During a tour of Niagara Cave near Harmony, Minn., the knowledgeable tour guides take a moment to turn off the lights to have visitors experience the fact that it is so dark you literally cannot see your hand in front of your face. While experiencing this strange sensation, the last thing you are wondering about is where the energy for the lights comes from — you just want the … [Read more...]
Walz releases revised budget proposal
Governor Tim Walz (DFL) announced his revised budget on March 22 for the 2020-21 biennium (July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021). The budget was revised due to the predicted economic slow down. Forecast numbers released late in February suggest that the state’s surplus will be closer to $1 billion, a half a billion less than the prior forecast. The revised budget totals $49.35 … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Kindergarten Round-up on April 2
The Fillmore Central Elementary School will have its annual Kindergarten Round-up Information Meeting for parents and visitation for students on Tuesday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the elementary gym. Please use elementary entrance, door #1 Fillmore Central School is All Day Every Day Kindergarten. Parents whose children will be attending kindergarten during the 2019-20 school … [Read more...]
Chatfield replaces ToolCat/sweeper
The March 25 Chatfield City Council meeting was relatively brief. Brian Burkholder, Public Works, asked for approval to replace the 2015 ToolCat and sweeper attachment. The lowest of two quotes was received from Bobcat of Coole Region, Inc. out of Dresback. The total with trade for the purchase of a 2019 ToolCat is $11,555 and the total with trade for the new sweeper … [Read more...]
Blowing smoke: e-devices hides dangers amid flashy design and alluring options
In just over a decade, public and health awareness campaigns steadily decreased the rate of American smokers to roughly 14%. While this should be lauded, it’s becoming white noise against the backdrop of increasing rates for electronic cigarettes and vaping. The Center for Disease Control and the National Institute for Drug Abuse note that while electronic nicotine delivery … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central students place high in large group music contest
At the March 26 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Principal Heath Olstad extended thanks to band teacher Duane Ledin and choir teacher Sarah Holten for their hard work and dedication to their students. Both the band and choir received superior ratings at the sub-section large-group music contest which was held at Fillmore Central on March 12. Dean of Students Chris … [Read more...]
County supports long term sustainable funding for transportation
Fillmore County Commissioners, at their March 26 meeting, voted unanimously to adopt a resolution encouraging the Minnesota Legislature to pass a bill that provides adequate funding for Minnesota’s statewide transportation system. This resolution is supported and advocated by the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) and the Minnesota Transportation Alliance. Chairman Duane … [Read more...]
Rushford crosses fingers on grants; holds project hearings
The City of Rushford is hoping application to two Department of Natural Resources (DNR) grants will provide funding for two projects long in the works. The items were discussed at the Monday, March 25 council meeting. The first is a funding from an outdoor recreation grant program. The goal is to construct a paved trail to the Rushford-Peterson Schools site, their athletic … [Read more...]
U of M launches Chronic Wasting Disease Program to address potential health crisis
March 19, 2019 — The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota announced today that it has launched the Chronic Wasting Disease Response, Research and Policy Program (CWD Program) to respond to this wildlife disease crisis and its potential for animal-to-human and human-to-human transmission. CWD is a prion disease that affects … [Read more...]
James Gang gold found at Mystery Cave
Nels Isaacson of rural Spring Valley recently made an amazing find. He says he spent a lot of time doing his research, and did a lot of walking around, but in the end, dumb luck played a crucial role as well. “I’ve always been a student of history, and especially the 19th century American outlaws. Most people in Minnesota have heard that the Jesse James gang once tried to … [Read more...]