It’s a problem that just about every city deals with, and Harmony is no exception. So-called “flushable” wipes are clogging up the two lift station pumps and causing backups in the sewer system. The pumps are back up and working again, but City Maintenance Director Chris Johnson doesn’t know how long that will last. “It causes a mess,” he said. The flushable wipes clog the … [Read more...]
No Seat? No Rider
Tractor rollovers and runovers are consistently among the top causes of on-farm injury and death. The risk for severe injury from rollovers and runovers is especially high for extra riders who do not have a designated seat. So the message is very simple. If your farm equipment – tractors, combines, etc. – does not have an instructor’s seat in addition to the operator’s chair, … [Read more...]
Compaction a concern for fall field work
Healthy soils are the foundation of our cropping systems. One of the most important attributes of a healthy soil is good soil structure. Due to the excess rainfall we have received this summer, the soil structure of our local farm fields is at risk of being destroyed by compaction this fall. Soil compaction refers to a reduction in soil pore space. Healthy soils have a … [Read more...]
Fall safety concerns in agricultural communities
The beginning of fall signals the beginning of many exciting things: schools are back in session, local sports begin, new hunting seasons are right around the corner and fall crop harvest is beginning. While these activities can be exciting, there are a number of dangers that this time of year brings as well. • Kids are back in school. Kids can be unpredictable. They like to … [Read more...]
Spring Valley 2017 levy set
The Spring Valley City Council met on Monday, September 12, 2016. Members in attendance were: Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Bill Bires, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Jeff Vehrenkamp was absent. The council approved minutes of the previous meeting, and Preliminary Accounts Payable. No visitors had signed up to speak to the council. Zimmer spoke about … [Read more...]
Bloodmobile coming to Harmony on September 27
Harmony will be hosting a bloodmobile at the Harmony Community Center from 1-7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27, 2016. All donors will be required to provide identification before donating, so please remember your donor card or driver’s license. Donors are encouraged to use a new option available online to speed up the donation process. RapidPass (redcrossblood.org/RapidPass) … [Read more...]
F & M Community Bank meets with Rep. Tim Walz
Representatives of F & M Community Bank recently met with U. S. Representative Tim Walz at the bank’s office in Rochester. Dan Christianson, CEO; Charles Aug, President; Jim Oeltjenbruns, Senior Vice President; and Mike Tuohy, Board Member, met with Congressman Walz to discuss various community banking concerns. “Congressman Walz was very cordial and interested in hearing … [Read more...]
Mill Creek Habitat project to begin
At the Chatfield City Council’s September 12 meeting ,soil scientist Luke Lunde said the 1,200 linear foot project, which will include a fishing pier, will begin next week from the bridge on Division St. south. It is expected to be completed by mid October. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. The bid from Barth Construction came in at $69,276.56 or about 4% over the … [Read more...]
Prevent the flu! It’s the cool thing to do
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone over the age of six months obtain a seasonal flu vaccine each year as soon as it offered. This is especially true for people who care for children under age six months and people with health conditions. Due to low effectiveness, nasal spray vaccine has been discontinued this flu season. Fillmore County … [Read more...]
County discusses courthouse security
Sheriff Tom Kaase presented his department’s budget proposals for 2017 at the September 13 county board meeting. During his presentation, courthouse security options were discussed. Kaase has about $77,000 included in his budget for a court security person. More options for courthouse security including cameras, one point of entry only, screening people coming to the court … [Read more...]