now accepting grant applications
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, Minnesota and Allamakee County and Winneshiek County, Iowa. Entities that have a 501 (c) 3 designation by the Internal Revenue … [Read more...]
Preston 2021 street and utility project to proceed
At the July 20 Preston City Council meeting, the council voted for a second time to adopt the resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans for 2021 Street and Utility Improvements. The first vote failed. This time, the project estimated to cost a little less than $4 million was ordered to proceed with a unanimous vote. A public hearing on the proposed project was … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Question: Is it legal to wear earplugs or headphones driving a vehicle in Minnesota? Does the decibel rating matter? Answer: State statue says that no person, while operating a motor vehicle, shall wear headphones or earphones that are used in both ears simultaneously for purposes of receiving or listening to broadcasts or reproductions from radios or other sound-producing … [Read more...]