The annual Truth in Taxation public hearing was held on December 13. County coordinator Bobbie Vickerman presented an overview of 2016 and took a look into 2017. During 2016, the county has been active in efforts to get the formula for County Program Aid revised by state. County aid was increased in 2016, but like many rural counties, Fillmore County has seen reductions in CPA … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2016
Harmony Council renews garbage contract with Waste Management
The council reviewed the bid tabulations for garbage and recycling pickup at their December 13 meeting. Bids were received from five different companies ,with most having options for either bags and bins or carts. It was pointed out that moving to cart service would mean that residents wouldn’t have to buy garbage bags anymore. The different sizes of carts were discussed, … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council holds hearing, then meeting
The Whalan City Council met for a special public hearing on December 12, 2016 at 5 p.m. to hear a response from a resident in regards to junk items on their premises. The council felt it had become a nuisance. With City Attorney Terry Chiglo in attendance, the council heard from a member of that household who attended the hearing to respond to a nuisance order. The resident … [Read more...]
Chatfield adopts 2017 budget and levy
At the December 12 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, City Clerk Joel Young took a look back at 2016 and ahead to 2017. During the Truth in Taxation hearing, Young detailed capital acquisitions made in 2016, topping the list was the purchase of a pumper/rescue truck. Some of the other capital expenditures included the replacement of the front steps of the Thurber Building … [Read more...]
Democracy works at Houston City Council meeting
The Houston City Council dealt with many issues in its last meeting of the year, but one in particular took center focus. After beginning the meeting at 6 p.m., the council moved into a public hearing on the 2017 City Budget. City Administrator Chris Peterson laid out the budget changes, including a 4% tax levy increase to cover projected expenses for city vehicles. This is … [Read more...]
Results of the Harmony Community Chest 2016 Charity Drive
The 2016 Harmony Community Chest Drive has been completed. A total of $5,600 was collected from solicitation mailings. There were no door-to-door solicitations due to the difficulty recruiting and retaining solicitors. As a result, the total collected is smaller than other years, and we had to cut back on the amount given to some organizations and eliminate others. Proceeds … [Read more...]
Rushford reviews work; looks to future
The Monday, December 12 Rushford council meeting focused heavily on a recap of 2016 city projects as the city preps for setting the property tax levy for 2017. Nearly a full hour of the relatively short agenda hit at the projects, as well as proposed projects for the next year. Public Works Director Roger Knutson presented the information and noted that improvements, … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Police Reports – 12-19-16
Chatfield Police Department Julie Marie Bleskachek, 59, Chatfield, Minn.; 10/3/2016, Allow Illegal Use Motor Vehicle by Owner, Fine $100, Total Fees $195. Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Joeyl Lorence Bolson, 64, Decorah, Iowa; 11/13/2016, Exceed Limit of 30 mph – Urban District (40/30), Fine $40, Total Fees $130. Carter Allen Brandt, 24, Spring Valley, Minn.; … [Read more...]
Fillmore County District Court ~ 12/19/16
On December 2, Tracey Allison Hovey, 41, of Rushford, appeared before District Court Judge Terrence M. Walters. Hovey is charged with three counts of Theft - Take/Use/Transfer Movable Property - No Consent, and two counts of Theft - Take/Drive Motor Vehicle - No Consent. The first Take/Use Transfer Movable Property (No Consent) and first Take/Drive Motor Vehicle (No Consent) … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper ~ 12/19/2016
Question: I enjoy reading your column. I have been driving for a number of years but still get confused as to what all the white road markings mean. I know what the white dashes on a road/highway mean – OK to pass. But what do solid white lines mean, particularly if they are on a three-lane highway? Also, what do the intermittent white “bricks” mean? What do narrowly spaced … [Read more...]