By Karla Bloem Executive Director International Owl Center Between being primarily nocturnal and very well camouflaged, owls are not often seen. Reliable estimates of populations of most species don’t exist. For some of the especially secretive species, their nesting range isn’t even well known. When it comes to owls, there is a LOT that isn’t known. Barn owls in … [Read more...]
Recycling 101
Neither the Fillmore County Resource Recovery Center nor the Fillmore County Recycling Center are accepting burn barrels for disposal. Recently, there has been a misunderstanding that we will, but that is not correct. We do not want them, we will not accept them, and we have no place to store them or dispose of them. If you are using a burn barrel or burn your garbage in a … [Read more...]
Houston City Council approves nature center zip-line
The Houston City Council met on Monday, May 8 at the Houston City Hall. In attendance were Houston City Administrator Peterson, Deputy Clerk Hegland, Mayor Olson, and Council members Knutson, Sanden, Krage, and Schutte. Following a Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting regarding property classification and valuation, the meeting began at 6:13 p.m. Following the Pledge … [Read more...]
Becoming a storm spotter
There is no better time to take storm spotter training than during Severe Weather Awareness Week on a rainy night with thunder booms and lightning flashes taking place outside. Although Fillmore County was only under a slight risk of severe thunderstorms, it was a good reminder that we should always be aware of the weather conditions in and around our area. Severe Weather … [Read more...]
SWCD sponsors wildflower walk May 6 near Choice
The Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is sponsoring a wildflower walk on Saturday, May 6 at 10 a.m. at the Choice Wildlife Management Area located four miles east of Choice on County Road 13 (watch for yellow WMA signs). Park along the road past the second bridge from Choice over the South Fork of the Root River. The event is open to the public, and … [Read more...]
Whalan forced to find alternate trash and recycling company
“As of May we will no longer have Harter’s garbage service,” stated Mayor Tuftin, during the City of Whalan’s April 2017 meeting. Tuftin went on to explain, “apparently Lanesboro went to a different contract and because of that they gave us 30 days notice that they will no longer be serving Whalan either,” so “we are being dropped,” she said. Due to this, the city must find … [Read more...]
Ostrander talks cars, cats and cleanup
The Ostrander City Council met on April 4. Members present were Erin Volkart, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, Clerk Chris Hyrkas, and Heidi Jones. DJ Start was absent. Jason Boynton, on behalf of the Smith Schafer accounting firm, gave a summary of the annual audit of the city’s finances, which resulted in an unmodified “clean” opinion. He shared that there were no legal … [Read more...]
Lanesboro switches to new garbage and recycling service
Lanesboro’s contract with Harter’s Quick Clean Up will be ending soon, and so the city recently advertised for bids. Three bids were received from Harter’s, Waste Management, and Advanced Disposal. The council reviewed the bids at their regular April 3 meeting and approved a motion to switch to Advanced Disposal once the contract with Harter’s is finished. With Advanced … [Read more...]
Extension of the Harmony-Preston Valley bike trail advances
The City of Harmony Trails Commission is pleased to announce that a bill to appropriate funds for extension of the Harmony-Preston Valley bike trail has advanced through the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Legacy Finance Committee for final consideration in this year’s budget. Senator Jeremy Miller introduced the bill early in March. Representative Greg … [Read more...]
Recycling 101
Just in case you missed the last Recycling 101 article, I will repeat part of it today. As of April 1, 2017, all recyclables brought to Preston by waste haulers or individuals will be transported to La Crosse by Harter’s. The material will then be taken to Green Circle’s facility where the recyclables will be separated and sent to various markets. Rural containers … [Read more...]
DNR teams with USDA sharpshooters to contain CWD
“Right now, it looks like we’re on the front end of this,” USDA District Supervisor and Wildlife Biologist John Hart said about the 2016 discovery of Chronic Wasting Disease in Southeastern Minnesota. After two deer near Lanesboro and Preston tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease last fall, the Minnesota DNR placed a recreational feeding ban in Fillmore, Mower, … [Read more...]
Elaine Patricia Bacon
Elaine Patricia Bacon, Age 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 27, 2017 at the Ostrander Care Center. Elaine was born on September 30, 1922 to Irving and Regina Bacon of Forestville, Minn. She attended the country school in Forestville Township. Elaine resided in Rochester and worked at Waters Connelly, Mayo Clinic, as well as for the City of Rochester at the water … [Read more...]
C and T Horse Company weathers the highs and low of the business
Father and son duo Clint and Todd Peterson have been in the horse trading business ever since they can remember. “All I’ve ever really done is trade horses,” Clint said. “Todd’s been doing it since he was big enough to.” Under the name of C and T Horse Company, Clint and Todd have sold horses all over the United States. On the schedule for early March is a trip to Maine … [Read more...]
View Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park by horseback
As many people look at their calendars and start planning ahead for this year’s vacation spots for their families and horses some may overlook a wonderful location right here in Fillmore County. In fact, they may be the busiest trails in the United States for several reasons. Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, which is nestled between Spring Valley, Minn., and Preston, … [Read more...]
Tips for prospective horse owners
Children often dream of waking up one morning and finding their own horse or pony in their yards. Some people are able to make this dream a reality and own these beautiful animals. Whether raising a horse for pleasure or profession, it is important to know that caring for horses can be labor-intensive. The reward for properly taking care of a horse is a healthy and … [Read more...]