Dempsey W. McHan III, 43, of Brownsdale, Minn., and formerly of Preston, Minn., died on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, in Preston. Dempsey Willard McHan III was born on September 25, 1979, in Leakesville, Miss., to Dempsey W. McHan II and Mary K. Dunphy. Dempsey lived in Mississippi until age 12 when he moved with his family to Whalan, Minn. He was a 1998 graduate of … [Read more...]
Robert Allen Culbertson
Robert Allen Culbertson was born in 1950 to Albert and Millie Culbertson. He was the seventh child of eight children, and grew up in Lanesboro, Minn. He was active in sports, especially baseball and football. In high school, he lettered in basketball, track, football, and baseball for all four years. He attended Rochester Community College for two years on a football … [Read more...]
Whalan mayoral position remains open
Following results from the November 8 mid-term election, the City of Whalan is in urgent need of a resident to step up and volunteer to become mayor of Whalan. Present at the regularly scheduled council meeting on Monday, November 14 were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, along with council members Sheila Higbe, Kim Berekvam and Thore E. Johnson in person, with council member Owen Lewis … [Read more...]
Whalan council focuses on city hall maintenance
The Whalan City Council spent a portion of the October 11 council meeting discussing maintenance at the city hall. As the long months of winter approach, the mayor advised creating a maintenance schedule to ensure that checklist items are taken care of. Present at the regularly scheduled meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, along with council members Thore E. Johnson, Kim … [Read more...]
Ernie’s Station part of documentary
Ernie’s Station in Whalan, Minn., has drawn attention from local residents and tourists for some time. Recently, it was noticed by the Executive Producer of Heritage Films, Matt Dacy who happened to be driving by with his wife when he came upon the vintage gas station and knew he wanted to film something there. On October 11 they did just that. Ernie Johnson purchased the … [Read more...]
Whalan council approves 2023 preliminary budget
The Whalan City Council handled a lengthy agenda during the September 2022 council meeting, including the proposed tax levy. Present at the September 12 regularly scheduled council meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, council members Sheila Higbe, Kim Berekvam, Thore E. Johnson and Owen Lewis, as well as City Clerk/Treasurer Michele Peterson. Three additions to the agenda were … [Read more...]
Marilyn A. Simpson
Marilyn A. Simpson, 88, of Paynesville, died Saturday, August 20, 2022, at her home near Paynesville. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, August 25, 2022 at Grace Methodist Church in Paynesville. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at a later date. Marilyn Ann Simpson was … [Read more...]
Affidavits of Candidacy available for Whalan council seats
Whalan City Clerk Michele Peterson announced at the August Whalan City Council meeting that Affidavits of Candidacy are available for the City of Whalan mayor position and two city council seats. Affidavits can be filed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. and must be filed before 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 16, 2022. Present at the August 8 council meeting were Mayor Marlys … [Read more...]
Rebecca “Becca” Wangen-Kahn
Rebecca L. “Becca” Wangen-Kahn of Plainview, Minn., gained her wings at the early age of 40 on Saturday, July 16, 2022. She was the beloved wife of 11 years to Brock B. Kahn – soulmate, best friend, comforter. Funeral services for Becca will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at Plainview Church of Christ in Plainview, Minn., with Pastor Chuck Coggins officiating. … [Read more...]
Lois Berekvam
The funeral for Lois Berekvam, 92, of Whalan, will be on Friday, July 22, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Whalan Lutheran Church, with Pastor Patricia Hinkie officiating. Lois Berekvam passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Rushford, Minn. Lois Ilene Berekvam was born in Lanesboro, Minn., on September 3, 1929, to Leland and Ida (Sveen) … [Read more...]
Whalan Mayor Tuftin will not seek re-election
The mayor of Whalan, Minn., Marlys Tuftin, announced at the July city council meeting that she does not intend to run for re-election. Tuftin has been mayor of Whalan since 2017. Present at the July 11 Whalan City Council meeting were Mayor Tuftin, council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Kim Berekvam, and Sheila Higbe, as well as City Clerk/Treasurer Michele … [Read more...]
Whalan receives total reimbursement from former city clerk
According to Whalan City Clerk/Treasurer Michele Peterson, the City of Whalan has received full reimbursement from former City Clerk Lolly Melander after receiving a check in the amount of $9,388.00. Present at the May 9 Whalan City Council meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, councilmembers Owen Lewis, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam along with City Clerk/Treasurer Michele … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council approves business licenses
The Whalan City Council approved several business licenses at the regularly scheduled meeting held on April 11 at the Whalan Town Hall. Present at the meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson and Kim Berekvam. Councilmember Sheila Higbe attended via Zoom. City Clerk/Treasurer Michele Peterson was also present. The meeting agenda was … [Read more...]
McCaslin updates Whalan council on assessments
Fillmore County Assessor Jason McCaslin attended the March 14 regularly scheduled Whalan City Council meeting to update the council on assessments and to explain assessment procedures. Also present at the March meeting was Mayor Marlys Tuftin, along with council members Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe, Kim Berekvam and attending via Zoom was Owen Lewis. City Clerk/Treasurer … [Read more...]
Jerry Michael Olson
Jerry Michael Olson, 75, of rural Whalan, died Thursday, February 17, 2022, at his home. Jerry was born June 15, 1946, in Colquitt, Ga., to Millard and Elaine (Smith) Olson. He was raised in the Whalan area and graduated from Lanesboro High School. Shortly after graduating, he worked various jobs, from mink ranching to road construction before he found a 40-year career … [Read more...]