On Thursday, September 5, 2019, there was a discovery made in front of the Chatfield Body Shop. In Chatfield, Minn., the construction capital of Southeast Minnesota, the headstone of Almira Caw was found while crews were doing some dirt work to replace the driveway of the repair shop. Almira Caw’s headstone read “Almira, Wife of Joseph Caw, Born Feb. 23, 1831, Died Apr. … [Read more...]
Medical examiner 2018 review
R. Ross Reichard, D.D., Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner, presented 2018 data for Fillmore County at the September 10 county board meeting. Chairman Duane Bakke was absent. Reichard’s office serves eight counties in southeast Minnesota. He emphasized the importance of the medical examiner’s staff including investigators throughout the region. In 2018, 136 … [Read more...]
Wastewater treatment operator hired
During the September 9 Chatfield City Council meeting, Steven Schlichter was hired to operate the Wastewater Treatment Plant effective September 23. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. Schlichter was one of four applicants that had been interviewed for the position. The council also approved an extension of the services of Steve Bushman, WHKS Engineering, through October 18 … [Read more...]
New roof complete on Whalan Town Hall
As the Whalan City Council met on September 9, the council was pleased to announce that the new steel roof on the Whalan City Hall has been installed and all work on the roof has been completed. Present at the regularly scheduled monthly council meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, City Clerk Lolly Melander and Council members Owen Lewis, Everett Johnson, Kim Berekvam and Tonya … [Read more...]
Spring Valley drone purchase approved
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on September 9. All members were in attendance (Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). Two public hearings were held immediatey prior to the council meeting. The first hearing was regarding Spring Valley Senior Living’s request for the city to … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeking applications for Economic Impact Grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Economic Impact Grant Program. Nonprofit organizations, units of government or public institutions in SMIF’s 20-county region are eligible to apply. Requests of up to $20,000 will be considered. “At SMIF, we strongly believe that communities which invest in their people are ultimately … [Read more...]
Preston Housing Summit “Paving the Way” to be held September 20
The City of Preston Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Preston Area Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce they will be holding their first ever Housing Summit at F&M Community Bank’s Community Room in downtown Preston. This one-day summit will bring together home builders, developers, investors, suppliers, realtors, lenders, area residents and local officials … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Area Community Foundation releases application for grants Deadline September 30, 2019
LANESBORO, MN, August 26, 2019 – The Lanesboro Area Community Foundation is now accepting grant applications for requests ranging from $250-$1,000 from registered 501(c)3 non-profits or government agencies whose projects will enhance the lives of people who call Lanesboro home through education, supportive services, the arts, etc. Applications are available by calling Jim … [Read more...]
Fourth winner of the summer
Katie Harstad of Preston, Minn., stands next to her brand new Grizzly 40 Cooler she won in a recent contest. On August 31, 2019, Visit Bluff Country Magazine conducted the fourth prize giveaway drawing of the summer, which was a brand new Grizzly 40 Cooler. As the magazine celebrates 34 years as the premier tourism publication of Historic Bluff Country (a.k.a. The Driftless … [Read more...]
Mabel sets public hearing on water/sewer rates
On September 11, the Mabel City Council held a regular city council meeting. All members in attendance included Adam Wilder Mayor Jim Westby, City Clerk Karen Larson, Gary Morken, Terry Torkelson, and Kirsten Wyffels. Larson explained that it appears the city needs to consider raising water and sewer rates, to cover the costs. She pointed out that rates had not been … [Read more...]