Mel Hayner has owned and operated The Driftless Fly Fishing Company in Preston since 2013, and recently expanded his business to include a dedicated space for kayaks. “They were in the way over here,” he said. When the opportunity came up for him to rent the empty building next door, which used to house Chic’s Pizza, he decided to go for it. “It was always in the back of my … [Read more...]
Will area swimming pools open for the summer?
With the temperatures already hovering above 90 degrees, a dip in a swimming pool would be refreshing. The rural communities in Fillmore and Houston Counties are fortunate to have city-run swimming pools in communities like Chatfield, Preston, Rushford, Spring Grove, and Spring Valley. But, due to concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing, as of the … [Read more...]
Liberty Project – Boy Scout Troop 43 flag installation
Imagine an early morning peek out the window, cup of coffee in hand, being greeted by an orderly row of American flags ribboning a course through your neighborhood. Perhaps this sight inspires your mantra for the day or solidifies an attitude of respect and reflection for a day that’s been chosen to honor our country. Boy Scout Troop 43 of Chatfield is anticipating it’s sixth … [Read more...]
BWSR accepting applications for Lawns to Legumes Grants for fall 2020 projects
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is now accepting applications for the Lawns to Legumes program for fall 2020 projects. This program aims to increase residential habitat for at-risk pollinators across the state by providing residents with workshops, free planting guides, and opportunities to apply for reimbursement for gardening projects. The new … [Read more...]
Houston County Farm Bureau announces Biggest Doe Contest winner
The Houston County Farm Bureau (HCFB) is happy to announce this year’s Biggest Doe Contest winners. Garrett Waldenberger, age 13 and son of Ken and Heidi Waldenberger, of Spring Grove brought in a doe weighing 145.4 pounds. Garrett harvested the winning doe during the regular hunting season on Steve Klug’s farm in Spring Grove Township. Waldenberger and Klug were both presented … [Read more...]
MnDOT invites public to comment on rules governing Special Transportation Services providers
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is seeking public comments on existing rules for Special Transportation Services providers that serve the elderly or disabled, or provide nonemergency medical transportation services paid for with public funding. MnDOT is in the process of updating the existing rules, and is interested in hearing from stakeholders about updates and … [Read more...]
Minnesota weekly gas price update
January 27, 2020 — Minnesota gas prices have fallen 2.8 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.38/g today, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 2,856 stations. Gas prices in Minnesota are 2.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 32 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Minnesota is … [Read more...]
Noxious weeds spread to eight new Minnesota counties
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) confirmed in 2019 five species of weeds on the state’s Noxious Weed Prohibited Eradicate List for the first time in eight counties. Weeds categorized as Prohibited Eradicate are the worst types of weeds. The law requires species on this list to have all above- and below-ground plant parts destroyed because the weeds may be … [Read more...]
Preliminary reports: four of eight fire deaths this year likely smoking related State fire marshal asking Minnesotans to follow smoking tips
Following four fire deaths since January 9, that appear to be smoking related, State Fire Marshal Jim Smith is asking Minnesotans who smoke to follow some important safety tips, and families to talk to loved ones who smoke about its fire-related dangers. Eight people died in fires between January 9-23. Four of these fatalities this month are likely smoking related, according … [Read more...]
Australian natives visit Minnesota while brushfires are a great concern
Australian native, Larissa Gunderson and her family (husband John and sons Lachlan, 14, and Brentan, 12) were far from home for the recent holiday season. Traveling from the central coast of New South Wales (one hour north of Sydney, Australia), Larissa and her family have been residing at the Selvig House in Harmony for the past few weeks. The Gunderson family arrived in … [Read more...]