The Third Judicial District Veterans Treatment Court continues to move forward with the announcements of an awarded grant and hiring of a veterans court coordinator. The Third Judicial District has been awarded $500,000 in Federal grant funds from October 1, 2019, to September 30, 2023, to assist in the start-up of the district-wide Veterans Treatment Court. Preston … [Read more...]
Whalan mayor reminisces about time in Navy
“I wasn’t ready,” Marlys Tuftin of Whalan said. While Tuftin was studying at Winona State, her college roommate asked her to join the Navy with her on the buddy system. Tuftin wasn’t interested at the time and ended up turning her down for a job in civilian nursing, but five years later, she had second thoughts. “I decided to try it for three years,” she said. Those three … [Read more...]
FC grads make a career in Armed Forces
Two Fillmore-Central High School graduates have taken different paths in the military, but both are now stationed in Miami, Florida. Becky (Polzin) Wyness serves in the Coast Guard, while David Fink serves in the Army. They recently agreed to share their stories with the Journal. Becky Wyness explained that, “I grew up in Preston, but we moved around a lot. I lived in … [Read more...]
The 11th Hour: The Date Behind Veterans Day
By Claudine Zap While most know that Veterans Day honors those who have served in the military, the meaning behind its exact date (November 11) may not be so familiar. Here’s the back-story: Back in 1918, in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a stop to hostilities was declared, ending World War I. An armistice to cease the fighting on the Western Front was … [Read more...]
League of Minnesota Cities meeting hosted in Spring Valley
On October 30, Spring Valley hosted a Greater Minnesota Regional meeting of the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC). The event was co-sponsored by the Southeast Minnesota League of Municipalities. Running from 2-8pm at the Spring Valley Community Center, the event offered informational sessions throughout the afternoon and evening, targeting topics of interest to city officials … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Council discusses sewer issues
Sewer repairs and issues were addressed during the regular meeting of the Spring Valley City Council on October 28, with all members present (Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). Immediately prior to the meeting, a public hearing was held regarding a residential property in violation of City Code 90.55 … [Read more...]
Rushford rezones former school parcel
A public hearing regarding possible rezoning of the former Rushford-Peterson school was held Monday, October 28 just prior to the city council meeting. Several were in attendance to hear proposed plans for the former elementary and high school facilities which were purchased in June by Well House Ministry, a faith-based organization, co-founded by Sherryl and Bruce Brunner. The … [Read more...]
The future is wow
State Senator Dave Senjem invited civic leaders in southeastern Minnesota to a conversation about communities using energy as an economic driver. Senjem represents citizens in Dodge and Olmsted Counties. The program held at the Chatfield Center for the Arts on October 29 was sponsored by the Institute of Environment, University of Minnesota. Its mission is to discover solutions … [Read more...]
Housing development TIF district
During the October 28 Chatfield City Council meeting, a joint meeting was held with the EDA to consider the creation of a tax increment financing (TIF) district for the “Gjere Addition”. EDA chair Mike Tuohy called the EDA meeting to order before the public hearing began. During the public hearing Chris Giesen explained that Mike and Julie Sogla purchased about 10 acres … [Read more...]
Fifth winner of 2019
Chad Phillips of Lanesboro, Minn., stands next to his brand new Daniel Boone Green Mountain Grill (with WiFi) that he won in a recent contest. On September 30, 2019, Visit Bluff Country Magazine conducted the fifth prize giveaway drawing of 2019, which was a brand new Green Mountain Grill ($599 value). As the magazine celebrates 34 years as the premier tourism publication of … [Read more...]