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Things to Do in the Lanesboro Area Over the Long 4th of July Weekend
As the 4th of July weekend approaches, the Lanesboro area of southeast Minnesota beckons with a blend of cultural festivities, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor from afar, here’s a curated guide to experiencing the best of the Lanesboro area during this celebratory week.
Southern Minnesota to Adopt 10-Digit Dialing
Residents and businesses in the 507 area code, which includes cities like Rochester, Faribault, Owatonna, Mankato, and Winona, will need to switch to 10-digit dialing starting July 30th. This change is necessary because the 507 area code is projected to run out of numbers by early 2025, prompting the addition of a new 924 area code.
Rushford Rezones Former Windswept Inn
Following a public hearing on June 12, the Rushford City Council approved rezoning the former Windswept Inn at their regular June 24 council meeting. The new owners, PPS Properties, LLC., intend to create apartments rather than operate a motel. The zoning has been changed from Arterial Commercial to Multi-Family Housing. The plan is to create eight efficiency apartments from the former motel and rent out the house. There are no plans to change the exterior size or structure. The general consensus was that additional housing was needed more in Rushford than the motel.
Big Valley equestrian to County Fair’s Hall of Fame
ST. CHARLES, Minn. – The tradition of naming each day of the Winona County Fair for new inductees into the Fair Hall of Fame begins July 10. That will be Gayle Goetzman-Stolpa Day. She grew up on a dairy farm in East Burns Valley and then pursued “my true calling” to be a teacher. She earned two college degrees from Winona State and spent 26 years teaching in Winona and Rochester. During those years she purchased 170 acres, the Big Valley Ranch, for her passion for horses. The public has access to indoor and outdoor arenas and bridle paths. The farm has been put in the Minnesota Land Trust to preserve it against untoward development. On July 21 at 2 p.m. Goetsman-Stolpa and other 2024 inductees will be honored at the fairgrounds:
Chatfield Approves Motorized Golf Cart Ordinance
After considerable discussion during past city council meetings, Ordinance 471 was approved at the city council’s June 24 meeting. Councilor Dave Frank was absent. This ordinance regulates the use of motorized golf carts on public streets and public areas within the city. A permit is required for the operator; the issuance and use of a disabled permit is allowed in certain instances. An applicant for a permit must provide a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of liability insurance providing coverage for the special vehicle in order to drive on a public roadway.
City of Winona Red Cross Blood Drive July 25th 10am-3pm
The City of Winona is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, July 25th from 10am-3pm at Sobieski Park Lodge 965 E 7th St! To schedule an appointment, please sign up with this link, call 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767), or visit redcrossblood.org and enter: cityofwinona in the "Find a Blood Drive" box in the upper right corner.
Mississippi Sippin concert a success
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) in Winona held its first concert in the 2024 Mississippi Sippin Series on Thursday, June 27. The Mike Munson Trio was the featured music group, and the group played a live set outdoors along the riverwalk. With over 250 people in attendance, the light rain did not stop the attendees from enjoying the concert and the view of the Mississippi River.
Midday Headlines – July 2nd, 2024
>Winona Lawmaker Says “No” to Special Session for MN Flood Relief. (Winona, MN) – As officials continue assessing flood damage to public infrastructure, State Representative Gene Pelowski from Winona says a law the legislature passed earlier this year enables a total of 76 million dollars for the state’s Disaster Contingency Account without the need for a special session. He predicts there will not be a special session, and that “the $76 million will be enough.” Pelowski indicates that if anything more is needed, hopefully, the legislature will then be back in session next January. But state Senator Grant Hauschild (HOSS-child) from Hermantown says a special session limited to disaster assistance plus “a Bonding Bill to address critical infrastructure needs, including disaster mitigation, just makes sense.” Bonding bill negotiations between Democrats and Republicans fell apart in May during the closing hours of the 2024 regular session.
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