“Zeb was my best friend. Zeb was everyone’s best friend, or at least it seemed that way,” states Ben Vondal. So when Zebulin “Zeb” Hermanson was lost to suicide in 2018, his heartbroken friends knew they had to find a way to keep his memory alive but they also wanted to find a way to help those who may be struggling as Zeb was. “Adam Cole and I got together and decided we … [Read more...]
Mabel to buy pickup and fire tanker truck
During the regular city council meeting on July 8, the Mabel Council again discussed the city’s 2008 Ford pickup, and whether to fix it or replace it. Jeff Rein informed the council that he has checked around for prices of a new pickup, and he found out that currently, Chevy and Ford trucks are “about four to five months out” due to coronavirus related delays in fulfilling … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeking applications for Small Town Grants: COVID-19 Response
OWATONNA, MN, June 25, 2020 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Small Town Grants: COVID-19 Response Program. Towns with populations of 10,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region are eligible to apply. Requests of up to $10,000 will be considered. This year, through a generous partner donation, the Small Town Grant … [Read more...]
Chatfield district patrons ask board to reinstate wrestling coach
Board members Amy Jeffers, Lanny Isensee, Scott Backer, Katie Priebe, Matt McMahon and Rick Lowrey were in attendance for the July 8 Chatfield School Board meeting. The meeting was live streamed on cable channel 11 and on Facebook.com/ChatfieldTV. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, Lorri Lowrey, administrative assistant, and Trista O’Connor, business manager. During … [Read more...]
County gathers COVID related invoices
At the July 7 Fillmore County Board meeting, Administrator Bobbie Hillery reported that Fillmore County received over $2.5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF). The federal funds totaling $841 million have been distributed by the state to counties, cities, and townships to cover expenses incurred due to the pandemic. This is a portion of the state’s allocation which was … [Read more...]
Ostrander opts for Coronavirus Relief Funds
The Ostrander City Council met on July 7, with all members present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks). Brincks introduced Chris Hahn, from the Fillmore County EDA, and explained, “We have Coronavirus Relief Funds that the city is able to receive. It’s $18,835. It can only be used for coronavirus relief … [Read more...]
Preston’s 2021 Street and Utility Improvement Project unresolved
The Preston City Council met July 6 in person in the apparatus bay of the fire hall to accommodate social distancing guidelines. About 20 residents attended to participate in a public hearing concerning the 2021 Street and Utility Project. Owners of over 100 properties could be affected by the proposed improvements. The public hearing portion of the meeting was streamed over … [Read more...]
Peterson continues to hammer out nuisance ordinance issues
The July 8 Peterson City Council meeting included positive news on long-running ordinance violations. At least five property owners who’d received letters from the city have contacted city hall, made some sort of viable plan to address the issues, and made efforts to comply. Some even received multiple mentions of praise from the council. However, the remaining 14 cited have … [Read more...]
Farm safety and health? Yeah, there’s an app for that
By Emily Krekelberg Technology plays a vital role in agriculture today, and it can even help us stay safe and healthy on the farm. There are a variety of applications — or apps — available for our smart phones that span a wide range of topics related to farm safety and health. Below is just a sampling of the apps available for farmers; the full list was compiled by Iowa’s … [Read more...]
Kingsland concerned over County 1 safety delays
The Kingsland School Board held a “work session” meeting on July 6, via remote technology means, due to current social distancing guidelines. All board members were in attendance (Jackie Horsman, Tiffany Mundfrom, Noella Lund, Natasha Howard, Maranda Emig, and Kyle Rader), as well as Superintendent Jim Hecimovich and Principal Scott Klavetter. During these “work sessions,” … [Read more...]