Harlan William Baker, 86, of Rushford, previously of Stewartville, died Thursday, April 12, 2018, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford, Minn. Harlan was born June 6, 1931, in Rochester, Minn., to William and Rose (Schroder) Baker. He grew up on the family farm between Stewartville and Chatfield, learning the trade. After graduating from Chatfield High School in 1949 he … [Read more...]
Charter Commission Amendment dead
At the April 9 Chatfield City Council meeting, a vote on the second consideration of Ordinance 433-Charter Amendment failed. The first consideration had passed three to two. This time in order for the recommendation from the Charter Commission for the establishment of a “city manager” position to become a reality, there would need to be a unanimous positive vote. The vote was … [Read more...]
Chatfield City Manager?
Curt Sorenson, Charter committee chair and former Chatfield mayor, reported at the March 26 city council meeting that members of the Charter commission have proposed amending the city charter to add the position of “city manager.” During a public hearing, the issue that troubled some was the authority to hire and fire public employees that would be part of a city manager’s … [Read more...]
Mary Jane Christopherson
Mary Jane Christopherson, age 74, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at her home in rural Fountain, Minn., after a year long battle with melanoma cancer. She was born July 22, 1943, in St. Louis, Mo., to John and Alberta (Hogan) Jackson. Mary Jane had developed a lifelong love of horses on her parents weekend farm in Missouri. Her first horse was Dan, a … [Read more...]
Technology updates given to Chatfield School Board
The Chatfield School Board met on March 19, 2018, in the high school media center. Board members present were Jerry Chase, Scott Backer, Amy Jeffers, and Matt McMahon along with Superintendent Harris, Administrative Assistant Lorri Lowrey, Business Manager Karyl Lyons, High School Principal Randy Paulson and Technology Integration Specialist Kristi Cook. Board member Katie … [Read more...]
Chafield approves pension benefit raise for firefighters
Luke Thieke, president of the Relief Association, reviewed the association’s financial statement at the March 12 meeting of the Chatfield City Council. Thieke reported that their finances are in excellent shape. A raise of $550 per year of service was proposed, allowing for a total of $2,300 per year of service. To qualify for full pension benefits a firefighter must complete … [Read more...]
Journey to Growth holds public meeting in Chatfield
A lot of positive and forward-thinking information was shared during the Journey to Growth Public Meeting held on March 1, 2018, at Chatfield Center for the Arts in Chatfield, Minn. If you have not heard of Journey to Growth (J2G) or have heard the name but are not sure what it is all about, these public meetings are very informative as well as a great opportunity for … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board addresses school safety concerns
The Chatfield School Board met on February 26, 2018, in the high school media enter. Board members present were Jerry Chase, Scott Backer, Amy Jeffers, Katie Priebe and Matt McMahon, along with Superintendent Harris, Administrative Assistant Lorri Lowrey and Community Education Director LuAnn Klevan. Also present were student council members, Macy Pederson and Brittany … [Read more...]
Chatfield’s 2017 annual activity reports
Chatfield councilors listened to annual reports for 2017 from Planning and Zoning, Heritage Preservation, and the Economic Development Authority at their February 26 meeting. Kristi Clarke, consultant/city planner, reported that the city gained 19 new single family residences in 2017. New residential construction and remodels added over $5 million of value. The city is left … [Read more...]
Robert “Bob” Rodgers
Robert “Bob” Rodgers, 94, of Chatfield, Minn., died Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield. Bob was born July 14, 1923, in Spokane, Wash., to William and Rhoda (Childs). At a young age his parents moved Bob, older brother Jack, and baby sister Betty to Winona by train. The family settled on a farm just outside of Chatfield, where Norman was born. … [Read more...]