During the Citizens Input portion of the September 1 board meeting, Reverend Anders E. Nelson of the Mabel-Henrytown Tri-Point Parish accompanied by people from the area spoke in support of free and fair elections. He said he is hoping to ground people with the facts. Nelson said, “We want to be visible and build connections with the board. We want the board to be accountable … [Read more...]

The August 25 meeting of the Fillmore County Board began with a moment of silence to remember Commissioner Larry Hindt who recently passed after a long illness. Budgets were reviewed for the Sheriff’s Office, Veterans Services Office, Public Health, Human Services, and Administration. Sheriff John DeGeorge said he wants to add funding for Wellness. It will require a mandatory … [Read more...]

At the August 24 meeting of the city council Interim City Administrator Michelle Marotzke was given the go ahead to look into a possible Purchase Option Agreement with the Fillmore Central School District. The Swimming Pool Committee has recommended looking into the possible purchase of land north of the ball field (soccer field) at Fillmore Elementary School. Marotzke made … [Read more...]

At the August 20 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission Nathan and Katie Drewitz of Chatfield Township requested a conditional use permit for a farm winery. The couple has a business plan for the future Chosen Valley Winery. They currently have rows of grapes on about a half-acre. They have plans to grow their acreage and their business. There were no comments … [Read more...]

At the August 24 meeting of the city council, proposed revisions to the residential utility billing policy were approved. Councilors Mike Urban and Josh Broadwater were absent. The billing policy approved in 2017 was revised to include updated provisions; the revised policy will supersede the policy adopted on March 27, 2017. Residential customers will be billed monthly for … [Read more...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]