News

Homecoming royalty crowned for 2025

The Montevideo High School Homecoming 2025 Coronation ceremony had a special twist this year. Crowned was Queen Emma Schwendemann and King Gabriel Medina, alongside Princess Emmary Birhanzl and Prince Jackson Koenen.

Panelists share visions for abundant rural futures at local event

Last week, a panel discussion titled “From Seed to Steward: Shaping Abundant Rural Futures” was held as a part of the Rural Assembly Everywhere watch party at The Yes! House. Three rural leaders shared visions of thriving communities, resilient ecosystems and the importance of storytelling in shaping tomorrow’s policies. The event was moderated by Robin Moore of the Land Stewardship Project.

City Council approves budget items

At last week’s meeting of the Montevideo City Council, one of the topics of discussion was a permit request made by Rebecca Daly of Java River Coffee Shop for a temporary on-sale license for an outdoor event tied to the Meander Art Crawl. “It’s a huge main event. It was really quite successful last year so we’re super excited to have it again,” said Daly, referencing the Meander Opening Night event hosted by the Montevideo Creatives organization. Daly noted that last year’s event drew over 150 people. This year’s event, the Monte Meet-Up will be held Friday, October 3rd from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Java River and will feature live music with Clark Machtemes of Traveled Ground and friends, a free community meal catered by Java River featuring local foods, and a farmer’s market and sidewalk chalk. The council unanimously approved the license.

Hwy. 212 bridge dedicated as Mayor Dave Smiglewski Memorial Bridge

In April of 2024, the Minnesota Senate unanimously approved Senate File 3766 - a bill that allowed for the bridge on marked U.S. Highway 212 over the Minnesota River in the city of Granite Falls to be designated as the “Mayor Dave Smiglewski Memorial Bridge.”

American Red Cross Blood Drive held

The American Red Cross blood drive was held on September 17, 2025 at the TACC in Montevideo. The organizers of the event wish to extend a thank you to Flowers From The Heart who sponsored the blood drive. The total units collected were 61 so they were short of the goal by 9. Collected were 46 units of whole blood, 15 units of power red, 2 non-sufficient products, and 9 deferred donors. Susan Dack was a first-time donor.

Groundbreaking for new water treatment plant near Boyd

A groundbreaking was held on September 2nd at Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System’s (LPRW) site for a new lime-softening water treatment plant located 1.5 miles west of the City of Boyd, MN. This 1.8 million gallon per day (MGD) facility is part of a larger $43,273,000 capital improvement project that includes source development, treatment, transmission pipeline and other systemwide improvements. The LPRW Board of Commissioners has awarded a $24,210,500 contract to Gridor Construction, Inc of Buffalo, MN for construction of its water treatment plant; and a $4,700,000 contract to Winter Contracting, LLC of Brookings, SD for construction of 18 miles of raw and finished water transmission lines.

Progress continues on Heritage Haven Open House planned October 12th

Construction is moving forward on Heritage Haven, a future transitional housing facility located in the former First Congregational Church building in Montevideo. The project, spearheaded by the St. Martin’s Outreach Program, has undergone major renovations over the past year.

Dementia grants promote early diagnosis and caregiver resources

Seven Minnesota organizations will use state grant funds to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, promote early diagnosis and connect caregivers to resources. Nearly $750,000 in grants are going out this fall from the Minnesota Board on Aging.