Saturday, September 24, was a big day for Chatfield; the long-awaited reopening of the Chatfield Center for the Arts finally occurred. From a committee sitting around a table with a vision in 2009, to construction beginning in 2015-2016, to fruition in 2022, a lot of people worked persistently to make the reopening happen. At the ribbon cutting Saturday morning, Mayor Russ … [Read more...]
Chatfield approves 2023 preliminary budget, tax levy
At the September 26 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, City Clerk Joel Young briefly reviewed the budget goals for fiscal year 2023. Seven principles were listed to outline these goals, including the maintenance of a “steady, predictable, local tax rate with a long term goal of reducing the tax rate over time.” Young said they are making progress on each of the principles. … [Read more...]
MaryAnn Heidtke
MaryAnn Heidtke passed away on September 21, 2022, at the Chosen Valley Care Center, where she was currently residing. She was born on December 23, 1944, in Preston, Minn., to Walter and Erna (Busitzky) Heidtke. She attended and graduated as salutatorian, from Wykoff High School in 1962. She then attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St Peter, Minn., majoring in Political … [Read more...]
Daniel Jon Martin
Daniel Jon Martin was born on September 19, 1988, to Jon and Lisa (Skrukrud) Martin in Rochester, Minn. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chatfield, Minn., attended school in Chatfield, and graduated from Chosen Valley High School in 2007, where he was active in band, football, basketball, and baseball. At age seven he developed juvenile diabetes, … [Read more...]
Chatfield looks to expand its city limits
The Chatfield City Council, at their September 12 meeting, approved a Widseth proposal for engineering services to recommend infrastructure improvements and to estimate costs of those improvements for proposed areas of expansion of the city limits. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. The firm will analyze a possible Burr Oak Ave. NE extension north of Margaret St. NE and an … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board meets new food service director
At the September 14 school board meeting, board members Josh Thompson, Jill Harstad, Lanny Isensee, and Tom Keefe were present as well as Superintendent Ed Harris, Lorri Lowery, administrative assistant; and principals Shane McBroom and Eric Nelson. Also present were Trista O’Connor, business manager; Jim Sawyer, Taher Food Service Director and Parker Bush, Student Senate … [Read more...]
Jean A. Johnson
Jean A. Johnson, age 73, of Cottage Grove, Minn., passed away peacefully on September 12, 2022, surrounded by her loving family, after a heartbreaking cognitive and physical decline from dementia. Jean was born November 22, 1948, in Rochester, Minn., to Bill and Ginny Kremer. She graduated from Chatfield High School in Chatfield, Minn., in 1966, and while in high school … [Read more...]
Donald “Doc” Boyd French
Dr. Donald Boyd French died peacefully on September 3, 2022. Don “Doc” French was born January 13, 1929, in Tracy, Minn. He moved to Rochester with his family in 1936 and attended Rochester High School, where he played baseball and hockey. He was a member of the 1946 state runner up hockey team. From the age of five, he knew he wanted to be a veterinarian after hanging around … [Read more...]
Pauline Olga (Hanson) Reinhardt
Pauline O. Reinhardt, 84, of Fountain, died Saturday, September 3, 2022, at home, surrounded by her family. Pauline was born July 3, 1938, to Alfred and Harriet (Gray) Hanson in Chatfield, Minn. She graduated from Chatfield High School in 1956. Pauline’s love and passion was doing whatever she could to help on the farm. She helped with any job that was asked of her on her … [Read more...]
Chatfield welcomes Carly Mae’s Bakery and Cafe
After being bakery-less since 2005, Chatfield residents are thrilled to welcome their new bakery, Carly Mae’s! Local residents and sisters Jerralyn Dieter and Jalyssa Houdek used their middle names to create the name of their new business. Tantalizing items in the display case on a recent Thursday included ham and Swiss scones as well as cinnamon ginger scones, sourdough and … [Read more...]
Chatfield’s proposed amendment to the city’s Charter
The Chatfield Charter Commission has recommended that the city’s Charter be amended by ordinance to develop and install the position of City Administrator. A previous recommendation to create a city manager or city administrator position failed to receive unanimous approval of the city council as required. At the city council’s August 22 meeting, the council passed a resolution … [Read more...]
Richard William Wright
Richard William Wright, 88, passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2022, at Eagle Crest South in La Crosse, Wis. Richard (“Dick”) was born to Paul E. Wright and Harriet (Gordon) Wright of rural Chatfield on March 30, 1934. Dick attended Country School District #34 for eight years. As a freshman, Dick transferred to Chatfield High School and graduated in 1952. He served on … [Read more...]
Douglas Francis Kenney
Doug Kenney, age 69, of Claremont, Minn., passed away comfortably in his sleep on Saturday, July 30, 2022. Doug was born on December 16, 1952, to Clare and Helen Kenney in Minneapolis, Minn. He was a 1971 graduate from Rockford Minnesota high School. Since September 1, 1989, Doug has been a dedicated over the road truck driver with Bill Funk Trucking, putting on an … [Read more...]
Gjere Subdivision final plat approved
At the August 8 Chatfield City Council meeting a hearing was held for public comment on a proposed townhome style medium-density development. The subdivision is to be located in Elmira Township at 273 Mill Creek Rd. NW. Mike and Julie Sogla have proposed the planned unit development for 11 residential townhomes. There are existing municipal services and facilities to serve the … [Read more...]
Lots to see and do at Western Days
Come on out and join in the fun at Chatfield’s 55th Annual Western Days, August 11-14. The event celebrates the town’s history while supporting the community’s non-profit organizations. On Sunday, Boice will present “A Toast to the Classics & Elvis” followed by Brad & RPG Band. Make sure to bring lawn chairs as it is an outdoor performance. Steve Rowland and last … [Read more...]