Remember when Remember when we carried on with our lives without a care in the world about catching a virus? I remember being on a plane traveling for a work trip when a mother with three young children boarded and clogged the main aisle as she spent a good 10 minutes using Lysol wipes to clean the seats, arm rests, and flip down tables before she allowed her children to sit … [Read more...]
COVID-19 the center of Houston’s school board meeting
By Wanda Hanson COVID-19 took the spotlight at the Houston School Board meeting June 19 as the members of the board used technology to meet virtually. Using Zoom and YouTube applications, the board heard updates about the progression of plans for next school year. Since Governor Walz had had a recent news conference, Superintendent Abraham was able to give more details on next … [Read more...]
Bloodmobile coming to Harmony on July 7
Harmony will be hosting a bloodmobile at the Harmony Community Center, 225 Third Avenue SW, from 1-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Masks will be required. If you don’t have one of your own, one will be provided by the Red Cross. No guests will be allowed at the drive, and everyone will need to have an appointment (no walk-ins will be accepted). All donors will be required to … [Read more...]
Drive-thru Dairy Night on the Farm “udderly” amazing
While the coronavirus has caused the cancellation or postponement of many events, the Fillmore County American Dairy Association found a creative way to mo-o-o-o-o-ve forward with their annual Dairy Night on the Farm. On Saturday, June 20, from 4-7 p.m., an estimated 750 dairy enthusiasts drove to the Mulhern Dairy farm on the outskirts of Fountain, Minn. The Mulherns have … [Read more...]
Chatfield pool opens to everyone
The Chatfield City Council, after considerable debate, voted to open the swimming pool to everyone, at their June 16 special meeting. The motion was approved by a 4-1 vote (Mike Urban voted no). The pool will be open to everyone, the “Open to Chatfield School District Only” sign will be removed. Starting Friday June 19, everyone must have an account with MyRec and all funds … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson begins reopening process, adopts COVID plan
It’s been a rough few months for R-P students and staff, as the school year was modified to crisis distance learning and facilities closed to in-person instruction for the coronavirus pandemic. While district administrator Jon Thompson previously praised the state for giving districts eight days to switch gears, unknowns remain as the district attempts to follow new and … [Read more...]
Senator Miller, Minnesota Senate approve bill to support small businesses in crisis
On the first day of the 2020 special session, the Minnesota Senate passed legislation to appropriate over $60 million for small businesses who are in crisis due to the stay at home orders and the coronavirus pandemic. The bill takes $60 million from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund and $2.5 million from the Small Business Guarantee Loan program to provide relief grants to … [Read more...]
Spring Grove City Council approves RED’s IGA request to open a brewpub
Due to COVID-19, the regular meeting, June 16, 2020, of the Spring Grove City Council was held remotely via Zoom to comply with social distancing policies and practices. All members of the Spring Grove City Council were in attendance: Sarah Schroeder, Karen Folstad, Travis Torgerson, Scott Solberg, and Chad Roland. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda: May 19, … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board thanks retiring Principal Nancy Gulbranson for her dedication to the community’s children
Due to COVID-19, the regular June 15, 2020, Spring Grove Public Schools board meeting was held in compliance with Minnesota’s requirements for remote board meetings at 7 p.m. remotely through Google Meet. Board members Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Rhan Flatin, Kelly Rohland, Jenny Stender, and Christian Myrah were all in attendance. Chairman Solum called for a motion to … [Read more...]
COVID-19 relief for small businesses
Grand Meadow Economic Development Authority Creates COVID-19 Relief for Small Businesses and Child Care with micro-grant programs. The Grand Meadow Economic Development Authority (EDA) has created two Micro-Grant programs for Grand Meadow area small businesses and child care providers to help ease the financial burdens brought about by COVID-19! “Like so many area … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton graduates set scholarship fund
Mabel-Canton’s School Board held a regular meeting on June 16, via remote technology, due to coronavirus prevention guidelines. One of the agenda items that generated significant discussion was how to use the “student activity fund” balance for the recently graduated seniors. Board Chair Cristal Adkins stated that after certain fees were paid, the graduating class’s … [Read more...]
Upcoming training: GAPs for gardeners
Do you grow fresh produce as a part of a community garden, school garden or for donation? If so, join University of Minnesota Extension to learn practical steps for keeping your produce and customers healthy. Attend this series to learn science-based best practices to reduce foodborne illnesses associated with fresh fruits and vegetables, or Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). … [Read more...]
Local farms among top Minnesota dairy farms honored for superior cow care
Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen today released the annual list of top Minnesota dairy herds with low somatic cell counts (SCC). Included on this list were Trailside Hosteins of Fillmore County; Schroeder Brothers LLC, Dev-Lin Holsteins LLC, and Stan and Bev Meyer, all of Houston County; and Reiland Dairy of Mower County. Somatic cell count is a key indicator … [Read more...]
Red Cross now testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies
Beginning June 15 and for a limited time, the American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies, providing donors insight into whether they have been exposed to this coronavirus. At the same time, there continues to be an urgent need for blood donations as hospitals resume surgeries and treatments that require blood … [Read more...]
Running a family business during a pandemic
Sitting down with Gjere Construction founder, Don Gjere, and sons, Mike, Mark, and Brian, to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on a family-run business proved to be a lesson in entrepreneurship. According to Dun & Bradstreet, dnb.com, Gjere Construction incorporated in 1961. Though listening to Gjere, it immediately becomes clear that the company’s beginnings can be traced … [Read more...]