The Preston City Council, at their February 20 meeting, continued the discussion that began during the Planning Commission meeting, regarding a conditional use permit (CUP) application submitted by Pauline Orban to use her single-family home for boarding and lodging. The Planning Commission held a public hearing prior to the council meeting and recommended approval of the … [Read more...]
Chatfield Hears Annual Reviews for WWTF and Ambulance
Steve Schlichter, wastewater treatment facility superintendent, and Rocky Burnett, ambulance director, each took a look back at 2023 during the city council’s February 12 meeting. Schlichter gave detailed data on the operation of the facility. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency requirements have been met demonstrating that the facility has been operating very well. In 2023 … [Read more...]
Fillmore County to Apply for Land Survey Grant
At the February 13 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, Joel Thoreson, county surveyor, and Jarad Carolan, county assistant surveyor, explained the application process for a Public Land Survey System (PLSS) Preservation Program grant. In 2023, the legislature passed the Public Land Survey System Preservation Grant Program that provides $9.7 million to help counties find the … [Read more...]
Preston Use of Public Safety Funding
At the February 5 meeting of the city council, City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton reported the city received $58,157 in December to be used for community engagement, mental health, training personnel and equipment needs. The funds are Preston’s portion of the $300 million in Public Safety Funding passed by the 2023 Minnesota legislature. The funds will be used primarily … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Bike Trail and Bridge Bonding Agreements
The Fillmore County Board considered access agreements for a bike trail and bridge bonding agreements at their February 6 meeting. Highway Engineer Ron Gregg explained the bike trail agreements are with the Department of Natural Resources for access to the road right of way of CSAH 44 and 30 to extend the Harmony/Preston Valley State Trail to the Iowa state line and also … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Zoning Ordinance Amendments
The Fillmore County Planning Commission held its first meeting of 2024 on January 18. Land use director Blake Lea called the meeting to order and asked for nominations for a chairman. Trinity Johnson was elected chair and Steve Duxbury was elected vice chair for 2024. Meetings will continue to be held on the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. A public hearing was held … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Sends Letter to Minnesota Officials
At the January 23 meeting of the county board, costs and timing associated with the transition to a new state flag and seal were discussed. A letter has been drafted to send to the governor, local legislators, senate majority and minority leaders, the speaker of the house, and the minority leader in the house. The letter emphasizes that there will be costs, especially in … [Read more...]
Chatfield Departments Report on 2023
Police Chief Shane Fox and Fire Chief Luke Thieke reviewed the activities of their departments in 2023 at the January 22 meeting of the Chatfield City Council. Thieke noted they had responded to 47 calls in 2023, 10 of which were responses to a fire. Seventeen calls involved a rescue and/or car accident or an emergency medical situation. One was for a hazardous condition and … [Read more...]
Preston Approves Zoning Ordinance Amendments
The Preston Planning Commission had recommended approval of amendments to Ordinance No. 221 after review and public hearings, which were held just before the city council met for their January 16 meeting. A resolution was approved by the city council to amend the ordinance to allow a business an advertising sign within 100 feet of a residential district if it complies with … [Read more...]
Preston Veterans Home Staffing and Economic Impact
On the third of January, the first residents were admitted into the State Veterans Home in Preston. This is the first new veterans home to open in Minnesota in the last 25 years. Advocates began the long process about a decade ago to make a veterans home in Fillmore County a reality. A dedication ceremony for the Home is expected to be held late in the spring or early … [Read more...]