Gerald “Neil” Christopherson, of Blue Earth, was born to Halbert and Mae (Pickerill) Christoph-erson on a farm near Ostrander, Minn., on July 2, 1931. He attended rural schools near and in Ostrander, high school in Spring Valley, Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and received his BA from Concordia College in Moorhead. He attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul, from where he … [Read more...]
C. Wayne Thorson
C. Wayne Thorson, 91, of rural Spring Valley, Minn., passed away, Sunday, August 4, 2024, at Care & Rehab, Ostrander, Minn. Carl “Wayne” Thorson was born February 1, 1933, to Carl William and Dena (Solsrud) Thorson in Bennington Township, Ostrander, Minn. He was Baptized in Christ April 9, 1933, and confirmed in Christ October 13, 1946. He was a lifelong member of … [Read more...]
Otis William Kunert
Otis William Kunert, 77, of Ostrander, Minn., passed away on July 2, 2024 at Spring Valley Living, in Spring Valley, Minn. Otis was born on November 30, 1946, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Otis Sr. and Marjorie (Shugart) Kunert. He later moved with his family to Minnesota and graduated from Spring Valley High School. Otis proudly served in the United States Navy from April 1966 … [Read more...]
Gerald “Jerry” Carman
Gerald (Jerry) Carman, age 94, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at St Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn. Jerry was born January 27, 1930, to Virgil and Cecilia (Hronek) Carman in Pocahontas County, Iowa. He attended grade school in Pioneer and high school in Gilmore City. Jerry farmed with his brothers and father on their farm near Pioneer, Iowa. He was drafted and … [Read more...]
Harlan Wayne Mensink
Harlan Wayne Mensink, 96, of Ostrander, Minn., passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the Ostrander Care & Rehab Center. Harlan was born August 3, 1927, in Cherry Grove, Minn., to David and Anna Mensink. He graduated from Wykoff High School in June 1945. Immediately after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, served on the U.S.S. Current ARS 22 and was discharged … [Read more...]
Mary Anderson
Mary Anderson, 72, died unexpectedly at her home in Ostrander on Saturday, January 13th, 2024. Mary was born May 10, 1951, in Austin, Minn., the daughter of Nordahl and Verna (Jackson) Braaten. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Mary graduated from Austin High School, Austin Community College, and St. Cloud State University with her … [Read more...]
Ostrander Council Adopts New Law Enforcement Contract
The Ostrander City Council held a brief January 2 meeting, covering topics including its law enforcement service contract, city attorney services, and investment of city funds. The council made its final approval of the 2024 Law Enforcement Services Agreement with Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office. The contract, which has been a major topic of discussion for the council over … [Read more...]
Sheriff DeGeorge Returns to Discuss Ostrander Contract
By Patrick Andrews Sheriff John DeGeorge spoke before the Ostrander, Minn., City Council the evening of September 5 after concerns were raised over the steep price hike the city faces to continue its police contract services. Ostrander, which lacks a police department of its own, contracts with Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office for two hours of daily police service. Going … [Read more...]
Budget Increase on the Horizon for Ostrander?
The council’s first item of discussion for the August 8 Ostrander, Minn., city council meeting was Trinity Lutheran Church and the intention of its leadership to acquire a strip of paved city land immediately adjacent to the church property’s western edge. The strip, which runs north-south, is currently designated a platted roadway, and is paved continuously with Minnesota … [Read more...]
Ostrander sees 83% jump in policing contract fees
By Patrick Andrews The July 11 Ostrander City Council meeting opened with a visit from Sheriff John DeGeorge. Sheriff DeGeorge spent half an hour discussing Ostrander’s contract with Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office, the services that contract ensures, and the jump in price that will be required to maintain those services in 2024. The City of Ostrander currently pays for two … [Read more...]
Ostrander City Council hears request for racing event
By Patrick Andrews The June 6 Ostrander City Council meeting opened with a visit from organizers of Fins and Films, a non-profit organization in search of a venue for their “grass drag” racing event. The Spring Valley land previously used for the low-speed drag race has since been built on, and the event’s coordinators have turned to an Ostrander lot as a “plan B” venue, … [Read more...]
Magnus Walker Rudlong
Magnus Walker Rudlong left the earthly realm after 12 years and nine months. He was a summer solstice baby and loved that he got the longest day of the year to celebrate. Magnus is the kindest sweetest soul, and cared about everyone else so much. He was the greatest big brother. Magnus loved nature, playing in his creek, and his dogs. He loved gaming and the whole entirety of … [Read more...]
Ostrander Council again delays chicken ordinance
The issue of whether to allow chickens in the City of Ostrander was once again the topic of conversation at the Ostrander City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 7. The ordinance that was tabled last month by the council was once again before them to either approve or send back to the Zoning Board for further discussion. “Who going to control what happens with the … [Read more...]
Ostrander tables chicken ordinance
The Ostrander City Council voted 3-1 to again table an ordinance sent from the city’s planning and zoning board that would allow residents to bring chickens into town according to certain rules, at their meeting on January 3. “It’s just the way things are going it’s not that good. How much do you pay for a dozen of eggs - $6?” said one resident in favor of allowing chickens. … [Read more...]
Ostrander City Council hears from county assessor Residents get an explanation on why city assessments are up 30-90%
By David Stoeger The Ostrander City Council and the public heard from Fillmore County Assessor Jason McCaslin at their meeting on Tuesday, December 6. This after residents found themselves reeling from county property tax bills that at times increased as much as 90% for the year 2023. “I feel it serves us both well that you have an understanding of where I’m coming from so … [Read more...]