The Mortrud family announces with great sorrow, the passing of their father Mitchell, who passed away peacefully on July 2, 2022, at his home in Mounds View, Minn. Mitch was born in Spring Valley, Minn., on May 1, 1957, to Vernon and Doris (Koop) Mortrud. He graduated from Spring Valley High School where he was a member of the wrestling team and played drums in band. During … [Read more...]
From vaudeville to the yellow brick road, Brave Community Theatre celebrates five decades of productions
From its first production in 1972, “A Roaring ‘20s Scrapbook,” to this year’s “Wizard of Oz,” Brave Community Theatre in Spring Valley has filled five decades with quality community theater. Debi Neville, the current Brave Community Theatre (BCT) board president is also the founder. She started the community theatre in 1972 when she returned to her hometown after living in … [Read more...]
Ronda Gwen Steinkamp (Hovden)
Ronda Gwen Steinkamp (Hovden), 64, of Grand Meadow, Minn., passed away after a battle with cancer ,on July 21, 2022. Funeral services for Ronda Steinkamp will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 24 at Grand Meadow Lutheran Church in Grand Meadow, Minn., with Pastor Megan Reedstrom officiating. Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. on July 23, 2022, at the Grand Meadow … [Read more...]
Spring Valley approves dump truck purchase
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular meeting on July 11. All council members were present (Mayor Tony Archer, John Dols, Chris Danielson, Luan Ruesink, and Greg Brooks), and City Administrator/Clerk Deb Zimmer participated as well. A proposed purchase of a new dump truck for the city was discussed. A 2006 Mac dump truck was shown in a photo, available for $85,000. … [Read more...]
Frederick James Mundfrom
On the morning of July 13, 2022, Frederick James Mundfrom was called home to heaven. Trusting in the saving work of Jesus Christ, the words of Matthew 25:21 became real for him: “Well done, good and faithful servant... Come and share your master’s happiness!” Frederick James Mundfrom was born on the family farm near Cherry Grove, Minn., on March 26, 1929. He was the eighth … [Read more...]
Wednesdays are fun in Spring Valley
On the third Wednesday of each month, June through September, the downtown area of Spring Valley is transformed into a family-friendly farmers’ market/community center. The event is coordinated by the Spring Valley Economic Development Authority (EDA), and Justin Mlinar recently answered a few questions about the “Wednesdays on Broadway” events. Mlinar explained that, “How … [Read more...]
Kingsland discusses gym roof replacement
Due to the Independence Day holiday, the Kingsland School Board met on July 6 for their monthly “work session.” Superintendent Scott Klavetter highlighted the list of staffing updates, which includes new hires Abagail Palkowski (elementary sped teacher), Nathan Carolan (building and grounds director), Collin Boekhoff (elementary teacher), and John Pereda (high school guidance … [Read more...]
Spring Valley addresses grass and other cleanup
The Spring Valley city council held a regular meeting on June 27. All council members were present (Mayor Tony Archer, John Dols, Chris Danielson, Luan Ruesink, and Greg Brooks). City Administrator/Clerk Deb Zimmer participated as well. Zimmer shared with the council regarding the city’s enforcement of excessively tall grass and other violations of city ordinances aimed at … [Read more...]
Donna Rita Merkel
Donna Rita Merkel, 83, passed away in the comfort of her home on June 23, 2022. Donna was finally able to once again join the love of her life, Paul. May she finally find happiness in the comfort of his arms again. Donna was born in Lake City, Minn., on June 28, 1938, to Fred and Agnes (Megears) Linaman. Donna was one of the two sets of twins in her family. She grew up in a … [Read more...]
Kingsland Board to hold open house in July
The Kingsland School Board met on June 20 for a regular meeting. Members present included Pam Freet, Cindy Seabright, Maranda Emig, and Jackie Horsman. Also participating were interim Superintendent Gary Kuphal, Principal Scott Klavetter, Laurie Hendrickson, and Business Manager Amber Herbrand (Herbrand participated via remote technology). The board returned to a discussion … [Read more...]
Drug arrest in Spring Valley
According to Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge, on Thursday June 16, Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Investigators and Deputies along with the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crime Enforcement Team executed a search warrant at 605 Division Avenue in the city of Spring Valley. The search warrant was the result of a drug investigation conducted by the Fillmore County Sheriff’s … [Read more...]
Spring Valley to patch streets and fill potholes
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular meeting on June 13. All council members were present (Mayor Tony Archer, John Dols, Chris Danielson, Luan Ruesink, and Greg Brooks). City Administrator/Clerk Deb Zimmer was absent, so Chris Hahn participated in her stead. The council discussed a price quotation from RCM Specialties, for filling potholes and other patchwork needed … [Read more...]
Kingsland discusses handbooks and meal prices
The Kingsland School Board met on June 6 for their monthly “work session,” which stretched for four hours from 6-10 p.m. The topics of Kingsland handbooks and meal prices generated significant discussion. Regarding handbooks, interim Superintendent Gary Kuphal shared his overall opinion that, “There are too many handbooks,” and Principal Scott Klavetter agreed. Currently, … [Read more...]
Robert (Bob) H. Rippentrop
Robert (Bob) H. Rippentrop, 60, died on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at Mayo Clinic’s Methodist Campus Hospice Unit, with his daughter by his side. He passed from a long, courageous, and complicated battle with JAK2-Myelofibrosis, a rare form of chronic leukemia. Bob was born on December 5, 1961, to Raymond Cort and Jean Marie (Howard) Rippentrop in Spring Valley, Minn. He … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotion – “Faith’s Check Book” inspiring and uplifting
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish Spring Valley: Faith, Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston (and Lenora) Uanited Methodist Churches During a particular rough time in my life, I very much appreciated the inspiring, uplifting, encouraging words of a wonderful pastor who lived in England. Charles Spurgeon lived from 1834-1892 and he was a prominent clergyman during this … [Read more...]