May 2023

Quote Me, Howie
Question: How’s the paper been doing since CherryRoad Media took over? Jessica: Since CherryRoad took over we’ve been working on a bunch of things – big and small – to bring our content even more local, to improve the look of the paper overall, and to come up with innovative ways to bring the news to people in more ways than ever before. Having a hyper-local focus starting at the top and working its way through all areas of the newspaper’s operations has been spurring creativity among all our staff.
Notes from United Way
What is a Gruffalo? The Gruffalo is a beloved character from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The Gruffalo has terrible tusks, claws, teeth and jaws, knobby knees, turned-out toes, and a poisonous wort at the end of his nose.

Live Well, Age Wisely
I loved the Choose Your Own Adventure books when I was growing up. You would read part of a chapter and then you’d have to make a decision, each of which would send you to a different page in the book.
Local student graduates Augustana University
Augustana University is extremely proud to announce the graduating Class of 2023. Of the 391 students who earned baccalaureate degrees, nearly half will graduate with honors. Another 178 students earned a master’s degree from the university. Five students earned Augie Access Program certificates. These graduates hail from 15 countries, 34 states and 43 communities in South Dakota.


LED enhanced stop signs will be installed on several southwest MN highways this month
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is installing LED enhanced stop signs at 64 locations throughout the district during the month of May. LED enhanced stop signs will be installed at various locations on the following highways.
Visitors to DNR-managed lands urged to check current conditions, take safety precautions
Due to varied conditions across the state, including snow cover, flooding and storm damage, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommends people check the DNR website for current conditions of the DNR-managed land they plan to visit before leaving home.

New art group to hold meet-ups in town
The Drawing Board is a new, bi-monthly art event starting up at Java River on Tuesday, May 23rd. This will be a time and place for people to gather, draw (or sketch, if that’s more your thing), talk, and grow as artists. This isn’t going to be an art class format, but rather a creative space to draw and be around others doing the same.
Xcel Energy plans to nearly triple amount of solar on Midwest system by 2028
Xcel Energy is proposing to add an additional 250-megawatt solar project near the existing Sherco plant site in Becker, Minnesota, which will soon be home to the Upper Midwest’s largest solar development and represents an important piece of the company’s clean energy future.
Three drivers make first appearance in Fiesta City Speedway’s victory lane
The weather played a big part in how the race night went at Fiesta City Speedway. Rain showers throughout the day made for a fast and tacky track.