Alden Capital/MediaNews Group announced Thursday it will cease operations for eight area newspapers on both sides of Herald Journal’s territory.
Those include the Hutchinson Leader, Litchfield Independent-Review, Chanhassen Villager, Chaska Herald, Shakopee Valley News, Prior Lake American, Savage Pacer, and Jordan Independent.
The closure announcement also includes the printing plant of Crow River Press in Hutchinson, which prints Herald Journal’s five newspapers. The final printing week is scheduled for April 26.

Find the full story in the April 12, 2024 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

By Kurt Menk
Editor
A group of concerned citizens have started an online petition to save the Arlington Sibley East Swimming Pool. The online petition is located on the Arlington-Sibley East Swimming Pool Facebook page.
A message on the online petition reads as follows: “Our beloved local pool in Arlington MN has been a cornerstone of our community since the 1970s. Thousands have learned how to swim within its welcoming waters, and many more have found employment through its existence. For some, it is more than just a pool - it is an essential means of exercise and health maintenance.
“The threat to close this vital community asset is not only an attack on our local history, but also on our health and well being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swimming is the fourth most popular sports activity in the United States and a good way to get regular aerobic physical activity.

Find the full story in the April 12, 2024 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

By Kurt Menk
Editor
Inaccurate information has been circulated on the estimated costs to fill in the Arlington - Sibley East Swimming Pool.
Sibley East has an old quote of about $30,000 to $40,000 to fill in the swimming pool would be some updates to the sprinkler system. with sand, according to Superintendent Dr. Joe Libby.
Dr. Libby said it would be about the same cost to cover the sand with a sheet of concrete (moisture control).

Find the full story in the April 12, 2024 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

The Arlington Economic Development Authority (EDA), during its regular meeting on Thursday night, April 4, unanimously approved a motion to contribute 10 percent of the total cost of the Christmas decorations and lights that the City Council recently purchased.
The new Christmas decorations and lights will consist of street garland, pole mount wreaths, bows and building lighting on Main Street. The quotes also include snowflakes for the south side of the Event Center.. The new Christmas decorations and lights will arrive and be put up prior to  the 2024 ArliDazzle festivities.

Find the full story in the April 12, 2024 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

The first annual Booster Bash, sponsored by the Sibley East Booster, Inc., will be held at the Arlington Event Center on Saturday night, April 20.
The theme will be “Back to the 80s to 90s.” The doors will open at 7 p.m.
Games and prizes will be featured from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Music will be featured from 9 p.m. to midnight. Come feel the 80s and 90s vibe with retro fashions and music.
Drinks and food will be available for purchase.
The cost for the event will be $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
Funds Raised
Funds raised from the Booster Bash event will benefit the organizations that fall under the umbrella of Sibley East Booster, Inc. They are as follows: PCO, After Prom Committee, Alumni Association, and Youth Baseball and Basketball (both are youth sports).
Youth Sports
The first organizations under the umbrella of the Sibley East Booster, Inc. are the Sibley East youth basketball and baseball programs: Sibley East Youth Baseball Association and Sibley East Basketball Association SEBA. 

Find the full story in the April 12, 2024 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

A suspicious activity complaint was reported to the Arlington Police Department on Saturday, April 5, according to Police Chief Glenn Gerads. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that an arrow was shot at a residence on East Dayton Street from a residence on East Clinton Street, according to the report.

Find the full story in the April 12, 2024 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

The Minnesota Department of Transportation announces that Highway 93 from Henderson to Highway 169 will be closed, and traffic detoured, starting Monday, April 15, weather permitting, as crews begin construction on the highway.
Traffic will be detoured to Highways 169 and 19 during construction. Construction for the project will continue through 2026, weather permitting.
The project includes:

Find the full story in the April 12, 2024 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

