Mabel’s City Council met on January 12, with all members participating (Adam Wilder, Corey Wilson, Kirsten Wyffels, Terry Torkelson, and City Clerk Karen Larson). Mayor Jim Westby participated via phone, so Wilder led the meeting. Also in attendance were Deputy Clerk Kendra Spalla and Jeff Rein. Spalla addressed the council, saying, “I just want to say thank you to the council … [Read more...]
Rich Wicks
Reporter
rich@fillmorecountyjournal.com
What's an Iowegian doing writing for the Journal? That's a mystery. All
we really know is that Rich lives in Cresco (Iowa), and when he's not
working, he can often be spotted chasing his wife and kids around the
neighborhood, hollering, "Uff da, slow down!"
Four-way stop improves safety in Spring Valley
During the Spring Valley City Council’s regular meeting on January 10, the council heard from Ambulance Director Sue Puffer. Puffer stated, “Last year, we had a total of 482 calls, down a bit from the year before.” In explaining the reason for the decrease, she added, “I think it had a lot to do with the new four-way stop at the Kwik Trip intersection, because we had a number … [Read more...]
Wykoff adds Sackett to city council
A regular meeting of the Wykoff City Council was held January 10. Council members in attendance included Lyle Morey, Mayor Ryan Breckenridge, Barb Fate, and Kaleb Himli. City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare also attended. Because of the recent death of Mayor Al Williams, Ryan Breckenridge has taken over the role of mayor. In order to fill the vacancy on … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton scales back facility project
The Mabel-Canton School Board held a special meeting on January 11, to deal with bids on Phase Two of the facilities project. All voting members participated (Dustin Tollefsrud participated via remote technology). Also in attendance was Chad Pike, representing the engineering firm of Kraus Anderson. Superintendent Gary Kuphal explained the situation, saying that in … [Read more...]
Hecimovich to retire from Kingsland
Kingsland School Board held a work session meeting on January 3. New board member Cindy Seabright was welcomed onto the board, and took the ceremonial oath of office. Superintendent (and grades 7-12 principal) Jim Hecimovich has submitted his letter of retirement. His leter stated, in part, “I am announcing my forthcoming retirement from Kingsland Public Schools after … [Read more...]
Ostrander looks to clean up the city
All members of the Ostrander City Council were in attendance on January 4 for the regular council meeting. The council heard from two citizens who recently received letters from the city due to their violations of the city’s “nuisance” ordinances. Andrew Vreeman asked, “I guess I’ll starting by just asking for specifics on what I’m in violation of?” City Clerk Wendy Brincks … [Read more...]
Kingsland sets levy, increases sub wages
Kingsland School Board held a regular meeting on December 20. Immediately prior to the regular meeting, the board held their annual Truth in Taxation hearing. Business Manager Amber Herbrand stated that revenue formulas for schools are set by the State Legislature, except for voter approved referendums. She also gave a summary of the school’s proposed final levy, and a … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton rejects bid on mechanical project
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on December 21. All members except Traci Livingood were present. Superintendent Gary Kuphal explained the situation regarding bids on the mechanical portion of the school’s ongoing facilities project. Kuphal stated, “We as a Facilities Committee met… the bids were opened. All of the other bids were in line… right where … [Read more...]
Spring Valley property valuations discussed
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on December 13. All members were present (Mayor Tony Archer, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Luan Ruesink and Greg Brooks). City Administrator/Clerk Deb Zimmer also participated. Immediately prior to the regular meeting, the city’s annual “Truth in Taxation” public hearing was held. Jason McCaslin gave a summary of … [Read more...]
Ostrander hears request to allow poultry
During the December 14 Ostrander City Council meeting, the council heard a request from Lyn Mills, along with Michelle and Mark Rathbun. They asked the council to consider allowing them to raise poultry within city limits. Mills said if they are given permission, they would raise no more than four birds, and no roosters. She added that their cleaning practices would control … [Read more...]