News

By Denise Bonsack, Publisher

Back in early December, when the COVID-19 cases across the state and in our area were at their peak, Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order to shut down bars and restaurants for the second time during the current pandemic. 

The same group of businesses were hit hard early on, when they had to shut down completely last summer. 

The Frandsen Bank & Trust offices in Fairfax, Bird Island, and Hector jointly donated an Autel Robotics EVO II Dual drone to the Renville County Sheriff last month. Harlan Helgren, market president for FB&T in Fairfax, joined market presidents Shawn Black of Bird Island and Brian Nosbush of Hector in presenting the drone on Tuesday, December 29.

The Franklin City Council met for their regular meeting on Monday, January 11

After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, Oaths of Office were administered for incoming Mayor Corey Gruendemann, returning Councilmember Robin Kokesch, and new Council members Matthew Mumme and Bill Wiese.

The group reviewed and approved Resolution 2021-1 setting Official Designation and Annual Appointments. Council commissions are as follows: 

By Denise Bonsack, Publisher

When you were a kid, did you have that one special stuffed animal or doll, or even an imaginary friend that went everywhere with you? That you couldn’t sleep without? That was a source of comfort and strength?

Gibbon native Rhonda Buerkle’s daughter Ryley had one such friend – a stuffed wolf named ‘Wolfy.’ 

Now that Ryley has graduated from college, Buerkle decided to share Wolfy’s story with the world through her first children’s book.