February 2023

In the past year, the Montevideo School District made significant changes to class offerings, expanding the College in School program, which doubled the number of credits offered. In addition, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities offered by the district received a makeover through an effort to create partnerships with local industries. “Industry partners are helping teach courses, advising in relevant and essential curriculum that matches work force outcomes, and more broadly opening their doors for industry tours, job shadowing and internships,” says Montevideo Schools Superintendent Wade McKittrick.

Simply Blessed Boutique opened its doors for the first time in April of 2019. Since then, owner Miranda Gilbertson has expanded the boutiques offerings, most recently adding a line of candles from Chalkboard Candle Co. “They are non-toxic, clean burning candles. A portion of the profits go directly to teachers via a check sent directly to them,” says Gilbertson.

The Southwest Minnesota Chief Elected Officials Board recently appointed Jacque Peters to the Southwest Minnesota Workforce Development Board. Ms. Peters serves as a Private Sector Representative for Chippewa County. She is the Human Resources Manager for Chandler Industries in Montevideo, and Long Prairie, and the Corporate Benefits and Safety Manager for all five of Chandler Industries’ locations in Minnesota - Bethel, Blaine, Lindstrom, Long Prairie, and Montevideo. She is passionate about the HR field and enjoys the fast paced, dynamic, and changing environment the manufacturing industry provides.

Chippewa Valley Youth Club has plans in 2023 to open their summer program back up in order to better assist families utilizing the program to have quality child care in the summer. Currently, Chippewa Valley Youth Club has also been working on redecorating their aftercare rooms.

Anderson TeBeest Funeral Home is preparing for an upcoming pre-planning seminar to be held sometime in May-June of this year at their Granite Falls location. The seminars happen at least once a year in each of the communities the business has locations in.

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