Madelia Fire Update | March 30, 2016
Madelia Aid Legislation Progression at the Capitol
Aid for Madelia is making its way through the Minnesota Legislature. The Minnesota House and Senate both introduced bills that seek to provide assistance to the city in the form of tax abatement for property and business owners affected by the fire on February 3rd.  This bill was coauthored by multiple local lawmakers and is now being reviewed by the tax committee. 
Rep. Bob Gunther
Sen. Julie Rosen
Representative Gunther is the chief author of the House bill. The Senate companion bill was authored by Senator Julie Rosen.
Click on the bill number to learn more about the proposed legislation
in the Minnesota House and Senate:
Minnesota House of Representatives
Minnesota Senate
Local Organizations to Give Testimony in St. Paul
Brent Christensen and Ed Tschida have been asked by Senator Julie Rosen to testify at the Tax Committee Hearing on Thursday, March 31. 

"This is an opportunity for us to provide the legislature with a personalized account of Madelia's needs, and the passion the residents have for restoring downtown. With support, the city has, and will, continue to demonstrate a level of resiliency and community spirit that will be the foundation for a renewed and vibrant Main Street in Madelia," expressed Nicole  Griensewic Mickelson, Region Nine Executive Director. 
La Plaza Fiesta to Serve Again
You won't to wait  much longer for your favorite enchiladas! La Plaza Fiesta is moving closer to opening its temporary location at the Madelia Golfcourse Clubhouse. Madelia Strong Inc. has ordered a mobile kitchen and modular walk-in cooler for the restaurant to use. "It is our goal to have La Plaza Fiesta serving food again within the next six weeks," explained Tom Osborne, Madelia Strong Inc. President. 
Tressa Veona Salon One Step Closer
A sign hangs on Main Street signifying the new permanent location of Tressa Veona Salon. Salon owner Summer De La Cruz is busy preparing the space in anticipation of her grand reopening. An official opening date has not been set at this time. Tressa Veona Salon will be the first of the affected businesses to reopen on Main Street. 
Grand Opening This Friday
EZ Medical Wraps & Kay's Upholstery 
EZ Medical Wraps and Kay's Upholstery are holding their Grand Opening this Friday, April 1st, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will be held in their new location, 225 Benzel Ave. NW. "We are excited to show everyone the new location," shared Nancy Vee, owner of EZ Medical Wraps. 
Madelia Firefighters Ben Lehman and Don Smith - Photo Credit: Madelia Times Messenger
Madelia Fire Department 21st Annual Fundraiser a Success
Supporters of Madelia came out in record numbers on Saturday, March 26th, to support the Madelia Fire Department. The annual pork chop dinner fundraiser, held at the Madelia American Legion/VFW, is yet another demonstration of the community's irrepressible spirit. Madelia Fire Chief, Mark Denn, estimates that about 1,500 meals were served. 
Recent News Stories
Painting to Help Rebuild Fundraiser
Unwine Creations will be hosting an evening of painting at the Madelia American Legion on Friday, April 1st at 6:00 p.m.  Cost is $40 ($10 will be donated to Madelia Strong  Inc). La Plaza Fiesta will be providing appetizers, beverages are additional. A Thrivent Financial Action Grant has been approved to match donations at the event!
Seats are limited, call Carolina to sign up at 507-327-3940 or RSVP at  Unwine Creations.
More Fundraisers to help rebuild Madelia's Main Street
Beauty for Ashes Celebration
What: Christian response to the Madelia Fire
Where: Madelia High School Auditorium
When: Saturday, April 16th from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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, and St. John's Episcopal Church.