After months and months of planning, discussion, and a referendum last fall, the Chatfield City Council approved a combined bid submitted by Benike Construction and Ricchio, Inc. for the construction of a new swimming pool during their July 9 meeting. The bid was approved with a 4:1 vote, councilor Mike Urban voted no. The combined bid is $4,279,243.93, which is the low bid. A … [Read more...]
Whalan receives donation from Stand Still Parade
During the July Whalan City Council meeting, Jane Lewis, representing the Whalan Stand Still Parade Committee, announced a donation to the City of Whalan in the amount of $1,763. Each year the Stand Still Parade Committee donates a portion of the proceeds from the Stand Still Parade to the city. The council members shared their appreciation to the committee. The regularly … [Read more...]
SWCD Forestry Field Day is July 25 in Rushford Why trees? Why prairie? Why goats?
On July 25, 2018, the Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will be hosting a field day to explore how terrain, soils and aspect affect timber productivity, the types of plant communities found on a site, and identifying trees and plants that will thrive depending on the site conditions. The field day will be held at Magelssen Bluff Park in Rushford. The event … [Read more...]
Mabel sets mowing fee
By Rich Wicks The Mabel City Council met in regular session June 11, with all members in attendance (Liz Folstad, Gary Morken, Mayor James Westby, City Clerk Karen Larson, Terry Torkelson, and Kirsten Wyffels). Regarding the issue of grass not being mowed satisfactorily within the city, Larson said, “Fortunately, we haven’t had to deal with this before. Unfortunately, it … [Read more...]
Emergency blood shortage: Red Cross issues urgent call for blood donors Blood supply dwindles after donations lagged during Fourth of July holiday week
An emergency blood shortage is prompting the American Red Cross to issue an urgent call for eligible donors of all blood types – especially type O – to give now and help save lives. The Red Cross escalated its call for blood and platelet donors after a difficult Independence Day week for donations. More than 550 fewer blood drives were organized by businesses and other … [Read more...]
Niagara Cave listed as Minnesota’s “Bucket List Road Trip” destination by USA Today
A fascinating geological feature in Southeast Minnesota, Harmony’s own Niagara Cave was recently listed as Minnesota’s “Bucket List” destination in a compilation of one attraction per state. See the article at https://www.usatoday.com/topic/d796ee39-e3bc-4c61-99bc-26b9f57800ed/the-bucket-list-destinations/. Featuring a 60-foot waterfall, an underground river, and fossils … [Read more...]
Ostrander water plant upgrade needed, but when?
All members of the Ostrander City Council were in attendance on July 3 for a regular meeting (Vernon Thompson, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, City Clerk Wendy Brincks, Heidi Jones and DJ Start). Heidi Jones addressed the council regarding her candidacy for Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer. Brian Malm (representing the engineering firm of Bolton & Menk) said Ostrander … [Read more...]
County backs EIS request for proposed hog feedlot
Many concerned citizens attended the July 3 meeting of the county board. The agenda was amended to include discussion and possible action regarding the proposed Catalpa LLC hog farrowing facility to be located in section 7 and 18 in Newburg Township. The comment period on the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) had been extended to July 3 at 4:30 pm. During the Citizens … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeking applications for Small Town Grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Small Town Grants Program. Towns with populations of 5,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region are eligible to apply. Requests of up to $10,000 will be considered. “The success of last year’s inaugural Small Town Grants Program has prompted us to once again provide this opportunity to … [Read more...]
Red Cross urges donors to fill Missing Types to prevent summer blood shortage
The American Red Cross needs help to bring back the A’s, B’s and O’s. This is not a typo. These letters represent blood types, and the reality is that during blood shortages these letters do go missing from hospital shelves. The American Red Cross urges donors of all blood types to give now to help prevent delays in patient care this summer. Earlier this month, A’s, B’s and … [Read more...]