City Administer Joel Young administered the oath of office to Beth Carlson for the position of city clerk at the January 23 meeting of the city council. Councilors Mike Urban and Paul Novotny were absent. At an October 10 city council meeting, amendments to the City Charter were unanimously approved, which were to take effect 90 days after publication. The amendments included … [Read more...]
Sandra Ann Wright
Sandra Ann Wright, of Chatfield, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at her home in Chatfield. Sandra Ann Schneckloth was born in Rochester December 19, 1956, to Gerald and Rita (Christopher) Schneckloth. She grew up in Racine, Minn., and graduated in 1975 from Stewartville High School. She met Paul Wright at the roller rink in Stewartville and they were … [Read more...]
Joan F. Laivell
Joan F. Laivell, 95, a lifelong resident of Chatfield, passed away peacefully at Chosen Valley Care Center on January 22, 2023. She was born on September, 17, 1927, in Rochester, to James Francis Laivell and Lillie (White) Laivell. Joan graduated from Chatfield High School in 1945. With her parents owning a restaurant in town, she worked at the Crystal Café until it closed … [Read more...]
John McBroom sworn in as Chatfield’s new mayor
Former Mayor Russ Smith opened the January 9 meeting of the Chatfield city council. Joel Young administered the oath of office to the newly elected mayor, John McBroom. McBroom honored Smith with a plaque for his distinguished service to the community over many years. Young administered the oath of office to reelected councilors Paul Novotny and Mike Urban. McBroom gave a … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board chooses officers for the 2023 school year
At the January 11 Chatfield School Board meeting, board members Josh Thompson, Jill Harstad, David Sowinski, Mark Johnsrud, Katie Priebe and Tom Keefe were present, as well as Superintendent Ed Harris, Principals Shane McBroom and Eric Nelson, and Trista O’Connor, business manager. Community Education Director LuAnn Kleven and Lorri Lowery, administrative assistant were … [Read more...]
Outpouring of support following Chatfield fire
It’s been a month since an early morning fire at a two-story apartment complex at 815 Grand Street in Chatfield. Breaking out just after midnight on November 27, the fire displaced eight families and left the building in ruin. While the initial aftermath left the residents scrambling, they say the overwhelming support from the community of Chatfield was unforgettable. Fifteen … [Read more...]
Chatfield residents show up in support of their park
Seven citizens showed up at a special city council meeting on December 20 in support of their neighborhood park, Shady Oak Park. City Engineer Craig Britton explained the future of the park has become an issue as related to the planned 2023 Street Project. Grand St. SE, Hawley St. SE, and Prospect St. will be part of the improvement project. Shady Oak Park can be accessed … [Read more...]
Chatfield sets 2023 budget and levy
At the final Chatfield City Council meeting in 2022, the property tax levy for taxes payable in 2023 was approved. The total levy will be $2,444,756, which is an increase of 5.793% over 2022, or $133,879. Prior to approval of the 2023 levy, the Truth in Taxation public hearing was held. The 2023 levy includes a pay increase for the mayor and city council, a 5% pay grid … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board thanks retiring board members
At the December 14 school board meeting, board members Josh Thompson, Jill Harstad, Lanny Isensee, Katie Priebe and Tom Keefe were present as well as Superintendent Ed Harris, Principals Shane McBroom, Eric Nelson and Trista O’Connor, business manager. Board member Matt McMahon was absent. Superintendent Harris led the Truth in Taxation hearing with a number of slides … [Read more...]
Mark D. Keefe
Mark D. Keefe, 67, of Chatfield, passed away at his home on Sunday, December 11, 2022. Mark David Keefe was born October 15, 1955, in Rochester to Clement and Pauline (Follensbee) Keefe. He grew up in rural Chatfield on the family farm, and worked with his dad. He graduated from Chatfield High School in 1973. After graduation, he continued to work with his dad for many … [Read more...]