News
Electric vehicle event to connect EV owners with the public
South Central Electric Association Several types of electric vehicles (EVs) will be available to the public for viewing during a special EV-focused event on Wednesday, August 10, in Windom—at the Windom Community Center, 1750 Cottonwood Lake Drive. From 5 to 7 p.m.
MnDOT to host two public open houses for Hwy 4 Sherburn to St. James project
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is holding two in-person open houses for a project on Highway 4 from Sherburn to St. James, which is planned for 2024 construction. The public is invited to attend in Trimont on Wednesday, August 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Triumph Hall, 41 2nd Avenue NW, or in Sherburn on Thursday, August 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Sherburn Theatre, 116 North Main Street.
Night to Unite is Aug. 4
A community gathering with music, food and fun—Night to Unite—is all set for Thursday, Aug. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Memorial Park (north shelter). This event for all ages is a great time to visit with friends and neighbors and meet new friends.
Fire departments get Buddy Bears
Rolling Prairie Chapter of A.B.A.T.E of Minnesota presented the Butterfield Fire Department with Buddy Bears to hand out when they have a situation with children involved. The group also presented bears to the Jackson, Madelia and St. James fire departments. Submitted
Changes to City Hall and Police Department take center stage at council meeting
Prior to the regular St. James City Council meeting on July 19 there was a period for public conversation and many citizens showed up for that purpose. A generous donation by the Mayo Foundation created an opportunity that appears to be a winwin situation impacting operations at City Hall and the St. James Police Department.
County Commissioners consider broadband grant partnership
At the July 19 meeting of the Watonwan County Board, commissioners considered issues surrounding finances, recycling, discounts for veterans, and projects for roads and trails. George Eilertson of Northland Securities shared with the board logistics attached to posting an upcoming bond.
St. James Area High School Ag educator is selected as best in Minnesota
The Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators (MAAE) named Becky Cronk as the 2022 Outstanding Early Career Teacher at their banquet on July 13, held at Jackpot Junction in Morton. Cronk is an Agriculture Instructor at S. James Area High School and Advisor for the FFA program.
Wilson named HRA Executive Director
Melissa Wilson has spent over two decades working to improve public housing for the St. James community. The board of directors for the St. James Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) recently named her Executive Director with duties that support housing opportunities for 70-unit Park Apartments and eight houses in the city.
Scenes from the Watonwan County Fair
Ryan Pierson (left) and Levi Miest work together to show cattle at the 2022 Watonwan County Fair. The big slide on the midway was a popular attraction at the 2022 Watonwan County Fair.
Familiar face visits county fair as candidate
Brad Finstad, the endorsed Republican candidate in the campaign for Congressional District 1, stopped by the Watonwan County Fair on July 15. Currently living in New Ulm, Finstad graduated from St. James High School and the University of Minnesota and was happy to return to the local area to greet fairgoers.