News Leader

Prescribed burn scheduled on Highway 52 near Harmony

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 05/03/2018 - 12:41pm

Motorists in the Harmony area and five other southeastern Minnesota locations may see smoke from prescribed burns that began Monday, April 30, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Public Health nurse outlines options after county-based homecare ends

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 05/03/2018 - 12:38pm

Jessica Erickson, director of nursing for Fillmore County Public Health, discussed the discontinuation of homecare services in Fillmore County effective July 1 at a press briefing Thursday, April 26, as many local residents have expressed concern about the change.

MPCA seeks public comments on proposed hog feedlot in Fillmore Co.

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 05/03/2018 - 10:43am

Catalpa, LLC proposes to build a new 4,890-head swine farrowing facility about 10 miles east of Harmony in Newburg Township, Fillmore County. It would include two barns, an animal mortality composting building, a large stormwater basin, and a livestock watering well.

As required by state rules, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) prepared an environmental assessment worksheet on the proposal. The public may submit written comments on the Catalpa EAW until 4:30 p.m. May 30.

Fillmore County Board takes look at leasing program for squad cars

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 05/03/2018 - 9:22am

Fillmore County’s commissioners handled housekeeping items during the April 24 County Board meeting, focusing on the vehicles that the county’s deputies drive to be available for its citizens.

After considerable discussion, the board decided to take no action on a proposal on the Enterprise leasing program through which the county could lease squad cars, instead of having to buy new squads and maintain them as part of a fleet. Sheriff Tom Kaase was accompanied by Enterprise account executive Wong Nystrom, who gave a presentation to the commissioners.

Track athletes excel in distance events, pole vault

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 04/26/2018 - 4:35pm

The Lanesboro/Fillmore Central/Mabel-Canton track teams took first place in four distance events and both pole vaults as they finally got to enjoy some nice weather and hit the track on Monday afternoon.

The team headed to Rushford to take part in a four-team meet, getting the spring season going in the right direction after a slow start due to an extended bout of winter.

Lanesboro to set community meeting for school improvements

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 04/26/2018 - 3:42pm

The Lanesboro School Board met on Thursday, April 19, learning more about the concept building plan as the way to help enhance the student learning experience.

Prior to taking further steps, the board determined to hold a community tour and meeting before the next school board meeting. This will allow the community to learn the conditions the students have been learning in, as well as the proposition from the board. It will also allow for the community to have input in the project.

Mabel-Canton School Board approves administrative contracts

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 04/26/2018 - 3:41pm

As part of the items for action and for discussion, members of the Mabel-Canton School Board were presented with both the superintendent renewal and two-year principal contracts at the regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 17.

The 2018-19 contract for Superintendent Gary Kuphal contained an increase of 15 days, making the contracted work day total 120, to accommodate for working in July and August.

Proposal targets ‘people’s stadium’ funds for ‘people’s veteran homes’

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 04/26/2018 - 3:38pm

A potential statewide funding source for a Preston veterans home has come from an unexpected location: U.S. Bank Stadium.

On April 18, chairs of the Minnesota House State Government Finance Committee and Veterans Affairs Division announced they will sponsor legislation that would help fund the construction of three veterans homes in Minnesota — Preston, Montevideo and Bemidji — by using existing state revenue currently sitting in a stadium reserve fund.

State Rep. Greg Davids, R-Preston, said it’s a brilliant idea.

Donna Mandelko, 87, of Harmony

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 04/26/2018 - 3:34pm

Donna M. Mandelko, 87, of Harmony, died on Tuesday, April 16, 2018, at the Gundersen Harmony Care Center in Harmony, surrounded by her family.

She was born on Feb. 2, 1931, to Earl and Ida (Kulsrud) Hahn at home in Preston Township in Fillmore County.

William LaBonne, 82, of Canton

Published by lniemeyer@bluff... on Thu, 04/26/2018 - 3:33pm

William “Bill” LaBonne, 82, of Canton, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Canton. 

He was born on Oct. 12, 1935, in Prairie Du Chien, Wis., to Elmer and Margaret (Carpenter) LaBonne.

He graduated from Aquinas High School in LaCrosse, Wis.

On Sept. 17, 1964, he married Charlotte Dragvold.