Bill Spitzer, Semcac director of transportation, reviewed the availability of public transit in Chatfield at the city council’s July 8 meeting. Three services are available including Rolling Hills Transit bus service, Careavan medical transport, and the volunteer driver program. He concentrated his remarks on Rolling Hills Transit. There are 13 buses in the system that are … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Hires County Assessor
At the July 9 county board meeting Kathryn Frette was hired as the new county assessor effective August 5. Frette has worked as an Olmsted County appraiser for more than 20 years and also worked one year for LaSueur County. She has her AMA (Accredited Minnesota Assessor) license and is nearing the end of the process to obtain her SAMA (Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor) … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Begins 2025 Budgeting Process
The first of the county’s department heads reviewed their proposed 2025 budget at the July 2 meeting of the county board. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery noted that insurance for employees is projected to go up 30%, which will be the majority of the increase in the 2025 budget. The general wage increase is set at 3% for budgeting purposes. Finance Director Christy … [Read more...]
Preston State Veterans Home Celebration
The roots of this skilled nursing facility were planted as early as 2013 through the dedication of local veteran advocates and volunteers. The Preston Veterans Home Committee was established in the summer of 2015. Co-chairs and Vietnam veterans Don Gildner and Ron Scheevel began with little more than a dream. Over time with the help of volunteers/advocates and numerous trips to … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Planning Commission Hears Rezoning and Quarry Expansion Requests
At the June 20 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission, public hearings were held on a rezoning request and a conditional use permit application. Peter Swartzentruber, section 5 of Preston Township, applied to rezone his property from Ag to General Commercial (B-1). The property is on the edge of the east city limits of Preston. Swartzentruber, who was not present … [Read more...]
Chatfield Approves Motorized Golf Cart Ordinance
After considerable discussion during past city council meetings, Ordinance 471 was approved at the city council’s June 24 meeting. Councilor Dave Frank was absent. This ordinance regulates the use of motorized golf carts on public streets and public areas within the city. A permit is required for the operator; the issuance and use of a disabled permit is allowed in certain … [Read more...]
Preston Approves Two-Year Contract for City Attorney
The June 17 meeting of the Preston City Council was the last meeting for city attorney Dwight Luhmann. In late May, Governor Walz appointed Luhmann to fill a vacancy in the Third Judicial District. He will serve on the Winona County bench and will be sworn in on July 12. His resignation with the city after 18 years of service will be effective June 30. Mayor Kurt Reicks … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Board of Appeal and Equalization
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery swore in county commissioners and Auditor/Treasurer Heather Broadwater to the Board of Appeal and Equalization at the June 18 meeting. Stephen Hacken, interim county assessor, reviewed his report. He has been interim assessor for the past several months and will continue in that capacity to the end of this month. Residential value trends … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Fair July 15-21
Fillmore County Fair board members Doug Lind, treasurer, and Mike Fenske, president, updated the county board regarding ongoing improvements for the fairgrounds and other uses for the fairgrounds throughout the year at the county board’s June 18 meeting. Fenske thanked commissioners for their past support, saying, “Last year’s attendance at the fair was good; we continue to … [Read more...]
Chatfield Tables Motorized Golf Cart Ordinance
At the June 10 meeting of the city council, proposed Ordinance #471 for a Motorized Golf Cart was tabled to clarify insurance and age issues. The proposed ordinance was drafted to regulate the use of a motorized golf cart on public streets and public areas within the city. The ordinance requires the operator to have a valid driver’s license. The operator must have insurance … [Read more...]