By Wanda Hanson Meeting on the second floor of the community center, socially distancing, and wearing masks when necessary, the Houston City Council dealt with several changes brought about by COVID-19 Monday, July 13. Houston Hoedown has been cancelled, but the queen contest is being held. A request before the council for a small parade consisting of the queen, her court, and … [Read more...]
Uninsured Minnesotans can get free COVID-19 tests: New health care option covers cost for many residents in need
Many uninsured Minnesotans can get tested for COVID-19 at no cost to them during the federal public health emergency, thanks to a new health care option. The state will cover the cost of testing for individuals who apply and meet all of the following conditions: •Be a resident of Minnesota. •Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawfully present noncitizen with an immigration … [Read more...]
County gathers COVID related invoices
At the July 7 Fillmore County Board meeting, Administrator Bobbie Hillery reported that Fillmore County received over $2.5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF). The federal funds totaling $841 million have been distributed by the state to counties, cities, and townships to cover expenses incurred due to the pandemic. This is a portion of the state’s allocation which was … [Read more...]
Ostrander opts for Coronavirus Relief Funds
The Ostrander City Council met on July 7, with all members present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks). Brincks introduced Chris Hahn, from the Fillmore County EDA, and explained, “We have Coronavirus Relief Funds that the city is able to receive. It’s $18,835. It can only be used for coronavirus relief … [Read more...]
Opening a new business at the beginning of a global pandemic
Envision spending two years preparing to open a financially laden business from the ground up nine days after the start of COVID-19, a global pandemic. That is what the owners of the Stinson’s Country Style Meats were faced with when they opened their business in the farming community of Houston, Minn., on March 20 of this year. Upon walking into the breakroom to interview the … [Read more...]
The Working Mom
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...]