At the March 10 Fillmore County Board meeting, Jessica Erickson, director of nursing, reported on COVID-19, the new strain of coronavirus. Erickson reported that there were two cases in Minnesota, one in Ramsey County and one in Carver County. Later this day there was a third case reported in Anoka County. It takes two to 14 days after exposure for a person to show … [Read more...]
County road and bridge construction for 2020
County Engineer Ron Gregg detailed construction projects planned for 2020 at the County Board’s March 3 meeting. The board approved the lower bid of two bids in the amount of $208,322.07 submitted by Rochester Sand and Gravel for the replacement of the county office building parking lots. The bid was very close to the engineer’s estimate for this project. Work will start on … [Read more...]
Future ownership of Crown Hill Cemetery
Crown Hill Cemetery Association members updated the Preston City Council on cemetery financial issues at the council’s March 2 meeting. Kevin Ostern recalled that they had first approached the city council in July of 2017 about the dwindling financial resources and the possibility of the city taking over ownership and maintenance of the cemetery. City Administrator Joe … [Read more...]
Community Health Improvement Plan
At the February 25 Fillmore County Board meeting, Jessica Erickson, director of nursing, led a discussion on the Fillmore-Houston Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The plan is developed every five years and covers the entire area of both counties. Public health issues have been identified and prioritized. Individuals, the public, and organizations were involved with … [Read more...]
Arendahl Township solar farm approved
The Fillmore County Planning Commission met on February 20 to continue a public hearing on a conditional use permit application for a solar farm submitted by Fillinona Solar LLC. The proposal is to build a solar farm on about 20 acres of land owned by HAZ-BROY Prop, LLC, section 30 in Arendahl Township. Fillinona Solar will work with MiEnergy to establish the solar farm near … [Read more...]
Chatfield initiates process to upgrade website
At the February 24 Chatfield City Council meeting, City Clerk Joel Young initiated a discussion about a future upgrade to the city’s website. The city currently uses GovOffice to host its website. The current contract ends late in April. It could be renewed for only one year if appropriate. Young explained he was not looking for approval of a new website host at this time. … [Read more...]
Preston’s new fire chief takes oath
At the February 18 Preston City Council meeting, Mayor Kurt Reicks administered the Fire Chief oath of office to Ramon Hernandez. Councilman David Collett was absent. The council approved appointed officers to the fire department: Chief Ramon Hernandez, Assistant Chief Leigh Larson, Treasurer Dustin Arndt, Secretary Stuart Quanrud, and Training Officer Steven … [Read more...]
County employee recognition
After the February 11 County Board meeting, employees were recognized for their years of service. Each year employees receive a certificate for serving the county for five, 10, 15, 20, 25, or more years of service. This year one employee was recognized for 45 years of service. Deborah Jeffers, county attorney’s office, was originally hired in 1975. Julianne Loven, nursing … [Read more...]
Chatfield technology upgrades
Technology upgrades were approved at the February 10 Chatfield City Council meeting. Councilors Mike Urban and John McBroom were absent. City Clerk Joel Young reported that the total cost of the technology upgrades will be under $16,000. A switch is to be upgraded in the computer server room, along with the wireless capability in the Thurber Building. The firewall and … [Read more...]
Preston creates rehab loan fund
Preston EDA recommended the city council create a loan fund to rehab and create apartments in existing buildings in the city. The recommendation was considered at the February 3 meeting. Small city block grant program loan repayments are being collected into the 274 account and they will make up this loan fund. City Administrator Joe Hoffman said he was excited about the … [Read more...]