News and Features

Rushford EMS crew celebrates

Published by kthompson@bluff... on Wed, 05/23/2018 - 11:18am

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responders are being honored May 20-26, 2018, during the annual National EMS Week.

Initiated by the American College of Emergency Professionals, and established as a week of recognition in 1974 by President Gerald Ford, this observance recognizes the critical and life-saving roles of EMS workers.

EDA board welcomes Brown, elects officers

Published by kthompson@bluff... on Wed, 05/23/2018 - 11:17am

The Rushford Economic Development Authority (EDA) welcomed a new face to their most recent meeting and elected new officers on Wednesday, May 9. They also got some good feedback on their first attempt at helping to educate kids about career opportunities in the area. Jake Timm, Rushford-Peterson high school Principal, kicked off the night by speaking to the board about the recent Career Exploration Day.

Career Exploration Day
Timm, R-P High School principal, kicked off the night by speaking to the board about the recent Career Exploration Day.

R-P’s Maryellen Dean, “Teacher of the Year”, to retire after 38 years

Published by kthompson@bluff... on Wed, 05/23/2018 - 11:15am

Rushford-Peterson third-grade teacher Maryellen Dean is wrapping up a 38-year teaching career in fine style. Earlier this month, Dean was named as the “Fillmore County Teacher of the Year” and was honored at a ceremony at the R-P school on May 1. Dean was the second R-P teacher to receive the award in as many years; last year’s winner was Mary Hoiland, the retired fourth grade teacher.

Dean, who has spent all but one year of her career in the Rushford and Rushford-Peterson districts, admits it really hasn’t hit her yet that she won’t be returning as a teacher in the fall.

R-P board debates coaching hires, discusses school safety issues

Published by kthompson@bluff... on Wed, 05/23/2018 - 11:13am

The Rushford-Peterson school board, no stranger to coaching-hire controversies, became even more familiar with the topic at its May 21 meeting. This session focused on the vacancy for the district’s head girl’s varsity basketball coaching position for the upcoming year. Shortly after former coach and retired teacher Terry Pelzl’s resignation, the district advertised the opening. R-P superintendent Chuck Ehler and Activities Director Dan Bieberdorf interviewed three candidates, including R-P teacher Jake Dahl and 2017-18 girl’s basketball assistant coach Matt Helgemoe.

CRV hears Benson Lane project update

Published by kthompson@bluff... on Wed, 05/23/2018 - 11:10am

The City of Rushford Village (CRV) council spent the majority of the May 15 meeting discussing the Benson Lane project that has been at the forefront of discussions for this year.

Benson Lane Update
Previously, Bolton and Menk Engineer Derek Olinger was in the process of completing a preliminary grading plan for the Benson Lane Crossing which is a “Missouri Style” crossing.

Fillmore County law enforcement officers taking part in Click It or Ticket campaign

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Wed, 05/23/2018 - 10:22am

To continue educating motorists that seat belts save lives and it’s the law to buckle up, The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Preston and Chatfield police departments, along with more than 300 law enforcement agencies across the state, will be participating in the statewide Click It or Ticket campaign now through June 3.

The Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety coordinates the extra enforcement and education campaign. The department notes that the two seconds it takes to buckle up in a vehicle can save your life if you are ever involved in a crash.

Medical examiner presents annual report to commissioners

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Wed, 05/23/2018 - 9:56am

“We’re not running from homicide to homicide, despite what’s portrayed in the media,” stated R. Ross Reichard, M.D., of the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, reviewing the 2017 medical examiner services for Fillmore County during the Commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, May 22.

Reichard updated the board on how many deaths involved medical examiner’s office, citing that 117 deaths had been reported, that 88 were investigated and that 18 were certified after postmortem examination. 

Fillmore County to lease four squad cars

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 05/17/2018 - 9:12am

Fillmore County’s commissioners made a decision to lease four vehicles after perusing the possibilities and pitfalls of leasing vehicles for the county’s law enforcement officers during the May 8 board meeting. 

Filing for SWCD supervisor candidates opens May 22

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 05/17/2018 - 9:10am

Minnesota citizens interested in influencing natural resources issues at the local level are encouraged to run for supervisor of the Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).

Two of the five SWCD supervisor positions will be filled through the general election this year, which will take place on Nov. 6. Those interested in running for supervisor should file at the county auditor’s office from May22 through June 5.

Peterson council discusses nuisance properties, overdue utilities

Published by kthompson@bluff... on Thu, 05/17/2018 - 8:20am

In a shorter meeting on May 9, the Peterson City Council declared seven city properties as “nuisance properties,” a term recommended by City Attorney Greg Schrieber. For years, the City of Peterson has had on-again, off-again conversations with residents concerning homes that are not in compliance with city statutes.