The annual bridge report from Fillmore County garnered the majority of discussion at the April 6 Rushford Village Council meeting. Public Works Supervisor Trenton Chiglo noted he’d reviewed the report and it appeared correct with his assessments. One bridge, on the east end of Ridgeview Road, had specific deficiencies noted. “It has settled and there’s a section of iron … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Jail needs information on YouTube video
The Jail Needs Assessment Committee and subcommittees have been meeting for more than a year to gather data and to analyze that data to determine what is the best course forward for the county jail. The 17 minute video was presented at the county board’s April 6 meeting. Sheriff John DeGeorge has been presenting information at city council meetings and plans to speak to other … [Read more...]
Preston Historical Society proposal to restore the depot
Sheila Craig, Preston Historical Society, presented a proposal for the possible acquisition and transport of the Spring Grove rail depot to the former Preston Dairy & Farm site during the city council’s April 5 meeting. Jon DeVries added extensively to the discussion, strongly encouraging the council to agree to the use of the Dairy & Farm site. She said it is a twin … [Read more...]
State Veterans Home in Fillmore County no longer just a dream
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released the State Home Construction Grants for 2021. Governor Tim Walz announced on March 30 that the three proposed new State Veteran Homes will each receive federal funding this year. The veterans home in Preston will be the only skilled nursing home for veterans in southeast Minnesota. Walz said, “We are pleased to be able to expand … [Read more...]
Fillmore County SSTS amendments approved
The Fillmore County Planning Commission held a public hearing on proposed amendments to the county’s Sub-Surface Sewage Treatment System Ordinance at their March 18 meeting. The language regarding escrow accounts resulted in the most discussion. When a property is sold or transferred the SSTS must be inspected. If a SSTS is found to be non-compliant, it must be brought up to … [Read more...]
Sexual Assault Awareness Month proclaimed in Fillmore County
Fillmore County proclaims April 2021 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month at their March 23 meeting. Sarah Monroe, Victim Services, and Kari Berg, Corrections, reported that sexual assault is widespread. The three county area (Dodge, Fillmore, and Olmsted) of victim services served about 600 victims of sexual violence in 2020. Sexual Assault Awareness Month was first observed … [Read more...]
Chatfield accepts 2020 audit report
Jason Boynton, Smith-Schafer & Associates, LTD., reviewed Chatfield’s financial summary for 2020 at the city council’s March 22 meeting. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. The city received an unmodified “clean” opinion for 2020. The city’s tax capacity increased from 2019 to over $2 million. The general tax levy revenues represented 49% of the total governmental revenues. … [Read more...]
Preston approves bid for 2021 street and utility project
City Engineer Brett Grabau explained at the March 15 Preston City Council meeting that the city had received three bids for the 2021 Street and Utility Project. The low bid was submitted by Alcon Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $3,107,040.97 for the main project and $55,055.05 for the alternate project (retaining walls). The bid was lower than the engineer’s estimate, which … [Read more...]
Rushford receives project updates
At the March 8 Rushford Council meeting, Public Works Director Roger Knutson presented a list of projects undertaken by the department in 2020. “You’d think it would be slow because of COVID, but I think it was the busiest year we’ve had, because of COVID,” said Knutson. Utilities comprise a sizable portion of work for the department. The city’s system breaks down into what … [Read more...]
Chatfield approves subdivision expansion and mixed use property
A public hearing was held at the March 9 meeting of the Chatfield City Council concerning the proposal to expand the “Hilltop Estates Third Subdivision” to nine lots. G-Cubed Development requested the development agreement approved in August of 2020 be amended to include two blocks and nine lots on about 4.43 acres. Craig Britton, City Engineer and Planner, explained there … [Read more...]