June starts out on a tragic note in Fillmore County with a fatal motorcycle accident. On June 1, at 11:31 a.m., the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office emergency Communications Center (911) received a call of a motorcyclist striking a horse in the 40000 block of Highway 44. This area is west of Mabel and east of the junction of Highway 44 and 52. Fillmore County Sheriff’s … [Read more...]
Formed in the Driftless: Flowstone Fishing catches momentum
While underway for more than a year, Flowstone Fishing in Chatfield officially opened its online business this past April. Named for the area’s flowing, cool waters, which create subterranean mineral sheets, or flowstones, owner Bret Klaehn is hoping to combine his enthusiasm for fishing with a niche for quality, handmade lures and personalized, local service. “I have been … [Read more...]
Retire your worn-out U.S. flags
In conjunction with Flag Day, Lanesboro’s American Legion Post #40 will conduct its annual flag retirement ceremony on Tuesday, June 12 at 6:15 p.m. This will take place at the local baseball field, located on the left of Highway 8 just before its intersection with Parkway Avenue in downtown Lanesboro. Proper retirement of the U.S. flag includes protocol which provides … [Read more...]
Rushford considers last minute limited option usage of revolving loan fund
The City of Rushford has been eyeing potential changes to its Revolving Loan Fund policy, looking to amend it to allow the city to use the funds. If used, the funds would be designated for a singular project related to economic development, namely an estimated 100-acre property on the west side of Rushford, along Highway 30. City Administrator Tony Chladek noted the policy … [Read more...]
Interpretation of ordinance creates snag over precedence
When looking at zoning, ordinances and policy-making can be a bit of a beast. Townships, cities, and counties have ordinances in place for the benefit of property owners and to keep things decidedly black and white. But, what happens when interpretation creates a fuzzy, gray zone and the idea of entity precedence and property owner rights clash? Five of the 23 townships within … [Read more...]
Drag racing stalls in Spring Valley
Greg Melartin addressed the Spring Valley City Council during the regular meeting on May 30 regarding his request for drag racing within city limits during the upcoming Fins and Films event on July 7. He described the various safety measures that would be in place (fencing, barriers, etc) and the agencies and businesses he has already talked to regarding the proposed event. … [Read more...]
Kingsland thanks many for their service
On May 21, the Kingsland school board voted to leave meal prices for the 2018-2019 school year at the same prices as in 2017-2018. Superintendent Hecimovich said that although prices will likely have to increase most years, it’s nice to give families a break by avoiding a price hike at this time. All board members were present at the meeting (Doug Plaehn, Ann Oeltjen, Leah … [Read more...]
Medical examiner reviews 2017 cases
R. Ross Reichard, M.D., Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner, reviewed 2017 Fillmore County death statistics at the board’s May 22 meeting. This medical examiner’s office investigates “sudden, violent, unexpected, and suspicious deaths” in an eight county area in southeastern Minnesota. The office certifies deaths after investigation and postmortem examination and … [Read more...]
R-P coaching hire procedure creates problems
At the Monday, May 21 Rushford-Peterson School Board meeting, two items were pulled from the consent agenda for further consideration. One of these was the recommended hiring of a head girls basketball coach. Last month, a similar discussion occurred over the potential hiring of a head boys basketball coach. At that time, Board Director Julie Koop asked whether or not there was … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central board visits possibility of e-learning days
Superintendent Richard Keith recently took part in a discussion about e-learning days at a conference he attended and learned how they worked. E-learning days are implemented on days when school has to be canceled due to inclement weather. Students would be able to access their schoolwork online that day and complete it at home, eliminating the need for make-up days at the … [Read more...]