At the October 14 Chatfield City Council meeting Mayor Russ Smith read a proclamation honoring one of the city’s own, Betty Lou Balcome. Smith listed the many contributions of leadership and service Balcome gave to the city over her lifetime. Betty Lou was one of the original fruitcake bakers of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and she continued to do that for over 50 years. … [Read more...]
Meet the Candidates: Rick Lowrey Chatfield School Board
1. Tell us about yourself. I’ve been married to my wife Lorri for nearly 22 years. We moved to Chatfield 15 years ago from Colorado in search of a small-town environment and a better education system to raise our children in. I am a father of three children: Jason (20), Maggie (19), and Aaron (17). I am a heavy-equipment operator by trade of the Local 49. 2. Why are you … [Read more...]
Paul R. Gathje
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...]