Caring for a spouse, parent, friend, or neighbor can be one of the most rewarding, and most demanding, roles a person can take on. But you don’t have to do it alone. According to the AARP, over 53 million Americans are unpaid family caregivers, and many report increased levels of stress, isolation, and burnout. This September, A.C.E. of SW Minnesota in Cottonwood County is offering a free six-week class series called Powerful Tools for Caregivers. This nationally recognized program is designed to give caregivers the skills and support they need to care for others while also taking care of themselves. Participants will learn how to reduce stress, improve communication, make tough decisions, and connect with local resources. The class is open to adults of all ages who are in a caregiving role. To register or learn more, call Emily at A.C.E. at 507-831-1803. Taking care of someone else is a big responsibility. Powerful Tools for Caregivers helps you take care of yourself, too.
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Voters in the Westbrook-Walnut Grove School District will head to the polls on Tuesday, August 12, to decide on a proposed $3 million bond referendum. The bond would help fund roofing and sidewalk repairs at both school sites and address deferred maintenance projects across the district. If approved, the tax levy would begin in 2026 and continue for 10 years. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day. Voters can also cast absentee ballots by mail or in person ahead of time. Absentee ballots must be received by August 12 to be counted. Residents can visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website or contact their county auditor’s office to find polling places or request absentee ballots. For more information about the bond proposal and estimated tax impact, visit the school district’s website or go to ehlers-inc.com/wwg2025.
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Cottonwood County residents will soon have a chance to tour a major new facility that supports vital services across the region. The public is invited to an Open House at the new Cottonwood County Public Works Building on Tuesday, September 23rd, from 3 to 6 p.m. The new 38,000 square-foot facility is located just outside of Windom and now houses the County’s Highway, Engineering, and Solid Waste Departments. The Open House will include tours of the building and a chance for residents to see the equipment, workspaces, and new amenities up close. Construction officially broke ground in March of 2024, and the project was completed on schedule this spring. County officials say the new building replaces aging and overcrowded facilities, consolidating operations into one central and more efficient location. Features of the new facility include heated vehicle bays, office space, salt and gravel storage, a fueling station, and both public and staff parking. Again, the Open House will take place Tuesday, September 23rd from 3 to 6 p.m., and everyone is welcome.
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All good things must come to an end and my grandkiddos visits have wrapped up for the summer… Today is Dying to Know Day, and yes, I am dying to know exactly what will be relayed and how it will be relayed. Too much TV, too many Yes Days, Treasure hunt days that broke my piggy bank… BUT thankfully, Today is National Dollar Day so I can justify everything. Today is also Happiness Happens Day. August 8th always brings me happiness for it is the day my Drew was born. Yep, born on 8-8-88 weighing in at 8lbs 6oz and he honestly, I’m not making it up had a birthmark on his little knee that looked like an 8. Our claim to fame is that Drew was actually chosen as one of eight babies across the Nation that were born on this day. Princess Beatrice was featured alongside my Drew. Yes the Enquire came out took pictures and my Drew was in Grocery Stores everywhere! It was a great experience! I can hardly wait to hear the reaction of homemade Birthday Gifts the boys did for him. The two could not be any different but it was so much fun watching them create the perfect gift… Little people make the best gifts because they create with only their hearts and in their eyes they have created the ultimate gift which they have…