The Rushford Village Hall is closed until January 1, 2021, at which point use of the facility will be reviewed. That was the decision made at the May 5 Village Council meeting following Governor Walz’s extension of COVID-19 preventions. The decision wasn’t made lightly, but to err on the side of caution, as noted by several on the council. Rentals of the space for May were … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Veterans Memorial additions made
The Spring Grove Veterans Memorial Group, LLC, is pleased to announce that they have added three new names to the Spring Grove Veterans Memorial located in Viking Memorial Park. The veterans whose names have been added include: Osmund S. Gilbertson served in the US Army and the Reserve from 1955 to 1963. Ossie graduated from Spring Grove High School in 1953, and he resides … [Read more...]
Fountain ushers in new city clerk
The Wednesday, May 6 Fountain Council meeting was anything but normal with the council gathering in the spacious community center after original plans to have the council meet via telephone were changed. With the world at a relative standstill though, discussion during the six-minute meeting was limited. “If he [Governor Walz] doesn’t lift the stay at home we will be doing … [Read more...]
What to do if your pork packing plant is closed
Are you impacted by a pork packing plant closure due to COVID-19 and have pigs scheduled to ship in the near future and wondering what to do? Below is a list of strategies for you to consider. It is important to note that the strategies outlined below are meant to be temporary for emergency situations. The wellbeing of the pigs should be your number one priority when … [Read more...]
County extends emergency declaration
The Fillmore County Board met via WebEx on May 5. COVID-19 and related restrictions dominated the discussion. A resolution extending the Declaration of a State of Emergency was extended to May 26. Public access to county facilities will continue. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery led a discussion concerning the wearing of masks by county employees when in a shared space with … [Read more...]
UMN Extension Swine Podcast: Nutritional strategies during special circumstances
The University of Minnesota Extension Swine Team has released its latest podcast to assist producers feeding pigs in this climate of interrupted markets. UMN Extension Swine Educator Sarah Schieck Boelke recently sat down with Lee Johnston and Pedro Urriola to discuss nutritional strategies producers can implement to slow the growth of pigs whose harvest plants have closed … [Read more...]
COVID-19 issues dominate Chatfield School Board meeting
Board members Amy Jeffers, Lanny Isensee, Scott Backer, Katie Priebe and Rick Lowrey were in attendance for the May 4, 2020, meeting. Matt McMahon was not in attendance. The meeting was held on a Zoom conferencing platform. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, Community Education Director LuAnn Kleven, Principals Shane McBroom and Randy Paulson, Trish O’Connor, … [Read more...]
Preston ordinance amendment allows indoor storage
The Preston City Council met on May 4 via Go To Meeting. A request by two individuals to allow indoor climate controlled storage as a conditional use in the B-3 (General Business District) was again discussed. Planning and Zoning held a public hearing on the amendment on April 20, after which, the city council first discussed the proposed amendment. Council members were in … [Read more...]
Managing market hogs destined for local meat lockers
With pig harvest at commercial packing plants currently disrupted, consumers have an opportunity to purchase market hogs directly from the farm. These pigs destined for local custom processing facilities may have to wait until they can be harvested. Lee Johnston, Pedro Urriola and Sarah Schieck Boelke have put together a fact sheet detailing how consumers can keep market hogs … [Read more...]
Dealing with sudden income loss during COVID-19
When families are faced with financial uncertainty or sudden income loss, addressing the situation takes more than just thinking about dollars and cents, says Lori Hendrickson, Extension Educator and an accredited financial counselor with University of Minnesota Extension. “Often, when layoffs and income reduction happen, we are experiencing shock and denial that keep us from … [Read more...]