In negative two degree weather, I forced myself to get out of bed at 6:30 to take the recycling to the curb. While I was out there, I grabbed the mail out of the mailbox and noted, with some relief, that there was a check in there from what I liked to call my third job. I opened up the envelope, checked the amount, and resolved to deposit it as soon as possible. My wife, not … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2018
One Moment, Please… What killed U.S. savings bonds?
Nearly every adult over the age of 40 recalls receiving U.S. savings bonds from their grandparents when they were younger. That is probably a foreign concept for children of today. Why? In today’s issue of the Fillmore County Journal, you’ll notice several pages dedicated to the “Cute Kids of Fillmore County.” This is a special feature we have been publishing in our … [Read more...]
Government this week
Monday, February 12 • Whalan City Council, City Hall, 5 p.m. • Houston City Council, City Hall, 6 p.m. • Spring Valley City Council, City Hall, 6 p.m. • City of Rushford City Council, City Hall, 6:30 p.m. • Chatfield City Council, City Hall, 7 p.m. • Wykoff City Council, City Hall, 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 13 • Fillmore County Commissioners, Courthouse, 9 a.m. • … [Read more...]
PeopleService addresses Ostrander concerns
A regular meeting of the Ostrander city council was held on February 6, with all members in attendance (Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, City Clerk Wendy Brincks, and Heidi Jones and DJ Start). Rick Whitney (PeopleService) addressed the council regarding issues that he’s heard have been concerns, related to PeopleService’s work at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). He … [Read more...]
Mabel sets fee for snow removal violators
At its February meeting, Mabel council members voted on a standard rate that will be charged to businesses and residents who are not in compliance with the snow removal ordinance. The city ordinance states that snow must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall. If the snow is not removed, the city has the right to remove the snow at the property owner’s … [Read more...]
County reports its legislative priorities
Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller were at the February 6 county board meeting to hear the county’s legislative priorities for the 2018 legislative session. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman thanked legislators for 2017 legislation that stabilized and added funding for county program aid. Fillmore County’s CPA increased by $90,000. The county noted its opposition … [Read more...]
State Auditor Otto releases report on city finances
ST. PAUL, MN – State Auditor Rebecca Otto released the 2016 Minnesota City Finances Report on December 28, 2017. The report summarizes, through data tables and charts, the financial operations of 850 Minnesota cities for calendar year 2016. “The City Finances report is issued each year to help local government officials, policy makers, and the public better understand city … [Read more...]
Preston purchase agreement with Dairy & Farm
Preston City Attorney Dwight Luhmann discussed proposed updates to a purchase agreement for the Dairy & Farm property at the February 5 meeting. Originally, the proposed purchase price was $100,000. Dairy & Farm now wants $115,000 for the property; the additional funds requested are to help pay for the remediation, clean-up of the property. The city wants Dairy & … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project Artificial Intelligence, good or bad?
By Travis Vatland “I’ll be back!” Arnold Schwarzenegger said, while acting in Terminator, a movie about a cyborg assassin from the future. Having recently watched Terminator, I wondered about how Artificial Intelligence will impact our lives, good and bad, and perhaps the most important, where is the line drawn? However, before we get into the article, what is artificial … [Read more...]
Houston GBB Clinches East Share
Before the 1991-1992 season started, the Southeast Conference was born. Eleven different schools have won or shared out-right or East/West division titles in girls basketball since. Caledonia, M-C, SG, R-P, and Lanesboro have all done so multiple times. Geographically between them all has been Houston. A Hurricane girls team has never been SEC champion. Until now. … [Read more...]