The Houston School Board quickly chose its officers, calendar, committees and other official elements as they met for the first time in the new year on January 7, 2021. Officers are: Tom Stilin, chair; Mimi Carlson, vice chair; Josh Norlien, clerk; and Gene Lundak, treasurer. Meetings will remain on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Bremer Bank was again chosen as … [Read more...]
Houston citizens speak in favor of the OHV trail
As the Houston City Council began the new year with their meeting January 11, 2021, they heard from several citizens regarding the planned OHV Trail. Reacting to earlier statements made in December against the trail, John and Eileen Loken, owners of Loken’s Sawmill Inn, appeared to speak in favor of the trail. Eileen Loken commented that the number of visitors had dropped at … [Read more...]
Messages of peace, hope and justice welcome at January 18 event
The Fillmore County Discussion on Race (FCDoR) will be holding an observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Fillmore County Courthouse in Preston from 1-2 p.m. on Monday, January 18. The event is meant to be an open space for the public to discuss, speak and share messages of peace, hope and justice in this time of deep division. A table will be outside the courthouse … [Read more...]
Mabel cuts grace period to five days
Mabel’s City Council met on January 13. Terry Torkelson was absent, but the rest of the council was in attendance (Mayor James Westby, Adam Wilder, Kirsten Wyffels, and new member Cory Wilson). Also participating were City Clerk Karen Larson, Brooke Harmening, and Jeff Rein. Wilson took the oath of office, as he replaces Gary Morken on the council. One agenda item that … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Economic Development Authority launches new website
The Spring Valley community has a new website to help promote life in Spring Valley and offer connections, tools, and resources for local businesses and organizations. The Spring Valley Economic Development Authority (EDA) announced the launch of its new EDA website, springvalleyeda.org, Monday, January 11, 2021. The new website offers a variety of tools and resources for both … [Read more...]
Elected officials sworn in at Eitzen’s first city council meeting of 2021
Councilmembers in attendance included Mayor Jeff Adamson, Emily Burrichter, Mitch Lange, and Doug Meyer. Absent was Councilmember Mitch Luttchens. Staff in attendance: City Clerk, Steve Schuldt. Guests in attendance: Larry Nieling, local business owner; and Charlene Selbee, Fillmore County Journal. Mayor Jeff Adamson called the January 12, 2021, regular meeting of the Eitzen … [Read more...]
Fountain brings in new council
New Councilor Colleen Foehrenbacher, returning Councilors David Gudmundson and Terry Hanson, and Mayor Jim Schott were all sworn in at the January 6 meeting. Annual designations will remain the same with First State Bank as official depository, Frederick Suhler as attorney, and Fillmore County Journal as official newspaper. Mayor Jim Schott will move off his position with the … [Read more...]
USPS mail delivery challenged with COVID
The past couple months have been quite challenging for the United States Postal Service, which is apparent by the delays in mail delivery. On January 2, 2021, my wife and I received a piece of mail from our insurance company that was mailed on December 1, 2020. It took just a little over one month to arrive in our mailbox. This has become more common for many people … [Read more...]
Kingsland addresses COVID challenges
Kingsland School Board held a “work session” on January 4. New board members Pamela Freet and Gwen Howard were sworn in. The meeting began with the board’s annual organizational meeting. Jackie Horsman will continue as board chair, Maranda Emig will be vice chair, Kyle Rader well serve as clerk, and Natasha Howard will be treasurer. The board also voted on a slate of … [Read more...]
Fillmore County authorizes county relief funding program for local businesses and nonprofits
PRESTON, MN - Fillmore County businesses affected by COVID-19 are encouraged to apply for Business Relief Grants of up to $10,000 beginning January 6. The Fillmore County Commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday, January 5, to approve $415,000 in relief funding to Fillmore County businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were made available to Fillmore County by … [Read more...]