The Lanesboro school district held its Truth in Taxation meeting at the December 13 school board meeting. No one from the public was present for comments or questions. During the 2017-18 fiscal year, the district’s revenues were $4,915,918 and expenditures were $5,205,976. The levy was set at $423,478.95 during that time. This year’s levy has been set at $868,693.87 due to … [Read more...]
Articles by Hannah Wingert
Reporter
hannah@fillmorecountyjournal.com
Longtime Preston restaurant announces it’s closing its doors
“I hope that sparks someone to purchase it,” Branding Iron owner Steve Bahl said about his recent decision to announce a closing date for his restaurant. Bahl has owned the Branding Iron since 1989, and while he has enjoyed his time at the restaurant, he and his wife Allyson are ready for a change. The Branding Iron was built in 1970 by a group of businessmen who made up the … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central board member recognized for six years of service
Fillmore Central Board Member Emily Ellis Onsager was recognized for her six years of service on the school board and presented with a plaque during the regular December 18 meeting. The board expressed their gratitude to Ellis Onsager for her time and dedication. The Fillmore Central School Board reviewed the 2018 levy and held a Truth in Taxation meeting. The total levy … [Read more...]
Harmony Fire Department commissions firefighter memorial statue
Chris Skalen from the Harmony Fire Department was present at the December 11 Harmony City Council meeting to ask the council to approve a down payment on a 70” bronze statue of a firefighter from Brodin Studios, Inc. in Kimball, Minn. The statue will be placed beside the fire station with benches and landscaping to complete the memorial. So far, approximately $52,000 has been … [Read more...]
Lego League gives presentation at Fillmore Central School Board meeting
First Lego League coach Stuart Weist was present at the November 27 school board meeting along with the league’s student members. The Lego League is a STEM program and consists of 10 students from 4th-8th grade who must work together to build a robot based on a theme chosen by the international First Lego League organization. This year’s theme is Into Orbit, and the Fillmore … [Read more...]
Lanesboro school referendum passes with an impressive 70% of vote
“Thank you to all of our Lanesboro community for coming to all of our (proposed facilities project) meetings over the last several months,” Superintendent Matt Schultz said at the November 15 Lanesboro School Board meeting. On November 6, nearly 70% of Lanesboro residents voted to approve the general obligation bond for $7.135 million for the renovations and additions to the … [Read more...]
Harmony council certifies election results
The Harmony City Council approved Resolution 18-10 certifying the results of the municipal general election. Steve Donney was re-elected as mayor. Council members Kyle Morem and Stephen Sagen’s terms were up and so two spots were open on the council. Sagen was re-elected to fill one spot and Tony Webber was elected for the other. A public hearing was held to discuss the … [Read more...]
Lanesboro considers possibility of combined facility
At their November 5 meeting, the Lanesboro City Council discussed the possibility of eventually combining the public works, ambulance, and fire departments into one large building. Representatives from each of those departments were present at the meeting to be included in the discussion. “As things grow and change, we just want to make sure we’re looking at what’s best for … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central School Board receives facilities updates
Superintendent Richard Keith updated the Fillmore Central School Board on the on-going facility projects during the October 23 board meeting. The wet weather has slowed down the work on the baseball field in Harmony, but progress is still being made. As it won’t be done before the spring season, Superintendent Keith asked and was granted permission by the Lanesboro school … [Read more...]
Lanesboro school secretary retires after 35 years
At the October 15 Lanesboro school board meeting, the board approved the retirement of secretary Diane Peterson. Peterson has worked at the school for 35 years. “We want to thank her for her many years of service,” Board member Dave Lawstuen said. The rest of the board also expressed their gratitude for her dedication. Superintendent Matt Schultz noted that the Lanesboro … [Read more...]
Harmony Historical Society updates council on elevator restoration project
Ralph Beastrom, Mary Lou Zombory, and Cliff Johannessen from the Harmony Area Historical Society were present at the October 9 Harmony City Council meeting to update the council on their progress on various projects. They began by speaking about the walking tour signs. “We’re pretty happy with the way it turned out,” Beastrom said. He thanked the city for their help on the … [Read more...]
Some Lanesboro residents unhappy with outcome of Auburn/Zenith project
The October 1 Lanesboro City Council meeting opened with a public forum to discuss the assessments for the Auburn/Zenith Road improvement project. City Engineer Brian Malm began the forum by updating the council on the project. The contractor had finished their punch list items just before the council meeting, and the contract states that the contractor will be responsible … [Read more...]
Harmony Gardens and Floral grows with addition of chickens
Andrew and Lisa Kingsley run Harmony Gardens and Floral as a family business with their four children in tow. Grace (eight), Charity (eight), Liberty (seven), and Charlie (four) spend their days playing and helping with chores, which allows them to spend lots of time with their parents. It’s been working out great but towards the end of the last school year, Andrew and Lisa … [Read more...]
Lanesboro School recognized for ESSA numbers
At the September 20 Lanesboro School Board meeting, Superintendent Matt Schultz reported that the Lanesboro school district had been recognized for two of its ESSA numbers this year. Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA, replaced No Child Left Behind this year to ensure success for all students and schools. Lanesboro was recognized for excellence in overall high school … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central board reviews report from new back to school conferences
At the September 25 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Principal Heath Olstad gave a report on how the first back-to-school conferences went on September 4 and 5. After the conferences, he was able to speak with all of the school staff and many of the parents as well. “There was high praise for the experience,” he noted. He did receive some suggestions to help next year … [Read more...]