When there are needs to be met by residents of a city, and volunteers to fulfill these needs, it seems that there should be a way to connect the two. A way to keep an entire city in touch with each other and stay informed about the many aspects of being a resident of that town by a simple click of a mouse or by making a quick phone call. A group of Lanesboro residents has … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Summer Rec canceled
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on May 27. Due to social distancing guidelines, the meeting was held at the community center, with all attendees seated with at least six feet of space. Members present included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Park & Rec Director John … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central seniors graduate with outdoor ceremony
“I’m very happy that we were able to have a revised graduation and everyone was able to wear their cap and gown and come up on the podium to receive their diploma,” Principal Heath Olstad said at the May 26 Fillmore Central School Board meeting. After canceling the original graduation ceremony due to COVID-19, there were concerns that the seniors would miss that milestone event … [Read more...]
Preston extends liquor licenses to outdoor seating
The Preston City Council held a special meeting, via Go To Meeting, on May 26. A third amendment to the option agreement with the state of Minnesota was approved unanimously for the property that could be the future location of a veterans home. The option agreement was to expire on May 31. A regular Preston City Council meeting will be held on June 1. However, the state did … [Read more...]
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services available during COVID
At Fillmore County, the health and well-being of our clients and community is top priority. Fillmore County WIC is currently providing nutrition education and benefits by phone or video appointment. If your economic situation or job status has changed, check the Minnesota WIC website for eligibility information. WIC is a nutrition and breastfeeding program that helps … [Read more...]
Essay winners explain what makes America great
Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay competitions were recently sponsored by theVFW Post and Auxilliary of Preston, Minn. The following essays were chosen for first and second place, with winners each receiving a plaque, certificate and cash award for their effort. - Voice of Democracy - What makes America great Oliver Hoelztle, 1st Place In general terms, the United … [Read more...]
Spring Grove school year comes to a successful close amid a global pandemic
Due to COVID-19, the regular May 18, 2020, Spring Grove Public Schools Board meeting held in compliance with Minnesota’s requirements for remote board meetings at 7 p.m. remotely through Google Meet. Minnesota remote board meeting requirements are: •School board members are reminded to mute their microphone or phone when they are not speaking. •School board members wishing … [Read more...]
SMIF awards $30,000 in Grow a Farmer Assistance Grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently awarded three organizations $10,000 each through the Grow a Farmer Assistance Fund. These organizations will use the funding to support local food growers in SMIF’s 20-county region whose businesses have been impacted by the current health and economic crisis. The pandemic has resulted in restrictions of face-to-face … [Read more...]
SMIF awards $254,950 in immediate relief to child care providers
April 29, 2020 — Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently awarded 525 emergency grants totaling $254,950 to child care providers in SMIF’s 20-county region. At the urging of Governor Tim Walz, the six Minnesota Initiative Foundations, including SMIF, created the Emergency Child Care Grant Program to provide immediate relief to child care providers caring for … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation approves $1 million in loans through DEED’s Small Business Emergency Loan Program
May 13, 2020 — Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved 41 loans to businesses in its 20-county region through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Small Business Emergency Loan program totaling $1 million. This program provides partially forgivable loans to restaurants, bars, hair salons and other public … [Read more...]