Out going EDA director Sam Smith introduced the new EDA director, Stephanie Hatzenbihler, at the June 27 meeting of the county board. Smith will continue with CEDA in the Mankato area. This was his last day with Fillmore County. During his time with the Fillmore County EDA, Smith worked to expand broadband to rural areas in the county. Rural Lanesboro was one of two … [Read more...]
Archives for July 2017
Fillmore Central removes extra-curricular fees for student activities
At the June 27 board meeting, Fillmore Central School Board member Sue Sikkink asked the rest of the board to consider lowering fees for extracurricular activities and eliminating fees for activities where students receive a letter grade. Board member Jim Love took it a step further, suggesting that the fees be removed completely. “We have the funding available,” he pointed … [Read more...]
Spring Valley moves on junk violations
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session June 26. Members present included Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was absent. A public hearing was held just prior to the regular council meeting, on the topic of “Junk Ordinance” violations within the city. Two citizens spoke up about the issue, … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Courthouse to receive funding through Safe and Secure Courthouse Initiative
ST. PAUL, MN, June 29, 2017 – Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea today announced the award of $1 million in grants through the Safe and Secure Courthouse Initiative. The grant funding will go towards the implementation of safety and security improvements in 57 county courthouses across Minnesota, including the Fillmore County Courthouse. Safe and Secure … [Read more...]
Engagement
Bakke ~ Jennings Brittany Nicole Bakke and Daniel John Jennings Jr. will be married on Friday, July 7, 2017, at Mint Springs Farm in Nolensville, Tenn. Their parents are Neal and Linda Bakke of McHenry, Ill., and Cindy and Daniel Jennings of Schaumburg, Ill. Brittany is the oldest granddaughter of Beverly and Norris Bakke of Mabel, Minn. The bride-to-be holds a Master’s … [Read more...]
Unemployment rate falls to 3.7% in May Minnesota employers eliminate 7,200 jobs
Minnesota’s unemployment rate fell to 3.7% in May, matching a post-recession low point last seen in June 2015, according to seasonally adjusted figures released on June 15, 2017, by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The U.S. unemployment rate in May was 4.3%. Minnesota employers eliminated 7,200 jobs in May, after adding 28,200 jobs in the … [Read more...]
Bloodmobile coming to Harmony on July 11
Harmony will be hosting a bloodmobile at the Harmony Community Center from 1-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations. Right now, blood is being distributed to hospitals as fast as it is being donated. Typically, all healthy men and women who are at least 16 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more are eligible to donate … [Read more...]
Chatfield swimming pool committee reports to city council
Many members of the nine member swimming pool committee spoke to the city council during the June 26 Chatfield City Council meeting. Co-chair Julie Henry said the committee has been meeting monthly. The pool is over 50 years old and has many issues, the most recent a significant leak in the main pool which has been fixed temporarily with caulk. The pool opened in 1965. The … [Read more...]
What lies ahead for the Fillmore County Jail
Fillmore County’s jail is nearly a half century old, built in 1970. The jail was remodeled in 1995, at which time it was rated as a 24 bed facility. At that time a new garage, juvenile holding area, and multi-purpose room was added. The aging jail is plagued with mounting maintenance needs. Systems are dated and/or deteriorating. A water softener has never been in use; minerals … [Read more...]
Year in Review – Year of the Senior
The 2016-2017 sports season in Fillmore County was a special one. None in the Journal Sports era produced so many teams with so many good to great seniors, so much senior depth. It seemed just before Y-2-K, a lot of athletic parents were spawning gifted offspring. From state track champion D-1 signees/gridiron juggernauts, to all-time leading scorers, 2,000-assists, … [Read more...]