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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

Interim City Administrator Michelle Marotzke reviewed steps in the process to provide a referendum on the November ballot at the city council’s July 6 meeting. The Pool Committee has been meeting regularly with consultants from Burbach Aquatics about the city’s pool. They have analyzed possible locations for a pool. The committee recommends moving the pool project to … [Read more...]

At the June 22 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, a request for proposals for the provision of comprehensive municipal legal services was approved. Councilors Josh Broadwater and Pam Bluhm were absent. City Administrator Michele Peterson explained the request for proposals for civil representation was reviewed by both the Personnel/Budget Committee and City Attorney Fred … [Read more...]