Spring Valley EDA News

Check out Page 16 of the Fillmore County Journals “Progress Edition  2022-2023” here for the complete article featuring Rusty Hellickson and his sons by Charlene Corson Selbee.

Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, January 26, 2023.   Reprinted with permission and gratitude.

By Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy 

 

SV Library Board of Trustees meets to map out 2023 Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy Spring Valley’s public library board of trustees met Thursday evening, Jan. 19, to begin 2023 with an election of officers. The board now includes Kristina Rader, Joel Huebner, Nancy Stender, Trisha Montgomery, Pam Phillips, City Council representative Justin Mlinar, and Alex Merkel. Rader was nominated and reelected president, Stender as treasurer, and Merkel as secretary. The board bade an in-absentia farewell to member Janelle Mosher Rowe, who submitted her resignation to library director Jenny Simon the previous afternoon, and Rader and Simon announced that work would begin to help identify persons who might be engaged to become the board’s newest Spring Valley city member, someone who could choose to simply fill out the remainder of her term or remain for a full two-year term.

The board entertained the presence of two visitors–Sarah and Jason Hansen of rural Spring Valley–who attended so that Sarah could update the board on the formation of a library friends’ group to help bolster fundraising, operations and programming. She shared that she is working on details related to the group’s organization and that musings and discussions had led to the group potentially planning to host classes at the library in exchange for donations once it is formed. She is seeking more people to join the entity and make a difference for Spring Valley Public Library (SVPL) patrons and staff and stated, “Once it’s established, we have all kinds of options.”

Simon had plenty of good news for the board’s consideration, beginning with that she had applied for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Region 4 Science Kits for Public Libraries Grant that would allot the library funding to purchase science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) kits to be lent out to patrons locally. She informed the board that the kits are meant to be borrowed within the SVPL’s circulation radius because of logistics of keeping track of borrowers and items lent and the higher costs of transporting them to other libraries through interlibrary loan services.

“There are 20-some STEM kits I pulled together–with books and activities–and they’ll be available by local request only, but they can be checked out like books.”

The board then authorized library staff to use funds from the Southeast Libraries Cooperating (SELCO) Foundation account to “add more large print books to our collection, as we’re finding more of our patrons are looking for large print books.”

Simon highlighted the very full calendar that will keep library patrons edutained throughout the late winter, spring and summer. “We have a pile of programs…including three Minnesota Pollution Control Agency exhibits – ‘Fix a Leak,’ ‘Save Your Food,’ and ‘Climate Change in Minnesota.’ Storytime is still happening, and we’ll be part of the Minnesota author tour this spring; we have to pick a date or time and see who we can get. I want to get William Kent Kruger,” she said, adding, “We will have lots of really good things coming to the library. We have a program about a snake for the summer reading program. We have a program with Brandon Scheevel on Monday, Feb. 13 at 5:30. We’re not endorsing Brandon Scheevel, but he’s just bringing his talents in. We’ll have programs about leaving a legacy, how to set up charitable giving, and we’re going to be working on booking more life skills and interests programs. There are lots of really good things that are coming, lots of really good programs.”

Old business on the agenda encompassed the director reporting that the State library construction grant for which she had applied is “on hold” and awaiting funding approval in the State legislature, leaving libraries across the state that depend upon the monies for accessibility and building repairs with uncertainty as to when they will be able to complete their projects. While it may be unrelated, SVPL’s structure has long needed repair to its exterior because the material that was used to “stucco” the library upon its renovation from the SuperValu grocery store in 2002 to the public center it is today is no longer available and has suffered weathering and other damage. Locating a contractor who could make the necessary repairs has taken well over two years, and Simon remarked that the building will eventually have its exterior repaired and painted as planned.

Indoors, she’s pleased to “have heat in the fireside room again…we like to make sure that it’s warm for programs… we supposedly need a new thermostat to heat and cool it,” but finding that new thermostat was difficult, apparently due to supply chain issues. Additionally, she pointed out to the board the new young adult section furniture stacked along the wall behind her, explaining that it is courtesy of the Osterud-Winter Trust Foundation and meant to replace the existing futon and high-top table and barstools that stand in that section. SVPL has been the beneficiary of so very many generous donations within the past months, as Simon and the board observed. Simon read the list of donations, memorials and community helpers that have sustained the library’s operations, citing appreciation to Kristina Rader for her donation to the SELCO Foundation through employer giving at Think Bank; to JoEllen Isenberg, Cliff and Ruth Franke, Jerry and Karen Cleveland.

Anonymous “in loving memory of Hope Gross, who loved to read but died too young,” Larry and Mary Grems, VFW Post 4114 and Auxiliary, Wayne Isenberg, and the sons of Annette and Buster Johnson for their monetary gifts to the library through the SELCO Foundation, and to those who donated during Give to the Max Day 2022 – Gene and Jeanette Ramaker and Trisha Montgomery for their donations to the SELCO Foundation. Also, to the SELCO Foundation came gifts from the Osterud-Winter Foundation for young adult section furniture; Tara Breitbarth and Between the Pines Design from proceeds raised during the T-shirt fundraiser for the library; and Lemon Drop Photography and Alyx Koster.

Simon expressed the library’s appreciation to the Spring Valley Kiwanis Club for its SELCO Foundation picnic table contribution, and she went on to cite that the Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce, Brave Community Theatre and the Christmas on Historic Broadway committee had given SVPL funds raised through Supper with Santa and the wreath auction held during the annual Christmas on Historic Broadway celebration at the beginning of December. “We thank them for choosing us for that,” she pointed out.

