At the June 8 Chatfield City Council meeting, a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan was approved for the swimming pool, which is one of the last steps needed to open the pool. Brian Burkholder said the pool has been inspected and once the Preparedness Plan is submitted to Olmsted County the pool could open at 50% capacity (189 people). The plan details how the pool will operate during … [Read more...]
Salons and barbershops in a hairy situation
Since 5 p.m. on March 17, 2020, when Governor Walz announced that all hair salons and barbershops would need to close in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, most patrons never realized they wouldn’t reunite with their hair care specialist for nearly three months. Never in the history of America has there ever been a time when people can recall that it was … [Read more...]
Will area swimming pools open for the summer?
With the temperatures already hovering above 90 degrees, a dip in a swimming pool would be refreshing. The rural communities in Fillmore and Houston Counties are fortunate to have city-run swimming pools in communities like Chatfield, Preston, Rushford, Spring Grove, and Spring Valley. But, due to concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing, as of the … [Read more...]
Ostrander discusses infrastructure project
The Ostrander City Council met on June 2, with all members present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks). Brian Malm, of the engineering firm Bolton & Menk, spoke to the council about the ongoing infrastructure project. Malm stated that the sewer and water portion of the project is being divided into … [Read more...]
Tjepkes brings experience to Fountain
The City of Fountain recently saw the retirement of Rhonda Flattum, who had served as the city’s clerk/administrator for eight years. But Fountain was fortunate to have time for Flattum to train her replacement, and for that replacement to bring a wealth of experience to the role. Mary Tjepkes was hired as Fountain’s new clerk, and she stated, “It came about by my sister … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board hears about distant learning successes
Board members Amy Jeffers, Lanny Isensee, Scott Backer, Katie Priebe, Matt McMahon and Rick Lowrey were in attendance for the June 3, 2020, meeting. The meeting was held on a Zoom conferencing platform. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, Principals Shane McBroom and Randy Paulson, Lorri Lowrey, Administrative Assistant and Trista O’Connor, Business Manager. Under … [Read more...]
Preston 2021 street and utility improvements
City Engineer Brett Grabau reviewed the feasibility report for potential 2021 street and utility improvements at the Preston City Council’s June 1 meeting. Grabau explained the report was put together to give the council the ability to pick and choose project areas to keep within financial limitations they had set some months ago. The city’s capital financing plan was updated … [Read more...]
Interim county assessor’s final report
Winona County’s Assessor Stephen Hacken served as an interim assessor for Fillmore County for four months. A letter he sent to the Fillmore Board of Commissioners was reviewed at the board’s June 6 meeting. He began by thanking the board and employees for their support during this time. Hacken used his time with Fillmore County to help the department’s staff and to add … [Read more...]
Fly-fishing inspired “On the Fly” exhibition featuring seven mixed-media artists
Lanesboro Arts presents “On The Fly,” a juried group exhibition of work by mixed media artists inspired by fly fishing. The exhibit opens June 13 runs through August 16, 2020. Always free and open to the public, the Lanesboro Arts Gallery is open seven days a week June through August. COVID-19 Update: The health of our visitors, staff and volunteers is at the forefront of our … [Read more...]
Managing agricultural PPE needs when supplies are short
Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is necessary to protect farmers and other agricultural workers from pesticides, grain dust, mold, and other hazards. The COVID-19 global pandemic, however, has stressed the supplies of PPE since the emergency needs of our medical care providers and first responders must be met. The following are some considerations if you are a farmer, … [Read more...]