Two proposals for city attorney were considered at the August 10 meeting of the Chatfield City Council. Councilor Pam Bluhm was absent. The proposals for civil legal services had been submitted by Flaherty & Hood, P.A. and GDO Law. City Administrator Michele Peterson recommended Flaherty & Hood after a review of both firms. Flaherty & Hood is a larger firm but has … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Continues 2027 Budgeting Process
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery provided an early preliminary budget percentage increase for 2027 at the county board’s August 11 meeting. Commissioner Larry Hindt was absent and Commissioner Duane Bakke participated through Zoom. The spreadsheet provided by Hillery shows a levy increase of over 12%. The county does not have a firm number on health insurance costs yet, … [Read more...]
Preston Approves Contract for Mitch Kriener
At the August 3 meeting of the Preston City Council, the hire of Mitch Kriener as the Preston Public Utilities General Manager/Public Works Director was approved. Interim City Administrator Michelle Marotzke explained Nels Rasmussen, who was first offered the position, said he appreciated the fair offer but declined the position on July 27. Current lineman Mitch Kriener, a … [Read more...]
Review Given by Fillmore County Attorney Office Interns
Two summer interns reviewed their experiences and insights while serving with the Fillmore County Attorney’s Office at the county board’s August 4 meeting. Commissioner Larry Hindt was absent. Commissioner Mitch Lentz participated via Zoom. Coy Pederson, a first-year law student, and Aalyiah Root, an undergraduate student, participated in the 2026 summer internship program. … [Read more...]
Chatfield Receives Two City Attorney Proposals
City Attorney Fred Suhler Jr.’s resignation was accepted in early May 2026, effective September 30. At the July 27 meeting of the city council, it was noted that the city had received two responses to the city’s request for proposals for civil legal services. The council by consensus chose to wait for a summary of the proposals and the recommendation of staff rather than … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Historical Society Updates County Board
At the county board’s July 28 meeting, Bretta Grabau, director of the Fillmore County Historical Society, updated the board on the society’s programming. Commissioner Larry Hindt was absent. The History Center shares history with tourists, school classes, and local veteran groups. Students can now participate in scavenger hunts. A program designed for children ages 6-12 has … [Read more...]
Preston Approves Candidate for PPU General Manager/Public Works Director
At the Preston City Council’s July 20 meeting, candidate Nels Rasmussen received unanimous approval to fill the PPU General Manager/Public Works Director position as recommended by the Preston Public Utilities Commission. Interim City Administrator Michelle Marotzke said there had been 12 applicants for the position. Rasmussen is from this area and has 20 years’ experience in … [Read more...]
The Goal: Preston to Forestville Bike Trail
Efforts to build a bike trail from Preston to Forestville State Park failed to go forward over two decades ago due, in part, to an inability to acquire needed right-of-way across private property. Progress toward that goal is being made over the past couple of years by individuals that believe in and are dedicated to that goal. The Forestville Trail and River Committee last … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Begins 2027 Budgeting Process
At the July 14 meeting of the county board, several department heads reviewed their proposed budgets for 2027. Commissioner Larry Hindt was absent. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery noted that all proposed budgets include a 3% wage increase for employees and an estimated 18% increase in the county’s health insurance contribution. Finance Director Christy Smith, County … [Read more...]
Signage Proposal for Driftless Trail in Chatfield
Alexa Shapiro, trail director for the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail, requested approval to place signage for the trail through Chatfield at the city council’s July 13 meeting. The proposed route of the trail through Chatfield was approved in December 2025. The eastern starting point for the trail is at the Groen Park parking lot. It will follow Third St. SW across Main St. … [Read more...]