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...]

At the June 23 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, a public hearing on a proposed amendment to an ordinance regulating cannabis businesses was held. Commissioner Larry Hindt was absent. There was only one public comment made during the public hearing. Steve Duxbury, a member of the Planning Commission, urged the commissioners to leave the setbacks outlined in the ordinance … [Read more...]

Ambulance Director Deb Ristau proposed increases for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) volunteers at the city council’s June 15 meeting. Ristau acknowledged stipends offered by the Preston department have been low compared to the surrounding area. She explained the increases in 2026 will be funded through a Minnesota Uncompensated Care Pool Grant which was applied for and … [Read more...]

Fr. Nicholas Gawarecki, pastor at St. Mary’s of Chatfield, St. Columban of Preston, and the Assumption Catholic Church in Canton, addressed the Fillmore County commissioners at their June 16 meeting. Commissioner Larry Hindt was absent. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery explained she has been communicating with Pasrtor Gawarecki about the county’s assessment policy; she said … [Read more...]