At the May 5 county board meeting, information was presented on plans for extending a new transmission line from Marion, Minn., to the Mississippi River (105 miles). The plan is to replace a 161 kilovolt (kV) transmission line with a new 765/161 kV double-circuit transmission line (Maribell Transmission Line). The double-circuit lines are to be on a steel lattice … [Read more...]
Preston Transfers Duties of LBAE to Fillmore County
A public hearing was held at the May 4 meeting of the Preston City Council to consider transferring the city’s duties and powers of the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization to the county. Mayor Kurt Reicks noted that the city rarely has changed anything for citizens that have come with an appeal at the LBAE meeting. For example, at the LBAE meeting held this year on April 20 … [Read more...]
Online Safety Program in Fillmore County
At the April 28 meeting of the county board, Assistant Fillmore County Attorney Marla Stanton and Captain Dan Dornink reported on a social media safety program which they continue to present at local schools. Stanton explained the first of these programs began in 2017. The content has changed over the years. Nine years ago, it was “scared straight” and now students are … [Read more...]
Shady Oak Redevelopment Proposal
Several citizens attended the April 27 meeting of the Chatfield City Council due to a proposal for Shady Oak redevelopment. The proposal is to subdivide a portion of Shady Oak Park (near Hawley Street) into two buildable lots. The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended approval, after a public hearing at its April 6 meeting. The proposal is to provide for two … [Read more...]
Preston Protein Products Curb Request Approved
At the April 20 meeting of the Preston City Council, a request to install a roll curb and gutter was approved. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton explained the company wants to take out a section of standard curb and install a roll curb and gutter. City Code limits driveway widths to a maximum of 25 feet on a one-way and 30 feet on a two-way. … [Read more...]
A New Police Chief in Chatfield
Scott Keigley has been sworn in as Chatfield’s new police chief. Keigley explained he has always had an interest in law enforcement. He was born and raised in Ames, Iowa. He grew up in a law enforcement family as his father was a police officer. After high school life took him on another path for a time. He explained that while growing up he didn’t have a lot so he … [Read more...]
Scott Keigley Back in Chatfield
At the April 13 meeting of the Chatfield City Council the new police chief was sworn in. Councilor Dave Frank was absent. Mayor John McBroom administered the oath of office to Chatfield’s new police chief, Scott Keigley. His mother Virginia pinned the badge on his chest. Prior to the city council meeting there was an open house to welcome the new police chief. Keigley was … [Read more...]
Creek in Peterson Named
At the April 14 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, a public hearing was held to consider the naming of an unnamed creek in Peterson. Gail Bernard-Boyum thanked the board for the hearing. It is appropriate to name the creek “Haslerud Creek” after the man that founded the town of Peterson. Milford Olson, a long time resident of Peterson, sent in a letter detailing the … [Read more...]
Public Health Week in Fillmore County
Fillmore County Public Health staff introduced themselves to the commissioners at the county board’s April 7 meeting. Public Health Director Jessica Erickson brought over 20 members of her staff to the meeting to have them introduce themselves to the board; they noted their program area and their years of service with the county. The National Public Health Week … [Read more...]
Preston Reviews Capital Financing Plan
At the city council’s March 6 meeting Financial Advisor Mike Bubany showed the members how various capital expenditures will affect the city’s finances and tax requirements over the coming years. Bubany inserted various projects, taking into account inflation, into a spreadsheet to demonstrate how each will affect the city’s budget over the next several years. Ideally, the … [Read more...]






