Signs of hope for Lake Benton

The Olson family is spreading cheer to their community while observing social distancing. They displayed signs along Highway 75 to show the community how much they are appreciated, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Shelly Finzen
lbvjeditor@gmail.com

 
In these unprecedented days, Lake Benton community members may be looking for some light to shine through the gloom. Those traveling on U.S. Highway 14 on the east end of town may see some hope shining near the Jon and Amanda Olson home.
Jon is the pastor of Lighthouse Assembly of God Church in Lake Benton and Amanda serves the area in a variety of ways, including delivering mail. As she was delivering the mail on a Tyler route recently, she searched for a way to bless Lake Benton and the surrounding community. “In a world where there is uncertainty and unrest, I wanted to put a smile on people’s faces and share the love of Jesus during this time,” Amanda said.

For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.

Let’s go on a bear hunt in Lake Benton

Are those bears peeking out of the window? Go on a bear hunt of your own and find out.

By Shelly Finzen
lbvjeditor@gmail.com

 
In Governor Walz’s Stay At Home order, he explicitly encouraged Minnesotans to enjoy outdoor activities: “Individuals may engage in outdoor activities (e.g., walking, hiking, running, biking, driving for pleasure, hunting, or fishing), and may go to available public parks and other public recreation lands, consistent with remaining at least six feet apart from individuals from other households.” In an effort to encourage Lake Benton residents to get outside to enjoy the spring weather, why not join in a community bear hunt?
In the spirit of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen, communities across the nation are creating their own localized bear hunts…

For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.

The Diner’s Club continues to serve seniors through COVID-19 pandemic

By Shelly Finzen
lbvjeditor@gmail.com

 
The Lake Benton Diner’s Club has had to make some minor adjustments in order to continue to provide healthy, hot, homecooked meals to Lake Benton seniors during Governor Walz’s Stay At Home order and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In order to comply with social distancing, and the cancellation of public gatherings ordered by the governor, all dine-in Diner’s Club meals have been cancelled until further notice. Additionally, all $3 Thursday meals have also been cancelled until further notice. However, meals will continue to be provided to Lake Benton senior citizens.

For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.

Avera accepting homemade cloth face masks from volunteers

By Mark Wilmes
tributeeditor@gmail.com

 
The Avera Faith and Community Engage program (F.A.C.E) is seeking volunteers across the region to help craft cloth face masks for use in hospitals and clinics. Guidelines, instructions, materials and patterns are included at AveraBalance.org, in an online story, “How Can I Help Sew Masks for Health Care Workers?”
Avera officials say that creating cloth masks for patients and employees now can help assist in the further conservation of personal protective equipment during this time. These homemade masks will help extend what is available to providers, nurses and others.

For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.

First Lincoln County COVID-19 case confirmed in Tyler Monday

By Mark Wilmes
tributeeditor@gmail.com

 
Tyler Police Chief John Spindler released information on Monday that has identified Tyler as the location of the first confirmed COVID-19 patient in Lincoln County.
“On Friday, March 27, 2020, the City of Tyler received confirmation of a positive COVID-19 case in Lincoln County. Furthermore, the City also acknowledges that this case is a Tyler resident,” the statement said. “City officials have spoken with the family and are confident that this individual is following the proper precautions set forth by their doctor. The city was authorized by the family to provide this release in hopes to educate the general public of this virus and to remind everyone to follow guidelines that were given to the residents of the State of Minnesota by Governor Tim Walz. With the current Shelter-at-Home order in place, the City of Tyler understands that residents need essential items and also need to get of the house from time to time. With that in mind, we remind everyone to continue to maintain social distancing throughout this process. Together we can make a difference and continue to provide a safe community for everyone.”

For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.

Virtual Visits and Other Changes in Clinic Care During COVID-19 Outbreak

Avera is temporarily changing its clinic practic­es in order to protect pa­tients and employees, and conserve resources during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Patients may have more appointments scheduled as virtual visits instead of in-person visits, unless the need is urgent or emergent. Virtual visits are face-to-face visits via smartphone, tablet or computer. If any medications are needed, these can be prescribed via the virtual visit. Out­reach visits may be done via virtual visits as well. As Avera increases its capac­ity for virtual visits, more and more providers across the Avera system will be providing them.

For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.

Hospice benefit postponed

The 2019 Hospice Benefit was enjoyed by many.

By Mark Wilmes
tributeeditor@gmail.com

Avera Tyler announced last week that the Tyler Hospice Benefit and Auc­tion has been postponed.
Abby Ahmann, executive director of the Avera Tyler Foundation, said the event will be tentatively resched­uled for the fall.
“While plans were un­derway for the 25th an­nual event to be held on April 17, 2020, recent events have led us to post­pone,” Ahmann said. “Due to COVID-19, we feel that it is best to reschedule this event to happen later this year. We anticipate choosing a date in the fall of 2020, being mindful of harvest time, and will let you know as soon as we confirm the new date.”

For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.

Rick’s Welding is the March Lake Benton Business of the Month

Rick’s Welding/PowerLift Doors was named the Chamber Business of the Month for March.

By Shelly Finzen
lbvjeditor@gmail.com

 
Rick’s Welding/PowerLift Hydraulic Doors has been named the March Chamber Business of the Month. Rick’s Welding has been part of the Lake Benton Community for more than 30 years, supporting the area’s agricultural industry, as well as aviation, construction and other industries.
In 1988, Rick Peterson, who is originally from Jasper, wanted to find a location to build his farm repair and general welding shop. Business manager Amanda Bennett said, “he wanted to start his business and have his family in a town that is small and friendly. Because he was from the area, he knew that Lake Benton would provide him the friendly atmosphere he was looking for and it was a primarily farming community so the business should work well.” He opened a small shop in downtown Lake Benton in 1988.

For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.

Rick and Patti Peterson, owners of Rick’s Welding/Powerlift Doors.

Local funeral home takes new path during the COVID-19 pandemic

Hartquist – Lake Benton Funeral Home

By Mark Wilmes
tributeeditor@gmail.com

 
Hartquist Funeral and Cremation Services announced last week that, moving forward, they will not recommend public visitations, funerals or gatherings during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“We at Hartquist Funeral and Cremation Services remain committed to professionally serving families during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic,” the press release said in a message from Jeff and Sara Hartquist. “We recognize our responsibility to protect the health of the families we are honored and privileged to serve, along with the health of our community. It will be recommended that services be limited to immediate family with possible online streaming services available during this heightened time of caution. We will also offer platforms for family and public to express their grief and support once we are through this period. These uncharted waters are difficult to navigate for us as a funeral home as we want to offer all aspects of funeral service to help families begin a healthy grief journey.”

For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.

The City of Lake Benton declares a state of emergency

The Lake Benton City Council met via conference call on Monday. They determined that all public meetings by city entities will be cancelled or conducted via non-contact methods, such as conference call or email, until further notice.

By Shelly Finzen
lbvjeditor@gmail.com

 
The Lake Benton City Council met for a special meeting via conference call on Monday, March 23. All council members were present, as well as City Administrator/Clerk Eileen Christensen and City Maintenance Manager Todd Draper.
Discussion of the sale of two lots owned by the city began immediately. An individual approached the city with the intent to purchase two lots in the Giles-Mork subdivision…

For the full story, read this week’s Lake Benton Valley Journal.