At the Monday, January 28 R-P School Board meeting, Middle School/High School Principal Jake Timm conducted a presentation regarding the current school schedule and feedback regarding how well its worked for the district. According to Timm, the majority of schools within the state utilize a 7-8 period day schedule. Overwhelmingly, however, the majority of teachers in the state … [Read more...]
Dollar Store development agreement approved
Twiford redevelopment dominated discussion at the Chatfield City Council’s January 28 meeting. Kristi Clarke, consultant planner, explained issues that have come up regarding the platting of the property located at the intersection of Twiford and Division Streets, which extends southward toward Grove St. The 1.3 acre lot across from the former Kwik Trip is the planned future … [Read more...]
MnDOT completes five-year study on speed limits
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is increasing speeds on 5,240 miles of state highways based on the recommendations of a five-year study released this week. The speeds will increase from 55 to 60 miles per hour. Of the 7,000 miles studied, speed limits ultimately will be increased on 77% of rural, two-lane state highways, according to the final report. New speed … [Read more...]
Farmers encouraged to consider resources in times of financial distress
ST. PAUL, MN, December 19, 2018 — For many Minnesota farmers, 2018 was a tough year financially. But free, confidential help is available for those who are struggling. For farmers like Liz and Bob Krocak of Montgomery, programs such as the farm financial counseling service offered through University of Minnesota Extension have been much-needed. The Krocaks decided to share … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeks AmeriCorps VISTA partner sites
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), is seeking proposals from organizations within SMIF’s 20-county region interested in hosting full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members. The AmeriCorps VISTA program supports SMIF’s goal of creating economic vitality through entrepreneur development. Members … [Read more...]
Decoding the Driftless to be shown in Rushford
The “Decoding the Driftless” film will be shown on the big screen at Rushford-Peterson Schools’ Auditorium on February 9 at 4 p.m., beginning with an introduction from one of the film producers, George Howe. Go on a wild ride of adventure above, on, and below the amazing Driftless Region through this film of exploration, released fall 2018. Local Emmy Award-winning filmmakers … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $120,490 in Early Childhood Grants Seven organizations receive grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved seven grants totaling $120,490 to support asset-based collaborative approaches to meeting the needs of children birth to age five and their families. 2019 Early Childhood Grant award recipients: • $19,296 to Faribault Public Schools to create Early Learning Centers at the Jefferson Elementary and Faribault … [Read more...]
Sesquicentennial farm applications due March 1
Minnesota Farm Bureau’s Sesquicentennial Farm program will honor Minnesota families who have owned their farms for at least 150 years. Since the Sesquicentennial Farm program began in 2008, over 225 farms have been recognized. The Sesquicentennial Farm program recognizes family farms according to the following qualifications: 1) The farm must be at least 150 years old this … [Read more...]
Canton preps for “The Big One”
Residents of coastal California have long been worried about “The Big One,” referring to the fears that a major earthquake will eventually cause catastrophic damage to the population there. In the small Minnesota town of Canton, residents are preparing for a different type of “big one.” Every August, Canton holds their annual “Day Off” celebration, and every fifth year, an … [Read more...]
Find a home at Homespun Harmony
Marsha LaFreniere has a passion for knitting and crocheting that she recently translated into Harmony’s newest storefront on Main Avenue, Homespun Harmony. Originally from Albert Lea, LaFreniere spent 10 years in the Air Force, where she moved around a lot. She met her husband in Rochester and they looked for a place to set down roots. That place was Harmony and a country home … [Read more...]