It should come as no surprise that seniors want to live in their homes and in their communities with their friends and family that they have known forever, for as long as possible. The population of the United States is rapidly aging. One in three Americans is age 50 or older. By 2030, one out of every five people in the United States will be age 65 or over. By 2034, the … [Read more...]
Caledonia Public School District Kicks off New School Year
Caledonia School Board members met Monday, August 21 from 6-7:34 p.m. at Crooked Creek Community Center, also known as Freeburg Community Center in Caledonia, Minn. Board members present included Derek Adamson, Tim Gunn, Leigh King, Melissa Marschall, Mike Peterson, Daniel Small, and Spencer Yohe. In addition, Elementary Principal Sue Link, Middle/High School Principal Nathan … [Read more...]
Rusford-Peterson Board to Vote Monday on HVED
With a final copy of a joint powers agreement ready to be signed, the Rushford-Peterson School Board once again discussed the proposed HVED (Hiawatha Valley Education District) building purchase at their regular meeting August 21. Before beginning the discussion of the agreement, Superintendent Ben Bernard declared, “I really do believe this (the joint powers agreement … [Read more...]
Preston to Order New Ambulance
At the city council’s August 21 meeting, Ambulance Director Deb Ristau reported on the department’s fleet of three ambulances. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent. The 2013 Ford F450 from Lanesboro has had numerous mechanical issues. A new ambulance is estimated to cost $330,185 and if ordered now may not be delivered for two-and-a-half to three years. The trade-in value of the 2013 … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Practices Accommodate Extreme Heat
At the August 22 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad updated the board on the fall sports season. It is well underway with practices and scrimmages. Games and meets will start soon for football, volleyball, cheerleading and cross country. With the heat this week, coaches have been carefully following a chart that gives strict guidelines to ensure … [Read more...]
Cannabinoid Licenses Issued in Caledonia
The Caledonia, Minn., city council issued two retail cannabinoid licenses at the council’s regularly scheduled August 14 meeting. Councilor Robert (Bob) Klug was the lone nay vote. Klug asked that the request be moved from the consent agenda to new business, as he felt additional discussion was required. “I am concerned about our liquor store selling the CBD products.” City … [Read more...]
Offer on Rushford Farmers Win Site
Before the August 14 meeting, the Rushford, Minn., city council held a closed session to discuss the possibility of purchasing the former Farmers Win site in downtown Rushford. The company has had a lengthy back-and-forth with the city. The site remains unsold since the company’s decision to stop utilizing the downtown site and move services to the South Fork site, just south … [Read more...]
Canton Historical Society Members Urge City Council to Approve Mitson House Repairs
A few members of the Canton Historical Society attended the August 9 Canton, Minn., city council meeting to discuss the need to make repairs at the Mitson House, a museum located on Canton’s Main Street. The Mitson House is owned by the city of Canton, but operated by the Canton Historical Society. According to Kathie Haynes, in a letter to the council, the Mitson family … [Read more...]
Chatfield Creates TIF District for Apartment Complex
Chris Giesen, EDA coordinator, detailed the request from Main Street Properties LLP (partners Mark Welch and Mike Sogla) for assistance through redevelopment tax increment financing (TIF) at the city council’s August 14 meeting. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. The former apartment building located on Grand St. was destroyed by a fire in November 2022. The damaged structure … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Council Works to Improve Housing and Animal Control
Mayor Saundra Solum called the Spring Grove, Minn., city council meeting to order Tuesday, August 15 at 6 p.m., and led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members met at 168 West Main Street in Room 100. Council members present included Mayor Solum, Karen Folstad, Chad Rohland and Trent Turner. Also in attendance was Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton. Councilor Heather … [Read more...]
Whalan to Interview for New City Clerk/Treasurer
With the resignation of Michele Peterson as the city clerk/treasurer, the Whalan, Minn., city council discussed applications received and the interview process at their August 14 council meeting. Present at the council meeting were Mayor David Hallum, council members Kim Berekvam, Sheila Higbe, Thore E. Johnson and Owen Lewis. Peterson was in attendance, as her role of city … [Read more...]
Rushford Village Cancels Bridge Hearing
At the last meeting, the Rushford Village, Minn., council set a public hearing for September 5 to discuss the possibility of demolition of the bridge on Village Road. While the village and county intended to make some repairs to the structure, they could not secure the needed property easements. At the August 15 meeting, City Clerk Mary Miner clarified that one property owner … [Read more...]
Wkyoff Council Discusses Enforcement of Short-term Rental Zoning
By Patrick Andrews Shortly after the opening of Monday’s August 15 Wykoff, Minn., city council meeting, wastewater treatment plant supervisor Rick Whitney shared some good news regarding the city’s pump house. While it was thought that the old brick building may need replacing in its entirety, it appears renovation of the existing structure may be feasible. Mr. Whitney … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Budget Requests See Increases as Costs Rise
At their August 14 meeting, the Spring Valley City Council entered the season of budgets as they reviewed the annual department budget requests. This is the first step in the budget process as they will be set later in the year. Within the legislative department, City Administrator Deb Zimmer noted a $200 decrease in the liability insurance. Due to it being an election year … [Read more...]
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Tours Spring Grove
Spring Grove, Minn. gave United States Senator Tina Smith a warm welcome Thursday, August 10. Senator Smith toured rural Spring Grove to highlight the town’s economic development. Smith’s tour began 9:15 a.m. at Red’s IGA, 500 E. Main Street. Mayor Saundra Solum, City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton, and a few others accompanied Senator Smith at this first stop. The next stop … [Read more...]
