The Chatfield City Council approved the sale of its 2005 Sterling Plow Truck to the city of Wykoff for $28,000 at the council’s April 26 meeting. Councilors Paul Novotny and Mike Urban were absent. Brian Burkholder, Superintendent of City Services, reported the city council approved the purchase of a new Freightliner plow truck last November, which should be delivered in May. … [Read more...]
Preston Local Board of Appeal and Equalization
Fillmore County Assessor Jason McCaslin addressed the city council and the public at the April 19 meeting. He made it clear that it is his objective and required by state statute to have each property owner liable for his/her fair share of the tax burden, no more/no less. Councilman David Collett was absent. McCaslin gave an overview of property values and adjustments being … [Read more...]
Outdoor concerts in Chatfield
At the Chatfield City Council’s April 12 meeting, Carla Gallina, president of the board of directors for the Chatfield Center for the Arts, requested approval to use the bandshell area in City Park for two upcoming events. The outdoor concerts are scheduled for April 30 (featuring Myra Burnette) and June 18 (featuring Galactic Cowboy Orchestra). State health guidelines will be … [Read more...]
Country inn/retreat in Holt Township
A public hearing was held by the Fillmore County Planning Commission on April 8 for a conditional use permit application for a country inn/retreat. Derrick and Christine Hongerholt own the Bluff Country Retreat located in section 10, Holt Township, in the Ag District about a mile east of Whalan. The property offers 4,500 square feet for a group retreat. There is a … [Read more...]
Fillmore County recognized for “Excellence in Recycling”
Certificates of recognition were presented to engineering and maintenance from the Minnesota Office of the Governor at the Fillmore County Board’s April 13 meeting. The certificates received by County Engineer Ron Gregg and Highway Maintenance Supervisor Brent Kohn were given in recognition of the “Excellence in Recycling” demonstrated through a successful partnership with … [Read more...]
Rushford Village receives bridge report; preps for road tour
The annual bridge report from Fillmore County garnered the majority of discussion at the April 6 Rushford Village Council meeting. Public Works Supervisor Trenton Chiglo noted he’d reviewed the report and it appeared correct with his assessments. One bridge, on the east end of Ridgeview Road, had specific deficiencies noted. “It has settled and there’s a section of iron … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Jail needs information on YouTube video
The Jail Needs Assessment Committee and subcommittees have been meeting for more than a year to gather data and to analyze that data to determine what is the best course forward for the county jail. The 17 minute video was presented at the county board’s April 6 meeting. Sheriff John DeGeorge has been presenting information at city council meetings and plans to speak to other … [Read more...]
Preston Historical Society proposal to restore the depot
Sheila Craig, Preston Historical Society, presented a proposal for the possible acquisition and transport of the Spring Grove rail depot to the former Preston Dairy & Farm site during the city council’s April 5 meeting. Jon DeVries added extensively to the discussion, strongly encouraging the council to agree to the use of the Dairy & Farm site. She said it is a twin … [Read more...]
State Veterans Home in Fillmore County no longer just a dream
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released the State Home Construction Grants for 2021. Governor Tim Walz announced on March 30 that the three proposed new State Veteran Homes will each receive federal funding this year. The veterans home in Preston will be the only skilled nursing home for veterans in southeast Minnesota. Walz said, “We are pleased to be able to expand … [Read more...]
Fillmore County SSTS amendments approved
The Fillmore County Planning Commission held a public hearing on proposed amendments to the county’s Sub-Surface Sewage Treatment System Ordinance at their March 18 meeting. The language regarding escrow accounts resulted in the most discussion. When a property is sold or transferred the SSTS must be inspected. If a SSTS is found to be non-compliant, it must be brought up to … [Read more...]