After buying a piece of property outside of Wykoff, the Ramaker family – Damon, Kylie, Ruby, Lucy and Walter, had the difficult decision of what to do for a house. They decided that the existing home on the property wasn’t salvageable. After weighing their options, they ended up buying a yurt. A yurt, also called a ger, is a round, portable tent that is used by the … [Read more...]
Area schools implement distance learning
Area schools have unexpectedly experienced a major shift in the way they educate children. With the global threat of COVID-19 prevalent in 34 out of 87 counties in Minnesota, Governor Walz issued an executive order to temporarily close all schools from March 17, 2020, until March 27, 2020. On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, Walz announced that he was extending that executive … [Read more...]
Churches staying connected
If you’ve ever arrived late for a church worship service, that won’t be a problem for the foreseeable future. You’ve just reduced your travel time. And, you don’t have to get all dressed up in your Sunday best. As long as you have an Internet connection, you can relax in your pajamas, sit back on the couch, and watch your worship service on your phone, tablet or … [Read more...]
Business enrichment session on succession planning postponed
The Lanesboro Economic Development Authority (EDA) is sorry to announce that the Business Enrichment Session on Succession Planning, originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, is being postponed. This is due to the CDC recommendations to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Once it has been deemed safe for gatherings to resume, the EDA will issue a press release … [Read more...]
Rep. Davids announces state grant for Houston
State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) is pleased to announce that the City of Houston has received a Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (MPFA) grant. “This is outstanding news for Houston, and I commend the city and state officials who worked together to make this grant happen,” Davids said. Houston will receive a Drinking Water SRF-Loan of $149,500 for … [Read more...]
County declares State of Emergency-COVID-19
Governor Tim Walz declared a peacetime state of emergency on March 13. Fillmore County Board Chairman Marc Prestby declared a State of Emergency-COVID-19 effective March 20 and the commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the declaration of a State of Emergency at their March 24 meeting. Doors to county offices are closed to the public with an appointment … [Read more...]
Canton City Council discusses new software program for billing
At the March 11 meeting, all members of the Canton City council were present, except Randy Gossman. Mayor Donvee Johnson was present via a phone call. After the approval of minutes and consent agenda, the reports were presented. Brock Bergy started with the clerk’s report. Bergey reported that there are 17 delinquent water/sewage/garbage accounts, which is approximately 10% … [Read more...]
February employment data reflects employment situation prior to impact from COVID-19
Minnesota Unemployment Dips to 3.1% in February Minnesota lost 4,900 private sector jobs and gained 400 government sector jobs in February, prior to significant impacts from COVID-19 on Minnesota employment numbers, according to seasonally adjusted figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Minnesota’s unemployment rate … [Read more...]
Spinning a good yarn – a girl and her goats
By Elena Patterson In the heart of Harmony, there’s a little shop on Main Street called Homespun Harmony. Once inside the eye is immediately drawn to the walls of yarn that are as varied and colorful as a handheld kaleidoscope. One special display showcases the local talents of Audra Otto, a 13-year-old who hand spins yarn from the fleece of her own herd of Pygora goats. … [Read more...]
USDA launches new conservation pilot program for Prairie Pothole producers to plant cover crops
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced a new pilot program that enables farmers in the Prairie Pothole region to receive payments for planting cover crops on their land for three to five years. The new Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Soil Health and Income Protection Program (SHIPP) pilot is available to producers in Iowa, … [Read more...]