Madelia Fire Update | April 13, 2016
Region Nine Development Commission Presents at Federal Economic Development Administration 2016 National Conference
Economic resiliency and disaster recovery present opportunities for communities to address existing priorities in an integrated effort, while retaining existing businesses and developing new ones. On Friday, April 8th, Region Nine Development Commission Executive Director Nicole Griensewic Mickelson presented during a breakout session at the Economic Development Administration 2016 National Conference. The session, Do Economic Resilience and Disaster Recovery Present Opportunities to Sustain Economic Growth?, asked practitioners to provide their insights in addressing economic resiliency pre- and post-disaster. Griensewic Mickelson shared the story of the February 3rd fire in Madelia and described the process the community and its partners have taken during its recovery.
Thank You Madelia Community Hospital and Clinic (MCHC)
Photo by: Michelle Van Hee | Madelia Times Messenger
Pictured L-R: Steve Cooling, Chairman of the MCHC Governing Board; Candace Fenske, Administrator for MCHC; Karla Angus, Executive Director Madelia Chamber of Commerce; Bruce Taylor, Foundation Director; and Jim Hopman, Foundation Chairman 
Region Nine Presents to Madelia City Council
Madelia City Administrator, Jane Piepgras, invited Region Nine to present at the Madelia City Council Meeting, on Monday, April 10th. Region Nine's Executive Director, Nicole Griensewic Mickelson and Regional Emergency Management Planner, Scott Reiten updated the Madelia City Council on the organization's efforts since the Main Street fire on February 3rd. Griensewic Mickelson and Reiten also informed the City Council of a possible federal EDA grant that Region Nine is pursuing.
 Clean Up Process Begins on Madelia Main Street
Monday, April 11th, was the start of the debris clean up process in Madelia.  Large-scale excavators and trucks lined the disaster site, working to rid Main Street of the massive amount of rubble left behind after the fire. This is one of many steps toward Madelia's downtown recovery process. 
Madelia Aid Legislation
Keep up to date on the progress of the Madelia Aid Bill by clicking on the below links:
Beauty for Ashes Celebration
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The Madelia Church of Christ and Peace Celebration out of Blue Earth, MN are in the process of organizing the Beauty for Ashes Celebration fundraiser. There is no admission charge, just a free-will offering. 
Beauty for Ashes will be held on Saturday, April 16th from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Madelia High School auditorium. A special invite is extended to all affected business owners, staff, first responders and Madelia Strong, Inc. as they wish to honor them during the event.
A great line-up is planned, including but not limited to:  Family Covenant Church of Mankato, the Salvation Army Band, the Tabernacle of Praise Band from the Tabernaculo de Alabanza church in St. James, cowboy recording artist Lonesome Ron, the Fairfax United Methodist church choir, Beverly Nelson Brown from "Following His Dreams" ministry, Alfred Thompson and the Jubilars from New Richland, Heartsong from the Fairmont area, plus other quartets, solos, and duets. There will also be face painters, a balloon artist, and food in the cafeteria.  Heartsong will provide 200 free CDs.  
The Beauty For Ashes Celebration will be an open mic event where the audience is invited to share their thoughts and talent. To reserve mic/stage time for a choir, band or group, please call David Lee Vikla at (507) 525-5822 or Judy Boomgarden at (507) 380-8053.
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Thank You For Your Support

Region Nine Development Commission would like to acknowledge the individuals and organizations who have given their support during this time of recovery:  Governor Dayton's Office, Senator Franken's Office, Senator Klobuchar's Office, Congressman Walz's Office, Senator Rosen, Representative Cornish, Representative Gunther, MN Dept. of Health, League of MN Cities, State Auditor's Office, USDA, DEED, Federal Economic Development Administration, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, Blandin Foundation, Tony Downs, Pioneer Bank, New Ulm Medical Center, AgStar and the Mayo Foundation, MN Initiative Foundations: Initiative Foundation, Northwest MN Foundation, Southwest Initiative Foundation, West Central Initiative, NuWay Cooperative,  Madelia Optometric Inc., Madelia-Truman Class of 1996, Madelia Class of 1965, Trinity Lutheran Church in Truman, Madelia Ministerial Assn., ISG, Wells Concrete, Eide Bailly, Greater Mankato Growth Inc. Foundation, River Valley Christian Church of New Ulm, Lewis Family Drug, Citizens Bank Minnesota, Madelia-Lake Crystal Mutual, Shopko Foundation, Sunshine Foods, Central Valley Service, Truck Bodies & Equipment Int'l, Alliance Bank, Farrish Johnson Law Office, Cedar Mountain Schools, Alden-Conger Public Schools, Cambria Presbyterian Women of New Ulm, First Presbyterian Church of Madelia, David Manning Trucking in St. James, Mountain Lake School, Allina Health System-Minneapolis, St. John's Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, and the Madelia Community Hospital.