Creek in Peterson Named

At the April 14 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, a public hearing was held to consider the naming of an unnamed creek in Peterson.

Gail Bernard-Boyum thanked the board for the hearing. It is appropriate to name the creek “Haslerud Creek” after the man that founded the town of Peterson. 

Milford Olson, a long time resident of Peterson, sent in a letter detailing the history of Peterson. He noted that it will only be proper to name the creek after Peter Peterson Haslerud.

Haslerud was born in 1828 and emigrated from Norway in 1843. He served in the Minnesota legislature. In 1865 he was appointed by the governor as Immigration Officer for the 14th district. He platted out the village in 1874 and was responsible for getting a railroad depot for Peterson. Haslerud owned land along this creek which supplied drinking water to Peterson residents; he also established a trout hatchery. He died in 1880.

There was no other public comment. 

The board unanimously adopted a resolution approving the new name of the creek as Haslerud Creek. Next, the state will consider the county’s recommendation for the naming of the creek.

Other Business in Brief

• The resignation of Blake Lea, Land Use director, was accepted with thanks for his 2.5 years of service, effective May 1. 
• Approval was granted for an additional accounting technician for the sheriff’s office as recommended by the Personnel Committee. This position was not provided for in the Sheriff’s budget. Sheriff John DeGeorge explained sharing responsibilities to cover these tasks hasn’t been working as it costs the department in other areas. He said last year 600 gun permits were considered; this year that number will likely surpass 1,000. DeGeorge said gun permit reserves should be able to cover most of the cost of the additional employee.
• The resignation of Jeff Quam, Highway Shop Foreman, was accepted, effective April 13 after 7.5 years of service.
• A liquor license renewal was approved for the Old Barn Resort & Golf Course.
• A closed session was held for labor negotiation for AFSCME Social Workers.