God dropped a spit-fire into the world on October 26, 1943. Ruth spent most of her childhood in Chatfield Minn., with her mother Elfrieda, daddy Barry, brothers Chuck, Donald, Sam, and Greg, and sister Tobi. She worked hard, loved the Lord, and generally charmed everyone around with her wit and beauty. She attended Mankato Commercial College, where she caught the eye of one … [Read more...]
The glitzy gutzy galz of Chatfield
ArtBitz, a fine art gallery and gift shop has joined the growing list of new businesses calling Chatfield’s Main Street (Hwy. 52) home. The store opened its doors May 5 in the former Bailiwick antique store just a couple blocks from the Chatfield Center for the Arts and near the town’s new brewery. When visiting ask the glitzy, gutzy galz, 80-year-old Alice Ernster, … [Read more...]
Chatfield moves forward on financing of water and sewer improvements
At the May 23 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, councilors approved a resolution to issue a $1,469,000 General Obligation Utility Revenue Note 2022A to finance improvements for the city’s water and sewer systems. Councilors Josh Broadwater and David Frank were absent. Mike Bubany, David Drown Associates, Inc. appeared remotely to review aspects of the note and to … [Read more...]
Chatfield considering cart system for garbage
Councilors discussed the future of the city’s garbage collection and recycling system at the city councils May 9 meeting. Pros and cons were debated on the continued use of the bag system or a change to a cart system. The existing contract with William Hanson Waste Removal is good for another three years. If the city goes to the cart system, the current contract will be … [Read more...]
Chatfield awards’ ceremonies and graduation dates are set
At the May 4 Chatfield School Board meeting, Josh Thompson, Katie Priebe, Jill Harstad, and Matt McMahon were present as well as principals Shane McBroom and Eric Nelson, Superintendent Ed Harris, and Trista O’Connor, business manager. Board members Lanny Isensee and Tom Keefe were not present. Student senate representative, Paige Root said the Snowball Dance in March was … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotion – Sabbath and Holiness around us every day
By Pastor Nissa Peterson Chatfield and Root Prairie Lutheran Churches May is often one of the busiest months of the year, with ball games, graduations, family events, and preparing for summer gatherings. In the midst of a very busy season, it is extra important to think about taking time for Sabbath and rest. Often when we think about Sabbath we think it means needing to … [Read more...]
Red Cross and Chatfield Fire Department to install free smoke alarms May 14
On Saturday, May 14, American Red Cross serving Southeast Minnesota, Chatfield Alliance, and Chatfield Fire Department will join together to install free smoke alarms for local families vulnerable to home fires during a Sound the Alarm event. This effort is part of a national Red Cross Sound the Alarm initiative to install 50,000 free smoke alarms in more than 50 at-risk … [Read more...]
Chatfield approves TIF proposal
At the April 25 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, a public hearing was held prior to the adoption of a tax increment financing plan for TIF district 3-5. The new TIF district is requested in part due to rising construction costs for site improvements for a new athletic club. It is to be located on vacant property along Highway 52 south of Chatfield. Plans include the … [Read more...]
Kelvin Lynn Niemeyer
Kelvin Lynn Niemeyer, age 71, of Ostrander, Minn., passed away Friday, April 22, 2022, at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, Minn., after a courageous, three-year battle with glioblastoma. Kelvin was born May 8, 1950, to Kenneth and Betty (Burns) Niemeyer in Lanesboro, Minn. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wykoff, Minn. Kelvin was the oldest of six … [Read more...]
Rosalie Mary Hanley
It is with tremendous sadness that we share that Rosalie Mary Hanley passed away on April 18, 2022. Rosie was born and raised, unloved in Fresno, Calif. Her only solace as a small child was spending time with her father Jesus “Jessie,” and her grandmother Catalina. She was an only child and while she was surrounded by cousins, she always felt she never fit in. She spoke … [Read more...]
Patricia Genevieve Johnson
Patricia Genevieve Johnson, 94, of Chatfield, died peacefully on Friday, April 15, at Evans Memorial Home in Cresco, Iowa, with her family by her side. Visitation for Pat will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, in Rochester, Minn. The funeral Mass for Pat will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April … [Read more...]
Chatfield improvements for parks and pool
Brian Burkholder, Public Works, requested approval for park and recreation maintenance and improvement items at the April 11 meeting of the Chatfield city council. The Aqua zip line at the swimming pool has been a popular feature, but there have been issues with the current retractor style system. Burkholder explained there is a new design that is gravity fed and does not … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board approves revised 2022 FY budget
At the April 13 Chatfield School Board meeting, Lanny Isensee, Katie Priebe, Tom Keefe, Jill Harstad, and Matt McMahon were present, as well as Principals Shane McBroom and Eric Nelson, Superintendent Ed Harris, Lorri Lowery, administrative assistant; and Trista O’Connor, business manager. Board member Josh Thompson was not present. Eric Nelson, high school principal, … [Read more...]
Gary August Hoffman
Gary August Hoffman, 76, of Chatfield, Minn., was called home to the arms of his Lord, Jesus Christ on Monday, April 11, 2022. He was born in Rochester, Minn., on October 23, 1945, to Arthur and Tira (Kamnetz) Hoffman. Gary was united in marriage to Jo Danielson on July 24, 1968. Gary was a member of numerous co-op boards during his life. He got his pilot’s license and … [Read more...]
Beverly “Bev” Polikowsky
Beverly “Bev” Polikowsky, 90, passed away peacefully March 28, 2022, at the Chosen Valley Care Center. Beverly Mae Narveson was born January 22, 1932, to Baldwin and Mildred (Martin) Narveson and grew up in the Chatfield area, graduating from Chatfield High school in 1951. Bev married Bob Polikowsky at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elgin, Minn., on October 3, 1953, residing on … [Read more...]