Elaine Lois Woods, 90, of Arlington Township, MN, passed away Monday, April 8, 2024, at Go l den Hearts Assisted Living facility. Elaine was born in Verona Township, southern MN, to a hardworking farm mother and immigrant Norwegian father. She was one of nine children, and she is survived by four siblings. She married Robert Woods and moved to the family farm in Arlington Township, MN, where they raised their daughters, Nancy and Donna. After the girls were in school, Elaine went to work outside the home while still maintaining her duties on the farm and in the house. She was a talented seamstress, an excellent cook and baker, and an accomplished needle crafter. Elaine made clothing for the girls. She sewed vestments, altar cloths, and banners for her church. She crocheted beautiful layettes, doilies, lap robes, afghans, and bedspreads. She quilted for friends. Elaine baked the best cinnamon rolls and made wonderful stuffing (which was Donna’s favorite dish). She also served as Arlington Township clerk. She was never idle. Later, during Robert’s illness, she cared for all of his needs and kept her promise to him that he would not have to go to a nursing home. He died in 2002. They had been married for 49 years. Grief struck again in 2017 when her younger daughter died after a long illness. Among the many friends who have been instrumental in helping Elaine to remain on the farm for as long as she did are three special people: neighbors, Kelli and John Wentzlaff (who are the second of three generations of Wentzlaffs to assist her) and Phyllis Kroehler, whose frequent visits and “eyes-on” care were much appreciated. Much appreciation also goes to the wonderful staff at both Golden Hearts and Ridgeview Waconia Hospice. She is survived by her older daughter and two sons-in-law. In accordance with Elaine’s wishes, she will be cremated and buried alongside her husband at Oakwood Cemetery in Belle Plaine, MN. There will be no service.

Joseph Mark Krebsbach, 61, of Waterville, MN, died Sunday, March 24, 2024, unexpectedly at his home in Waterville. Joe was born to John and Dolores Krebsbach from Arlington, MN, April 30, 1962. Joe graduated from Arlington-Green Isle High School in 1980. Joe was recently employed with Johnson Outdoors in Mankato, MN. Joe had an extremely contagious laugh, a very giving personality, and an even larger, beautiful heart, especially when it came to taking care of those he loved, including his late wife, Joanie, and his three stepsons, who he would claim as his own. Joe was the ultimate caretaker. It did not matter who you were, he would have given you the shirt off his back. Joe enjoyed riding his Harley and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his stepsons, Andrew (Siera) Romine, Thomas Romine, and Robb (Patience) Romine; grandchildren, Alaina and Vanessa, Mason, Olivia, and Jaelynn, and Hunter, Henley, Lilly, Layne, Toby, and Sunnie; siblings, Pete (Patti) Krebsbach and Robert (Lisa) Krebsbach; and nieces and nephews. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, John and Dolores Krebsbach; and wife, Joanie Krebsbach. A celebration of life will take place with immediate family and friends at a later date. We are grateful to you for all of the well wishes and many kind words. Joe will truly be missed by his family and many friends.

Randall “Butch” L. Eischens, 58, of Green Isle, MN, passed away Sunday, March 31, 2024. A memorial service will take place Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home (141 E 1st St) in Waconia, MN. Visitation will take place from 5 p.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in St. Pius X Catholic Cemetery in Glencoe, MN. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121, www.johnsonfh.com.

By Kurt Menk
Editor
The Sibley East varsity boys baseball team, in its season opener, surrendered a late lead and lost to visiting Belle Plaine 8-4 in nine innings during a Minnesota River Conference game on Friday, April 5. The Wolverines held a 3-2 lead with two outs in the top of the seventh inning, but an error and double allowed the Tigers to score a run and tied the game at 3-3.

Find the full story in the April 12, 2024 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

By Kurt Menk
Editor
The Sibley East varsity boys track team placed second during the Minnesota River Conference Indoor Track Meet at Minnesota State University, Mankato, on Saturday, April 6. Belle Plaine captured top honors with 187.5 team points. Sibley East placed second with 99 team points. TriCity United finished third with 91 team points. Norwood Young America (78), Le Sueur-Henderson (64), Lester Prairie (53) and Mayer Lutheran (33.5) rounded out the field.

Find the full story in the April 12, 2024 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

By Kurt Menk
Editor
The Sibley East varsity girls track team placed third during the Minnesota River Conference Indoor Track Meet at Minnesota State University, Mankato, on Saturday, April 6. Belle Plaine captured top honors with 211 team points. Tri-City United finished second with 145 team points. Sibley East placed third with 79 team points. Norwood Young America (63), Le Sueur-Henderson (52), Mayer Lutheran (40) and Lester Prairie (14) rounded out the field.

