Living in arguably one of the most breathtaking natural areas, we often see the lush rolling hills, dense forests, and golden prairies at face value. We forget that they have been roamed, managed by farm and land owners, and altered by years of interaction by humans. A shift in balance between soil, land, plant, and animal has resulted in reduction of quality and sustainability … [Read more...]
Traveling the world
K.I.S.S. is the acronym Joanie Betsinger of Spring Valley uses to describe her approach to traveling as age moves one into the senior category. “Keep It Simple Silly!” says Joanie. “Know from the ‘get go’ that not everything is going to go according to your plan! Relax, be flexible. Take less, leave the worrying to the people you paid to guide you! Take your time, no one … [Read more...]
Ellingson takes her positive attitude on the road
After living a full and meaningful life with someone, becoming that person’s caregiver is a role many of us have never considered, much less planned on. Taking life day by day and having a positive attitude can help with the adjustment as Lilah Ellingson experienced in recent years. Lilah Jane (Hildestad) Ellingson was born to Carl and Amelia Hildestad on March 17, 1935. … [Read more...]
Spring Valley to upgrade radios, not squad car
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on July 22. All members were in attendance (Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). Deb Zimmer informed the council that two quotes were received for the proposed replacement of Emergency Management radios. The lower bid was from Ancom Communications, … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton water damage reviewed
Recent damages at Mabel-Canton school were shown and discussed during the school board’s regular meeting on July 23. Members present were Traci Livingood, Chris Miller, Principal Michelle Weidemann, Board chair Cristal Adkins, High school secretary Lynette Donald, Diane Wilder, Chris Loppnow, and Superintendent Gary Kuphal. Kuphal explained that the water damage was not … [Read more...]
Rushford sets hearing for ordinance; looks to future
While the Monday, July 22 Rushford Council meeting had a smaller agenda than normal, discussion of topics was robust and included plenty of items to take notice of. Garnering the largest conversation during the meeting was the setting of a public hearing for the purpose of approving an update to an ordinance granting a franchise to Ave Telephone Association DBA/Acentek. This … [Read more...]
Chatfield interim wastewater operator
At the July 22 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, Brian Burkholder recommended that Steve Bushman, certified Class A Operator (WHKS), be hired on an interim basis. At a special meeting of the city council on July 15 the resignation of Chris Daniels, wastewater treatment plant operator, was accepted effective July 26. The council then authorized staff to advertise for a … [Read more...]
Asbestos abatement nearing completion at Lanesboro school
At the July 18, Lanesboro School Board meeting, Superintendent Matt Schultz reported that the asbestos abatement in the school building and the district-owned homes is almost complete. During the project, a solid barrier wall was build between the project area and the Lanesboro Child Care Center to protect the workers and children from any exposure to asbestos. The barrier … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central renovations on track for the summer
At the July 23 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, it was reported that the high school renovations project is on track and going well. The partial completion date is set for August 15 and furnishings will arrive after that. The football field upgrades are also nearly completed. The sod has been laid, bleachers finished, and the lights are up. The … [Read more...]
Second kayak winner of the summer!
Rebecca Wangen Kahn of Plainview, Minn., stands next to her brand new kayak she won in a recent contest. On June 30, 2019, Visit Bluff Country Magazine conducted the second prize giveaway drawing of the summer, which was a brand new kayak. As the magazine celebrates 34 years as the premier tourism publication of Historic Bluff Country (a.k.a. The Driftless Area), they will … [Read more...]