The Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day (began by Senator Gaylord Nelson, who gained a reputation as “the Father of Earth Day” as well as the “Conservation Governor”) may have been overshadowed by coronavirus pandemic updates, yet many Fillmore County readers remembering where they were on April 22, 1970, paused to reflect on the importance of environmental … [Read more...]
Rushford approves relief through flood loan pause
As the COVID-19 struggle continues, the City of Rushford is looking at opportunities to assist local businesses. At the April 27 council meeting, temporary modifications to the city’s Economic Development Authority Flood Recovery Loan Repayment Policy were discussed. Several businesses are receiving some category of flood loan assistance with roughly 20 loans remaining. A … [Read more...]
Melartin proposes July event in Spring Valley
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on April 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. Greg Melartin addressed the … [Read more...]
Senator Miller’s latest news from the Capitol
By Sen.Jeremy Miller April 15, 2020 Greetings from the Capitol, I hope you and your family had a wonderful Easter and Passover. The last few weeks have been incredibly busy here in the Senate, and I wanted to quickly fill you in on some updates. Workers’ Comp for first responders and medical professionals The coronavirus is having an unprecedented impact on … [Read more...]
Continuing our work during challenging times
By Tim Penny President/CEO Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation In January I wrote about the importance of having an endowment so that at Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we can continue to address the emerging needs of our 20-county region through thick and thin. Little did I know at the time how critical this would be for our organization within … [Read more...]
New Fillmore County assessor sworn in
The Fillmore County Board met April 28 via WebEx. The May 5 board meeting will again be held via WebEx due to the emergency declaration regarding COVID-19. The public may access this meeting by dialing 1 (408) 418-9388; access code 969-657-287. Judge Matt Opat administered the oath of office via video connection to Jason McCaslin, the new Fillmore County Assessor. Solid … [Read more...]
Century Farms honored
The Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Farm Bureau recognize 154 Minnesota farms as 2020 Century Farms. Qualifying farms have been in continuous family ownership for at least 100 years and are 50 acres or more. The families receive a commemorative sign and a certificate signed by Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bureau presidents and Governor Tim Walz. Earning … [Read more...]
Chatfield purchases bulk water sales machine
The Chatfield City Council again met via Webex for their April 27 meeting. Brian Burkholder, Public Works, said two bids had been submitted for the purchase of a bulk water sales machine. The installation of the machine on the front of the public works building will allow the purchase of water with coins, debit card, or by setting up an account with city hall; account … [Read more...]
Root River Trail Towns cancels annual 60-Mile Garage Sale
Root River Trail Towns was planning its sixth consecutive 60-Mile Garage Sale on June 19-20, but concerns due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus have forced its cancellation. The garage sales usually take place in the nine towns along the Root River State Trail, as well as locations in between. Trail Towns President, Gabby Kinneberg, said, “The 60-Mile Garage Sale has … [Read more...]
COVID-19 strands missionary in Honduras
When Bonnie Davids traveled to the Nueva Esperanza, or New Hope school, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, for a mission trip, the Preston native had no reason to expect that it would be any different from her previous visits. This was Davids’ seventh mission trip to the school, and she was looking forward to ministering to the students and their families again. She arrived in Honduras … [Read more...]