Tom Swanson, 64
Tom Swanson, 64, of Hallock, Minn., passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, at his summer home on Lake of the Woods. A sincere thank you to all his friends who helped with his care during his final days and special thanks to the staff of the Red River Valley Hospice. A celebration of his…
Read MoreJerry Bernstrom, 71
Jerry Bernstrom, 71, a lifelong Lancaster, Minn., resident and businessman, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. Jerry Morris Bernstrom was born at Crookston, Minn., Nov. 26, 1951, the son of Morris and Gloria (Singler) Bernstrom. Jerry attended Lancaster Public School and graduated in 1969. On April 10, 1976, he married Eileen Schultz at Perham,…
Read MoreKennedy City Council sets sanitation services rates, hires PT maintenance worker
By Margie Holmgren The Kennedy City Council set fees for 2023 sanitation services. The council voted to go with Northern Sanitation, Stephen, Minn., for garbage services at their November meeting. The council voted to bill the homes and businesses that do not use tipper carts or dumpsters, $13 per month. Currently 71 homes and businesses…
Read MoreCounty levy increases due to higher costs and property valuations
By Anna Jauhola Three people from the public attended the Kittson County truth in taxation meeting Thursday, Dec. 8, held during the regular commissioner’s meeting. The commission presented the proposed 2023 budget and reasons for the levy increase. The proposed budget is set at $15,420,417. The county is set to bring in $5,644,309 in revenue,…
Read MoreCommission sets sheriff, chief deputy salaries
By Anna Jauhola The Kittson County Commissioners set the salaries of the incoming sheriff and his new chief deputy during the regular meeting on Thursday, Dec. 8. Matt Vig, who is currently the chief deputy, was elected sheriff during the November election and will take office on Tuesday, Jan. 3 when Sheriff Mark Wilwant retires.…
Read MoreHallock Council debates employees’ cost of living adjustment increases
By Anna Jauhola The Hallock City Council stalled on a decision Monday, Dec. 5 on how much of a cost of living adjustment (COLA) to give employees in 2023. During the regular meeting, City Clerk/ Administrator Aimee Sugden shared the increased costs of health insurance and inflation rates, plus COLA increases given in the last…
Read MoreLancaster Council sets final levy, COLA increases
By Anna Jauhola The Lancaster City Council approved its 2023 budget and cost of living increases for employees during its final meeting of the year on Wednesday, Dec. 14. In November, the council discussed three options for the 2023 payroll rates – 2 percent plus one step, 3 percent plus one step or 4 to…
Read MoreAudrey Hartje, 62
Audrey Hartje, 62, leaped into Jesus’s arms at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14, 2022. The second she breathed the air of Heaven, her pain and suffering were gone! She was joyfully greeted by her father, Russel Stegman and her brother, David Stegman, as well as her father-in-law Leonard Hartje and her brothers-in-laws Dale Spiedel and…
Read MoreEmily Rae Hellyer, 19
Emily Rae Hellyer, 19, Babbitt, Minn., and formerly of Grand Forks, N.D., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in Babbitt after a years-long battle with mental illness. Emily was born Feb. 1, 2003, in Grand Forks, the daughter of George and Rachel (Hemmes) Hellyer. She was raised and educated in Grand Forks and graduated from…
Read MoreHometown connections lead to computer donations
By Anna Jauhola Two northwest Minnesota natives recently gave a big donation through a local charity to help kids at Kittson County schools. Scott and Lisa (Berg) Zak are part-owners in Vivacity, a public benefit corporation based in St. Paul, Minn. Lisa is a Hallock native and grew up with Jacob Hook, who co-founded KIDSon…
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