Furthermore, Lyle Kruegel, the Fillmore Township Board, Brad and Ann Ihrke, Sue Kolling, Lee and Carol Himle, and Linda Niemeyer all gave monetary donations to the library, as did the Osterud-Winter Foundation through its bi-annual donation. Joe and Rita Bezdicek gave a memorial honoring Herb Gross, brother of Stu Gross. She concluded by thanking John Simon for his help removing snow and ice from the library’s sidewalks, doing plumbing, and heaving furniture around the library, and sharing gratitude for Gene Ramaker’s willingness to vacuum the library, and lastly, expressed gratitude as noted in the agenda, “to the many patrons who remembered us this holiday season with treats, cards and more…”

The SVPL Board of Trustees meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the library’s large meeting room just off the main entrance. The public is welcome to attend meetings. The library’s hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. and Monday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed Saturdays at present. For more information, log onto the Library’s website at https://springvalley.lib.mn.us, or call 507-346-2100.

 

Courtesy of the Mower County Independent, 135 E Main St. LeRoy, MN 55951, (507)-324-5325

Spring Valley City Hall

A reminder to residents if you have a 4 x 4, Golf Cart or UTV, please remember these need to be registered. The form can be printed and brought in with payment to City Hall ($25.00). If registration is dropped in the drop box, City Hall will Mail the registration to you.

City Hall would like to remind everyone that the Drop Box is located on the South side of the building for your convenience and after hours.

 

Public Library

Leaving A Legacy:  Charitable Giving, presented by Brandon Scheevel, Thrivent Financial Advisor will be Monday, January 23^rd at 5:30 pm at the library.  Join Brandon at the library and learn how you can provide for your loved ones, your church or library, and your community’s future, according to your legacy plan.  This program is free to all.  (The SV Public Library does not endorse any specific financial planning firm and encourages you to do your research and choose one that meets your needs.)

There will be a budgeting program by Brandon Scheevel coming up February 13^th at 5:30 pm, as well.  More info to follow

The library purchased new furniture for the Young Adult Section using Osterud-Winter Trust non-discretionary funds.  We thank them for their support and will make an announcement once the furniture is assembled and ready for use.

With collaboration of Fillmore County libraries, schools, and the Fillmore County Discussion on Race, we call all dreamers to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.‘s example of sharing his dream for the country, by sharing your dreams for Fillmore County. We encourage all youth ages 18 and younger to express their dreams via writing (up to 150 words) or art (8.5”x11”). There will be a drawing for a $10 cash prize for each participating location.  Due by January 16^th at your local school or library.

 

Park and Recreation

Spring Valley Park & Rec will once again be offering summer programs for students Pre-K -9^th grade.  The information packet for these programs will be available on-line May 15.

The Spring Valley Pool has scheduled swimming lessons this summer from July 10–21^st. Lesson will be offered in the mornings Monday through Thursday, with Friday being a makeup day in case of bad weather. Sign up will be available for all of these programs along with season pool passes on May 15^th on the City of Spring Valley website.

Park & Rec is looking to hire summer positions for Recreational Coaches and lifeguards for the pool.  The applications for these positions may be picked up at City Hall and need to be completed and returned by May 15^th.  Any questions please contact John Fenske for more information at johnfenske@springvalley-mn.com

Reminder that the Spring Valley Community Center is available for rent for all of your family gatherings.  For more information, please call City Hall at 507-346-7367.

 

Economic Development

The Spring Valley EDA presented certificates of Appreciation & Achievement to: Matt’s Auto Body, Hair by Tina, Audio Bakery, Valley Venison, Serenity Salon, and Sweet Serenity Design & Décor for their continued investment in the Spring Valley community.

The Spring Valley Business Alliance and Wednesdays on Broadway committee are hosting a Winter Market and Sledding Party on Saturday, February 25^th!  There will be sledding on the South Broadway hill (next to the community center) from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. with sleigh rides and a fire pit, followed by a free kid’s movie at 6:00 p.m. in the community center.

Business Updates & Progress:

• “Audio Bakery’s” recording studio is taking shape in the old Bakery at 117 S. Broadway.  Check out the front-page feature in the January 9^th, Fillmore County Journal to learn more about this new Spring Valley business.
• Bear Creek Auto of Rochester, MN has purchased the Marchant Motor Company property, and is moving their dealership to Spring Valley.
• Bluff Brothers Brewing is renovating the old Vet Clinic at 817 N. Broadway and plans to open later this summer.  Check out their Facebook page for updates and more!
• Matt’s Auto Body has moved in to their new addition at 1140 N. Broadway.
• Midwest Sales’ Car Wash and Service building at 740 N. Broadway is now constructed as work continues inside. The current plan is to be open late spring/ early summer.
• Minnesota Joe’s exterior wall renovation at 126 S. Broadway is underway. The wall has been re-sheeted and wrapped.
• MinnWest Bank continues to make progress on its renovation and construction of the old Kwik Trip at 640 N. Broadway, with drive through and exterior work progressing daily.
• O’Reilly Auto’s renovation is in full swing at 630 N. Pleasant Ave., as they prepare to open their Spring Valley store later this year.
• Spring Valley Chevrolet Buick’s new home continues to take at 1100 N. Broadway

Check out the EDA Community Calendar for upcoming events!

 

Street Dept.

The Street Department would like to remind residents of the parking restrictions. Parking is not allowed from 11:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m. unless you purchased a parking permit, (this includes downtown.)  Residents that do have a parking permit are responsible for cleaning up around your vehicle. Remember that residents have 24 hours to clean your sidewalk after a snowfall. Failure to do so will result in the city removing the snow and charging the homeowner. Please help keep fire hydrants clear of snow.