EDEN PRAIRIE, MN - June 25, 2018 – The Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA) recently inducted Donald Welander, First State Bank of Fountain, into its Pioneer Club during its Annual Summit and 129th Annual Meeting at Madden’s on Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minn. The Pioneer Club honors bankers who have been in the banking industry for 50 or more years. He began his banking career in … [Read more...]
SEMAC awards arts grants
On May 15, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) awarded 42 grants for a total of $241,465 in funding to applicants throughout southeastern Minnesota. This included twenty Arts & Cultural Heritage grants for $180,295, twelve Presenter/Production Assistance grants for $32,220, nine Small Towns/Rural Areas grants for $25,950, and one … [Read more...]
Five churches, two pastors
The Bible has many stories of people who were called to serve God in new and different ways. These believers were asked to take a “leap of faith” to answer the calling. This is also the case for two new pastors in the United Methodist Church, Pastor David Stoeger and Pastor Pam Seebach. They recently sat down to explain the calling they have answered to serve five Methodist … [Read more...]
Chatfield mayor comments on swimming pool project
On June 29, bids for the construction of a new swimming pool in Chatfield will be opened. At the June 26 council meeting, Mayor Russ Smith explained he has heard from people within the community who are in favor of and who are against the construction of a new pool. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. Smith spoke of rumblings in the community from some who feel there was … [Read more...]
MnDot presents 10-year plan
At the June 26 Fillmore County Board meeting, Ronda Allis, District 6 planning director, gave an overview of the state’s 10-year construction plan, 2019-2028, in Fillmore County. Allis explained that projects through 2022 are funded. Planned projects from 2023-2028 do not have commitments, funding has not been identified, and plans will change. MnDOT is in a preservation … [Read more...]
Spring Valley mulls banning ATVs
The Spring Valley City Council discussed the banning of ATV (“four-wheeler”) usage within the city. Present at the meeting on June 25 were Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, Mike Hadland and city administrator Deb Zimmer. Tony Archer was absent. Betts and Hadland said they’ve gotten many complaints from citizens regarding ATV usage within Spring Valley, especially … [Read more...]
Preston funds its donation for veterans home
The source of funding in the amount of $320,000 from the city was identified at the June 18 city council meeting. The funds will cover the land purchase and the cash donation to be included in the application so the veterans home can be entered into the federal queue in April 2019. City Administrator Joe Hoffman explained there had been a conference call with the Minnesota … [Read more...]
Three Kingsland board members up for election
At the Kingsland School Board meeting on June 18, the board formally set the dates for anyone looking to run for election to the board in November. The dates for filing affidavits of candidacy will be July 31 through August 14. In the November general election, voters will elect three members to four-year terms. All board members were present for the meeting (Doug Plaehn, … [Read more...]
Harmony Historical Society unveils walking tour signs
While walking around Harmony recently, you may have noticed some new signs up around town. They’re part of the Harmony Historical Society’s new walking tour and were unveiled on June 16 at a ribbon cutting ceremony. Some of the members of the Historical Society had seen historical walking tour signs in other towns, including Decorah and thought it would be a great idea for … [Read more...]
Chatfield Schools receive high technology scores
The Chatfield School Board met on June 19, 2018, in the art room at the high school. Board members present were Scott Backer, Amy Jeffers, Katie Priebe and Matt McMahon along with Superintendent Harris, Administrative Assistant Lorri Lowrey, and Technology Integration Specialist Kristi Cook. Board member Lanny Isensee was not present. Reports Kristi Cook, technology … [Read more...]