Find the full story in the April 12, 2024 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

By Kurt Menk
Editor
The Sibley East Youth Wrestling Club recently concluded its season. There were 50 youngsters on the roster this year which is an increase from previous years. We have a great group of kids and I am excited about the future of Sibley East wrestling,” said Ben Tollefson.  Youth wrestlers have the choice to wrestle in post-season tournaments sponsored by three different organizations: Jaycees, MN/USA Wrestling, or Northland Youth Wrestling Association (NYWA), according to Tollefson.

Find the full story in the April 12, 2024 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

By Kurt Menk
Editor
The Arlington City Council, during its regular meeting on Monday night, April 1, voted 4-0 and adopted a resolution to provide for the competitive negotiated sale of $7,345,000 general obligation improvement and utility revenue bonds series 2024A. The resolution is in conjunction with the 2024 Street & Utility Improvement Project. City Council members Curtis Ling, Jeff Matz, Dave Meyer and John Thomes all voted in support of the resolution. City Council member Christina Litfin was not present at the meeting.

Find the full story in the April 5, 2024 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

Motorists are advised to use caution on Highway 5 from Gaylord to Arlington starting April 3, weather permitting, as crews work to install rip rap (rock) to prevent erosion, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The project includes the placement of rip rap along the waterways at two different bridge locations near Highway 5 from approximately three miles north of Gaylord to the city of Arlington. Motorists will encounter shoulder closures during the project and should be aware of trucks hauling material in the project area. Drivers should remove distractions and be aware of workers.

Find the full story in the April 5, 2024 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

Hospice volunteers play an important role at Ridgeview. Working alongside the hospice medical team, the specially-trained volunteers provide support and companionship to patients and their families, allowing family members to focus on caring for their loved one. Ridgeview’s hospice team focuses on caring, not curing. The goal is to help patients nearing the end of their lives feel peace, comfort and dignity. “I have never been more blessed to be a part of something as I have with Ridgeview’s hospice volunteer program,” shared Peg Kamps, Green Isle. After experiencing the difficulty of losing several loved ones, Peg views the benefits that hospice provides to the dying to be a gift. 

Find the full story in the April 5, 2024 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

By Kurt Menk
Editor
The City of Arlington cannot legally donate money to the Sibley East Public Schools for the operation and maintenance of its indoor swimming pool. That was the message from Arlington City Attorney Ken Janssen to the Arlington City Council during its regular meeting on Monday night, April 1. Janssen reported that he had discussions with the League of Minnesota Cities and has researched the issue on his own. Janssen said cities cannot supplement schools with public funds. He said the City of Arlington does not own the indoor swimming pool or have any oversight of the facility. It is the responsibility of Sibley East for the operation and maintenance of the indoor swimming pool.

Find the full story in the April 5, 2024 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

By Kurt Menk
Editor

Doloris (Schultz) Roufs celebrated her 100th birthday at the Good Samaritan Society - Arlington on Monday, Sept. 26.

Her late husband, Cletus Roufs, would have celebrated his 100th birthday just one day later.
Doloris and two other residents were recognized for their birthdays during a celebration at the Good Samaritan Society - Arlington earlier this month.

She also celebrated her birthday with family members at the A-Town Tavern in Arlington on Sunday, Sept. 25.
Doloris will also be the honored guest during a private family party in Fairview Park in Arlington on Saturday, Oct. 1.

Doloris was born to William and Martha (Dose) Schultz in Glencoe on Sept. 26, 1922. She is the oldest daughter and last surviving child of a family of 10 children.

Find the full story in the September 29, 2022 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

By Kurt Menk
Editor

Luke Ellanson, who was offered the job to fill the open police chief position, has withdrawn his application.
The full Arlington City Council was notified about the news by an e-mail on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 24.
The City Council, during its regular meeting on Tuesday night, Feb. 22, approved a motion to make a conditional offer of employment to Ellanson to fill the open police chief position.

Find the full story in the March 3, 2022 addition of the Arlington Enterprise