Madelia Fire Update
March  23,  2016
Federal Economic Development Administration visits Madelia
Photo by Michelle Van Hee | Madelia Times Messenger
On March 21st, 2016, Lee Shirey, Federal EDA Economic Development Representative for Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, visited the City of Madelia in response to the February 3rd fire. During his visit, Shirey outlined Federal EDA programs to the city, Watonwan County, and Region Nine Development Commission (RNDC). 

RNDC Executive Director, Nicole Griensewic Mickelson, stated "Region Nine will continue to work on leveraging resources to assist the community as it rebuilds and moves forward." The EDA has asked Griensewic Mickelson to present about economic resiliency at their national conference in April, detailing community and regional efforts in Madelia's recovery.

Pictured left to right: RNDC Regional Development Planner, Danielle Walchuck; RNDC Chairman, Brad Ahrenstorff; EDA Rep Lee Shirey; RNDC Commissioner Ray Gustafson; RNDC Executive Director, Nicole Griensewic Mickelson; RNDC Resource Development Planner, Brent Pearson; Madelia Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Karla Angus
Madelia Police Department Releases Video of Main Street Fire
The  Madelia Police Department  has released over 40 minutes of video footage showing the ferocious fire and emergency response that took place on February 3rd in the heart of downtown Madelia. The video was produced by Paul Luther, with additional photography and videography from the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Madelia Times Messenger.

Madelia Main Street Fire
Madelia Main Street Fire Video - Full Length

Madelia Legislation Introduced by Local Lawmakers
In a display of bipartisan support for the City of Madelia, local lawmakers have come together to work on legislation that will ease some of the tax burden on those affected by the Main Street fire. Click on the bill number to learn more about the proposed legislation in the Minnesota House and Senate.
 
Minnesota House of Representatives
HF 3383  
Minnesota Senate
Searles Bar and Grill Donates Wages and Tips to Madelia Strong Inc.
Pictured L to R: Searles Bar Owner, Shirley Farasyn; Madelia Mayor, Mike Grote; Madelia Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Karla Angus; and Searles Bar General Manager, Amy Keech
It was the employees of Searles Bar and Grill that came up with the idea for a fundraiser to support the City of Madelia's recovery from the February 3rd fire. On Wednesday, March 16th, Searles Bar and Grill hosted a Madelia Strong night. The employees donated their wages and tips made that evening and owners, Shirley and Steve Farasyn, matched the amount raised. "Madelia has always been good to us," said Shirley Farysan, when asked about the fundraiser. Mayor Mike Grote expressed gratitude for the Searles staff's generosity. Searles Bar and Grill was able to present Madelia Strong Inc. with a donation of $3,000.


We Needed You and You Came: Appreciation Block Party
On Saturday, May 14th, the congregations of the Madelia Ministerial Association will be hosting a block party in order to allow the people of Madelia to express gratitude and come together as a community living Madelia Strong. The block party is sponsored in part by financial gifts from the Southwest Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) and ELCA churches of the Watonwan Conference. There will be a meal served as well as entertainment provided. Anyone interested in helping with the event should attend the block party planning meeting on Thursday, April 7th, starting at 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madelia. For more information, call Pastor Krista Sturm at 507-995-1233.

Madelia Police Release Video of Devastating Downtown Fire
Madelia Police Release Video of Devastating Downtown Fire
WCCO Update on Madelia Recovery
On Tuesday, Reporter Nina Moini spoke with Ann Kunz of American Family Insurance, one of the businesses damaged by the fire. The insurance agency is one of the eight affected businesses currently working out of a temporary location.
Also featured in the segment was owner and operator of Tressa Veona Salon, Summer De La Cruz. Her salon will be the first of the affected businesses to reopen in a new permanent location on Main Street.
Grand Re-Opening Scheduled for Kay's Upholstery  and  EZ Medical Wraps!
On April 1st, visit Kay's Upholstery and EZ Medical Wraps at their new location as they celebrate new beginnings. Proprietors and sisters Kay, of Kay's Upholstery and Nancy, of EZ Medical Wraps, will be hosting a Grand Re-Opening Open House from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Their new work space, featured left, is prepped and awaiting a ribbon cutting. 
Where:  225 Benzel Avenue NW, Madelia
When:  Friday, April 1st from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

"Thank you to everybody for their support and understanding of our downtime due to the fire." - Nancy Vee of EZ Medical Wraps
Fundraiser Hosted by the Madelia Fire Department Relief Association
21st Annual Pork Chop Dinner and Dance
Where:  American Legion, Madelia
When:  Saturday, March 26th from 3:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

More Fundraisers to help rebuild Madelia's Main Street:
Painting To Help Rebuild 
Where: Madelia Legion
When: Friday, April 1st at 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $40 ($10 will go to Madelia Strong Inc.)
RSVP: Madelia Chamber at 507-642-8822 or  email

What: Christian response to the Madelia Fire
Where: Madelia High School Auditoriam
When: Saturday, April 16th, from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.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)
Recent News Stories
Support Madelia - Get a Madelia Strong T-Shirt!
It's not too late to be Madelia Strong - shirts and hoodies are still available.  To get your shirt or purchase a hoodie today, contact the  Madelia Area Chamber of Commerce   at 507-642-8822. 
Donations to the Madelia Strong Inc.
Madelia Strong Inc. continues to see donations come in, and they will go a long way to helping  Madelia rebuild their community. The City of Madelia continues to stay strong and is determined to rebuild.  At this time, Region Nine Area Inc. estimates at least $140,000 has been collected.  Region Nine Area Inc.  is proud to serve as fiscal  sponsor for the commu nity fund. 

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 businesses and the community affected by the fire and mitigate the disastrous losses incurred.  Donations made to RNAI are eligible to be tax-deductible.
Thank you to all who have supported Madelia

Region Nine Development Commission would like to acknowledge the individuals and organizations that 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, and St. John's Episcopal Church. 
Stay Tuned 

Region Nine  will be providing updates on the rebuilding process, funding and support for the 
City of Madelia.