Category Archives: News

Fire Chief Retires from ZFFD

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The City of Zumbro Falls recognizes Bruce Heitmann, Fire Chief, for 43 years of dedication and service to our Community.

Bruce Heitmann has retired from the Zumbro Falls Fire Department ending over 43 years of true dedication, sacrifice & service on his part. Always there to help when needed, Bruce has served as Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Chief, a staple in the Zumbro Falls Fire department’s leadership, culture and all emergency scenes. His knowledge, professionalism, and experience has directly saved many lives!
Thank you for everything you have done and passed on to make ZFFD strong and for keeping our communities safe!

We wish you the best of everything as you retire, enjoy some much deserved R & R.
You will be missed Chief!

Bruce shared the following –
Today, December 31, 2021, is my last day responding to calls. Beginning at midnight tonight comes to an end of 43 years in the fire service. My mind tells me I am still 21 but my body tells me enough is enough, this has been quite a ride. I have worked and met with a lot of great firefighters a share many memories “Thank you” everyone.
This too is worth sharing, I don’t think there is a Fire Department out there that could top this one last Saturday. The Zumbro Falls Fire Department had a Retirement Party Open House to celebrate my retirement of 43 years in the fire service. Some of you might not know that I had the pleasure of delivering two babies in my career; one alongside of the road, a baby girl, and the other was in a snow storm. The ambulance was delayed getting to the address, a baby boy. This was 26 years ago and after the ambulance took them I never heard from them again. The guys on the department were able to track both of them down. To my surprise they walked in to my retirement party! I don’t care who you are, it brought tears to my eyes. To all the people who came “Thank You” and to the ZFFD “you knocked it out of the park!” What a Retirement Party, I challenge any department to top that, Lol.
Bruce Heitmann

Highway 60 Improvements Project – MnDOT Virtual Open House

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The Highway 60 Improvement Project will impact Zumbro Falls, since Highway 60 is also our Main Street. This project is expected to begin in Spring of 2022. To learn about the Project overview, Anticipated Schedule, Zumbro Falls Sidewalk Renderings and more visit https://hwy60improvements.com/?fbclid=IwAR0nTwNyLIz6Pqh_4wLJ16OB5FqlNhU1pjr2HXcA9Gp1rQlWdaK-iHH8hKc

Following guidance from state health officials to prevent the further spread of COVID 19, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has temporarily postponed all public meetings and in-person events. Public engagement remains a priority and we appreciate you joining us online to learn more about this project.

Christmas In Zumbro Falls Update

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The City of Zumbro Falls is cancelling the 2020 Christmas Festival. The City relies on local Businesses, Volunteers, Crafters and others to plan a successful and enjoyable event. This year is different with the covid19 pandemic. It is very difficult to find people willing to participate during this time. Zumbro Falls wants everyone to stay safe and stay healthy. Hope to see everyone next year December 2021!

The Zumbro Parkway Bridge

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The Zumbro Parkway Bridge, #3219, Preservation has been completed.

The project was started in April 2020 and completed in July 2020. In August 2014, the Minnesota Department of Transportation completed the Local Historic Bridge Report Executive Summary Bridge Number: 3219. Built in 1937, the bridge is located immediately south of Zumbro Falls; along County road 68 in a rural area of Wabasha County.

The Zumbro Parkway Bridge is significant as a representative example of a multi plate arch bridge featuring stone headwalls, wing walls, and railings. Due to the historic nature, any work on Bridge 3219 should proceed according to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (Standards) [36 CFR part 67] and The Secretary’s Standards with Regard to Repair, Rehabilitation, and Replacement Situations, as adapted by the Virginia Transportation Research Council (Guidelines). To learn more about the bridge history and the Minnesota Department of Transportation Historic Bridge Report visit http://www.dot.state.mn.us/historicbridges/bridge/3219/bridge-report.pdf

Take a scenic drive to Zumbro Falls and visit the bridge location, we can now enjoy a piece of history for many more years to come.

Bridge Restoration Completed

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Bridge restoration is completed on County Road 68, Zumbro Falls, Mn. The project began in April and was completed this past week, July 2020. County Road 68 is open for traffic once again. Enjoy a ride to check it out.