Paul R. Gathje, 85, a longtime Stewartville, Minn., farmer and auctioneer, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2019, after a short illness with cancer. Paul Ralph Gathje was born on July 14, 1934, in Dover, Minn., to Raymond and Martha (Brandt) Gathje. He grew up and attended school in Pleasant Grove and Stewartville and served in the U.S. Army. Paul was married on April … [Read more...]
Chosen Valley Care Center breaks ground for new addition
After two years of market analysis and planning by the board of directors, administration, and managerial staff, they were finally able to break ground on the new addition and for the remodeling of the 42 year old Chosen Valley Care Center (CVCC). Before any shovels could be filled with dirt the care center had to make an application to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board tours STEM shop
At the October 2, 2019, Chatfield School Board meeting, all board members were present except Lanny Isensee and Scott Backer. Also present were Superintendent Ed Harris, Community Education Director LuAnn Kleven, Principals Shane McBroom and Randy Paulson, and student senate representatives Isaac Rain and Isaac Erding. Superintendent Harris gave an update on a few projects … [Read more...]
Chatfield adopts preliminary 2020 levy and budget
After a long discussion detailing the many demands on the budget that have to be addressed, the Chatfield City Council unanimously approved an 8.47% increase in the levy, an actual increase of $172,152. A letter was sent to the council, signed by 26 residents insisting that any increase over 2.5% was unacceptable. Mayor Russ Smith said he understood the sentiment behind the … [Read more...]
William Marcus Copeman
William Marcus Copeman, 76, of rural Chatfield, Minn., passed away Friday, September 20, 2019, surrounded by his loving family at his home. William was born on December 25, 1942, in Spring Valley, Minn., to Charles Levenous “Lee” and Louise (Drogemuller) Copeman. He graduated from Chosen Valley High School in 1961. William “Bill” Marcus Copeman loved to work hard on his … [Read more...]
Chatfield Band invites new members
If you play an instrument and would like to join a vibrant community band, you are hereby invited to join the Chatfield Brass (and woodwind) Band. Rehearsals have begun and are on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Chatfield Elementary School band room. Prospective members are encouraged to visit and join at any time. Instrumentalists that haven’t played since high school or … [Read more...]
September 12 pursuit and crash near Chatfield
On September 12, 2019, at 7:42 p.m., a traffic pursuit and crash occurred. The traffic stop was at USTH 52 and Civic Center Drive, Rochester, with the crash at USTH 52 and mile marker 30 (south of Chatfield). Assisting agencies included Olmsted County Sherriff’s Department, Fillmore County Sheriff’s Department, Chatfield Police Department, Gold Cross Ambulance, and Chatfield … [Read more...]
Audrey (Adler) Borgen
Audrey Borgen, 82, of Rochester, Minn., died Thursday, September 12, 2019. Audrey was born January 26, 1937, in Millville, Minn., to Lauren and Mildred (Greeter) Adler. She graduated from Rochester High School in 1955. On January 16, 1960, she married Palmer Borgen at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minn. They made their home in Chatfield, Minn., until 2005, when … [Read more...]
Headstone unearthed beneath driveway of body shop
On Thursday, September 5, 2019, there was a discovery made in front of the Chatfield Body Shop. In Chatfield, Minn., the construction capital of Southeast Minnesota, the headstone of Almira Caw was found while crews were doing some dirt work to replace the driveway of the repair shop. Almira Caw’s headstone read “Almira, Wife of Joseph Caw, Born Feb. 23, 1831, Died Apr. … [Read more...]
Wastewater treatment operator hired
During the September 9 Chatfield City Council meeting, Steven Schlichter was hired to operate the Wastewater Treatment Plant effective September 23. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. Schlichter was one of four applicants that had been interviewed for the position. The council also approved an extension of the services of Steve Bushman, WHKS Engineering, through October 18 … [Read more...]
Chatfield schools off to a great start with new programs
At the September 4, 2019, Chatfield School Board meeting all board members were present. Also present was Superintendent Ed Harris, Administrative Assistant Lorri Lowery, and Principals Shane McBroom and Randy Paulson. Under consent items the August 7 special meeting and monthly meeting minutes along with the August 21 special meeting minutes were approved. Board member … [Read more...]
Street vendors; a growing problem
A letter authored by Steven Rowland, Western Days, Inc. co-chairman, was addressed to the city council. It was the basis for a relatively long discussion concerning “street vendors” at the August 26 Chatfield City Council meeting. Rowland maintains the number of street vendors is a growing problem, as they take away business from established permanent businesses in … [Read more...]
Kenneth Irish
Kenneth “Ken/Kenny” Irish, 75, of Chatfield, Minn., passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Methodist Campus in Rochester. Ken was born to Richard “Dick” and Margaret (Hart) Irish on May 25, 1944, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. He attended John Marshall High School and went on to work at Touhy Furniture, Chatfield, and Doughboy Industries, … [Read more...]
Myron “Mike” Earl Bernard
Myron “Mike” Earl Bernard passed away peacefully on Aug. 12, 2019. He was born on Jan. 22, 1930, to Bert and Delores (Brown) Bernard in Orion Township. He attended and graduated from Chatfield High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the military and served in the Korean War for four years. He attained the rank of Corporal and received six medals for his valor and … [Read more...]
Chatfield sets hearing for bond issuance
At the August 12 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, a resolution was approved calling for a public hearing on September 9, concerning the proposal for the issuance of healthcare facility revenue bonds for the Chosen Valley Care Center project. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. City Clerk Joel Young said the care center has been working with the city for a couple of … [Read more...]