News Leader

Lanesboro edges Kingsland for most SEC crowns in 2018-19

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Thu, 08/01/2019 - 10:48am

Lanesboro edged out Kingsland for this sportswriter's annual, but unofficial all-sports champion of champions in the Southeast Conference for school year 2018-19. Back at the top for the first time in four years, the Burros added to their all-time lead, topping the rankings for the seventh time in 17 years. Over that span, eight different schools have finished at the top at least one time.

Lanesboro, with one and two-thirds titles, finished with a slim edge over the one and seven-twelfths titles earned by the Knights in their first year of membership.

Little League playoffs

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Thu, 08/01/2019 - 10:45am

Summer league fun

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Thu, 08/01/2019 - 10:42am

David Phillips: Cigarettes changing, but consequences for smokers remain the same as always

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Wed, 07/31/2019 - 3:49pm

Smoking rates in Minnesota have been declining for decades, but the tobacco industry keeps finding ways to entice people to use tobacco. One innovation is e-cigarettes, also known as e-vaporizers, which are battery-powered devices people use to inhale an aerosol that typically contains nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals.

New law bars use of e-cigarettes in most indoor workplaces, public places

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Wed, 07/31/2019 - 10:45am

Laws protecting Minnesotans from exposure to deadly secondhand smoke have expanded as of Aug. 1 to include the use of e-cigarettes and vapes.

Under the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act, the use of e-cigarettes and vapes, often called vaping, will be subject to the same prohibitions and restrictions as cigarette smoking, protecting Minnesotans from exposure to e-cigarette use in all restaurants, bars and almost all indoor workplaces and public places.

County Board approves creation of finance department

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Wed, 07/31/2019 - 10:24am

Fillmore County commissioners debated about the creation of a finance department within the county departments during the Tuesday, July 23, meeting.

Human Resources Officer Kristina Kohn introduced the creation of a finance department, effective Aug. 1, as well as a resolution regarding the creation of and the authority belonging to the finance department.

Minister’s calling brings him back to where it all started

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Wed, 07/31/2019 - 9:50am

The Rev. Mark Woodward’s “circuit ride” has come full circle. 

He is joining his wife, the Rev. Deanna Woodward, serving in ministry together at the Maple Leaf Parish: Spring Valley’s Faith United Methodist Church, Cherry Grove United Methodist Church and Fountain United Methodist Church. After 20 years serving in Eyota, he is returning to parish ministry in Fillmore County. 

Letter: Military celebration was moving part of 2019 Fillmore County Fair

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Tue, 07/30/2019 - 3:45pm

To the editor:

The 2019 Fillmore County Fair started with a very moving and memorable military celebration on Tuesday, July 16, to recognize the reconstruction of the 100-year-old World War I Memorial entrance at the fair grounds. The entrance was first used on Aug. 26, 1919, to welcome home the soldiers from WWI where 48 Fillmore County soldiers had lost their lives.

Preparations underway for Theater in the Park at Whitewater State Park

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Tue, 07/30/2019 - 3:39pm

The hot July sun beamed down on the meadow at Whitewater State Park recently while a group of artists and musicians practiced lines and notes from “A Whitewater World,” an original one-act play written about the history of the Whitewater Valley.

As part of the Whitewater State Park Centennial Anniversary, these actors and musicians from multiple counties in southeast Minnesota are preparing for four upcoming performances scheduled at the park for Sundays in August at 4 p.m.

Lanesboro American Legion spotlights last World War II veteran during parade

Published by tlittle@bluffco... on Mon, 07/29/2019 - 3:47pm

This year’s Buffalo Bill Days Grand Marshal is a unique choice: Lanesboro’s American Legion Post #40 will be heading up the parade. When the Legion was informed that it was receiving this honor, members collectively wanted to also highlight one of its members. Elmer Haugstad, 94 years old, is the post’s last surviving World War II veteran. He will join the parade with his fellow members, at the head of the procession.