News

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.

Deer hunters invited to share wildlife observations

Minnesota deer hunters can use an online field log (mndnr.gov/mammals/deer/management/hunter-field-log.html) to report wildlife they see while hunting. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources uses the information to supplement its model-generated population estimates, which are important tools for managing wildlife.

Evening events highlight 2025 Meander Art Crawl

After a day of exploring artist studios along the Minnesota River Valley, Meander goers can extend the fun into the evening with special events in three communities. The 2025 Meander Art Crawl runs October 3, 4 & 5 and will feature Party on Prentice Street in Granite Falls, the Monte Meet Up in Montevideo, and a concert, Light Through the Strings, in Madison. Meander Art Crawl information can be found at www.artsmeander.com.

News from WRAP: September Shines a Light – Awareness, Recovery, and Hope…

September is a month of reflection, awareness, and hope. It marks both National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and National Recovery Month—two observances that shine a light on struggles often carried in silence. Together, they remind us that mental health and recovery are deeply connected, that every life matters, and that healing is possible. This month calls us to break the stigma, extend support, and honor the courage of those who continue their journey toward wellness and recovery.

Annual Horse Power event held

Chippewa County Historical Society’s annual Horse Power event was held Saturday morning at Swensson Farm. The show featured a number of demonstrations such as rope making, butter making, cider pressing, corn shelling, and more. Vendors hosted booths throughout the grounds, and other activities included horse drawn wagon rides. The event is held annually to share some of the ways horses and mules were used to work the land, the Historical Society says, as agriculture in the United States was at one time dominated by the use of horses and mules following the Homestead Act in 1862. The Historical Society says horses and mules reached their peak use in 1920 with 25 million animals before the invention and availability of mechanized farm equipment caused a steady drop in the use of animals in homestead activities