Madelia Fire Update | April 6, 2016
Madelia Takes First Steps Toward Clean Up
On Monday, April 4th, demolition and clean up crews began the long awaited process in removing the debris from the February 3rd fire. It is expected to take approximately three weeks to complete. Click the image above to watch the full news story from KEYC. 
Tax Relief Bill Heard by House Committee
The tax bill aimed at providing relief for Madelia was heard this morning in the Minnesota House. Last Thursday, the bill was heard in the Minnesota Senate. Local lawmakers are optimistic regarding the bill passing, but state it could take until May before Governor Dayton is able to sign it.
A Celebration of Re-Opening
You could feel the joy in the air as sisters Nancy Vee and Kay Gunderson welcomed the community into Kay's Upholstery's new location during the Grand Opening on Friday, April 1st. Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation's (SMIF) Business Recovery Disaster Fund played a key role in helping Kay's Upholstery reopen.
From left: Marcia Haley, SMIF SBA Lending Director; Nancy Vee, EZ Medical Wraps, Ashley Aukes, Region Nine Development Commission; Kay Gunderson, Kay's Upholstery; Tim Penny, SMIF CEO & President
SMIF's fund raised over $230,000 in about a month. So far, nearly $80,000 of that has been disbursed to business owners, and a large portion will be allocated to the City of Madelia to help with rebuilding efforts. Clean up of the site has begun. 
"Working with the Madelia business owners affected by the fire has been really gratifying," said Marcia Haley, SMIF SBA Lending Director. "Despite such a devastating loss, they've been nothing but appreciative. I think it's a testament to both their tenacity and the strong support of the community."
Re-stocked and Ready for You
Show your support and raise awareness for Madelia by purchasing a Madelia Strong T-shirt or sweatshirt. They are available in a variety of sizes. Visit or contact the Madelia Chamber Office to purchase yours today!
Madelia Chamber of Commerce
127 W. Main Street,  Madelia, MN 
(507) 642-8822
Exciting Entertainment Line Up: Beauty for Ashes Celebration
Groups and individuals from across Southern Minnesota are volunteering to perform at the Beauty for Ashes Celebration. The celebration will be held at the Madelia High School Auditorium, 320 Buck Ave, on Saturday, April 16th from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The following entertainment will be performing:
  • The Taberancle of Praise Band
  • Lonesome Ron
  • Fairfax United Methodist  Church Choir
  • Beverly Nelson Brown
  • Alfred Thompson & The Jubilars
The Beauty For Ashes Celebration will be an open mic event where the audience is invited to share their thoughts and talent. The celebration is hosted by Peace Celebration, Inc. and the Madelia Church of Christ. 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. Donations will be accepted for Madelia Strong, Inc. during the event. 
Spotlight Interview with RNDC Executive Director

Dan McCarger interviewed Nicole Griensewic Mickelson, RNDC Executive Director, April 1st on KTOE. Griensewic Mickelson updated listeners on Madelia's recovery. 

Recent News Stories
More Fundraisers to help rebuild Madelia's Main Street
Spin Strong
Where: Anytime Fitness, St. James
When: Saturday, April 23 at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m.

Bowling Fundraiser
Where: Madelia Lanes
When:  Saturday,  April 30th from 1:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.
Cost: $3.50 per game (50% will be donated)
Show Your Support
If you would like to show your support and to help Madelia rebuild please submit your contributions to:
Madelia Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 171, Madelia, MN 56062
Please make checks payable to
"Region Nine Area, Inc." with "Madelia" in the memo line.

All proceeds will benefit the community of Madelia and the affected businesses in order to mitigate the disastrous losses incurred. Donations made to RNAI are eligible to be tax-deductible.
Stay Tuned
Region Nine Development Commission will continue to provide updates on the rebuilding process, funding, and support for the  City of Madelia. 
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.